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 - elina@fullrangewellness.com
• 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 - eddieu032@gmail.com
• 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 - brian@thechristianathlete.com
• 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 - seth@limitless.physio
• 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.

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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 - jake@recoveryfirefly.com
• 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

Landon Sullivan Bio:

My name is Landon Sullivan, and I am a basketball player who was born and raised in Nashville, TN. I eventually moved down to Florida to a prep school called IMG Academy for my final two years of high school. This inevitably led me to receive interest from 50 colleges to play basketball at the collegiate level. I am currently a freshman playing at a high-academic school called Brandeis University, and my dream is to play professionally.

Contact Landon:

• Instagram - LASullivan15
• X - LASullivan15

Summary:

In this episode of the Achieving Peak Performance podcast, Dr. Keith interviews Landon Sullivan, a promising young basketball player who shares his journey from Nashville to IMG Academy and his aspirations for a professional basketball career. Landon discusses the importance of balancing academics with athletics, the challenges of dedication, and offers valuable advice for young athletes and their parents.

Takeaways:

• Landon Sullivan started playing basketball in second grade.
• He transferred to IMG Academy to pursue his basketball dreams.
• IMG Academy offers a unique environment focused on sports and academics.
• Dedication to basketball requires sacrifices in social life.
• Landon aims to play professional basketball after college.
• He emphasizes the importance of discipline in sports and life.
• Staying connected with friends is possible despite distance.
• Young athletes must outwork their competition to succeed.
• Parents should ensure their kids enjoy their sports.
• Discipline learned in sports translates to future careers.

Contact Hosts:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein

Summary:

In this episode of the Achieving Peak Performance podcast, Dr. Keith Brennan discusses the significance of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) for student athletes, emphasizing the importance of personal branding, mindset shifts, and financial education. He explores how athletes can balance NIL opportunities with their training and academic responsibilities, the role of money in personal development, and the common pitfalls athletes face when monetizing their brand. Additionally, Dr. Brennan highlights the legal and ethical considerations surrounding NIL, providing valuable insights for young athletes navigating this new landscape.

Takeaways:

• NIL is not just about money; it's about personal branding.
• Competition in sports prepares athletes for life challenges.
• Mindset is crucial for managing NIL opportunities.
• Financial education is essential for young athletes.
• Balancing academics, training, and NIL is challenging but necessary.
• Money can be a tool for good in communities.
• Building a personal brand requires intentionality and guidance.
• Common missteps include impulsive decisions and emotional reactions.
• Legal and ethical considerations are vital in NIL agreements.
• Surrounding yourself with the right people is key to success.

Contact Hosts:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein

Ron Dickson Bio:

Ron Dickson is a U.S. Army Veteran with over two decades of experience in insurance sales and currently serves as a Commercial Insurance Broker licensed in all 50 states. He has coached baseball, softball, basketball, and football for more than 20 years and is an active NCAA Fastpitch Umpire, working his way up to the Division II level. In 2023, just three days after coming off crutches from a serious knee surgery, Ron and his family lost their home to a devastating fire. Out of that life-altering moment, he launched his Sports Performance Coaching business—focused on mindset and physical training—as a certified USA Weightlifting Coach and current NASM Sports Performance Coach candidate.Ron is married to Brittany Dickson, and together they have a blended family of 7 children and 3 grandchildren, with another on the way this month. When he’s not working, Ron enjoys training with friends, spending time with his big family, and cheering on five of their younger kids as they compete in basketball, soccer, football, golf, and softball.

Contact Ron Dickson:

• Facebook - Ron Dickson
• Instagram - dicksonron
• Email - rondickson9897@gmail.com

Summary:

In this conversation, Dr. Keith, Rob Stein, and Ron Dickson discuss the importance of mindset in athletics, the challenges athletes face, and how to help them build resilience. They emphasize the need for realistic expectations, the role of breathwork and prayer in managing stress, and the significance of pushing through challenges to foster growth. The discussion also touches on the responsibilities of parents and coaches in guiding young athletes through their journeys.

Takeaways:

• Mindset is crucial for athletes' success.
• Setting realistic expectations helps manage disappointments.
• Breathwork can be an effective tool for stress management.
• Parents should encourage kids to face challenges.
• Prayer can significantly impact mindset and resilience.
• Athletes often face mental challenges before physical ones.
• Building resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.
• Coaches play a vital role in shaping athletes' mindsets.
• It's important to find joy in sports despite challenges.
• Pushing through discomfort can lead to personal growth.

Contact Your Hosts:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein