Athlete On Fire

Scott Jones and Brett Armour both own facilities on the western slope of Colorado in Grand Junction and Fruita.

This conversation explores the journey of establishing Armour Athletics in Grand Junction, focusing on community impact, personal ties to the area, and the evolution of youth sports training. They discuss their backgrounds in athletics, the importance of discipline in youth sports, and the challenges of running a sports facility. They also delve into the trends in skill development, arm care, and the role of coaches in shaping young athletes' futures.

We hope you enjoy this episode and share it with other parents of young athletes!

This episode explores the journey of two friends, Scott and Chris, as they share their experiences in hunting, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned along the way. From early influences and personal stories to the cultural significance of hunting, they discuss the importance of perseverance, preparation, and the joy of sharing these experiences with the next generation.

Scott and Chris started hunting in Colorado the same year and have been learning everything they can over the last 5-6 years! We hope you enjoy the storytelling and journey!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

01:17 Early Influences and Background

03:29 The Return to Hunting

05:40 First Harvest Experience

10:17 Cultural Significance of Hunting

12:09 Overcoming Barriers to Entry

13:29 Learning Through Experience

16:10 The Challenges of Elk Hunting

19:21 Lessons from the First Year

24:49 Scouting and Preparation

28:42 The Thrill of the Hunt

32:25 Reflections on the Experience

34:09 The Importance of Companionship

36:50 The Second Year of Hunting

51:14 The Hardest Physical Challenge

58:13 The Final Moments of the Hunt

01:04:09 Celebrating Success

01:10:55 Lessons Learned and Future Goals

01:16:14 The Importance of Teaching the Next Generation

01:22:15 Dream Hunts and Future Aspirations

On this episode Katie Wightman shares her journey from a background in national parks and being an avid hunter. She discusses her experiences with trail running and the Becoming Ultra project, solo adventures in the wilderness, and the importance of mentorship in hunting. She reflects on her first big game hunt, the techniques she employs, and the philosophical aspects of hunting, including its role in conservation and sustainable living.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding where food comes from and the responsibilities that come with hunting!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Keity Whiteman

00:55 Keity's Background in National Parks

04:39 Trail Running and Its Connection to Hunting

08:28 Solo Adventures and Safety in the Wilderness

16:43 The Night Run Experience

28:01 Keity's Journey into Hunting

34:46 First Big Game Hunt Experience

42:07 Hunting Styles and Techniques

46:45 The Importance of Mentorship in Hunting

01:11:42 Philosophical Views on Hunting and Conservation

Charlie Pappas has one speed and one focus. All out and laser. Charlie mentored Scott by getting him his first bow, teaching him how to shoot, and taking him on his first hunt(an epic one at that). His passion for the outdoors, his family, his friends, his work, and everything else is completely contagious.  We hope you walk away from this episode inspired to do and be better. We did!

Zero To Harvest is a new series with Athlete On Fire. Exploring why and how everyday hunters do what they do! Hope you enjoy!

Ben Welnak is the reason Athlete On Fire exists. His podcast was the first time I knew there was such a thing back 15 years ago. Life happens, and interests change and now we sit down to talk about our newest and biggest passion, hunting.

We explore the journey of hunting and outdoor experiences, focusing on the evolution from childhood influences to adult hunting practices. We talk about fishing, hunting, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, patience, and the willingness to learn from mistakes.

We delve into experiences and lessons learned from hunting, particularly elk hunting. They discuss the importance of calmness, confidence, and the need for practical experience over theoretical knowledge. The conversation highlights the progression of skills in hunting, the significance of being prepared, and the societal and conservation aspects of hunting. They emphasize the value of sharing experiences to educate others and foster a deeper connection with nature.

Chapters

00:00 The Origins of Podcasting and Hunting Journeys

02:46 Childhood Influences and Early Outdoor Experiences

05:30 The Transition to Hunting and Mentorship

08:13 First Experiences with Fishing and Hunting

11:02 Lessons Learned from Early Hunting Adventures

14:14 The Importance of Patience in Hunting

16:49 The Evolution of Hunting Skills and Techniques

19:49 The First Harvest and Learning to Process Game

22:40 Reflections on Mistakes and Growth in Hunting

25:17 Access to Hunting Grounds and Overcoming Barriers

28:31 The Journey of Learning and Sharing Experiences

49:01 Learning Through Experience in Hunting

52:08 The Importance of Confidence and Calmness

54:40 Progression in Hunting Skills

58:51 Lessons from Elk Hunting Adventures

01:13:48 Efficiency in Hunting Gear and Techniques

01:15:58 The Societal Importance of Hunting and Conservation

Scott has a conversation with Adam Ludwin who shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding Captify Technologies to discovering the transformative power of breathwork.

He discusses the challenges of running a high-pressure business, the importance of self-awareness, and how he transitioned into creating fivepointfive, an app designed to make breathwork accessible and beneficial for everyone.

Adam emphasizes the physiological and psychological benefits of breathwork, its role in education, and the necessity of teaching healthy coping mechanisms to future generations.

 They discuss the significance of breath work in enhancing performance, recovery, and overall well-being. He emphasizes the importance of different breathing techniques for various activities, including weight training and endurance sports. The discussion also covers the benefits of nose breathing, the role of breath work in recovery, and natural alternatives to pre-workout supplements. 

