The Empowered Performance for Curlers Podcast
Episodes
Episode 92: March 2026 Month in Review
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
March 2026 Recap: Offseason Shift, Fundamentals & Where to Start This month's recap is all about the limbo season when we start to wrap up the competi...
Episode 91: February 2026 Month in Review
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
February 2026 Recap: Certification, TV Curling & What's Next This is the first episode in a new monthly format; a short and sweet recap of what's been...
Episode 90: How to actually improve balance in your delivery
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most curlers are chasing better balance, but many are chasing the wrong thing. In this episode, we break down what real balance looks like in the curl...
Episode 89: Holiday Survival Guide
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Worried about losing progress over the holidays? You're not alone — but time off the ice doesn't have to set you back. In this episode, we break dow...
Episode 88: Mental Health Meets High Performance with Sarah Wilkes
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm joined by World Champion curler, mom, and Registered Psychotherapist Sarah Wilkes, who brings a rare and valuable dual perspectiv...
Episode 87: Val Sweeting on Mastering the Mind with Hypnosis
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I'm joined by world-class athlete and certified hypnotist Val Sweeting. We talk about how hypnosis supported her during the intens...
Episode 86: The role of a 5th player
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I walk you through my thought process around what it means to be a great 5th player on a successful curling team. I give you my exp...
Episode 85: SMART sweeping
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode dives into the intricacies of sweeping that not a lot of people pay attention to. When discussing who is the best sweeper the argument...
Episode 84: Safe Supplements with Nina Walker
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode I have Nina Walker back on the podcast talk about how to safely navigate the world of nutrition supplements; whether you are an elite ...
Episode 83: Myofunctional therapy for you and your family with Chantal Duhaime
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode I get to chat with Chantal Duhaime from Airways Myo. Chantal gives us insight into what myofunctional therapy is and how it can help y...
Episode 82: Curling for Beginners & Improvers with John Robertson
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I interview the author of Curling for Beginners and Improvers. John Robertson gives us insight into what inspired him to write this...
Episode 81: How to get the most out of practicing alone
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode outlines the pros and cons and ways to maximize your time during a solo curling practice. I give you a list of devices to help you rea...
Episode 80: Sofia Mabergs on team dynamics, sweeping & training for curling
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by Sofia Mabergs who shares snippets from her journey to the top of women's curling with Team Hasselborg. We touch o...
Episode 79: Lean Curling on evidence based practice standards & crazy sweep tests
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode features English researcher and curler Jotham Sugden. We talk about his mission with his website www.leancurling.com centring around c...
Episode 78: April 2024 Q&A and Case Study
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I answer questions such as: Best workout for improving stability and power for peel weight Should I pull back in the curling deliv...
Episode 77: 'Finding your best' with Emily Riley
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined once again by Mental Performance Consultant Emily Riley. She walks us through the fundamentals of mental performance tr...
Episode 76: Nina Walker Nutrition on eating for physical & mental performance
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by Nina Walker, a performance nutritionist who oversees the nutrition support for British Curling. The bulk of this epi...
Episode 75: March 2024 Q&A and Case Study
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I answer questions such as: What are the best off ice exercises for sweeping training? What are some important tips for skips in t...
Episode 74: Elements of a curling specific offseason training program
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I provide a framework with which to put together your own offseason training program. I help you plan and organize what, when and why ...
Episode 73: Fundamentals of movement for optimal training & curling
23 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How to breath well, move well, manage your nervous system, train hard, recover harder and maximize your efforts in the gym. In this episode I preview ...
Episode 72: February 2024 Q&A and Brushing Case Study
09 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I answer questions around topics such as: Returning to sport after injury, How to run an end of season debrief, How to find more...
Episode 71: January 2024 Q&A and Case Study
04 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I answer questions such as: How to manage setbacks after an injury, Who is the best sweeper, What happens during those between...
Episode 70: How to get back to training after being sick
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Save this for the next time you're sick, lacking motivation, or need some help finding your way back to regular training. In this episode I go through...
Episode 69: Considerations for 1st year curlers -part 3: for the teammates
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you have ever played on a curling team with a new curler, this episode is for you: Tips and tricks to help you support and encourage new curlers as...
