In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Tyler Lesher, head athletic trainer for UCLA men's basketball, discusses the current state of athletic training in the US, the importance of gut health in recovery, and the challenges faced by athletic trainers. He emphasizes the need for a balance between research and clinical practice, the gut-brain connection, and practical interventions for improving gut health. Tyler also shares insights on assessing gut health and the significance of testing for athletes. Main talking points: • Athletic training jobs are declining due to various factors.• Gut health is crucial for overall recovery and performance.• Research can often be biased and not applicable to real-world scenarios.• Chronic inflammation can hinder recovery processes.• Fasting and cold water immersion can improve gut health.• The gut-brain axis significantly affects mental health.• Personalized testing is essential for understanding individual gut health.• Athletes should keep a food and symptom journal to identify triggers.• Interventions for gut health should be tailored to the individual.• Communication with athletes about nutrition is vital for their performance.