Ageless Athlete - Longevity Insights From Adventure Sports Icons

In this sequel to our popular “5 Commandments” episode, we bring you five more principles for achieving longevity and fulfillment in sport and life. These lessons, drawn from the incredible lives of world-class athletes who have starred in this show, go beyond training techniques to explore mental resilience, community, and balance.

Through their inspiring journeys, these athletes show us what it means to push limits, live with purpose, and give back. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an athlete, or just someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Balance Passion with Patience:
   • Hans Florine, El Capitan’s legendary speed climber, shares how consistency and calculated risks paved his path to greatness.
   • Meghan Canfield, an ultra-running powerhouse who peaked in her 50s, teaches us the value of perseverance and pacing in both sport and life.
2. Build Community:
   • Maggie & Chuck Odette, a climbing power couple, explain how their shared love of climbing has forged deeper connections and mutual growth.
   • David Wiens, Hall of Fame mountain biker, highlights how community and mentorship elevated his career and the sport itself.
3. Give Back to Find Fulfillment:
   • Gary Linden, a pioneer of big-wave surfing, shows how creating opportunities for others amplifies personal success.
   • Katherine Hayes, an adaptive sports trailblazer, reflects on her life’s work making outdoor sports accessible for everyone.
4. Strengthen Your Mind Daily:
   • Hazel Findlay, one of the world’s top trad climbers, shares how mastering her mind helped her overcome fear and self-doubt on the rock.
   • Marshall Ulrich, ultramarathon icon, talks about harnessing mental resilience to endure 3,000 miles of running across America.
5. Pursue Balance Between Sport and Life:
   • Jeremiah Bishop, pro mountain biker and adventurer, reveals how he balances family, career, and his passion for impossible routes.
   • Ben Moon, climbing icon and founder of Moon Climbing, reflects on achieving his peak twice—decades apart—and creating a legacy of innovation in training.
6. References:
   • Hans Florine's Episode
   • Meghan Canfield's Episode
   • Maggie & Chuck Odette's Episode
   • David Wiens' Episode
   • Gary Linden's Episode
   • Katherine Hayes’ Episode
   • Hazel Findlay's Episode
   • Marshall Ulrich's Episode
   • Jeremiah Bishop's Episode
   • Ben Moon's Episode

Physivantage offers supplements designed by outdoor athletes for recovery, hydration, and peak performance. If you're serious about reaching your goals, use code AGELESS15 at checkout for a special discount! 

https://physivantage.com/?ref=AGELESS15

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"Living with purpose and humor creates a ‘lifewish’—celebrating every day and, if you’re lucky enough to climb high, bringing someone along with you.”🏔️

Today's guest is none other than the legendary Timmy O’Neill. For those of you who know his name, you'll recognize the extraordinary feats he’s accomplished in climbing. But to introduce Timmy as merely a climber would be to only scratch the surface. What you're about to hear is more than just a conversation about climbing—it's a deep dive into a philosophy of life that transcends any sport.

Timmy O’Neill is a master at weaving together an incredible, multifaceted career. He has not only shattered records on the vertical walls of Yosemite—completing daring speed ascents of iconic routes like El Capitan—but has also been an outspoken advocate for adaptive sports, a musician, a comedian, and a humanitarian. His work with adaptive athletes has opened up the world of climbing to people who once thought adventure was out of their reach.

And that’s the thing about Timmy—he's not just a climber, but a force for inclusion and transformation in the outdoor world. He believes that the mountains—and nature—are spaces where we can heal, grow, and connect, regardless of our physical limitations or life circumstances.

In this rare interview, we explore the philosophy that has guided him: how to live a life of purpose, and how the outdoors can be a place where anyone can redefine their limits. Timmy also shares how he's built a life of passion that spans so many arenas—balancing humor, creativity, and humanitarian work alongside his climbing career. Whether you're a climber or not, Timmy’s approach to resilience, adaptation, and truly living life to the fullest has something for everyone.

