
Restore To Explore
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
Latest episodes

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

Jun 3, 2025 • 50min
Foot Function Explained: Rethinking Foot Mechanics w/ Jim & Tom
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the function of the human foot — not just as a structural base, but as a sensory organ, a load-absorber, and a key part of your body’s ability to adapt.
You’ll hear from the team behind the Foot Restoration Program as we break down the fundamentals of foot anatomy, natural function, and how modern footwear has compromised both. We cover why squished toes limit movement, why self-regulation matters more than expert advice, and why your feet might be more adaptable than you think.
This one’s all about empowering you to take ownership of your health from the ground up.
What we cover:
Why foot function depends on both shape and sensation
What it means to build “tough feet” through loading
How self-regulation is more important than expert input
Why your toes need room to move — and what happens when they don’t
The link between flat ground, limited movement, and injury
How to reframe foot training as full-body, long-term movement work
Encouragement for anyone starting the journey: “You can’t do it… yet.”
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

May 27, 2025 • 1h 8min
Natural Footwear is Essential but Not Enough w/ Team TFC
What if barefoot shoes were just the beginning — not the full solution?
In this team roundtable episode, recorded live in Denver, the TFC crew — Nick, Jim, Mac, Tom and Andy — unpack what’s really needed to restore foot function. They go beyond shoes to talk about education, foot loading, and how consistent, low-effort training is the real game-changer.
Jim, Tom, Andy, and Nick are the core educators and clinicians behind The Foot Collective. Together, they bring decades of experience in physiotherapy, podiatry, strength and movement coaching — and a shared passion for helping people reconnect with their bodies from the ground up.
In This Episode:
Why natural footwear is essential — but not enough
Flat ground and modern environments as hidden casts
Foot training as “movement nutrition”
Why towel scrunches aren’t the answer
Practical tools for building resilient feet
Why foot health education should come with every shoe
The future of foot care: proactive, not reactive
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

May 20, 2025 • 1h 13min
From Foot Pain to Full-Body Progress - Why Your Rehab Should Start with Your Feet w/ Heidi Van Mastrigt
In this conversation, Jim Dooner and Heidi Van Mastrigt discuss the evolution of coaching in pain management, emphasizing a functional approach over symptom-based treatments. They explore the importance of thorough assessments in understanding foot function and the impact of footwear on overall health. Heidi shares her personal journey with footwear and how it informs her recommendations for clients. The discussion highlights the need for a cultural shift in footwear awareness, particularly in athletic communities, to promote better foot health and performance. In this conversation, Jim Dooner and Heidi Van Mastrigt discuss the importance of footwear, particularly minimalist shoes, in enhancing foot health and movement. They emphasize the need for education in understanding the benefits of different types of shoes and how they can impact training. The discussion shifts to the versatility of training tools like the SoleMate, highlighting it's accessibility and effectiveness in improving movement patterns. They also touch on the significance of variability in training environments to promote adaptability and prevent injuries. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of education and accessibility in movement training.Follow Heidi on Instagram here.Check out Heidi's website here.
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

May 13, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Former Nike Shoe Designer Who Showed Michael Jordan What His Shoes Were Doing to People's Feet w/ Chad Little
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Chad Little, a footwear designer who once worked for Nike designing shoes like Air Jordans but now he’s the founder of CODE Footwear — a company making waves by putting foot health first. Chad’s story is a powerful example of what happens when curiosity, truth, and creativity collide. From presenting a foot health pitch directly to Michael Jordan, to building custom cleats for NFL athletes out of his basement — his journey reveals the hidden cost of modern footwear and the potential for change from the ground up. We talk about how elite performance and natural foot function don’t need to be at odds, what’s broken in the current footwear system, and why it’s time for the next generation of shoes to serve the foot — not the other way around.Check out CODE Footwear HereFollow CODE Footwear on Instagram HereHelpful 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.
To celebrate the launch of the new Primus Flow - Vivo’s first barefoot running shoes - we have a special offer just for our audience. Use the code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE25 to save up to 25% on selected styles until May 15 2025. Don’t think Vivo’s are for you, our footwear finders has a tonne of trusted natural footwear brands from around the world with special discounts. SHOP 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

