

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
#R2E
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 9min
Footwear Needs to Evolve: Podiatrist Thien Trinh on Modern Podiatry & Barefoot Design
In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, host Andy Bryant interviews Thien Trinh, a Melbourne-based podiatrist and the owner of Stryda, a company specializing in innovative foot care products. They discuss Thien's journey into podiatry, the evolution of his practice over 18 years, and the shift towards barefoot shoes and orthotics. Thien shares insights on the importance of biomechanics, the challenges of traditional footwear, and his experiences on Shark Tank, emphasizing the need for a new standard in foot health and footwear design. Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations by completing our brand new Foot Health Assessment.Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️
If you want to learn more about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution)
Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%)
Shop Vivobarefoot (Use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE to save up to 20%)
A Special Thanks to our sponsor of this episode: Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot ticks all the boxes when it comes to natural footwear: foot-shaped, fixed, flat, flexible, and designed to help you feel the ground. Their mission to promote human and planetary health aligns perfectly with ours at TFC.
Ready to experience that same foot freedom? Head to this link and use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair. Your feet—and the planet—will thank you.
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

Oct 7, 2025 • 27min
The Rise of 3x3 Basketball & the Untapped Power of Foot Strength w/ Luke Mollet
In this episode, Mac interviews Luke Mollet, a high school teacher and basketball enthusiast, who shares his journey into the world of foot health and its impact on athletic performance. Luke discusses the significance of foot training in basketball, particularly through the use of the TFC SoleMate, and how it has enhanced his performance on the court. He also delves into the exciting realm of 3X3 basketball, explaining its unique format and the vision behind his league, Legacy 3X3, which aims to elevate players to higher levels of competition, including the Olympics. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating foot health into training regimens to prevent injuries and improve overall athletic performance.Follow Luke on Instagram here.Follow Luke on YouTube here. Follow the Legacy 3x3 Basketball league here.
Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations by completing our brand new Foot Health Assessment.
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 15min
Biggest Loser Contestant Reveals the Moment That Changed Everything w/ Mike Messina
In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, Mac Lyon interviews Mike Messina, who shares his transformative journey from struggling with obesity and addiction to becoming a healthier, more self-aware individual. Mike recounts his experiences on the reality show 'The Biggest Loser,' where he learned the importance of mindset, breathing techniques, and the role of foot health in overall well-being. He emphasizes the need for awareness and education around foot health and how it can impact physical performance and quality of life. The conversation highlights the significance of personal stories in inspiring change and the importance of continuous learning in health and fitness.
Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations by completing our brand new Foot Health Assessment.If you want to learn about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution)
Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%)
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Mental Health Benefits of Balance Training w/ Jim & Nick
This conversation explores the intricate relationship between balance training and mental health, emphasizing the importance of movement, focus, and neuroplasticity. The speakers discuss how balance training can enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and foster resilience. They highlight the significance of flow states in achieving optimal performance and the role of balance training as a practical tool for enhancing overall well-being. The discussion also touches on the accessibility of balance training and its potential to create meaningful connections within communities.
Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations by completing our brand new Foot Health Assessment.
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
Balance Training: The Lowest Hanging Fruit for Sports Injury Prevention w/ Jim & Nick
This podcast episode explores the relationship between sports injuries and balance training, emphasizing the multifactorial nature of injuries, the impact of footwear, and the importance of movement variability. Nick & Jim discuss the evolution of sports, the benefits and risks associated with athletic participation, and the role of balance training in injury prevention. They also introduce the TFC balance screen as a tool for measuring balance and improving athletic performance, while sharing personal stories and insights on how to make balance training accessible and enjoyable for all athletes.Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations by completing our brand new Foot Health Assessment.
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

Sep 9, 2025 • 50min
1 in 3 Adults Over 65 Will Fall – Don’t Wait to Start Training Your Balance w/ Jim & Nick
This conversation delves into the critical issue of falls and their prevention, particularly among older adults. The hosts discuss the alarming statistics surrounding falls, the multifactorial risk factors involved, and the significant role of exercise in reducing falls risk. They emphasize the importance of early intervention and the need for a cultural shift towards balance training as a fun and engaging activity. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches to balance training and the necessity of community support in fostering awareness and proactive measures against falls.
Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations by completing our brand new Foot Health Assessment.
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 15min
Why You Should Screen (and TRAIN) Your Balance for Better Foot Function & Longevity w/ Jim & Nick
This podcast episode delves into the significance of balance training as a foundational aspect of foot health and overall physical function. Jim and Nick discuss the inception of The Foot Collective, the development of balance beams, and the importance of play-based balance training. They introduce the TFC Balance Screen, a tool designed to assess balance and foot function, emphasizing its role in injury prevention and overall health. The conversation highlights the accessibility and scalability of balance training, encouraging listeners to incorporate it into their routines for improved health and longevity.
Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations by completing our brand new Foot Health Assessment.
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

