The Achieving Peak Performance Podcast

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Keith discusses the importance of understanding various aspects of health, including sleep, exercise, and nutrition, particularly for busy parents. He emphasizes the need for practical health tips that can be realistically integrated into their lives to improve overall well-being.

Takeaways

• Understanding sleep is crucial for overall health.
• Exercise and nutrition play significant roles in wellness.
• Chiropractic care can help manage musculoskeletal issues.
• Busy parents need realistic health goals.
• Even small changes can lead to better energy levels.
• Managing pain is essential for a better quality of life.
• Creating a health plan is important for busy lifestyles.
• Consistency in health practices can lead to improvements.
• Prioritizing self-care is vital for parents.
• Small, achievable goals can lead to significant health benefits.

Contact Host:

• Dr. Keith Brennan

Summary:

In this episode of Achieving Peak Performance, Dr. Keith interviews Dr. Bruce Coren, the CEO of Technological Medical Advancements, about the revolutionary Class Four therapeutic lasers and their applications in athletic recovery and performance enhancement. Dr. Coren explains how these lasers work, the integration of AI technology for personalized treatment, and the barriers to their adoption in medical practices. He also discusses the mechanisms of healing facilitated by laser therapy, real-world success stories, and the importance of using high-quality devices for effective results.

Takeaways:

• Dr. Bruce Coren is the CEO of Technological Medical Advancements.
• Class Four therapeutic lasers stimulate cell metabolism and tissue healing.
• AI technology simplifies laser treatment for users without medical expertise.
• The lasers can be used on all ages, with precautions for pregnant women.
• Patients often notice improvements within two to three treatments.
• Barriers to adoption include lack of insurance reimbursement for laser therapy.
• Laser therapy can accelerate healing by 25% to 75% for athletes.
• Access to personal laser devices allows for daily treatment.
• Not all laser therapies are equally effective; quality matters.
• Professional athletes and teams are increasingly using advanced laser technology.

Contact Hosts:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein

Jeff Tungate Bio:

Jeff Tungate became Head Coach of Oakland University’s Women’s Basketball team in July 2013 and retired in December 2024 due to health reasons. He now serves as Director of Development at Rochester Christian University.

Before leading the women’s program, Tungate spent six seasons as Associate Head Coach for Oakland’s Men’s Basketball team, earning the inaugural Oakland Athletics Coach of the Year award in 2014. His earlier roles included Associate Men’s Head Coach at Purdue Fort Wayne, where he helped set school win records, and Head Coach at Lincoln Memorial University.

An Oakland graduate (1993, English), Tungate was also a standout baseball player, earning Preseason All-American honors and ranking fifth in school history for single-season batting average (.397).

As Women’s Head Coach, Tungate achieved the third-most wins in program history, including two victories over nationally ranked teams and a 17–5 record in the Metro Series against Detroit Mercy. He developed eight professional players, 19 All-Conference honorees, and 59 Academic Honor Roll recipients, mentoring stars like Olivia Nash, Elena Popkey, and Taylor Jones.

His first season reignited the program with its first non-losing league record since 2011 and record offensive output. The following seasons saw continued success, including a win over nationally ranked Green Bay and top league rankings in scoring and field goal percentage.

The 2016–17 season was among Oakland’s best, tying for third in the Horizon League with a 12–6 record, averaging 76.6 points per game (19th nationally), and setting a Division I era record for double-digit victories. Oakland again defeated ranked Green Bay that year.

Tungate led the program to its first Horizon League postseason win in 2017–18 and a deep tournament run in 2021–22, highlighted by upsets over higher-seeded teams. In 2023–24, before taking medical leave, he led Oakland to a 2–2 start, including an overtime win over Akron. The team finished the season among national leaders in steals and forced turnovers.

He and his wife Kelley live in Rochester, Michigan, with their two sons, Jordan and Cooper.

