Explore every episode of the podcast Performance Rewired
Dive into the complete episode list for Performance Rewired. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Episode 2: Unlocking Movement Mastery - The Power of the Cerebellum
15 Apr 2026
00:36:12
Discover how understanding and training the cerebellum can dramatically enhance coordination, balance, and agilityâespecially for dancers, gymnasts, athletes and movement enthusiasts. Join us as we explore the brain's tiny yet mighty structure that controls precision, muscle tone, and error correction in movement. In this episode:
The cerebellum's core functions: accuracy, balance, and coordination
How cerebellar drills improve trunk control, eye movement, and limb precision
The significance of right-left limb balance and strategies to assess imbalances
Simple assessment tools: RAPS, heel-to-shin, and eye tracking
Practical drills for cerebellar training to boost athletic performanceÂ
The impact of cerebellum health on muscle tone, and posture
Relationship between cerebellar function and neurological conditions like hypotonia
How to tailor training programs based on cerebellar assessments
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the cerebellum's role in movement
00:48 - The cerebellum and trunk control: a dancer's story
01:06 - Coordination in sprained ankles and brain-body maps
02:07 - How cerebellar function affects angular vs. smooth movement
04:11 - The ABCs of the cerebellum: accuracy, balance, coordination
04:43 - Error detection and correction: refining motor plans
05:13 - How the cerebellum acts as a project manager in movement
06:40 - Signs of cerebellar imbalance: stiffness and angularity
07:09 - Regulation of muscle tone and reflexive postural control
07:49 - Roadside cerebellar tests and eye coordination drills
09:16 - Personal gaze stabilization exercises and their benefits
10:24 - Zones of the cerebellum: vermis, intermediate, lateral zones
11:21 - Assessing limb control and fine motor skills
12:57 - The importance of bilateral training in dance and gymnastics
15:23 - Assessment tools: diadochokinesia, heel-to-shin, circle drawing
18:13 - Recognizing cerebellar deficiency: slow and flailing movements
20:22 - Foot and leg coordination tests for balance and power
23:01 - Posture and muscle tone: cerebellar contributions
25:23 - The spinocerebellum and eye convergence in sports
27:27 - The cerebellum's neuronal density and metabolic impact
28:52 - Practical outcomes of cerebellar training: better coordination, balance, and strength
30:39 - Tailoring cerebellar drills for individual imbalances
32:42 - Recognizing and addressing hypotonia related to cerebellar lesions
33:04 - Final thoughts on the tiny but powerful cerebellum
Resources & Links
RAPS (Rapid Alternating Pronation / Supination) also known as diadochokinesia, the ability to perform fast alternating movements
In this episode, we explore how the frontal lobe influences movement, decision-making, and inhibition, with insights from dancers, gymnasts, and case studies. We discuss practical drills and exercises to activate the frontal lobe, improve movement initiation, and reduce unnecessary tension, enhancing athletic performance and everyday function.
Key topics:
The anatomy of the frontal lobe: primary motor cortex, motor association cortex, prefrontal cortex, Broca's area, and the frontal eye field
How the frontal lobe controls movement initiation, planning, and inhibition
The relationship between the frontal lobe and movement disorders like Parkinsonâs and ADHD
Practical exercises: Stroop activity, saccades, and balance drills to activate and train the frontal lobe
The impact of frontal lobe activity on movement fluidity, tension, and reflexive responses
Case studies: eye movement delay in patients with brain tumors and personal experiences with initiation/inhibition challenges
The global influence of frontal lobe function on daily habits, gait, and emotional regulation
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the episode and the importance of studying the frontal lobe in movement
02:25 - Overview of the frontal lobe regions involved in movement control
03:06 - Primary motor cortex and inhibition versus initiation roles
04:01 - The motor association cortex as the brainâs navigator for movement plans
05:01 - Executive functions housed in the prefrontal cortex: decision-making and emotional
regulation06:26 - The frontal lobe as the brainâs CEO in movement
07:06 - Coordination of brain regions for seamless responses
08:00 - How the brain anticipates and prepares for movement using the motor association cortex
09:22 - The impact of over-monitoring on movement fluidity and tension
10:20 - Fear, mental rehearsal, and the "frozen" states in movement execution
11:19 - Case study: eye movement delays post-brain tumor removal
12:23 - Personal experiences with initiation delays in weight training and eye pursuits
15:34 - Broader effects: initiation issues in habits and early signs of neurodegenerative conditions
19:47 - Drills to activate the frontal lobe: Stroop activity, saccades, and balance exercises
23:32 - Practical application in dance, gymnastics, and athletic training
24:33 - Using saccades and inhibitory games to enhance power and fluidity in movement
31:37 - Closing thoughts and reflection on the global influence of frontal lobe function
Welcome to the trailer for Performance Rewired! In this episode we talk about our backgrounds, why we wanted to start a podcast, and how we hope to educate gymnasts, dancers, coaches and instructors on what it actually means to apply neuroscience to these pursuits, how you and your students can benefit, and share practical ways to do it.
