In this episode of Meredyth with a Why, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Risa August—author, coach, and truly one of the most courageous women I’ve met.

After being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Risa didn’t shrink from life—she expanded. She got on a bike and rode 1,845 miles from Canada to Mexico—solo. But what really blew me away is that the ride was just the beginning.

This conversation is so much more than a story of an epic cycling trip. It’s about reinvention, resilience, and how we reclaim our lives—especially as our bodies change and our priorities shift.

In this episode, Risa and I dive into: - How her brain tumor became a turning point, not a stopping point

- The raw and real experience of biking down the entire U.S. West Coast alone

- Why saying “I think I’m ready to be pampered now” can be just as bold as doing 1,800 miles solo

- What “1845” means—and how it might change how you look at rest

- The impact of her book The Road Unpaved (which has now won 6 awards!)

- And yep—her journey to turning it all into a screenplay

We also talk about the pressure so many of us (especially women) feel to earn our rest and always be doing. This episode is a beautiful reminder that you don’t need an excuse to pause. You’re allowed to just be.

If you’ve ever felt like your life needs a reset, or you’re navigating a big change and wondering what’s next, I promise you—this conversation is for you.

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00:00 Introducing Risa August

05:14 The Diagnosis and Aftermath

07:39 Life After Surgery

11:33 Transformation and New Perspectives

17:15 The Decision to Bike Coast to Coast

24:57 Training and Preparation

27:27 The Cycling Journey Begins

29:05 Embracing Vulnerability

33:31 The Gift of Authenticity

43:07 Living Life Fully

50:52 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

 

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Ready to dive even deeper? I’m handing you the keys to the castle! If you loved this episode and want more, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss out! Let’s stay connected—find me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

 

🔗 Connect with Risa:

• Visit her website: risaaugust.com

• Grab her book: The Road Unpaved - https://www.risaaugust.com/my-book.html