Episode 68: Considerations for 1st year curlers -part 2: for coaches
30 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're involved in Learn to Curl programs or find yourself in a coaching role helping fresh curlers navigate the curling world this episode is for ...
Episode 67: Understanding the pebbled surface we play on with Frazer Shaw Part 2
16 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Frazer Shaw is back to give us more insight into what is happening with that cold and pebbled surface we love to play on. He answers questions such as...
Episode 66: Considerations for 1st year curlers -part 1: for the athletes
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're new to the curling world this episode is for you: Tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your first few years. These are the things...
Episode 65: 5 Reasons why you aren't a better brusher
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
75% of what a front end is responsible for is sweeping related, and yet our practices don't reflect that. In my experience helping curlers improve the...
Episode 64: How to workout during the curling season
18 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The best curling athletes are in the gym training year round. This statement scares some coaches because their main priority in season is to perform w...
Episode 63: Gaining an appreciation for ice making with Frazer Shaw -Part 1
12 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined all the way from Scotland by Frazer Shaw, the Assistant Manager of Curl Edinburgh. He shares with us his learnings abou...
Episode 62: Small habits that add up to help you get sh!t done
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I talk about how a focus on the teeny tiny process goals help you reach your bigger performance and outcome goals faster. I give...
Episode 61: How to measure intensity
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I discuss how to measure intensity using a 1-20 subjective RPE. I take the time to describe the different elements such as subjecti...
Episode 60: Accountabilities give you wins
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I walk you through the importance of focusing on small weekly goals and celebrating progressive 'wins' to help make your on and/or ...
Episode 59: How to get the most out of each practice
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I go over some of the reasons why that technique adjustment is hard to do or doesn't stick in games, and of course some things to cons...
Episode 58: Laziness is a habit, but rest is a priority; with Emily Riley
26 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I have Emily Riley, a mental performance coach back on the podcast to talk about managing missing a workout (or 2 or 3). How do you...
Episode 57: How to use your RHR to manage performance
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could easily make adjustments to your training and recovery practices to help keep you fit and healthy, adapt to your activities and be pr...
Episode 56: Core training for everyone with Erica Friedman
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by in-person and virtual Personal Trainer and fellow Empowered Performance Academy member Erica Friedman. Erica shar...
Episode 55: Should you 'toe out' during the curling delivery for more balance?
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I answer an IG fan question about how to turn your toe out during the delivery to get more stability in the slide. I will teach ...
Episode 54: Owning the position and creating force during brushing
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode we discuss a common issue when it comes to becoming a better brusher. Everyone knows we want to apply more force during the sweep. ...
Episode 53: 6 Habits Elite Athletes Demonstrate in the Offseason
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I go through my list of top 6 habits that all elite curling athletes demonstrate on their path to becoming and staying great. These...
Episode 52: Part 2 with Emily Riley -Working on your Mental Game
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I have Emily Riley back on the podcast to talk about her Total Athlete program and answer some fundamental questions about what men...
Episode 51: 5 Tips to Make Training Easier
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I share 5 tips that will make your training journey easier. These are things that I've learned through experience, and habits I enc...
Episode 50: Trust the Process with Brad Thiessen
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by Brad Thiessen who shares his journey as one of Canada's top front-enders. Brad shares how he believes improving...
Episode 49: Limbo Time & Types of Rest
01 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is all about helping you set an intention for the "limbo time" between the end of one curling season, and the beginning of your off ic...
Episode 48: Sassy Hips and Energy Leaks for both Runners and Curlers with Alison Marie
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode Alison Marie, PhD and I go into detail about how and why the organization of our internal organs can and will influence how well we...
Episode 47: 3 keys to "motivation" and building confidence with Emily Riley
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by mental performance consultant and National level athlete Emiley Riley. We have a great conversation about the defini...
Episode 46: Laura Walker on Pregnancy, Return to Curling & Mom Life on the Road
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by Laura Walker who shares her learnings as a curler managing life, training and competition while pregnant. Laura...