Key Takeaways:

• Replace Fear with Wonder: Timmy discusses how climbing mirrors life’s challenges, teaching us to replace fear with curiosity and live fully in the present.
• Living with a "Lifewish": For Timmy, living with purpose and humor creates a Lifewish, a mindset that celebrates each day and finds joy in the journey, not just the destination.
• Adventure as Service: Timmy believes that if you’re fortunate enough to experience the peaks, it’s essential to bring others with you, especially through supporting adaptive sports and inclusive outdoor spaces.
• Lessons from Adaptive Athletes: Working with adaptive climbers, Timmy has witnessed profound resilience and strength, reminding us that true courage lies in embracing challenges, not avoiding them.
• Humor as a Guiding Force: Whether on the rock or in life, Timmy uses humor as a powerful tool for connection, stress relief, and perspective. Laughing, even in the toughest times, opens doors to new possibilities.

You can find more about Timmy by simply Googling him or at his website www.timmyoneill.com


Timmy's sponsors are Patagonia, Osprey Packs, and Clif Bar. 

Physivantage offers supplements designed by outdoor athletes for recovery, hydration, and peak performance. If you're serious about reaching your goals, use code AGELESS15 at checkout for a special discount! 

https://physivantage.com/?ref=AGELESS15

If you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜

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Heather Heynen is a licensed mental health therapist, life coach, and the voice behind the excellent Weight Loss and Wellness For Real podcast. At 50, she passionately rock climbs and bike packs and shares why she finds it important to go forth with outdoor adventure! With a wealth of experience helping individuals reshape their relationship with themselves, Heather shares practical, actionable strategies for building resilience, self-love, and mental wellness that can guide us through every stage of life.

Heather shares practical advice towards:

• Building an Anti-Fragile Mindset: Tips for turning challenges into fuel for resilience, helping you stay strong even through life’s toughest times.
• Self-Love and Acceptance: Heather discusses the importance of finding peace with your identity, especially as we age, and how we need to separate self-worth from your athletic performance
• Journaling Made Simple: Heather’s accessible techniques for journaling that foster self-awareness, help identify limiting beliefs, and create space for growth.
• Embracing Adventure at Any Age: Heather encourages listeners to break free from limiting beliefs around age and ability, sharing inspiring tips for pursuing new challenges and finding joy in movement, regardless of age.
• The Power of Vulnerability: In a warm and candid conversation, Kush and Heather both share their personal challenges with well-being, reflecting on the journey to self-acceptance and the courage it takes to face one's insecurities.

Whether you're looking for practical wellness advice or motivation to embrace adventure as you age, this episode is filled with insights to inspire your next steps. Tune in for an honest and uplifting conversation about breaking free from self-imposed limits and living a resilient, fulfilling life.

You can listen to Heather's podcast - Weight Loss and Wellness for Real on all major podcast apps. You can also find her on Instagram! 

Physivantage offers supplements designed by outdoor athletes for recovery, hydration, and peak performance. If you're serious about reaching your goals, use code AGELESS15 at checkout for a special discount! 

https://physivantage.com/?ref=AGELESS15

If you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜

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Thrilled today to speak with Ben Moon, the man who has defined and redefined what’s possible in climbing for decades. From pioneering world-class routes to creating game-changing training tools, Ben’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and partnership. At almost 50, Ben managed to recapture his peak performance, showing that age is just a number when it comes to pushing limits and breaking boundaries.

Join us as we explore his thoughts on Britain’s climbing evolution, the impact of the Olympics, and his work in developing tools like the Moon Board, which has revolutionized training for climbers everywhere. This episode is packed with insights on longevity, adaptability, and the profound relationships that have shaped his career. Whether you’re a climber or simply looking to be inspired, Ben’s wisdom offers valuable lessons for all.

Key Takeaways:

• Redefining Limits at Any Age: Ben shares his experience of rediscovering peak performance in his 50s and how age doesn’t have to be a barrier to reaching new heights.
• Pride in British Climbing’s Olympic Rise: Hear Ben’s reflections on the recent surge of British success in climbing and how the sport has evolved globally since his early days.
• The Power of Enduring Partnerships: From his long-standing friendship with Jerry Moffatt to his role in the climbing community, Ben discusses the profound impact of collaboration.
• Creating the MoonBoard: Discover the story behind the MoonBoard and how this innovation has set a new standard in climbing training, making difficult climbs more accessible and replicable.
• Commitment to Craft and Consistency: Ben emphasizes the importance of consistency, the power of dedication, and the philosophy that’s kept him climbing at a high level across decades.

References

• Moon Climbing – Ben Moon’s official site, offering climbing gear, apparel, and the MoonBoard.
• MoonBoard Training System – Learn more about the MoonBoard and the climbing community it supports.
• The Dirtbag - The Legend of Fred Beckey - Mentioned in the episode. 

Tune in to hear more about Ben Moon’s story, his contributions to the climbing world, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. This episode promises insights and inspiration for climbers and adventure-seekers alike!

Physivantage offers supplements designed by outdoor athletes for recovery, hydration, and peak performance. If you're serious about reaching your goals, use code AGELESS15 at checkout for a special discount! 

https://physivantage.com/?ref=AGELESS15

If you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜

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Today's episode is a bit different. We dive into the 5 Commandments that athletes follow to achieve lasting success and performance in their sports. Drawing wisdom from legends like Craig DeMartino, Juliet Starrett, Marshall Ulrich, Hazel Findlay, and more, these principles aren't just about physical endurance—they're about mindset, learning, and self-advocacy.

Key Takeaways:

• Find Your Why: Learn how knowing your deeper purpose can carry you through the toughest challenges, like Craig DeMartino’s journey after a 100-foot fall.
• Embrace the Learning Process: Hear how Lionel Conacher tackled Mavericks at 58 by staying humble and open to learning.
• Prioritize the Fundamentals: Juliet Starrett and Diana Fitzpatrick emphasize mastering the basics—recovery, sleep, and nutrition—for long-term success.
• Move Your Body Every Day: Oympian Tinker Juarez’s daily bike rides prove that consistency in movement leads to longevity.
• Be Your Own Advocate: Ultra-endurance gravel champ Jeremiah Bishop shows us the power of taking charge of your own health and recovery.

These commandments aren’t just for athletes—they’re life lessons for anyone striving to stay active, healthy, and thriving as the years go by.

Catch the full stories behind these commandments and learn how you can apply them in your own life! 

Physivantage offers supplements designed by outdoor athletes for recovery, hydration, and peak performance. If you're serious about reaching your goals, use code AGELESS15 at checkout for a special discount! 

https://physivantage.com/?ref=AGELESS15

If you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜

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Imagine standing at the base of El Capitan in the early 1990s. The Nose, one of the most famous and daunting climbing routes in the world, stretches nearly 3,000 feet above you. At this time, no one—not even the best climbers in the world—has free climbed it. Enter Lynn Hill. In 1993, she not only becomes the first person to free climb *The Nose*, but she does it in a single day, a feat that redefined what was possible in climbing. This wasn’t just a physical achievement; it was a moment that shattered gender barriers, set new standards, and echoed throughout the entire world of outdoor sports.

In this episode, we take you into that pivotal moment and beyond. We’ll relive Lynn’s historic ascent and explore what it meant to be at the cutting edge of climbing during a time when sponsorship was rare, the sport was still developing in the U.S., and women in climbing were a minority. Lynn didn’t just ascend rock faces—she broke through cultural and gender barriers in a male-dominated sport.

But this conversation isn’t just about Lynn’s remarkable climbs. As we dig deeper, we uncover the mindset, the discipline, and the sheer determination that made her one of the most influential climbers of all time. Lynn shares what it was like to grow up in the sport, what kept her pushing limits when others might have doubted her, and how she still maintains that passion 50 years into her climbing career.

Lynn has made a fantastic 'Fundamentals of Climbing' video series for beginners and experienced climbers alike! Highly recommended. Find it here: Fundamentals of Climbing with Lynn Hill' 🙌🏽

CALL TO ACTION:

- Lynn is deeply involved in giving back to the climbing community and protecting the outdoor spaces she loves. If you’d like to contribute to her ongoing efforts at creating a community in Hueco Tanks, TX, you can reach out to her via [email protected] for more info. The Hueco Tanks project will support climbing initiatives, environmental conservation, and mentorship programs for young climbers.

-



More on Lynn at:

https://lynnhillclimbing.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_linacolina_/

Physivantage offers supplements designed by outdoor athletes for recovery, hydration, and peak performance. If you're serious about reaching your goals, use code AGELESS15 at checkout for a special discount! 

https://physivantage.com/?ref=AGELESS15

If you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜

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"It wasn’t about what I couldn’t do; it was about what I could do. After my injury, I was focused on recovery and doing whatever was possible—like swimming every day. It’s all about the attitude you bring to the situation." 🚵🏽​

Mountain biking legend **David Wiens**, is not only celebrated for his six consecutive wins at the Leadville Trail 100 MTB but also for his integrity and resilience. As David approaches his 60th birthday, he reflects on his remarkable career, staying consistent, overcoming critical injuries, and building trails not just for mountain bikers, but for all users. 

