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Restore To Explore

Restore To Explore

The Foot Collective

Welcome to the ‘Restore To Explore’ podcast, hosted by Nick, Jim, Mac and Andy from The Foot Collective. We’re on a mission to empower humans to restore their natural health and function from the ground up so they can explore movement and life with freedom and confidence. #R2E

179 - How & Why Natural Footwear & Foot Function Are Entering the NBA w/ Patrick Gilbert (Indiana Pacers)
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  • 179 - How & Why Natural Footwear & Foot Function Are Entering the NBA w/ Patrick Gilbert (Indiana Pacers)

    In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, Tom Williams interviews Patrick Gilbert, an athletic trainer and physical therapist with the Indiana Pacers. They discuss Patrick's journey into the NBA, the challenges of travel and scheduling in professional sports, and the importance of foot health and natural footwear for athletes.

    Patrick shares insights on building trust with players, integrating foot health into training, and the future of these practices in the NBA. He also offers advice for aspiring professionals in sports and shares his favourite footwear choices.

    Guest Links:

    Follow Patrick Gilbert on Instagram here.
    Follow Indiana Pacers on Instagram here.

    Helpful Links:

    TOOLS | Movement tools built for foot training. 
    TRAINING | Programs and courses to help you build a strong foundation.
    APP MEMBERSHIPS | Live and on-demand classes for everyday movers.
    PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION | Join our collective of health and movement professionals. 
    DIRECTORY | Work with an aligned practitioner near you. 
    FOOTWEAR | Find the right shoe for you and save with special discounts. 

    Follow The Foot Collective:

    INSTAGRAM
    TIKTOK
    YOUTUBE
    FACEBOOK

    ---

    Content in this video is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an existing injury or health concern, consult a qualified health professional before starting any new movement program.

    Tue, 16 Dec 2025
  • 178 - From Achilles Rupture to a Record-Breaking 82m Freedive: How Stillness Became Her Superpower w/ Tara Rawson

    In this powerful conversation, Australian freediver Tara Rawson shares how she dove to 82 meters on a single breath and how the journey transformed far more than just her diving. From recovering after a torn Achilles to mastering breathwork, fear, and stillness, Tara reveals what deep diving has taught her about the body, the mind, and herself. Whether you’re into freediving, nervous system regulation, or simply human resilience, this episode dives deep (literally and metaphorically).

    Guest Links:

    Follow Tara on Instagram here.

    Helpful Links:

    TOOLS | Movement tools built for foot training. 
    TRAINING | Programs and courses to help you build a strong foundation.
    APP MEMBERSHIPS | Live and on-demand classes for everyday movers.
    PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION | Join our collective of health and movement professionals. 
    DIRECTORY | Work with an aligned practitioner near you. 
    FOOTWEAR | Find the right shoe for you and save with special discounts. 

    Follow The Foot Collective:

    INSTAGRAM
    TIKTOK
    YOUTUBE
    FACEBOOK

    ---

    Content in this video is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an existing injury or health concern, consult a qualified health professional before starting any new movement program.

    Tue, 09 Dec 2025
  • 177 - Understanding Bunions: The Role of Footwear w/ Physiotherapist Melanie Prusker

    In this conversation, Melanie shares her journey into physiotherapy and her insights on foot health, particularly focusing on bunions and hallux valgus. The discussion delves into the impact of footwear on foot health, the importance of understanding bunions, and the findings from Melanie's research on the causes and treatments of bunions. The conversation emphasizes the role of footwear in the development of bunions and offers practical advice for maintaining foot health.

    Guest Links:

    You can read Melanie's research thesis here.

    Helpful Links:

    TOOLS | Movement tools built for foot training. 
    TRAINING | Programs and courses to help you build a strong foundation.
    APP MEMBERSHIPS | Live and on-demand classes for everyday movers.
    PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION | Join our collective of health and movement professionals. 
    DIRECTORY | Work with an aligned practitioner near you. 
    FOOTWEAR | Find the right shoe for you and save with special discounts. 

    Follow The Foot Collective:

    INSTAGRAM
    TIKTOK
    YOUTUBE
    FACEBOOK

    ---

    Content in this video is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an existing injury or health concern, consult a qualified health professional before starting any new movement program.

    CHAPTERS:
    0:00 – Bunions: More Than Just Genetics?
    0:48 – Why Natural Footwear Changed Everything
    2:02 – Where to Start: The Free Foot Health Assessment
    3:08 – Meet Melanie Prusker: Her Journey to Physio & Foot Health
    4:28 – The Instagram Post That Changed Everything
    5:59 – How Geriatric Care Opened Melanie’s Eyes to Feet
    7:05 – Melanie’s Personal Foot Story & Lessons from Going Barefoot
    8:11 – Treating Plantar Fasciitis in a Shoe-Centric Culture
    9:54 – Why Education (and Foot Tracing!) Works with Patients
    11:04 – What Exactly is a Bunion or Hallux Valgus?
    12:15 – Research: Any Toe Deviation = Hallux Valgus
    13:12 – Melanie’s Scoping Review of Bunion Research
    20:04 – Study #1: Bunions Improve After 12 Weeks in Wide Shoes
    25:03 – Study #2: Even Ancestors Develop Bunions in Modern Shoes
    30:00 – Study #3: Bunions Rose as Traditional Shoes Declined in Japan
    33:48 – Study #4: Twin Study – It's Not Just Genetics
    39:13 – Study #5 & 6: Barefoot vs. Shod Populations
    45:03 – The Final Verdict: Footwear’s Role in Bunions
    46:39 – Why Foot Pain Wrecks Quality of Life
    47:58 – Shoes Should Match Your Foot Shape – It’s That Simple
    50:03 – Would You Wear Gloves All Day? Why We Do That to Feet
    53:05 – Not Just Genetics: Many Factors Influence Bunions
    54:49 – Surgery as a Last Resort – and When It Fails
    57:00 – Rehab vs Surgery: When is Surgery Actually Needed?
    59:01 – Melanie’s Final Advice: What You Can Start Doing Today
    1:00:29 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Learn More

