Restore To Explore

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. You can read Melanie's research thesis here. Helpful Links & Discounts ⬇️ 🦶 Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations with our Foot Health Assessment: 👉 Take the assessment here 💪 Ready to rebuild your foundation?Explore our 12-week Foot Restoration Program, the ultimate online system to restore strength, balance, and natural function. 👉 Foot Restoration Program Use code R2E10 for 10% off your order. 🛠️ Shop TFC Tools & TrainingEverything you need to start your natural movement journey.Use code R2E10 to save 10%. 👟 Shop VivobarefootNatural, foot-shaped footwear designed for freedom and feel.Use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 15% off your next pair.(Excludes Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Czech Republic & Austria.) A Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: 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?👉 Shop Vivobarefoot and use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 15% 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 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

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.Follow Reforest Now on Instagram here.Check out there website here.Green Friday Is Live: Up to 50% Off + 1 Tree Planted Per Order 🌿 Our biggest sale ever is officially live. Every online program and foot health kit is up to 50% off. 🛒 SHOP THE SALE →  🌱 And for every order placed this week, we’re planting one tree through our partnership with ReForest Now . You’re not just investing in your foot health, you’re investing in the planet’s health, too.   🌳 One Order = One Tree Planted We've already planted 52,737 trees with ReForest Now. This week, we're aiming for 55,000+. Your order helps restore critically endangered rainforests and supports biodiversity efforts in Australia and beyond. Sale ends Cyber Monday. Don’t miss it. 🦶 More Helpful Links Take the Free Foot Health Assessment Find your balance score in under 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations. 👉 Take the assessment here  Explore the Foot Restoration Program A full 12-week plan to rebuild your foundation. 👉 Foot Restoration Program  Shop TFC Tools & Training The best tools for natural movement and daily foot care. 👉 Visit the Shop

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. Follow Chris on Instagram here. Check out Chris's website here. Helpful Links & Discounts ⬇️ 🦶 Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations with our Foot Health Assessment: 👉 Take the assessment here 💪 Ready to rebuild your foundation?Explore our 12-week Foot Restoration Program, the ultimate online system to restore strength, balance, and natural function. 👉 Foot Restoration Program Use code R2E10 for 10% off your order. 🛠️ Shop TFC Tools & TrainingEverything you need to start your natural movement journey.Use code R2E10 to save 10%. 👟 Shop VivobarefootNatural, foot-shaped footwear designed for freedom and feel.Use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair.(Excludes Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Czech Republic & Austria.) A Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: 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?👉 Shop Vivobarefoot 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 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

In this episode of the Restore To Explore podcast, Andy chats with Julia Shemesh. Julia is devoted to bringing women back home to their moving bodies as the source of their wisdom, power and freedom. She does this via nature immersion retreats in the Italian Alps, group programs, and private mentorship. She creates and holds spaces where spontaneous, creative and self-healing forces emerge from women’s moving bodies. One such event she is building towards is the Moving Mountains Festival, which will be held in 2027 in the Italian Alps, where 1,000 women will gather from around the planet to move together and heal matrilineal trauma backwards and forwards. Upcoming offerings: Making Moves (a 3-month group program), Movement Medicine Mentorship (private 1:1 work), Empower Your Nature (women’s retreat August 2026 Italian Alps). Julia is currently living barefoot with her two wonderful daughters in Thailand. Reach out to her on IG @jujueda or julia@movewithjuju.com to learn more.Check out Julia's website here. Helpful Links & Discounts ⬇️ 🦶 Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations with our Foot Health Assessment: 👉 Take the assessment here 💪 Ready to rebuild your foundation?Explore our 12-week Foot Restoration Program, the ultimate online system to restore strength, balance, and natural function. 👉 Foot Restoration Program Use code R2E10 for 10% off your order. 🛠️ Shop TFC Tools & TrainingEverything you need to start your natural movement journey.Use code R2E10 to save 10%. 👟 Shop VivobarefootNatural, foot-shaped footwear designed for freedom and feel.Use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair.(Excludes Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Czech Republic & Austria.) A Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: 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?👉 Shop Vivobarefoot 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 

In this episode of the Restore To Explore podcast, Jim and Nick dive deep into the world of cushioning in footwear, exploring how modern comfort culture may be disconnecting us from natural movement. They unpack the evolution of cushioning in shoes, its impact on foot function, and how it influences our posture, balance, and long-term health. From the rise of the running shoe industry to what science actually says about shock absorption and injury prevention, this conversation challenges what most of us think we know about “comfortable” shoes. Together, they explore how excessive cushioning can weaken the body’s natural resilience and why reconnecting with the ground might just be the key to rebuilding stronger, more adaptable feet. Helpful Links & Discounts ⬇️ 🦶 Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations with our Foot Health Assessment: 👉 Take the assessment here 💪 Ready to rebuild your foundation? Explore our 12-week Foot Restoration Program, the ultimate online system to restore strength, balance, and natural function. 👉 Foot Restoration Program Use code R2E10 for 10% off your order. 🛠️ Shop TFC Tools & Training Everything you need to start your natural movement journey. Use code R2E10 to save 10%. 👟 Shop Vivobarefoot Natural, foot-shaped footwear designed for freedom and feel. Use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair. (Excludes Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Czech Republic & Austria.) A Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: 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? 👉 Shop Vivobarefoot 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 

In this conversation, the founder of Freet - Andrew Jackson and Mac discuss the evolution of natural footwear, the challenges faced in the barefoot movement, and the importance of educating consumers about foot health. They share personal experiences and insights into the footwear industry, emphasizing the need for a shift in consumer awareness towards natural foot function and wellness.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%) - EXCLUDES CANADA, JAPAN, SWITZERLAND, CZECH REPUBLIC & AUSTRIA 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

In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, Mac chats with Pelé Zachariah, a former pro footballer turned fitness coach and founder of Robots gym in London. Pelé opens up about his journey from elite soccer in Barcelona to injury, identity crisis, drug use, and eventual rediscovery of purpose through movement, mindset, and play. Together, they explore the powerful relationship between play, balance, foot health, and high performance, especially for men navigating fitness, ego, and burnout. From barefoot training and breathwork to redefining masculinity and movement, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to move better, live longer, and reconnect with joy.Follow on Pelé Instagram here.Checkout Rowbots gym here. 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%) - EXCLUDES CANADA, JAPAN, SWITZERLAND, CZECH REPUBLIC & AUSTRIA 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

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%) - EXCLUDES CANADA, JAPAN, SWITZERLAND, CZECH REPUBLIC & AUSTRIA 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

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

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