Jeff Contact Info:

• Email:- [email protected]
• Website: - www.rcu.edu

Summary:

In this episode of the Achieving Peak Performance podcast, Dr. Keith Brennan and Jeff Tungate discuss the vital role parents play in supporting their children in sports. They explore the importance of trust between parents and coaches, the need for independence in young athletes, and the lessons learned from competition and failure. Jeff shares personal anecdotes from his coaching career and parenting experiences, emphasizing the significance of modeling positive behavior and allowing children to navigate challenges on their own. The conversation highlights the necessity of fostering a supportive environment that encourages growth and resilience in young athletes.

Takeaways:

• Trust is essential between parents, coaches, and athletes.
• Parents should support their children without over-involvement.
• Encouraging independence helps children develop resilience.
• Modeling positive behavior is crucial for children.
• Failure is a part of growth and learning.
• Communication with coaches should come from the athlete, not the parent.
• Parents should focus on the long-term development of their children.
• Youth sports should be about enjoyment, not just winning.
• Teaching life lessons through sports is more important than trophies.
• Parents need to reflect on their behavior and its impact on their children.

Contact Hosts:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein

Summary

In this episode of the Achieving Peak Performance podcast, Dr. Keith Brennan and Rob Stein interview Mark Jamieson, an expert in athletic performance and injury recovery. They discuss the importance of strength training, injury prevention strategies, and the impact of youth sports specialization on injury rates. Mark shares insights on how to effectively return athletes to play after injury, the role of pain in recovery, and the significance of maintaining an active lifestyle and proper sleep for young athletes.

Takeaways

• Consistency in loading is crucial for injury prevention.
• Youth athletes should engage in multi-sport activities.
• Strength training is essential for performance and injury mitigation.
• Understanding movement patterns is vital for young athletes.
• Pain management is a normal part of the recovery process.
• Athletes need to prepare for the worst-case scenarios in training.
• Normalization of pain can lead to better rehabilitation outcomes.
• Sleep and nutrition are critical for young athletes' performance.
• Strength training should not replicate sport-specific movements only.
• Maintaining an active lifestyle is key to long-term athletic health.

Contact Your Hosts:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein

Nolan Bio:

23 year old founder of RECO. Making premium recovery tools affordable & accessible.

Contact Nolan:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-weiss/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/get.reco/
• Email - [email protected]
• Website - https://getreco.shop/

Summary:

In this episode of the Achieving Peak Performance Podcast, Dr. Keith and Rob Stein interview Nolan Weiss, a young entrepreneur and founder of a premium recovery products brand. Nolan shares his journey into the health and wellness industry, emphasizing the importance of quality and affordability in recovery tools like saunas, compression sleeves, and cupping devices. The conversation highlights the significance of building a community around health, the benefits of various recovery methods, and the role of these products in enhancing performance and preventing injuries.

Takeaways:

• Nolan Weiss started his recovery products company at a young age.
• The brand focuses on making premium recovery tools affordable.
• Saunas and cold plunges are essential for recovery and wellness.
• Quality should never be sacrificed for affordability in health products.
• Building a community around health and wellness is crucial.
• Cupping therapy is being modernized for easier access.
• Leg compression sleeves are a standout product for athletes.
• Recovery tools are not just for professionals; they are for everyone.
• Preventing injury is as important as enhancing performance.
• Mindset plays a key role in achieving fitness goals.

Contact Hosts:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein

Elina Gorelkin Bio:

Dr. Elina Gorelkin, PT, DPT, CCVT, is a certified vestibular therapist specializing in the restoration of balance, the reduction of dizziness, and the improvement of functional movement. She integrates evidence-based practices with a patient-centered approach to empower individuals to achieve their health goals. Dr. Gorelkin earned her Bachelor of Science in Movement Science from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado–Denver. In her practice, she uses a variety of advanced techniques, including trigger point dry needling for pain reduction and blood flow restriction (BFR) training for strength gains. She is currently studying neurofeedback to explore its potential in helping patients gain control over their pain and dizziness. Dr. Gorelkin is passionate about collaborating with her patients and other healthcare providers to create a comprehensive and effective path to wellness.

