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In this episode, I’m joined by Linda Penkala—former racehorse jockey, licensed massage therapist, wellness educator, and author of "The Pause to Relax". Linda’s journey from the fast-paced, high-stress world of horse racing to her work in women’s health and self-care offers a powerful perspective on resilience, healing, and the importance of slowing down.

We talk about how her experience as a jockey shaped her understanding of stress and performance, and how she now helps women prioritize their own heart health, manage stress, and reclaim balance through intentional practices. Her message is clear: pausing isn’t a weakness—it’s a path to strength, healing, and vitality. This conversation is for anyone who feels caught in the race of life and needs a reminder that taking time for yourself isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Connect with Linda: www.lindapenkala.com

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IG: @strongerme
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In this episode, I’m joined by Kelsey Lineberger—a lifelong softball player, former collegiate athlete, and mental health professional who has redefined her relationship with the sport she loves.

Kelsey’s journey began at just five years old on the t-ball field and carried her through collegiate play in West Virginia and at Saint Vincent College. After graduation, she coached as a graduate assistant at Hood College before transitioning into a career in the mental and behavioral health field, where she’s worked with people of all ages and backgrounds.

But softball never left her story. Today, she plays several times a week, competes in monthly tournaments, and in 2023 co-founded a women’s team with her best friend. Earlier this year, they won their first championship together at Spring States. Beyond the wins, their team has become a safe and supportive space where women can compete, connect, and grow both on and off the field.

Kelsey opens up about how this chapter of her life has been deeply fulfilling and healing—an opportunity to return to the game not for performance, but for the pure joy of playing. Her story is a powerful reminder that sport can be both competitive and restorative, and that the communities we create matter as much as the results we achieve.

Connect with Kelsey:

[email protected]

IG @kelsline

Support the show

Website: https://www.becomingmystrongerme.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomingmystrongerme/

IG: @strongerme
TikTok: @becomingmystrongerme

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In this episode, I’m joined by Jess Jensen, founder of Co-pilot Communications, a Portland-based advisory helping bold executives and founders build digital brands that actually sound like them.

After 20 years inside Fortune 100 companies—including Microsoft, Qualcomm, Nestlé, and Adidas—Jess launched Co-pilot in 2024 to help leaders stop playing small online and start showing up with clarity and confidence. Her approach blends sharp messaging, editorial strategy, and smart use of platforms like LinkedIn and podcasting to help clients cut through generic content and amplify leadership that’s clear, grounded, and human.

Beyond her professional work, Jess’s story is also shaped by sport. Growing up, she was both a soccer player and a dancer—learning to balance discipline with creativity, teamwork with individuality. Today, she’s an avid cyclist, finding resilience and endurance on the bike that mirrors her mission as a brand advisor: pushing limits, staying the course, and helping others show up fully as themselves.

In our conversation, Jess shares why your personal brand isn’t just marketing—it’s your moat. We dive into how to lead with authenticity online, why clarity matters more than polish, and what it looks like to take back the mic before someone else shapes your narrative for you.

If you’re a leader, coach, athlete, or anyone navigating how to show up authentically in the world, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

Connect with Jess:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakjensen/

Website: https://www.copilotcommunications.com/

Support the show

Website: https://www.becomingmystrongerme.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomingmystrongerme/

IG: @strongerme
TikTok: @becomingmystrongerme

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In this episode, I sit down with Simone Knego—speaker, author, adventurer, and creator of the REAL Method. Simone’s approach to leadership and self-growth is grounded in everyday life, reminding us that the most powerful lessons don’t just happen in boardrooms, but around our kitchen tables.

From her days as a competitive horseback rider to summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Simone’s journey is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and living without limits. We talk about how to respect yourself, embrace failures, ask for what you truly want, and model strength wherever you are called to show up—whether at home, at work, or in your community.

If you’re ready for a conversation that blends real-world wisdom with inspiring stories, you won’t want to miss this one.

📌 Connect with Simone:
Website: https://simoneknego.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/simoneknego
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneknego

Support the show

Website: https://www.becomingmystrongerme.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomingmystrongerme/

IG: @strongerme
TikTok: @becomingmystrongerme

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In this episode, I’m excited to welcome Tom Swales—a seasoned physiotherapist, strength coach, and creator of the Advanced Movement Therapist (AMT) Certification. With over 20 years in orthopedic healthcare and a journey that includes overcoming a life-threatening infection, Tom brings unmatched insight into resilience, rehabilitation, and movement mastery.