Throughout this conversation, we explore his mindset on training, how he stays motivated, the magic of the outdoors, and how he overcame injuries to come back even stronger. 

### **Key Takeaways:**

1. **Mindset Fuels Success**: David emphasizes that mental toughness, focus, and resilience are as critical as physical preparation when it comes to competing at the highest level.
   
2. **Strengthening Communities" In his leadership role with the IMBA (International Mountain Biking Assoc), David has helped build outdoor trails all over the country, for all recreational users. 

3. **Injury Recovery is a Learning Process**: After facing injuries, David highlights the importance of listening to your body and using setbacks as an opportunity to come back stronger.
   
4. **The Outdoors as a Source of Renewal**: For David, mountain biking is more than just a sport—being outside, connected to nature, brings him joy, peace, and the motivation to keep pushing his boundaries.

### **References:**

- Learn more about David Wiens' role as Executive Director at the [International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)](https://www.imba.com).
- Check out David Wiens' **Mountain Bike Hall of Fame** profile [here](https://mmbhof.org/david-wiens).
- Explore the history of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB race [here](https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/).
- Read more about the impact of doping in cycling during the Lance Armstrong era [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doping_in_sport).

### **Sponsors:**

A special thanks to David's sponsors, whose gear and support have been crucial to his success:
- [Canyon Bicycles](https://www.canyon.com)
- [Ergon Bicycle Ergonomics](https://www.ergonbike.com)
- [Topeak](https://www.topeak.com)
- [Shimano](https://www.shimano.com)
- [Fox Suspension](https://www.ridefox.com)
- [DT Swiss Wheels](https://www.dtswiss.com)
- [Maxxis Tires](https://www.maxxis.com)
- [Sportful Apparel](https://www.sportful.com)
- [Limar Helmets](https://www.limar.com)
- [GU Energy](https://www.guenergy.com)

This episode is packed with wisdom, insights, and inspiration for anyone looking to thrive in their sport—or life—at any age!

Physivantage offers supplements designed by outdoor athletes for recovery, hydration, and peak performance. If you're serious about reaching your goals, use code AGELESS15 at checkout for a special discount! 

https://physivantage.com/?ref=AGELESS15

If you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜

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"I’m proud that what started with a handful of Vietnam veterans in Lake Tahoe has now grown into hundreds of adaptive sports programs worldwide. These athletes are breaking barriers, not just in sports but in society as well" ⛷️🚀

Katherine Hayes Rodriguez is a pioneer in adaptive sports who has spent nearly 50 years making the outdoors accessible for all. From her early days as a ski instructor in the 1970s to becoming a leader in adaptive skiing and outdoor recreation, Katherine has faced and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to break down barriers for people with disabilities.

Katherine’s work is groundbreaking—not only for what she has achieved in outdoor sports but for the lives she’s impacted along the way. In this episode, we discuss her journey, the challenges she faced, and how her passion for inclusivity has shaped entire communities. Katherine’s dedication to creating equal access to nature teaches us that the outdoors is for everyone, no matter the obstacles.

Whether you're an athlete or not, you'll be moved by Katherine's resilience and her unwavering belief in the power of nature. Tune in to learn how the outdoors can heal, empower, and unite us all.

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming the odds: Katherine’s journey of persistence in ensuring everyone can access outdoor activities, regardless of physical limitations.
• The transformative power of nature: How spending time outdoors is beneficial for both physical and mental well-being.
• Adaptive sports and inclusivity: Katherine’s groundbreaking work in revolutionizing adaptive skiing and other outdoor activities for individuals with disabilities.
• Resilience in the face of challenges: What Katherine’s personal and professional journey teaches us about perseverance.
• Community and access: The importance of inclusivity in outdoor spaces and the impact it has on people’s lives.

References:

• Katherine Hayes Rodriguez - Learn more about her work in adaptive sports and outdoor access through her public speaking and advocacy efforts.
• Achieve Tahoe - Achieve Tahoe provides year-round outdoor recreation activities for people with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities.