Elina Contact Info:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Email - [email protected]
• Website

Summary:

In this episode of the Achieving Peak Performance podcast, hosts Dr. Keith Brennan and Rob Stein interview Elina Gorelkin, a physical therapist specializing in vestibular therapy. Elina shares her personal journey into the field, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing dizziness, especially in athletes. The conversation covers the recovery process, common causes of dizziness, and the impact of medications on balance. Elina emphasizes the need for awareness and trust in one's feelings regarding dizziness, encouraging listeners to seek help when needed.

Takeaways:

• Elina Gorelkin specializes in vestibular therapy and shares her journey.
• Dizziness is often ignored but can indicate serious issues.
• Athletes should be aware of their balance and report symptoms.
• Recovery from dizziness can take time and requires communication.
• Neuroplasticity allows for recovery and adaptation in vestibular function.
• Parents and coaches should listen to athletes' concerns about dizziness.
• Early intervention can lead to quicker recovery from balance issues.
• Medications can cause dizziness; awareness of side effects is crucial.
• Trusting one's feelings about dizziness is important for health.
• Dizziness can stem from various causes, including anxiety and physical trauma.

Host Contact Info:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein

Dr. Ed Uszynski Bio:

Dr. Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades’ experience discipling college and professional athletes. He’s written articles, essays, and training manuals on the intersection of faith and sport, and recently co-wrote Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports (David C. Cook, July 2025). He specializes in facilitating conversations around both biblical and culturally significant content for organizations pursuing a Christian vision of life, and the author of Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters (IVP). He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies. He and his wife Amy have four children and live in Xenia, OH.

Dr. Ed Uszynski Contact:

• Email - [email protected]
• Website - thechristianathlete.com

Brian Smith Bio:

Brian Smith is the author of several books, including The Christian Athlete, and has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies through Baylor University. Brian lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three kids and writes regularly at thechristianathlete.com.

Brian Smith Contact:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-smith-5bb319a6/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/brian.smith.193215
• Instagram - brianlinsey
• X - briansmithaia
• Email - [email protected]
• Website - https://www.thechristianathlete.com

Summary:

In this episode of the Achieving Peak Performance podcast, Dr. Keith and Rob Stein engage with Ed Yuzinski and Brian Smith, authors of a book aimed at helping Christian parents navigate the complexities of youth sports. The conversation explores the intersection of faith and sports, the pressures faced by young athletes, and the importance of keeping sports fun and meaningful. The authors share insights from their experiences in sports ministry and coaching, emphasizing the need for parents to focus on character development and the spiritual growth of their children rather than solely on athletic performance. They discuss the realities of youth sports participation, the impact of parental expectations, and the significance of fostering a love for play in children.

Takeaways:

• The youth sports industry is a $40 billion industry.
• Most kids just want to play and have fun.
• Keeping sports fun is crucial for long-term participation.
• Parents should focus on being their child's main discipler.
• Character development is more important than performance.
• Children have an innate desire to please their parents.
• Parental pressure can lead to burnout in young athletes.
• Celebrating character over performance fosters a healthy mindset.
• The importance of understanding our own motivations as parents.
• Play could exist in heaven, so we should embrace it now.

Host Contact Info:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein

Seth King Bio:

Seth is a Sports Physical Therapist and owner of Limitless Physical Therapy & Performance in Rochester Hills, Michigan. An avid CrossFit enthusiast and occasional Pickleball competitor, Seth loves coaching local active adults and athletes to harness movement as medicine to get out of pain and back in the game.

Seth King Contact:

• Instagram - @limitless_pt_performance
• Email - [email protected]
• Website -https://www.limitless.physio

Summary:

In this episode of the Achieving Peak Performance podcast, hosts Dr. Keith Brennan and Rob Stein interview Seth King, a physical therapist specializing in athlete care. Seth shares his journey into physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of individualized care for athletes compared to the general population. The conversation explores the significance of proper movement, the role of one-on-one coaching, and the necessity of overcoming fear in rehabilitation. Seth discusses the developmental differences in young athletes, common muscle activation issues, and the importance of technology in measuring progress. The episode concludes with a focus on ownership in healthcare and the benefits of concierge care.