Whether you’re recovering from injury, building performance longevity, or a clinician looking to elevate your practice, this conversation is packed with practical tools and mindset shifts to move you forward—smarter and stronger.

Support the show

Website: https://www.becomingmystrongerme.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomingmystrongerme/

IG: @strongerme
TikTok: @becomingmystrongerme

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In this episode, I’m joined by Priestly—longtime radio personality, athlete, and father of three. Known across Maryland for his upbeat energy and voice behind the mic, Priestly has spent decades connecting with listeners through stations like B102.7, Mix 106.5, and SiriusXM’s Pop2K and 90s on 9.

But beyond his radio career, Priestly's story is one of reinvention, resilience, and raising athletes with heart and perspective. We talk about his own journey in sports, how his love for movement and competition shapes his parenting, and what it means to stay grounded through life’s transitions.

Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, or just someone navigating change—this conversation is full of laughs, insights, and a reminder to lead with kindness and energy, no matter what stage of life you're in.

Connect with Priestly:

Facebook: Priestly On-Air

IG: @priestlyradio

Support the show

Website: https://www.becomingmystrongerme.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomingmystrongerme/

IG: @strongerme
TikTok: @becomingmystrongerme

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In this episode, I sit down with Demetra Mallios—former professional soccer player turned founder and CEO of Puberry, a wellness company on a mission to reframe puberty for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Demetra shares her journey from competing at the highest levels of soccer to launching a purpose-driven company focused on empowering youth through education, confidence, and self-awareness.

We explore the mental toughness required in sport, how her identity as an athlete shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, and why supporting young people through life’s transitions—especially puberty—is a game changer.

This conversation is a powerful blend of sport, purpose, and innovation. Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, or educator, Demetra’s story will challenge you to think differently about development—on and off the field.

Connect with Demetra Mallios:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetramallios/
Instagram @demi_mallios

Follow Puberry:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_puberry/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/puberry/posts/?feedView=all
Website https://puberry.org/

Support the show

Website: https://www.becomingmystrongerme.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomingmystrongerme/

IG: @strongerme
TikTok: @becomingmystrongerme

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In this episode, I'm joined by Gary Chupik—high-performance mindset coach, author, speaker, and founder of Elite Mindset.

Gary has spent over 20 years helping athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders tap into the mental side of performance. With a background in NCAA coaching and a client roster that spans Olympic athletes, NHL pros, and high-level business executives, Gary brings a wealth of insight on what it takes to win from the inside out.

Whether you're competing on the field or leading a team in business, Gary's frameworks will help you unlock your potential and build a mindset built for excellence.

🎧 Learn more about Gary and his work at www.elitemindsetnation.com

Support the show

Website: https://www.becomingmystrongerme.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomingmystrongerme/

IG: @strongerme
TikTok: @becomingmystrongerme

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In this episode, I'm joined by Joe Gyau—a U.S. Men’s National Team veteran, Bundesliga trailblazer, and third-generation professional footballer. Joe takes us inside his incredible journey: from his upbringing, leaving the U.S. as a teenager to pursue his dream in Germany, to breaking into the first team at Borussia Dortmund, and beyond.

We talk about resilience, mindset, and what it means to carry a family legacy in the beautiful game. Joe shares lessons from the highest levels of international play, the grind of club transitions, and the mental fortitude required to keep evolving on and off the field.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent—this is a conversation about grit, growth, and the deeper purpose behind the pursuit.

Connect with Joe:
 IG: @joegyau36 & @gyauskillsacademy

Support the show

Website: https://www.becomingmystrongerme.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomingmystrongerme/

IG: @strongerme
TikTok: @becomingmystrongerme

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In this episode, I share how athletes can grow—regardless of whether they’re the most or least experienced player on the field. Summer brings unique opportunities: pickup games, camps, and guest sessions that mix skill levels. How you approach these moments determines how much you grow.

Drawing on sports psychology and learning theory, I explore strategies for athletes, coaches, and parents to turn any training environment into a space for development.

Support the show

Website: https://www.becomingmystrongerme.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomingmystrongerme/

IG: @strongerme
TikTok: @becomingmystrongerme