Behind The Shield

Sheila Thelen, President of Vestibular Training Services and Master Rated Figure Skating Coach, applied these world class vestibular training tools (US PATENTED) INNOVATION on how spinning affects the vestibular system and can improve the brain’s ability to balance the cognitive processes. How these sports innovation can help the entire general public.
Vestibular Training Services, LLC specializes in vestibular training tools addressing: Vestibular: Balance, Cognitive, Spatial & Sleep. Vestibular training enhances more than just balance—it sharpens memory, abstract thinking, and decision-making. Stimulating the vestibular system improves neural integration, helping the brain process spatial awareness and executive functions more efficiently.
The Romberg Test, a trusted measure of postural stability, highlights the connection between sensory integration and cognitive performance. Strengthening vestibular input leads to better neural responsiveness, improving cognitive flexibility. Movement refines the mind.

Michael D’Angelo was born and raised in Las Vegas. He left high school his junior year to join the Marines, escaping the war back home. The Corps saved his life, and after he got out, his buddies pushed him into standup comedy. He started performing in 2013, spent four years in the Vegas scene, then moved to LA to sharpen his skills.
In 2018 he launched the Rapid Fire Comedy Tour, a 501(c)(3) bringing live comedy to military and first responders. His mission for 2026 is expanding the tour’s reach- more bases, more shows, more morale.
Episode Sponsor:
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WildFitLife805 is a family-run business owned by Justin and Jenny Mahaffey. They have five kids and are passionate about challenging themselves to grow. As the driving force behind this Southern California company, Justin has been a wildland firefighter for 15 years. WildFitLife805 was born out of his commitment to growing stronger and building a community. Anyone is welcome — firefighters, athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and fitness beginners. There is a place for every journey in this incredible group of people!
As a firefighter, Justin understands the importance of taking risks the right way. He also understands that risks look different for everyone. To tackle any challenge successfully, you have to be smart about it. You have to have community to back you up. WildFitLife805 is the community you need. It’s a place full of people who are not strangers to facing challenges — people who have won/lost and learned enough to understand that both are worthwhile experiences.
Episode Sponsor:
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Thomas Newman is a coach, Sports Scientist and the Chief Innovation Officer at Hawkin Dynamics. We discuss his journey into sports, the power of Sports Science data analysis, tactical athlete selection, fostering longevity, sleep and recovery, his own physical and mental recovery journey following a brain tumor, his non-profit and so much more.
Spanning nearly two decades, Thomas Newman's career in sports performance is a testament to his unparalleled ability to not only optimize athlete development but also provide a truly customized service for each client. Newman's approach is visionary, blending the precision of sports science with unwavering leadership and an innovative spirit. His hallmark is the adept integration of data science, athlete development, and program design.
Newman’s role as a dynamic thought leader is evidenced by his profound contributions to the understanding of athlete biomechanics, talent identification, and investment strategies. He stands as a beacon of inspiration, with his presentations resonating with audiences globally—from specialized tactical teams to international sports science gatherings. This ability to inspire extends beyond the podium; it reflects his passion for educating and advocating for his clients, empowering them to focus on their strengths while he and his team manage the complexities of their careers in both physical development and performance optimization.
Newman’s innovative research, particularly his application of economic models to recruitment strategies, demonstrates a unique capacity to navigate and solve the most complex challenges in sports with practical, impactful solutions.
Thomas Newman is more than an expert; he is a pioneer whose forward-thinking and dedication to athlete development are profound. His commitment to his clients is unwavering, characterized by a deep dedication to ensuring their success and well-being. It is this commitment that has made Newman not only a trusted advisor but also a passionate advocate for athletes at every stage of their careers on and off the field.
In every facet of his career, Thomas Newman exemplifies a commitment to excellence, passion for innovation, and a genuine desire to advocate for and educate his clients. This blend of qualities not only defines his professional identity but also establishes the Newman HP team as an essential pillar in the careers of athletes aiming for the pinnacle of performance.

Dr. Dave Rabin MD, PhD is a board-certified psychiatrist, translational neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and inventor who has studied resilience and the impact of chronic stress on our lives for over 15 years. Dr. Rabin and his team collaborate with clients at the Apollo Clinic, empowering clients to take control of their mental and physical health by tapping into our abilities to adapt and heal ourselves.
In addition to focusing on integration therapy, plant and natural medicines, couples therapy, and medicine-assisted psychotherapy, and technology-based therapeutics, Dr. Rabin specializes in treatment-resistant mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosomatic disorders, personality disorders, chronic pain disorders, insomnia, and substance use disorders using minimal and non-invasive treatment strategies.
Unlike other wearables, this is not a biometric tracking device. Apollo is a therapeutic wearable, designed to be worn discreetly on the wrist, ankle, or anywhere by clipping it to your clothing, that works by sending gentle vibrations to the body that signal safety to the brain. It's a safe, non-invasive way to relax, get the sleep you need, focus your attention, and find your flow. Using the Apollo wearable consistently over time helps to retrain your nervous system, helping you recover from stress and feel better overall.

Episode Sponsor:
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