Episode 45: 5 Tips for an Efficient Curling In-Season Recovery Plan
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Here are my 5-tips for an efficient curling in-season recovery plan, so that you can have control of your priorities in-season and leave most of your ...
Episode 44: A Conversation with Curling Canada's Strength Coach Kyle Turcotte
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by Kyle Turcotte who shares his learnings from working with Canada's top athletes; with both Olympic and Paralympic dre...
Episode 43: Innovation & Attention to Detail, with Paralympian Jon Thurston
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by Jon Thurston, a competitive curler and adaptive water skier. Jon and I chat about his journey as an athlete, his exp...
Episode 42: Brushing On Off Interval
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brushing isn't always just head down and GO. We are often called on and off throughout a shot, and that's exactly what this interval is helping prepar...
Episode 41: Sweep to the Button
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This interval workout will walk you through up to 10 brushing intervals, including a visualization of a draw to the pin for the win! The interval incl...
Episode 40: Brushing Tabata Interval
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A true tabata is hard work and completed in only 4 minutes. You will work HARD for 20 seconds, and rest for only 10 seconds, for a total of 8 rounds. ...
Episode 39: Warmup Essentials for Every Curler
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I walk you through the 5 steps you should take to prepare your mind and body to step on the ice. Everyone warms up, it's either bef...
Episode 38: Brushing Workout Tips
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you wish to compete at a level where you don't need to worry about sweeping hard every rock, rebounding between shots, having the strength and bala...
Episode 37: Jill Officer on Being Yourself and Trusting in the Process
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode Jill Officer joins me to talk about her experiences as an elite curling athlete. She walks us through her relationship with develop...
Episode 36: When Curling is Only a Few Weeks Away
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is aimed at 2 people at the end of the off-ice season: The, "cherry on top" crew who have trained hard all summer & are making sure the ...
Episode 35: A Conversation with Julia Weagle About Developing a Relationship with Training Outside of Sport
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode I have a great conversation with Julia Weagle about what happens to your motivation after competing for a few decades, and then decidi...
Episode 34: 5 Off-Ice Exercises for Becoming a Better Brusher
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
5 of my fave programmed off-ice exercises that can help you get stronger, more powerful and improve your endurance to be a better brusher on the ice t...
Episode 33: Snack: What counts as progress?
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's snack sized episode focuses on the importance of focusing on the present moment and only the things that you can control. This is important fo...
Episode 32: Snack: 5 Ways to Improve your Cardio that Nobody Told you About!
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's snack sized episode outlines 5 things to focus on in your off-season training program that can help you improve your energy or attention thr...
Episode 31: Two of the Cardinal Rules for Training with Terri Weeks
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I have a great convo with Terri Weeks about 2 must-use training principles for improved performance on and off the ice. Listen t...
Episode 30: (Snack) Sets, Reps & Training for your Goals
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is snack sized so that you can quickly enhance your knowledge around why you want to choose a certain set and rep scheme, as well as h...
Episode 29: Success Favours the Prepared with Joanne Courtney
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by a world class all around human, the one and only badass brusher; Joanne Courtney. We touch on training for curl...
Episode 28: Using Performance Gap Analysis to dictate Offseason Training for Curling
23 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Snack topic: How to use a focused training program to find progress on the ice next season. I touch on the pros and cons behind using your summer...
Episode 27: Alena Luciani, "Communication is about Connection and Collaboration"
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode Alena Luciani, owner of Training2XL joins me to talk about the intricacies and skill behind being a phenomenal communicator. She wa...
Episode 26: It's Not How You Train, it's How You Recover, with Melissa Doldron, RMT
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by Melissa Doldron, RMT. Melissa shares her perspectives of working with some of the top athletes, and top curlers in t...
Episode 24: Dr. Stephanie Juffs on Peace & Love not RICE
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by Dr. Stephanie Juffs, a Chiropractor just North of the GTA who takes a comprehensive, individualized approach with cl...
Episode 23: Teach, Test & Repeat with Terri Weeks
20 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by my favourite researcher Terri Weeks. She brings with her a simple way to make sure your practices are deliberate, ef...
Episode 22: Young Women in Curling Project (Snack)
13 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's snack topic is to inform you of the official launch of The Empowered Performance for Young Women in Curling Project. I quickly answer the foll...