We think you'll enjoy this unique perspective with something all athletes can implement in their lives!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adam Ludwin and His Journey
02:53 The Birth of Captify Technologies
05:50 The Transition to Breathwork and Self-Discovery
09:13 Lessons Learned from Building a Business
12:01 The Launch of 5.5 and Its Vision
15:09 Understanding Breathwork: Definitions and History
17:56 The Science and Benefits of Breathwork
20:46 Breathwork in Education and Its Importance
23:47 Physiological Effects of Breathwork Techniques
28:09 Breath Work for Performance and Recovery
30:39 Breathing Techniques for Weight Training
32:28 Nose Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing
34:18 The Importance of Recovery Breathing
36:03 Natural Alternatives to Pre-Workout Supplements
39:31 Breath Work for Endurance Athletes
42:28 Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques
43:03 Improving Sleep Quality through Breathing
46:08 The Business Journey of Breath Work App

Scott Jones and Henry Abbott explore the importance of outdoor play, the evolution of sports, and the significance of injury prevention in athletics.

They share personal anecdotes about their childhood adventures and parenting experiences, emphasizing the need for unstructured play in children's lives.

Abbott discusses his journey as a sports writer and his recent work on biomechanics and injury prevention, highlighting the joy of movement and the relationships built through sports.

They delve into various aspects of athletic performance, focusing on injury prevention, particularly ACL injuries, and the biomechanics of landing. They discuss the importance of understanding body mechanics, the impact of footwear on performance, and practical coaching tips for athletes. The dialogue emphasizes the need for tailored training methods and the significance of addressing common issues like 'computer back' in today's athletes.

They discuss the evolution of running techniques, the significance of ballistic training, and practical drills that can be applied by anyone. The conversation also touches on the concept of Misogi, emphasizing the value of outdoor challenges and creative training methods to engage communities and promote physical fitness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:03 The Joy of Outdoor Adventures

06:02 The Importance of Play in Childhood

08:59 Navigating Parenting and Outdoor Activities

11:59 The Evolution of Sports and Competition

15:08 Injury Prevention and Biomechanics

18:03 The Power of Movement and Joy

21:57 Exploring Athletic Insights

27:15 Understanding ACL Injuries

33:32 The Importance of Landing Mechanics

39:41 Addressing Computer Back Issues

41:02 The Shoe Debate in Athletics

49:53 Injury Insights and Athletic Training

50:12 The Evolution of Running Techniques

51:45 Ballistic Training for Peak Performance

53:41 Practical Drills for Everyone

57:28 Youth Sports and Development

01:01:10 The Concept of Masogi and Outdoor Challenges

01:05:22 Creative Training Methods and Community Engagement

On this episode,  Dr. Scott Frey discusses his journey from academia to the world of sports science, focusing on the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and athlete performance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's adaptability and how it can enhance training techniques for endurance athletes. The discussion also covers traditional sports psychology and how a proactive approach can lead to better performance outcomes.

They discuss strategies for managing mental load, overcoming perfectionism, and navigating the emotional ups and downs of endurance events. The role of technology in training is also examined, highlighting the potential distractions it can create. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds
08:54 Transitioning from Academia to Sports Science
16:55 Understanding Traditional Sports Psychology
23:56 Innovative Training Techniques for Endurance Athletes
32:03 The Impact of Mental Fatigue on Performance
39:00 Overcoming Perfectionism in Training
45:00 Navigating the Ups and Downs of Endurance Events
48:47 The Role of Technology in Athletic Performance
56:54 Personal Stories and Lessons from Endurance Racing

In this engaging conversation, Scott and Cassidy Randall explore the world of freelance writing, the impact of AI on creativity, and the adventures that inspire Cassidy's work.  They discuss the challenges of the writing industry, the importance of vulnerability in creative pursuits, and share personal stories about their journeys in the outdoor and writing realms. They discusses the challenges and opportunities of navigating social media as a writer, the value of platforms like Substack for building community and sharing stories, and her journey in writing her book '30 Below,' which highlights the first all-women's ascent of Denali.  She reflects on the impact of trailblazing women in mountaineering and shares personal adventures that inspire her work. The discussion emphasizes the importance of storytelling, community, and the legacies of those who break barriers in their fields. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
02:09 Getting to Know Cassidy Randall
03:11 The State of Freelance Writing
06:30 The Impact of AI on Writing
07:39 Exploring Influential Writers
10:09 Living in Missoula, Montana
12:42 Cassidy's Journey to Writing
21:06 The Vulnerability of Writing
26:14 Navigating the Social Media Landscape
28:42 The Value of Substack and Community Building
30:10 Exploring the Journey of Writing and Publishing
34:50 Unveiling the Story Behind '30 Below'
46:32 Impact and Legacy of Trailblazing Women
53:04 Personal Adventures and Inspirations

Cassidy's book is here!

Check out her website. Find your own adventures!

Our guest, Jenn Pattee, is an ultra runner and entrepreneur who took on the challenge of riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Canada to Mexico.  Seeing how much the sport of running can open up opportunities for adventure is always inspiring.  She shares stories from the trip like the rough start, some sketchy characters, and some lucky rides! Enjoy!

Check out here adventure on IG and Follow Jenn