The Empowered Performance for Curlers Podcast

Stephanie Thompson

A space for the competitive curler or coach looking to take ownership of their training & performance. An educational & empowering platform sharing with you the tools to succeed in the sport we love from leading experts, athletes & coaches. Empowered Performance is dedicated to helping curlers move better, so that they can compete & train pain free. The materials contained in the Empowered Performance for Curlers Podcast are for general health improvement recommendations only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

  1. May 26

    Episode 95: The 5 Elements Every Curler's Offseason Program Needs

    What should curlers actually be doing in the offseason? With so much conflicting fitness advice online, it can be hard to know what matters most. In this episode, I break down the five essential elements that every curler's offseason training program should include to improve performance, reduce injury risk, and prepare for a stronger season on the ice. From assessments and strength training to conditioning, mobility, and long-term planning, you'll learn what separates a curling-specific program from a generic fitness routine. Whether you're training independently, following a program, or working with a coach, these five pillars can help ensure your efforts this summer translate into better performance next season. EP Lab's next training block begins June 8. Join now to access the final weeks of Phase 1 and receive both our full gym and limited-equipment training options designed specifically for curlers. Check out some past episodes: Episode 65: Why you aren't a better brusher Episode 54: Owning the position and creating force during brushing Episode 56: Core training 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

    41 min

  2. May 13

    Episode 94: Q&A on Training, Competing & Curling Through Pregnancy

    In this episode, I'm diving into a side of curling we don't talk about enough: training and competing during pregnancy. Over the past few years, we've seen more curlers stay on the ice while pregnant, which has raised a lot of important questions around training, performance, recovery, and support. This episode was inspired by a series of thoughtful questions from Ana Kubeskova of Czech Curling, and I wanted to expand on those conversations here in a way that could help athletes, coaches, teammates, and parents better understand what this process can look like. I share: • How training and curling adapt throughout pregnancy • What support systems, movement, and strength work matter most • What I've learned from working with pregnant and postpartum curlers I also talk about my own experience navigating pregnancy while curling, the education I pursued afterward, and what I've learned working with pregnant and postpartum athletes over the past few years. One of the biggest takeaways from this line of questionning is that pregnancy does not automatically mean stepping away from sport. With the right support, adjustments, and communication, many athletes can continue to train, curl, and feel strong throughout pregnancy. Whether you're currently pregnant, coaching an athlete who is, or simply curious about how athletes navigate this stage of life, I hope this episode gives you a better understanding of what's possible. A big thank you again to Ana Kubeskova and Czech Curling for inspiring this episode and these important conversations. Don't miss out on past episodes Episode 46: Laura Walker Episode 11: Return to Curling Episode 90: How to actually improve your balance 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @empoweredperformance 📰 Join the newsletter for more tools, tips, and resources to support your performance journey.

    42 min

  3. Apr 24

    Episode 93: Why most curlers plateau (and how to fix it)

    Most curlers don't plateau because they've hit their limit, they plateau because their training isn't set up to move them forward. In this episode, I break down the biggest mistakes I see in the offseason, from lack of structure and progression to doing too much too soon and not connecting training to curling performance. You'll learn what actually works: a clear plan, progression over time, and training that evolves with your season. If you've ever felt like you're just guessing with your workouts, this will give you direction. We're also heading into an assessment week starting May 11 inside EP Lab. If you want a plan that actually transfers to the ice, message me "LAB" and I'll send the details. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or visit: www.empoweredperformance.ca/podcast   Don't miss out on past episodes Episode 66: Considerations for first-year curlers, for athletes Episode 54: Owning the position and producing force while brushing Episode 63: Gaining an appreciation for ice making with Frazer Shaw part 1 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @empoweredperformance 📰 Join the newsletter for more tools, tips, and resources to support your performance journey.

    34 min

  4. Apr 1

    Episode 92: March 2026 Month in Review

    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 competitive season and step into the offseason with intention. In this episode, I'm sharing what the shift has looked like on my end, from finishing up on-ice sessions to leaning back into running and rebuilding my aerobic base (with a big focus on nasal breathing and honest reflection around where my fitness is at right now). We'll also get into what this time of year actually means for curlers. The offseason isn't about doing nothing or doing everything; it's about having a plan. I'm breaking down what we're working on inside the EP Lab with Fundamentals, why that matters, and how to think about your own next steps depending on where you're at. If you're feeling a bit lost, unmotivated, or unsure what to do now that the season is winding down, this episode will help you reset and move forward with direction. I'll also walk you through my free Assessment Week and the different ways you can train with me this offseason, whether you want structure, flexibility, or full 1-on-1 support. Short, real, and focused. Exactly what you need right now.   Episodes you don't want to miss: Episode 04: Don't make these same training mistakes Episode 15: Effort over outcome Episode 28: Using Performance Gap Analysis to dictate training   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

    41 min

  5. Mar 3

    Episode 91: February 2026 Month in Review

    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 happening behind the scenes in my world and inside Empowered Performance. In this February review, I'm walking you through a big professional milestone (getting officially certified as a Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coach), a much-needed family golf and beach vacation, and how my brain is already shifting toward offseason planning for curlers. I'm also sharing what's happening inside the EP Lab right now: what we've been focusing on during this in-season block, and what's coming next as we move into Fundamentals and Level 2 progressions. Plus, a quick look at what I'm watching (hello, the Brier & Paralympics), what I'm listening to, and a plea for your best sci-fi and fantasy book recommendations because the DNF streak is real. If you enjoy behind-the-scenes updates, training insights, and staying connected to the bigger picture of your development as a curler, this monthly recap will be your quick hit of direction and momentum. Don't miss out on these past episodes: ​Episode 07​: Mark Nichols ​Episode 37​: Jill Officer ​Episode 29​: Joanne Courtney   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

    27 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    Episode 90: How to actually improve balance in your delivery

    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

    28 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    Episode 89: Holiday Survival Guide

    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

    38 min

  8. 07/11/2025

    Episode 88: Mental Health Meets High Performance with Sarah Wilkes

    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.

    57 min
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out of 5
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About

A space for the competitive curler or coach looking to take ownership of their training & performance. An educational & empowering platform sharing with you the tools to succeed in the sport we love from leading experts, athletes & coaches. Empowered Performance is dedicated to helping curlers move better, so that they can compete & train pain free. The materials contained in the Empowered Performance for Curlers Podcast are for general health improvement recommendations only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Thompson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The information presented in this podcast is the intellectual property of Stephanie Thompson. Reproduction & Distribution of the presentations without written permission from the host is not permitted.
  • Show Website
    The Empowered Performance for Curlers Podcast

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