May 6, 2025 • 1h 1min
Why You Need to Focus on Rotation to Optimise Balance & Locomotion w/ David Weck
In this episode, Jim sits down with David Weck, a pioneering movement coach, inventor of the BOSU Ball and the founder of Weck Method—based in San Diego, California. Jim was first introduced to David’s work through rope flow in 2020 during lockdowns, casually exploring the practice as a fun way to mobilise his shoulders and thoracic spine. However, it wasn’t until a visit to the Weck Lab in 2024 that his perspective dramatically shifted. Through hands-on experience and in-depth education with David and the team, Jim deepened his understanding of the powerful rotational movement principles behind Weck Method - applicable not only to athletic performance but to restoring foundational human movement in everyday life. Since then, Jim has attended multiple Weck Method certifications and incorporated its tools and principles into his own training and TFC’s programming. The impact has been game-changing - transforming how he trains, moves, and even walks and runs. Rope flow and rotational drills have now made their way into weekly team training sessions at TFC and community classes with powerful feedback from participants. This episode captures that learning journey and the sit-down conversation with David Weck himself, recorded during Jim’s visit to the Weck Lab. While the team encountered technical issues with the audio recording, they’ve worked to preserve the best parts of this passionate, no-holds-barred discussion - so please excuse the occasional jump in the conversation, especially for YouTube viewers. Listeners should also note that the episode contains some strong language, reflecting David’s unfiltered passion for movement education and his critiques of common myths in the fitness world. If this episode sparks your curiosity about Weck Method, Jim highly recommends experiencing it firsthand—either through a local coach or by exploring the many free resources available online.
Check out the Weck Method website here.
Follow David on Instagram here.
Follow Weck Method on Instagram here.
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)
Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️
Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%)
Shop Vivobarefoot (Use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE to save up to 20%)
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
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.
To celebrate the launch of the new Primus Flow - Vivo’s first barefoot running shoes - we have a special offer just for our audience. If you use the code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE25 to save 25% on selected styles until May 15 2025. Don’t think Vivo’s are for you, our footwear finders has a tonne of trusted natural footwear brands from around the world with special discounts. SHOP HERE.
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: Just Stay - Strength To Last

Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 21min
How Martial Arts Shaped a Unique Approach to Foot and Movement Health w/ Ben Watson
In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, Jim sits down with Ben Watson — a Gold Coast-based personal trainer, mixed martial artist, certified TFC Guide, and WEC Method master coach. Ben’s journey through martial arts has deeply shaped his training philosophy, which blends skill development, rotational movement, and the power of play. Together, they explore the role of simple tools as teachers, why having fun is key to sustainable training, and how WEC Method is changing the way we approach movement. This conversation offers a great introduction to WEC Method principles — setting the stage for next week’s episode with David Weck himself, recorded live from the Weck Lab in San Diego. Whether you're curious about rope flow, rotational training, or bringing more play into your movement practice, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.Check out Ben's website here.Follow Ben on Instagram here.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)
Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️
Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%)
Shop Vivobarefoot (Use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE to save up to 20%)
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
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.
To celebrate the launch of the new Primus Flow - Vivo’s first barefoot running shoes - we have a special offer just for our audience. If you use the code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE25 to save 25% on selected styles until May 15 2025. Don’t think Vivo’s are for you, our footwear finders has a tonne of trusted natural footwear brands from around the world with special discounts. SHOP HERE.
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: Just Stay - Strength To Last

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 20min
The Lost Art of Natural Running (And Why Taking it Slow Matters Most) w/ Joshua J. Holland
In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, Nick sits down with Joshua J. Holland - a movement coach, health educator, and long-time barefoot advocate - for a powerful conversation on the role of feet in total-body wellness. Josh shares his journey from martial arts to professional basketball and ultimately to becoming a barefoot coach, unpacking the pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of natural movement. They dive into the impact of modern footwear on athletic performance, the importance of reconnecting with the ground, and how mastering the “hardware” (the body) and “software” (the mind) can transform your health. This episode was recorded just after The Speed Project, where Josh and a team of runners completed a 350-mile relay across the desert from LA to Vegas in just over 51 hours all while wearing barefoot shoes. This episode is a reminder that transitioning to barefoot running takes time and intention - it’s a process of learning how to Run Slow, move mindfully, and rebuild a foundation from the ground up.
Follow Joshua on Instagram here.
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)
Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️
Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%)
Shop Vivobarefoot (Use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE to save up to 20%)
Follow The Foot Collective:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
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.
To celebrate the launch of the new Primus Flow - Vivo’s first barefoot running shoes - we have a special offer just for our audience. If you use the code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE25 to save 25% on selected styles until May 15 2025. Don’t think Vivo’s are for you, our footwear finders has a tonne of trusted natural footwear brands from around the world with special discounts. SHOP HERE.
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: Just Stay - Strength To Last