The Higher Powered Podcast

Kurt Kessler

5.0 (8)
Medicine
Complete

The Higher Powered Podcast is a biweekly show hosted by Kurt Kessler, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC. The show discusses various topics in the world of physical therapy, sports medicine, and health and fitness. The goal is to give the listener practical education that can be applied for the purposes of betterment of knowledge, fitness, and pursuit of the best care in the world of sports medicine.

2d ago

Faith in Practice: Episode 42: More Effort Does Not Equal More Control

Kurt Kessler explores the tension between working hard and surrendering to God's plan, emphasizing trust, faithfulness, and the importance of letting go of control. Keywords faith, surrender, control, trust, biblical principles, spiritual growth, prayer, God's plan, work ethic, peace in faith Key Topics The difference between working harder and trusting God Proverbs 16:9 and the importance of divine guidance The story of Gideon's army and God's power in weakness Paul’s experience with the thorn in the flesh and God's grace Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane as an example of surrender The danger of control-driven work and ambition Seeking first the kingdom of God as a path to provision The importance of holding desires with an open hand The role of faithfulness regardless of outcomes Practical steps to surrender control and find peace Takeaways Working harder can become a form of control rather than faithfulness God establishes our steps, not our plans or efforts True surrender involves trusting God's sovereignty even when outcomes are uncertain God's power is made perfect in weakness, not in strength or control The most faithful action is often to surrender and trust, not to manipulate outcomes Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The struggle between effort and trust 01:59 Proverbs 16:9 and the importance of divine guidance 04:09 The story of Gideon and trusting God's power in weakness 08:08 Paul’s experience with the thorn in the flesh and God's grace 09:33 Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane as a model of surrender 11:02 The difference between working hard and surrendering to God's plan 12:01 Practical steps to surrender control and find peace 13:09 Closing prayer and reflection on trusting God's sovereignty CONNECT: hpsportspt@gmail.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/
Oct 26

Episode 42: What Compression Gear Actually Does During Cold Games

In this episode, Kurt Kessler explores whether compression gear actually enhances athletic performance in cold weather, examining scientific research and practical insights for athletes. Keywords compression gear, cold weather performance, athletic recovery, sports science, sports gear, performance enhancement Key Topics Effect of compression gear on performance and recovery Research findings on skin and core temperature Practical strategies for cold weather sports The role of warm-up and layering in cold conditions Misconceptions about compression gear Takeaways Compression gear helps maintain skin and tissue warmth but does not significantly improve core temperature or performance. Research shows small benefits in sprinting and jumping, mainly aiding comfort and readiness. Proper warm-up and layering are more effective than relying solely on compression gear. Compression gear can aid recovery by reducing soreness and improving muscle readiness. Understanding the hierarchy of movement, clothing, and gear is key to optimal performance in cold weather. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to compression gear in cold weather sports 01:28 What does the research say about performance effects? 03:10 Skin temperature vs. core temperature in cold conditions 04:56 Why maintaining muscle warmth matters during inactivity 06:20 Comfort and perception in cold weather sports 08:12 Limitations of compression gear and proper warm-up 10:28 Recovery benefits of compression garments 12:10 Practical advice for athletes in cold weather 13:17 Summary: How to use gear and fundamentals effectively CONNECT: kurt@hpsportspt.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/
Oct 19

Faith in Practice: Episode 41: We Are All Sheep

Kurt Kessler explores the biblical metaphor of sheep to illustrate our spiritual need for guidance, care, and trust in God as our shepherd. This episode offers insights into how we can recognize our wandering tendencies and turn back to the Good Shepherd for direction and reassurance. Keywords faith, sheep, shepherd, spiritual guidance, Psalm 23, Isaiah 53, Christian reflection, trust in God, spiritual life, God's care Key Topics The biblical metaphor of sheep and shepherds Our tendency to wander spiritually The importance of community and discernment God's character as the Good Shepherd Recognizing and following Jesus' voice takeaways We are like sheep, vulnerable and in need of guidance. Sheep are not dumb; they are dependent and need protection. God's care is active, as shown in Psalm 23 and Luke 15. We often drift away gradually, not suddenly. Listening to the voice of Jesus is essential for spiritual health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Why the Bible Compares Us to Sheep 02:00 Sheep as a Metaphor for Our Spiritual Needs 03:24 How We Drift Away from God 04:15 The Influence of Community and Social Media 05:14 Our Need for Care and Dependence on God 06:12 Walking Through Dark Valleys with Faith 07:08 Recognizing Jesus' Voice and Growing in Trust 08:08 The Good Shepherd's Sacrifice and Search for the Lost 09:20 Reflecting on Our Wandering and God's Love 10:17 Closing Prayer and Reflection CONNECT: hpsportspt@gmail.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/
Oct 12