Episode 21: Megan Pomarensky on how to get the most out of your injury rehab & training
02 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Megan Pomarensky is an Athletic Therapist, yoga teacher and movement therapist mentor. I bring her on the show to talk about who to see when you expe...
Episode 20: How do you want to feel? with Dr. Nicole Dubuc-Charbonneau
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by Nicole Dubuc-Charbonneau, a mental performance consultant based out of Sudbury Ontario, but works with high performa...
Episode 19: Giving Yourself Grace with Lori Olson-Johns
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by Lori Olson-Johns. 3x Alberta Champion, high school educator, mom, coach and role model. Lori shares her story of ...
Episode 18: Letting your Knees go past your Toes with Terri Weeks
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Terri is back to help me dispel the myth that you shouldn't let your knees track past your toes during squatting and lunging activities, why this conc...
Episode 17: Training for Curling & Golf is about the Fundamentals with Nick Buchan
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by The Golf Strength Coach, Nick Buchan. We talk about the importance of assessment, and working to increase the number...
Episode 16: Getting Lower in your Slide is a Distraction
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is for you if you've ever thought: "I need to get lower in my slide", "I need to stretch more and that will help me feel less tight", "y...
Episode 15: Effort over Outcome. Offseason 2020/2021 Recap
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After the longest off-season ever I recap the top 8 learnings I hope all my athletes carry with them into the competitive season. + the one thing you ...
Episode 14: Return to Curling Part 3 - A Safe Transition to On-Ice Performance
20 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the final installment of the Return to Curling series I help you prepare your off-ice work and on-ice practices so that you can get back on to the ...
Episode 13: Pedro Malvar on Running, Curling & Putting Friendship First
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode features longtime friend, curler and run lead from Toronto Pedro Malvar. We talk about competing as a student athlete, learning how to...
Episode 12: Our critique of the Long Term Athlete Development model, and Standardized Testing
31 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Terri Weeks is back to talk about how to get the most out of the Long Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD) as a coach and an athlete....
Episode 11: Return to Curling Part 2: The Bare Minimums
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Return to Curling 3-part series is dedicated to safely and effectively returning to the curling ice. Whether your "off-ice season" was 4 months, o...
Episode 10: Terri Weeks on Curling Injuries being Common but not Normal
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I bring on Masters student, coach and competitive curler Terri Weeks. We chat about how her research around preventing knee pain in...
Episode 09: Return to Curling Part 1: Reverse Engineering your Goals
02 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode we start a 3-part series dedicated to safely and effectively returning to the curling ice. Whether your "off-ice season" was 4 mont...
Episode 08: Glenn Gabriel from Coaching Kids Curling on Connection & Community
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I have on the show the host and producer of The Coaching Kids Curling Podcast. Glenn Gabriel was inspired to create his podcast to ...
Episode 07: Mark Nichols on all things training, nutrition & curling camps
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am joined by World Champion & Olympic Gold medalist Mark Nichols. We touch on our mutual passion for working with others, educ...
Episode 06: Basic Nutrition for Curlers
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I walk you through the 2019 Canada's Food Guide. What it is, and how you can use it as an athlete to better your health and perform...
Episode 05: It's all in the Hips
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I walk you through how to bring more muscles to the party in the hack, in your delivery & in your training. Want to learn my favour...
Episode 04: Avoid These 8 Mistakes I Made Training to be a Fitter Curler
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I walk you through 8 of the mistakes I made over the past 15 years on my quest to be a stronger, fitter and more confident competit...
Episode 03: Shut Your Mouth —The Key to Better Breathing
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I am going to share what I've learned over the past decade about something we do 24-2800 times a day. Something that is influenced ...
02: How to Gain the Most from Watching Curling
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I share my tips to making sure you as a Curler are not just watching and enjoying the game, but also learning everything you can ab...
01: Welcome to the Show
19 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I share my story and expertise on training the entire athlete to be best prepared for the demands of the sport of curling, and you ...
Trailer
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode you get a quick run-down of what to expect from the Empowered Performance for Curlers Podcast. If you like what you hear, make sure...