My balance has always been terrible. It didn't matter if I was on a skateboard, a balance beam, or in tree pose in yoga; I've always found it incredibly challenging to stay steady. Some people are just better at balance than others, but when I was about 30 years old, I realized my extremely-high arches and tight calves were largely to blame. Today, I still have excessively high arches, but I've managed to stretch and relax them down dramatically, and it's improved my running and walking gate as well as my yoga practice tremendously. Most importantly, I know that strong and flexible feet will  positively impact the health of my upstream joints long term. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet Dr. Emily Splichal. A podiatrist and movement expert whose research and teaching around foot health is the best I've found. I just finished her book and am excited for you to meet here. ------------ Listen & Learn: Joint Coupling: why the foundational foot connection and alignment to the floor has cascading up-stream effects into the knees, hips,  spine and more Tissue Stress Threshold: the breaking point where you over-stress your feet to the point of pain and in Foot-to-Core Sequencing: why proprioception and neuromuscular awareness is key to healthy walking, sports, and movement patterns At-Home Exercise: "Short Foot" exercise to strengthen, heal and restore food health ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr Splichal is a Podiatrist, Human Movement Specialist and Global Leader in Barefoot Science and Rehabilitation. Originally trained as a surgeon through Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, NY and Mt Vernon Hospital in Mt Vernon, NY Dr Splichal has a deep appreciation for the role of surgical intervention as it relates to orthopedic pathology and offers an un-biased second opinion on the appropriateness of surgical recommendations. She is the author of, Everyday Is Your Runway: A Shoe-Lover's Guide to Healthy Feet & Legs, Barefoot Strong: Unlock the Secrets to Movement Longevity Nutritional Tip of the Week: Curry Powder Links & References from the Show: Dr. Emily's Site VIDEO: Short Foot Tutorial Barefoot Strong Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: PuraTHRIVE- Discover the breakthrough nutrient delivery system that combines nature and technology to maximize absorption, potency and bioavailability. PuraTHRIVE provides high-quality, guaranteed products that enable people to lead healthier lives. It helps empower people to thrive physically, mentally and spiritually! Visit https://purathrive.com/yogabody to get exclusive 10% off for Yoga Talk Show Listeners Learn More