Jun 24, 2025 • 36min
How Time on the Ground Transforms Your Mobility & Longevity w/ Jim & Tom
At TFC, we believe that restoring natural foot function starts from the ground up. From crawling as babies to standing on our own two feet, human development is grounded—literally—in floor-based movement. But in modern Western culture, our relationship with the ground is often one of the first things we lose. Chairs, shoes, and sedentary habits slowly disconnect us from the surface that once shaped our strength, balance, and confidence. While floor movement is encouraged in children, it’s often abandoned in adulthood. In this episode, taken from our Foot Restoration Program, we explore why that disconnect matters—and how returning to the ground might just improve your mobility, stability, and longevity.
You’ll hear from Tom Williams (TFC Head Physio) and Jim Dooner (TFC Head of Training) as they unpack the science, stories, and practical tools behind ground-based movement. From evolutionary roots to everyday applications, this conversation is your invitation to re-engage with one of the most fundamental aspects of human health.
Whether you're new to natural movement or deep into your journey, this episode will leave you looking at the ground in a whole new way.
Note: This episode is taken from our Foot Restoration Program, which is why you’ll hear it referenced throughout. The FRP is our ultimate guided experience to help you rebuild foot function, strengthen your foundation, and make long-term progress from the ground up. Use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution)
What We Cover:
What mindset really means and how it forms
The difference between growth and fixed mindsets
Why belief cycles shape your physical outcomes
Internal vs external locus of control in rehab
How to reframe pain and avoid fear-based disuse
Self-efficacy: the confidence to keep going
The power of reflection, community, and small wins
Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️If you want to learn about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution)
Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%)
A Special Thanks to our sponsor of this episode: Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot ticks all the boxes when it comes to natural footwear: foot-shaped, fixed, flat, flexible, and designed to help you feel the ground. Their mission to promote human and planetary health aligns perfectly with ours at TFC.
Ready to experience that same foot freedom? Head to this link and use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair. Your feet—and the planet—will thank you.
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

Jun 17, 2025 • 52min
The Mental Side of Movement: How Your Mindset Shapes Your Habits, Your Healing & Your Long-term Progress w/ Jim & Tom
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the mental side of movement: how your mindset shapes your habits, your healing, and your long-term progress. You'll hear from both Jim and Tom as they unpack what mindset actually means, where it comes from, and why it's the first foundation in any meaningful rehab journey.
We’ll talk about the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, how beliefs influence your behaviours, and how your self-talk can either limit or liberate you. We also dive into real-life examples and offer practical tools you can use to build confidence, self-efficacy, and momentum — starting right now.
Whether you're dealing with foot pain, rebuilding strength, or simply trying to show up more consistently — this conversation might just shift how you think about progress altogether.
Note: This episode is taken from our Foot Restoration Program, which is why you’ll hear it referenced throughout. The FRP is our ultimate guided experience to help you rebuild foot function, strengthen your foundation, and make long-term progress from the ground up. Use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution)
What We Cover:
What mindset really means and how it forms
The difference between growth and fixed mindsets
Why belief cycles shape your physical outcomes
Internal vs external locus of control in rehab
How to reframe pain and avoid fear-based disuse
Self-efficacy: the confidence to keep going
The power of reflection, community, and small wins
Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️If you want to learn about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution)
Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%)
A Special Thanks to our sponsor of this episode: Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot ticks all the boxes when it comes to natural footwear: foot-shaped, fixed, flat, flexible, and designed to help you feel the ground. Their mission to promote human and planetary health aligns perfectly with ours at TFC.
Ready to experience that same foot freedom? Head to this link and use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair. Your feet—and the planet—will thank you.
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 21min
What Do Your Feet Have to Do with Your Pelvic Floor? w/ Natalie Headdings
In today's episode we’re joined by Natalie Headdings — a movement educator, doula, and pelvic floor specialist whose work blends deep anatomical understanding with practical tools that help people reconnect with their bodies.
Natalie has spent years guiding women through breath, movement, and curiosity — and her insights around the pelvic floor are truly game-changing.
In this conversation, we explore the deep connection between foot function and pelvic floor health — and how modern lifestyles, sedentary habits, and footwear choices can quietly erode the strength and awareness we’re meant to have in these foundational systems.
We unpack how breathing, balancing, and simply paying attention can start to restore what’s been lost — especially for women navigating pregnancy, birth, or postpartum recovery.
This is a powerful, educational, and empowering conversation — one that reframes foot pain and pelvic floor dysfunction not as lifelong conditions, but as trainable and recoverable outcomes.
What You’ll Learn:
Why foot health is foundational to pelvic floor function
How shoes, sitting, and stress affect your deep core
Breathing patterns that support pelvic floor rehab
How balance training accelerates recovery
Misconceptions around Kegels and postpartum healing
Practical ways to integrate foot and pelvic floor care into daily life
Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️If you want to learn about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution)
Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%)
A Special Thanks to our sponsor of this episode: Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot ticks all the boxes when it comes to natural footwear: foot-shaped, fixed, flat, flexible, and designed to help you feel the ground. Their mission to promote human and planetary health aligns perfectly with ours at TFC.
Ready to experience that same foot freedom? Head to this link and use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair. Your feet—and the planet—will thank you. Follow Natalie on Instagram here.
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com