The Empowered Performance for Curlers Podcast

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 curling delivery and why it has far less to do with wobble-free broomless slides than you might think. We talk about: • Why poor balance drains your physical and mental energy • The hidden alignment issues that affect accuracy and weight control • Why I don't recommend sliding without a broom as a drill • The key joints that need mobility and strength for a stable slide • How setup in the hack dictates everything that follows • The role of pressure, timing, and "four points of contact" (yes you can 'lean' on the broom/rock!) If you've ever felt unstable, inconsistent, or unsure where your balance issues come from, this episode gives you the clarity you've been missing — and a few simple cues you can start using right away. If you want more support in building strength, mobility, balance, and confidence all season long, check out the Empowered Performance Lab for structured training, brushing work, mobility sessions, and on-ice practice tools tailored for real-life curlers. Some other great episodes to check out: Episode 89: Holiday Survival Guide Episode 49: Limbo time and types of rest Episode 16: Getting lower in your slide is a distraction To stay as up-to-date as possible, make sure to join the Empowered Performance newsletter and to follow me on Instagram at @empoweredperformance All mentioned resources are available in the show notes on my website at www.empoweredperformance.ca/podcast

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 down a simple Holiday Survival Guide to help you use the break to rest, reset, and return to the ice feeling stronger and more focused. We'll cover how to: • Reframe time off as productive recovery • Reduce curling-specific imbalances • Approach holiday eating without guilt • Stay mentally sharp with quick, anywhere visualization work If you want support staying active and balanced during the holiday stretch, you'll also hear what's coming up inside the Empowered Performance Lab. Tune in to learn how to make this off-ice time work for you, not against you. Some other great episodes to check out: Episode 48: Sassy hips and energy leaks Episode 65: 5 reasons you aren't a better brusher Episode 26: It's not how you train, it's how you recover To stay as up-to-date as possible, make sure to join the Empowered Performance newsletter and to follow me on Instagram at @empoweredperformance All mentioned resources are available in the show notes on my website at www.empoweredperformance.ca/podcast

In this episode, I'm joined by World Champion curler, mom, and Registered Psychotherapist Sarah Wilkes, who brings a rare and valuable dual perspective to the world of sport — one from the ice, and one from the therapist's chair. Currently playing lead on the #1 ranked team in the world and fresh off a World Championship win, Sarah's path hasn't been a straight line. We explore the emotional intensity she's carried since her early days, the influence of her multi-sport background, and the tools she's developed to stay grounded, curious, and consistently high-performing. We also dive into her evolution from fastball to elite curling, her shift into psychotherapy and supporting athletes through a mental health lens, and the difference between mental toughness and true wellness. Sarah shares how curiosity helps shift pressure into presence, how she balances high-level competition with motherhood and team connection, and what it really means to support your whole self — not just the athlete part. Whether you're a competitive curler, a coach, or simply someone looking to approach sport (and life) with more intention, this conversation is packed with insight, heart, and practical takeaways. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or visit: www.empoweredperformance.ca/podcast Listen to other top interviews: Episode 07: Mark Nichols Episode 29: Joanne Courtney Episode 87: Val Sweeting 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @empoweredperformance 📰 Join the newsletter for more tools, tips, and resources to support your performance journey.

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 intense bubble season, what shifted when she stepped away from it, and how she eventually found her way back—this time as a certified hypnotist. Now, she's helping other athletes do the inner work through her new program, Unleashed. Val shares how her training and mindset have evolved over the years, how she balances chasing big goals with being a mom and mentor, and what it really takes to build mental resilience at the elite level. We explore the power of mental training—whether through visualization, therapy, working with a sport psychologist, or trying something like hypnosis—and how it helped her develop the confidence and calm needed to perform under pressure and stay at the top of her game. If you love this episode, check these out: Episode 80: Sofia Mabergs on Team Dynamics, Sweeping & Training for Curling -Olympian Sofia Mabergs discusses her journey with Team Hasselborg, touching on team cohesion, training routines, and the importance of playing to individual strengths. Episode 82: Curling for Beginners & Improvers with John Robertson -Author John Robertson shares insights from his book, offering guidance for curlers at various skill levels to elevate their game. Episode 84: Safe Supplements with Nina Walker -Performance nutritionist Nina Walker discusses how athletes can navigate the world of supplements safely, focusing on making informed choices without compromising health. To stay as up-to-date as possible, make sure to join the Empowered Performance newsletter and to follow me on Instagram at @empoweredperformance All mentioned resources are available in the show notes on my website at www.empoweredperformance.ca/podcast

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 experience as well as a long list of questions to help you and your team decide if carrying a 5th will work for you, and how exactly do you want that role to look. This is likely my last episode before mat leave -if you're new to the podcast make sure to scroll through past episodes and sign up for the 4-month curling tips & tricks newsletter sequence to continue to access Empowered Performance info. Love this episode, check these out: Episode 27: Communication is about collaboration Episode 34: 4 exercises to become a better brusher Episode 82: Curling for beginners and improvers To stay as up-to-date as possible, make sure to join the Empowered Performance newsletter and to follow me on Instagram at @empoweredperformance All mentioned resources are available in the show notes on my website at www.empoweredperformance.ca/podcast