Things we covered: â˘Why we started a podcast â˘Our background and education, how we came to neuroscience and why itâs now central to how we work â˘How conventional training falls short â˘The brainâs role in movement â˘Real-world success stories â˘Key take-aways and whatâs next
Episode 4: Convergence - A Crucial Visual Skill for Dance and Gymnastics
13 May 2026
00:29:38
In this episode, we explore how visual skills, particularly convergence, impact movement, performance, and injury prevention in dance and athletics. Youâll find practical insights into diagnosing convergence issues and techniques to improve visual capacity for better performance.Â
Main Topics:
The role of convergence in movement and performanceÂ
How to self-assess convergence skillsÂ
Insight into optimizing visual input for better balance, movement, and injury prevention
The impact of visual system efficiency on sports like gymnastics and dance
Practical exercises to enhance convergence and visual awarenessÂ
In this episode:Â
How convergence influences depth judgment, balance, and coordination
Common signs of convergence issuesÂ
Case examples of athletes with convergence deficiencies and their effects on performance
The relationship between eye health, tension, and movement safetyÂ
Timestamps:Â
00:00 - The influence of eye convergence on movementÂ
02:30 - Prevalence of convergence insufficiency among children and adultsÂ
04:10 - Case study: Traumatic brain injury and convergence challengesÂ
06:47 - How convergence impacts depth perception and spatial awarenessÂ
09:00 - Examples from gymnastics and sports illustrating visual system importanceÂ
12:14 - Personal experiences with eye dominance and depth perception issuesÂ
15:07 - How visual input drives movement safety and efficiency in dance and sportsÂ
17:38 - The importance of convergence training in improving athletic performance
22:22 - Signs of visual fatigue linked to injury risk and mental blocksÂ
25:07 - Why train your visual system for optimal movement and safetyÂ
26:50 - Quick self-assessment for convergence capabilitiesÂ
28:31 - Practical exercises to improve convergence and visual coordinationÂ
30:18 - Final thoughts: vision as a critical, trainable component of performanceÂ
Episode 3: Enhancing Movement Through Vision - The Power of Eye Training in Dance and Gymnastics Performance
29 Apr 2026
00:41:49
Discover how your eyes influence movement, performance, and overall physical health. This episode explores the deep connection between vision and motor skills, providing practical insights into improving visual skills for athletes and movers alike.
Key topics
The critical role of vision in motor development and movement efficiency
How early eye tracking (smooth pursuit) influences locomotion
The connection between eye health, movement, and neck pain
Assessment tools for visual system deficiencies impacting performance
Practical drills to enhance visual skills such as smooth pursuit, saccades, and accommodation
The impact of visual training on athletic reflexes, balance, and confidence
Reweighting neural pathways through targeted eye exercises
Case studies: from dance to sportsâhow vision training improves outcomes
The relationship between visual input and reprogramming motor patterns
Simple daily eye exercises for immediate movement and performance benefits
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the importance of vision in movement
00:21 - Personal updates and new neuro performance mentorship programÂ
02:18 - How visual skills impact athletic performanceÂ
04:20 - Visual system's role from infancy to adult movementÂ
05:51 - How vision influences safety, balance, and coordinationÂ
06:02 - Developmental milestones: eye tracking and locomotionÂ
07:36 - The significance of visual skills like focus, acuity, and pursuitÂ
08:56 - Vision as a primary sensory input for spatial awarenessÂ
09:23 - Consequences of vision impairments on confidence and movementÂ
11:18 - Visual skills assessment and neural pathwaysÂ
12:34 - How eye motion reveals neurological and motor coordination issuesÂ
13:44 - Practical examples: improving sports performance with visual drillsÂ
16:56 - The impact of focus, accommodation, and eye muscle efficiencyÂ
20:23 - Visual training's effect on high-level performance and reflexes
22:44 - Simple drills to train smooth pursuit, saccades, and near-far focusÂ
35:51 - Incorporating eye exercises into daily routines for performance gainsÂ
39:20 - Final thoughts on vision training as a foundational tool for movement improvement
Episode 5: The Vestibular System's Hidden Role in High-Performance Athletes
27 May 2026
00:36:55
Discover why the vestibular system, a crucial set of organs in the inner ear, can significantly impact athletic performance, balance, and movement. Learn how fine-tuning this system can lead to rapid improvements in stability, flexibility, and overall coordination, as well as reduce spinal tension.
In this episode:
The role of the vestibular system in balancing and spatial orientation
How vestibular dysfunction affects elite athletes and dancers
Simple tests and drills to assess and enhance vestibular function
The misconception of BOSU balls as proprioceptive tools
Relationship between vestibular health, postural tension, and movement quality
Case studies demonstrating quick progress with targeted vestibular training
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the powerful vestibular system
01:53 - The importance of understanding vestibular health for performers
02:22 - How the inner ear regulates balance and spatial relationships
03:07 - The impact of vestibular dysfunction in elite athletes
04:17 - Common signs of vestibular system issues and their effects
05:09 - What is the vestibular system and how does it work?
08:18 - The vestibulo-ocular reflex and its importance for focus during movement
09:12 - How delayed reactions reveal vestibular deficiencies
10:06 - Rapid and effective training methods for the vestibular system
11:43 - The connection between balance, eye focus, and performance
13:06 - How vestibular assessments help guide training, especially in young athletes
14:46 - The significance of reflexes in movement and performance
16:00 - Common signs of vestibular dysfunction in gymnasts and dancers
17:41 - Practical examples of vestibular influence on flexibility and strength
19:11 - The impact of vestibular training on spinal tension and movement range
22:37 - Success stories of rapid adaptation through vestibular rehab
25:09 - Functional movements to train the vestibular system effectively
27:45 - Signs of vestibular issues in gait and posture
29:21 - Using Rombergâs test as an assessment tool
32:21 - The importance of moving the head and eyes during balance training
33:17 - The essential role of vestibular skills in everyday movement and athletic performance