Episode 41: The Science of Warm-Ups and Recovery for Runners

In this episode, Kurt Kessler explores the science behind effective warm-up and recovery strategies for runners, emphasizing movement, specificity, and understanding the purpose of each routine to enhance performance and prevent injury. Keywords running, warm-up, recovery, athletic performance, injury prevention, dynamic stretching, hydration, nutrition, sleep, training adaptation Key Topics The purpose of warm-up in running Key ingredients of an effective warm-up Dynamic vs static stretching Specificity in warm-up routines Post-run recovery essentials Importance of hydration, nutrition, and sleep Recovery as part of training Common misconceptions about stretching Takeaways A good warm-up prepares your body for the demands of running. Dynamic movement is more effective than static stretching before activity. Recovery is integral to training and performance improvement. Fundamentals like hydration, nutrition, and sleep outweigh gadgets. Understanding the purpose behind routines increases adherence and effectiveness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Science Behind Better Athletes 00:57 Why Warm-Up Is More Than Just a Routine 02:20 How Your Body Transitions to Performance 03:45 What a Warm-Up Actually Accomplishes 05:01 Ingredients of an Effective Warm-Up 07:14 Specificity and Dynamic Movements in Warm-Up 09:07 The Role of Static Stretching and Flexibility 12:15 Why Movement and Preparation Matter 13:06 Post-Workout Recovery and Adaptation 16:43 Practical Recovery Tips for Runners 21:08 Mythbusting Stretching and Soreness 23:36 Key Takeaways and Final Advice CONNECT: kurt@hpsportspt.com https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/
Oct 5

Faith in Practice: Episode 40: You Still Love Me When I Do Bad

Kurt Kessler reflects on parenting, faith, and managing emotions through insights from his recent reading and personal experiences. This episode offers practical advice on how to lead with grace, influence positively, and see challenges through a spiritual lens. Keywords parenting, faith, grace, emotional control, spiritual growth, Justin Whitmel Earley, habits of the household, God's love, discipline, patience Key topics Parenting as a reflection of spiritual identity The importance of establishing family rhythms that include God The difference between reacting and responding in parenting The role of grace in discipline and influence Understanding control versus influence in parenting The significance of seeing children as image bearers The impact of emotional reactions on parenting The power of prayer in parenting moments The concept of being a thermostat versus a thermometer Trusting God's sovereignty in parenting challenges Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting and Faith 02:34 The Thermostat and Thermometer Analogy in Parenting 04:54 Influence vs. Control in Parenting 09:05 Controlling Emotions and Authority 12:00 Trusting God's Provision and Overcoming Anxiety 13:22 Lessons from Airport Anxiety and Trust 14:49 God's Love and Our Actions 15:17 The Unconditional Love of God and Parenting 16:28 Being Children of God First 17:26 Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts CONNECT: hpsportspt@gmail.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/
Sep 28

Episode 40: Stretching Does Not Mean Flexibility

This episode explores the science behind flexibility, debunking common myths and providing practical strategies for athletes, coaches, and parents to develop lasting, sport-specific flexibility through strength and movement control. Keywords flexibility, mobility, stretching, sports performance, strength training, movement control, athletic training, muscle lengthening, injury prevention Key Topics Difference between flexibility and mobility The misconception that stretching lengthens muscles The role of nervous system in flexibility Structural changes from stretching and how long they take Active vs passive flexibility and their importance Integrating strength training to improve flexibility The importance of movement patterns over individual muscles Flexibility considerations for different sports and athletes Growth spurts and temporary mobility limitations in adolescents Practical strategies for developing sport-specific flexibility Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and its focus on flexibility 04:54 The concept of increased stretch tolerance and nervous system adaptation 06:37 Structural changes in muscles and how long they take 08:32 How athletes develop true, functional flexibility 09:12 The importance of strength and control in flexibility 12:20 Active vs passive flexibility and their relevance in sports 15:18 Resistance training as a tool for improving flexibility 16:04 The role of stretching as a starting point, not the finish line 17:00 How to measure real progress in flexibility 19:16 Movement patterns and the body's integrated system 20:28 Limitations of passive flexibility and the importance of control 22:24 A progression approach: expose, strengthen, and integrate 26:26 Strengthening muscles in lengthened positions for better transfer 28:36 Addressing hip flexors and adductors in flexibility training 31:15 The complexity of shoulder and thoracic mobility 33:44 Optimal dosage and frequency of stretching 35:15 Practical application: using new ranges immediately 36:02 Growth spurts and temporary mobility issues in adolescents 39:32 Myth vs reality in flexibility and injury prevention 40:54 Key takeaways: flexibility is a skill, not just a goal CONNECT: kurt@hpsportspt.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/
Sep 21