    Tue, 02 Dec 2025
  • 176 - The Fight to Save Earth’s Last Rainforest - Where Tigers, Orangutans & Elephants Still Roam w/ Maximo Bottaro

    In this special Green Friday episode of the Restore To Explore Podcast, Mac Lyon sits down with Maximo Bottaro, founder of ReForest Now, to explore the urgent need for global reforestation and the incredible impact of planting trees. From the hidden biodiversity of Australia’s rainforests to the dangers of monoculture planting, Maximo shares eye-opening insights into the climate crisis — and how restoring native forests can change everything. They discuss how The Foot Collective’s partnership with ReForest Now is helping regenerate critically endangered ecosystems, why diversity matters in tree planting, and how every TFC order this week contributes to the planet’s health. If you care about foot health, earth health, and future generations, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

    Guest Links:

    Follow Reforest Now on Instagram here.
    Check out the website here.
     

    Helpful Links:

    TOOLS | Movement tools built for foot training. 
    TRAINING | Programs and courses to help you build a strong foundation.
    APP MEMBERSHIPS | Live and on-demand classes for everyday movers.
    PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION | Join our collective of health and movement professionals. 
    DIRECTORY | Work with an aligned practitioner near you. 
    FOOTWEAR | Find the right shoe for you and save with special discounts. 

    Follow The Foot Collective:

    INSTAGRAM
    TIKTOK
    YOUTUBE
    FACEBOOK

    ---

    Content in this video is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an existing injury or health concern, consult a qualified health professional before starting any new movement program.

    Tue, 25 Nov 2025
  • 175 - How Foot Strength & Function Powered a Record-Breaking 1,000lb Deadlift: The Science of Foot Mechanics w/ Chris Duffin

    In this episode of the Restore To Explore podcast, Founder of The Foot Collective, Nick. St Louis engages in a deep conversation with Chris Duffin - world-renowned powerlifter, author, and entrepreneur. Known for being the first person to deadlift over 1,000 pounds for multiple reps, Chris shares how foot strength and barefoot training played a critical role in achieving peak performance. They explore the deep connection between foot health and physical potential, as well as the challenges of building a footwear brand rooted in quality, sustainability, and human function. Chris also opens up about his personal journey, from a turbulent upbringing in the wilderness to becoming a respected leader in the fitness industry, highlighting the roles of resilience, innovation, and truth in both entrepreneurship and personal growth. The discussion dives into the future of footwear design and why a shift toward sustainable, foot-friendly shoes is long overdue.
     

    Guest Links:

    Follow Chris on Instagram here.
    Check out Chris's website here.

    Helpful Links:

    TOOLS | Movement tools built for foot training. 
    TRAINING | Programs and courses to help you build a strong foundation.
    APP MEMBERSHIPS | Live and on-demand classes for everyday movers.
    PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION | Join our collective of health and movement professionals. 
    DIRECTORY | Work with an aligned practitioner near you. 
    FOOTWEAR | Find the right shoe for you and save with special discounts. 

    Follow The Foot Collective:

    INSTAGRAM
    TIKTOK
    YOUTUBE
    FACEBOOK

    ---

    Content in this video is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an existing injury or health concern, consult a qualified health professional before starting any new movement program.

    CHAPTERS:
    0:00 – Kicking Off Barefoot: From Ranked Powerlifter to 1,000lb Deadlift
    0:50 – Injury Sparked a Foot-Focused Deep Dive
    2:34 – Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Why We Ignore Our Feet
    3:40 – Intro to the Restore to Explore Podcast
    5:03 – Meet Chris Duffin: Author, Entrepreneur, Powerlifting Legend
    6:02 – The Eagle and The Dragon: Chris’s Story of Resilience
    8:01 – Growing Up Barefoot in the Wilderness
    10:04 – Rediscovering Foot Strength Through Injury
    11:05 – The Foot-Body Connection Explained
    13:25 – From Injured Lifter to World #1
    14:26 – Why Weak Feet Hold You Back
    15:00 – “Where’s the Science?” Debunking the Foot Health Myths
    18:16 – The 1,000lb Barefoot Deadlift: A Performance Enhancement
    20:00 – The Hidden Opportunity in Training Feet
    23:02 – Footwear as Load Management: Tools, Not Crutches
    24:56 – The Hard Reality of Starting a Shoe Brand
    27:42 – Footwear as a Tool: Designing for the Right Job
    30:54 – Made in North America: The First USA-Made Minimalist Boot
    33:29 – Marketing in a Crowded Market: Competing with Giants
    36:41 – Why Quality Still Wins
    39:03 – Investing in Quality: Why Cheap Shoes Cost More
    42:00 – Resilience and Longevity: The Barefoot Brand Ethos
    46:31 – The Steel-Toe Boot Problem in Trades
    51:09 – Building Boots From First Principles
    55:01 – The Ursa: Barefoot Athletics' Performance Flagship
    57:04 – Is Foot Health Finally Going Mainstream?
    59:46 – Footwear Needs a Fashion Moment
    1:01:00 – Quality, Longevity, and Doing It Right
    1:02:35 – Advice for Aspiring Footwear Entrepreneurs
    1:04:53 – Final Thoughts and Where to Find Chris Duffin

    Tue, 18 Nov 2025
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