Takeaways:

• Seth King's journey into physical therapy began with his own injury.
• Athletes require a different dosage of care compared to non-athletes.
• Fear often prevents clinicians from pushing patients in rehab.
• Proper movement patterns are essential for injury prevention.
• One-on-one coaching is crucial for young athletes.
• Weight training should be approached with caution and proper form.
• Developmental differences in athletes affect their training needs.
• Common issues include underdeveloped glutes and core activation.
• Technology can enhance rehabilitation and track progress effectively.
• Patients should take ownership of their health and rehabilitation process.

Host Contact:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein

Jake Wilks Bio:

As a former collegiate athlete, I have maintained a strong passion for athletic performance and recovery. My initial career was with Iron Tribe Fitness, a high-end training facility that expanded to over 50 locations nationwide, where I served as Senior Director and helped lead our corporate gyms. I subsequently transitioned into medical sales and shortly thereafter, I was approached by Firefly, then a startup, and was fortunate to be hired as their first employee and part owner.In my role as National Director of Sales at Firefly Recovery, I have played a pivotal role in scaling the company, contributing to our growth in partnering with over 1,200 NCAA and professional programs. This experience has afforded me the privilege of collaborating with some of the nation's most respected athletic trainers at all levels, fostering learning and cooperation in ways I never thought possible. While I do not claim expertise in sports medicine or athletic training, I have developed extensive knowledge of our technology and the prevailing trends in athletic recovery and performance. I have also had the privilege of lecturing at other universities, including Ole Miss, Alabama, Washington State, University of Texas, among others.I believeI have a unique blend of firsthand athletic experience and business leadership. I leverage my background and industry insights to help expand more awareness about general recovery and spread the news about our technology.

Contact Jake Wilks:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube -
• Email - [email protected]
• Website

Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Keith and Jake Wilks discuss the innovative recovery technology, Firefly. They explore its origins, the science behind its effectiveness in enhancing blood flow and recovery, and its practical applications for athletes and everyday users. The conversation also touches on the affordability and accessibility of Firefly, its role in travel recovery, and future developments in the technology. The episode emphasizes the importance of blood flow in recovery and how Firefly can be a game changer for both athletes and non-athletes alike.

Takeaways:

• Firefly originated from a need for better recovery tools in sports medicine.
• The technology stimulates the peroneal nerve to enhance blood flow.
• Firefly increases venous return by 32% more than traditional compression boots.
• It is effective for both athletes and everyday users.
• The device is affordable, costing around $45 for multiple uses.
• Firefly can be used during travel to combat 'zombie legs'.
• Clinical studies show significant improvements in recovery times with Firefly.
• The product is designed for ease of use, fitting into daily routines.
• Firefly is not recommended for individuals with diagnosed blood clots.
• Future developments may include upper extremity applications.

Contact Hosts:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein

Summary:

In this episode of the Achieving Peak Performance podcast, hosts Dr. Keith Brennan and Rob Stein engage with basketball coach Chris Oliver, who shares insights on coaching philosophy, skill transfer from practice to games, and the importance of creating a positive learning environment for young athletes. The conversation emphasizes the need for decision-making in practice, the value of play and exploration, and how to address mistakes constructively to foster resilience in athletes.

Takeaways:

• The perceptual side of sports is crucial for performance.
• Creating an advantage in sports often comes from mindset, not just physical ability.
• Practice should closely represent game situations for effective skill transfer.
• Decision-making is more important than perfect technique in sports.
• Players learn better through exploration and play rather than rigid drills.
• Youth sports should focus on enjoyment and creativity to enhance learning.
• Mistakes should be normalized and addressed constructively in practice.
• Coaches should create environments that encourage player-led development.
• Physical punishment for mistakes is counterproductive to learning.
• Athlete satisfaction is key to performance improvement.

Contact Hosts:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein