The Higher Powered Podcast

Faith in Practice: Episode 30: Do you want to feel better or get better?

In this episode, Kurt Kessler shares a deeply personal story about navigating hurt and pride through a faith-driven lens. Moving beyond simply feeling better, he emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, humility, and authentic accountability. It's a guide to transforming emotional pain into opportunity for spiritual refinement. KEY TOPICS: * The difference between feeling better and getting better in a spiritual context * Recognizing pride as a barrier to growth and how Satan exploits it * The importance of community and accountability in spiritual development * How Scripture, specifically Matthew 16:24–25, guides us to deny ourselves and embrace transformation * The role of humility and truth in sharpening one’s character * Practical steps to seek honest feedback and correction from trusted believers * The significance of aligning identity with Christ rather than self-pride TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction: Emotions deeply felt and the struggle with unhealthy responses 00:33 - Personal story of hurt and the tendency to bury feelings 01:01 - The shift toward sharing with accountability rather than hiding 01:30 - The importance of seeking truth, not just validation 01:57 - Gratitude for God-placed men of faith for spiritual growth 02:28 - The distinction between feeling better and truly getting better 02:55 - The role of community in correction and encouragement 03:23 - How Satan uses pride to distort our emotions and thoughts 03:53 - The biblical perspective: Matthew 16:24–25 and denying self 04:23 - The power of accountability and spiritual sharpening 04:52 - Recognizing pride as a spiritual attack and resisting it 05:20 - Scripture as a foundation for identity and transformation in Christ 05:31 - Embracing death to self as a form of spiritual refinement 05:59 - Returning to Scripture as the true source of identity and growth 06:27 - The value of seeking honest, sometimes tough, truth from trusted believers 06:47 - Closing encouragement: humility and community are keys to true growth and transformation CONNECT WITH KURT: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/]

Episode 30: Do you want to feel better or get better?

In this episode, expert physiotherapist Kurt Kessler breaks down why chasing pain often keeps athletes stuck in a cycle of injury and setbacks. He reveals how the healthcare system’s focus on cost and volume compromises long-term readiness—and what you, as an athlete or active individual, need to prioritize instead. You’ll uncover why pain isn’t a reliable marker of how ready your body really is—akin to silencing a smoke alarm without putting out the fire—and what it takes to get truly prepared. Feeling better is not the same as getting better—even though most healthcare systems treat them as if they are. If you want real resilience, durability, and long-term performance, understanding the difference could be the game-changer. Pain relief alone is a temporary fix; true recovery means rebuilding capacity so your body can handle the demands of sport and life without flaring up again. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introducing the distinction: feel better vs get better 00:25 - Why many athletes stop rehab early after pain relief 01:20 - What it really means to get stronger and resilient 02:22 - Pain as a poor metric for sport readiness 02:51 - The pain cycle and why addressing symptoms alone fails long-term recovery 03:20 - Pain is like a smoke alarm, not the full picture 03:49 - The injury cycle and re-injury risk when focusing only on pain relief 04:19 - Restoring capacity vs silencing symptoms 04:36 - What truly gets an athlete back to full performance 05:05 - Importance of strength testing and symmetry in rehab progression 05:33 - Why pain-free doesn’t equal performance-ready 06:04 - Systemic issues: insurance, clinic volume, and care limitations 06:35 - How insurance influences the number of rehab visits and system incentives 07:03 - The reality faced by PTs in traditional settings and system constraints 07:32 - Why managing pain doesn’t guarantee safe return to sport 08:02 - Need for objective return-to-sport testing and progressive overload 08:28 - Switching athlete mindset from “Does it hurt?” to “Can it handle the demands” 09:26 - Practical questions for parents evaluating a child's recovery 09:38 - Relief isn’t the goal; durability and resilience are 10:07 - Final reminder: get stronger than before, not just pain-free CONNECT: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/ [https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/] kurt@hpsportspt.com

Faith in Practice Episode 29: One of One

In this episode, explore how embracing your unique purpose can lead to true authenticity and confidence. Kurt Kessler discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and the power of aligning with your distinct mission. Tune in for practical insights and scripture-based tips to help you step into your true self and make a meaningful impact. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: The Hero's Story Discover the relevance of a Green Beret's journey to life and faith. *   00:33 - John Wayne Walding's Resilience Explore the inspiring story of resilience and its lessons for personal purpose. 01:25 - Living Uniquely and Sharing Your Message Learn how to identify and articulate your unique strengths. 02:52 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Insights on combating imposter syndrome through faith and identity. 04:15 - The Trap of Comparison Understand the impact of comparison on faith and how to overcome it. 06:31 - Biblical Affirmations of Purpose Dive into scripture for affirmations of your created purpose. 07:39 - Confidence in God's Design Find confidence in aligning with God's craftsmanship. 09:02 - Living Out Your God-Given Purpose Embrace your purpose despite societal standards. 10:27 - Impacting Your World with Stewardship Discover the importance of humility and stewardship in your impact. 13:08 - Embracing Your Unique Design Final thoughts on faith, authenticity, and embracing your story. CONNECT https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/ [https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/] hpsportspt@gmail.com [hpsportspt@gmail.com]

Episode 29: Functional Strength Training

In this episode, Kurt Kessler discusses functional strength training, emphasizing its importance in improving everyday movements and overall health. He outlines the benefits of consistent exercise, including mental health improvements and chronic disease prevention. Kessler also addresses common objections to exercise and highlights the significance of guidance in safe practice, especially for those in pain or new to fitness. CONNECT: kurt@hpsportspt.com [kurt@hpsportspt.com] https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/ [https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/] Keywords functional strength training, health benefits, exercise, rehabilitation, strength training, everyday movements, objections to exercise, fitness guidance Chapters 00:00 Understanding Functional Strength Training 09:25 The Importance of Consistent Exercise 11:16 Overcoming Common Objections to Exercise 18:08 Guidance for Safe Exercise Practices

Faith in Practice: Episode 28: Finding Strength in Doubt

In this episode of Faith in Practice, Kurt Kessler shares his transformative journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the Bible and understanding its teachings. He reflects on his experiences at a men's retreat, the challenges of reading scripture, and the profound impact of learning about John the Baptist's role in the New Testament. Kurt discusses the nature of doubt in faith, encouraging listeners to bring their questions to God and to remain faithful during periods of waiting and uncertainty. The episode concludes with a message of hope and the assurance that God is always at work in our lives. CONNECT: hpsportspt@gmail.com [hpsportspt@gmail.com] https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/ [https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/] Keywords faith, transformation, Bible, John the Baptist, doubt, encouragement, spiritual growth, Holy Spirit, personal testimony, seeking God Chapters 00:00 A Shift in Perspective 02:59 The Journey into the Word 05:47 Understanding John the Baptist 09:08 Doubt and Divine Calling 18:07 Faith in the Waiting 24:14 Encouragement in Seasons of Silence