Physivantage offers supplements designed by outdoor athletes for recovery, hydration, and peak performance. If you're serious about reaching your goals, use code AGELESS15 at checkout for a special discount! 

https://physivantage.com/?ref=AGELESS15

If you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜

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In a unique twist, Ageless Athlete host Kush Khandelwal steps out from behind the mic and becomes the guest for the first time! Interviewed by Heather Heynen on her Weight Loss and Wellness For Real podcast, Kush opens up about his personal journey—something he doesn’t often share.

From his own struggles with motivation and injuries to finding new meaning in movement as he gets older, this conversation dives deep into the challenges athletes and everyday people face as they navigate life’s ups and downs. In this vulnerable and heartfelt episode, Kush also reflects on the lessons he’s learned from the inspiring athletes he’s interviewed on his podcast, sharing practical advice and wisdom that anyone can apply to their own wellness journey.

Key takeaways:

• The importance of listening to your body, especially when dealing with injury and setbacks.
• How to stay motivated in both sports and everyday life, even when things get tough.
• Insights from top athletes on how to thrive in sports and health as you age.
• The power of community in outdoor sports - how Kush found a home, far away from home

This episode is not just for athletes—it’s for anyone seeking inspiration to live a healthier, more fulfilled life.

Follow Kush and the Ageless Athlete journey:

• Instagram: @agelessathletepodcast
• YouTube: Ageless Athlete Podcast
• Website: agelessathlete.co

Follow Heather:

• Website: HeatherHeynen.com
• Instagram: @heynencounselingandcoaching
• Facebook: Heather Heynen
• YouTube: Heather Heynen Wellness

Physivantage offers supplements designed by outdoor athletes for recovery, hydration, and peak performance. If you're serious about reaching your goals, use code AGELESS15 at checkout for a special discount! 

https://physivantage.com/?ref=AGELESS15

If you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜

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Legendary big wave surfer Yuri Soledade, is 48, and has spent decades riding some of the most powerful waves on Earth at Jaws in Maui. Known for winning the 2016 TAG Heuer XXL Biggest Wave Award for riding a massive 73-foot wave, Yuri’s story is about much more than surfing. It’s about mental resilience, humility, and balancing passion with a successful career.

Yuri opens up about his humble beginnings in Brazil, moving to Hawaii, and the grit it took to chase his dream of conquering the world’s largest waves. But this episode doesn’t just dive into surfing—Yuri also shares lessons from his journey as a successful entrepreneur, running several restaurants in Hawaii and Bali. His approach to entrepreneurship, mindfulness, and balance is just as inspiring as his time in the ocean.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Fear, Don’t Avoid It: Yuri talks about learning to coexist with fear. He explains that in big wave surfing, the challenge isn’t to eliminate fear but to manage it—whether it’s in the ocean or in life.
• Mindset Is Everything: Yuri emphasizes how a strong mindset has helped him push past boundaries both on and off the waves. His mental training is as crucial as his physical preparation.
• Lessons in Entrepreneurship: As a restaurant owner in Hawaii and Bali, Yuri breaks down how mindfulness and a strong work ethic have been key to balancing his businesses and surfing career. His belief in quality and building trust with employees has been central to his success.
• The Importance of Being Present: Yuri’s mindfulness extends into everything he does. Whether he's surfing or working, he’s all-in, focused entirely on the task at hand. This focus, he believes, is critical to his success and longevity.
• Balance Risk and Reward: Yuri shares valuable lessons on knowing your limits. Whether riding waves or managing a business, he emphasizes the importance of preparation and being mindful of when to push forward and when to hold back.

Episode Highlights:

• Yuri’s 2016 TAG Heuer XXL Biggest Wave Award win and his experience riding a 73-foot wave at Jaws 🌊
• Yuri’s upbringing in Brazil, and how that shaped his tenacity and mindset.
• The mental training required for big wave surfing and how it can be applied to life.
• How he manages a successful restaurant business while continuing to chase waves all over the world.
• His thoughts on mindfulness, staying present, and why these qualities are key for athletes and entrepreneurs alike.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Yuri Soledade’s Surfing Career: WSL Profile
• Learn more about Yuri’s restaurants: Paia Fish Market
• Follow Yuri on Instagram: @yusurf
• Yuri, Mad Dogs, and the Conquest of Jaws on Apple TV (m

Physivantage offers supplements designed by outdoor athletes for recovery, hydration, and peak performance. If you're serious about reaching your goals, use code AGELESS15 at checkout for a special discount! 

https://physivantage.com/?ref=AGELESS15

If you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜

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