Dr. Emily Splichal: Foot Health is the Gateway to Improved Performance and Cognitive Function

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Want to know the real deal about fixing feet and unlocking performance? Join renowned functional podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal as we dive into barefoot living, foot health myths, and how your feet can impact everything from athletic performance to daily movement. 

In this episode of The Ready State podcast, Kelly and Juliet Starrett explore why foot strength and sensory stimulation are game-changers for balance, posture, and long-term health. Discover simple exercises, the truth about orthotics, and how to optimize your foot function for better performance at any age. Whether you're an athlete, a parent, or just curious about barefooting, this conversation will change how you think about your feet. Don't miss it!

✅ What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why your feet are the gateway to brain-body performance
• How modern shoes are de-training your nervous system
• The difference between flat feet and weak feet
• What barefoot stimulation does for balance, posture, and gait
• Why slippers and house shoes are secretly ruining your feet
• The five-minute foot protocol Dr. Emily recommends to everyone
• How sensory stacking supercharges rehab and performance
• Why your glutes, diaphragm, pelvic floor, and feet are one system
• The truth about barefoot hygiene (hint: your feet are cleaner than your hands)

Key Highlights: 

00:00 - Intro

00:50 - Laird Superfood

03:14 - Foot Obsession: Why It Matters

07:36 - Becoming a Functional Podiatrist

11:27 - Naboso Technology

17:45 - Understanding Neuroplasticity

20:25 - Sensory Stacking Explained

21:54 - Issues with Maximalist Shoes

25:25 - Use Cases for Maximalist Shoes

28:45 - Foot Care Essentials

32:43 - LMNT Overview

35:20 - Daily Foot Program Benefits

38:31 - Flat Feet and Orthotics Discussion

46:10 - Dr. Emily's New Book: Sensory Sapiens Insights

48:20 - Benefits of Being Barefoot

49:55 - Disease Risks of Barefoot Walking

55:15 - Dosing Barefoot Training

57:30 - Naboso Footbed Features

60:47 - Kids' Foot Health

66:21 - Offense vs Defense in Foot Health

68:00 - Understanding ACL Tears

71:45 - Resources for ACL Recovery

74:00 - Finding Dr. Emily

Sponsors

This episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by Laird Superfood, Momentous, and LMNT.