Faith in Practice: Episode 39: Paid in Full

The gospel is not that Jesus paid most of the bill and left you to cover the rest. It is finished means exactly that - finished. If you keep living like your faith has a balance due, this episode will challenge that instinct and show you why grace changes everything.Kurt Kessler uses a scene from Friends to expose a surprisingly common Christian reflex: slipping our own “$20” under the receipt after Jesus has already paid in full. What starts as a sitcom moment becomes a sharp picture of how easily believers drift into earning, proving, and performing, even when they already know salvation is by grace through faith.You'll discover: Why John 19:30 matters far more than a comforting phraseWhat the Greek word tetelestai meant in the world of debt and paymentHow Colossians 2:13-14 reframes sin as a canceled legal recordThe difference between obedience that flows from love and obedience that tries to buy loveWhy legalism and cheap grace both miss the heart of the gospelKurt also unpacks why Christians so often respond to failure by hiding, striving, and overcorrecting instead of running back to the Father. Using Adam and Eve, the “fig leaves” we still make today, and the logic of Ephesians 2, he makes the case that good works are the fruit of salvation, not the price of admission.This episode matters because the way you understand grace shapes everything - how you pray, how you serve, how you fight sin, and how you see yourself after you fail. If you've ever felt like God's approval rises and falls with your performance, this conversation brings you back to what the cross actually says.Perfect for anyone who knows the gospel in their head but keeps living like it depends on their effort. If you need a clear, grounding reminder that Jesus already picked up the check, this one will stay with you. CONNECT: hpsportspt@gmail.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/
Sep 14

Episode 39: Hydration for Athletes

Hydration is not just about drinking more water...it is one of the most overlooked performance tools in sports. Kurt Kessler breaks down why even a small fluid deficit can make workouts feel harder, slow decision-making, and quietly drain performance before most athletes realize what is happening.Rather than treating hydration like a simple “drink when you’re thirsty” problem, Kurt shows why that advice falls short for athletes training in heat, sweating heavily, or stacking long practices and tournaments. He explains the difference between surviving on water and actually preparing your body to perform, recover, and stay healthy. You’ll discover: Why thirst is a late signal, not a performance strategyWhat the “2% body weight loss” threshold really means in the real worldWhy pee color is useful, but not a complete hydration testHow hydration changes when exercise is long, hot, or intenseWhy sodium matters just as much as water after hard sessionsWhen sports drinks, electrolyte mixes, coffee, and energy drinks actually make senseKurt also tackles some of the biggest misunderstandings in sports hydration, including the myth that cramps are caused by dehydration alone and the idea that chugging water right before practice can make up for a day of under-drinking. His bigger point is simple: hydration works best when it is built across the day, matched to your sweat rate, and adjusted to the demands of your sport.He also shares practical recovery advice, including how to think about post-practice fluid replacement, why food matters as part of hydration, and how coaches can start a smarter hydration conversation in just seconds before practice.Essential listening for athletes, parents, and coaches who want a clearer, more useful approach to hydration. If you want better performance tomorrow, it starts with what you do long before practice begins. CONNECT: kurt@hpsportspt.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/

5

out of 5

8 Ratings

The Higher Powered Podcast is a biweekly show hosted by Kurt Kessler, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC. The show discusses various topics in the world of physical therapy, sports medicine, and health and fitness. The goal is to give the listener practical education that can be applied for the purposes of betterment of knowledge, fitness, and pursuit of the best care in the world of sports medicine.

Creator

Kurt Kessler
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

85
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Kurt Kessler
Show Website

The Higher Powered Podcast