DIALOGUES by Mindful Endurance Program

On episode 75 I caught up with Nina Sieh, triathlete, coach, R.Kinesiologist, Exercise Physiologist and Ph.D Student. Sounds like a lot? Well it is, which is why Nina has had to practice what she's learning each day, evolve and grow. Through school, falling into triathlon and injury, Nina has continues to push forward with a humble gentleness, which is inspiring a generation of new female athletes. There are very few Asian women in the sport, let alone coaching it and Nina is forging her own path into the landscape she once felt wasn't for her, and creating a space for a new crop of women and girls. Nina recently stepped up her race distance to the Ironman 70.3 after having been a part of an all women's team at The Speed Project supported by On Running. Since then she's started her Ph.D studying specifically the female body, physiology and performance sport. While Nina is naturally quiet, from my experience, her work and what she's sharing is inspiring and bold.

On my latest yet overdue solo episode I round up a few topics that have been important and interesting to me over the last few months. The theme of the heart and it's opening has become absolutely crucial in my process and it finds a theme through some of these disparate topics from my new 4X1 Coaching Program to creating a new relationship with mushrooms and going through a self-death process, racing triathlon, inspiration from the birth of my first son and the rampant toxic masculinity in Drake's music, and why men's work and certain teachings are a vital remedy for this in our culture. I really enjoy these casual musings and sharing what's going on in my life and different processes, so I hope you enjoy listening.

On episode 73 I finally tracked down Vinh Pham, founder of Myodetox. His schedule has been crazy with the opening of his industry-changing physiotherapy studios across Canada and Los Angeles, his work with top athletes from around the world and fitting in some boxing. I knew of Vinh through Myodetox but I had no idea what he was actually like until we sat down and I honestly came away inspired and feeling like he's a bit of a genius. On the episode he shares a life changing experience and how it helped him shed his fear and follow his dreams to create something truly special. We touch on the physiotherapy industry and how he hopes to change it, we speak about his recently published book, Sit Up Straight: Futureproof Your Body Against Chronic Pain with 12 Simple Movements, and how he practices what he preaches in his own life.

This episode is supported by HOLOS and right now you can get $10 off your first order with code MEP10 at liveholos.com

On episode 72 Sarah Sturm shares her smiling energy with me as we dive into riding bikes, working a 9 to 5 mid-cycling career, getting to create product and how keeping up with her partner helped her grow. Sarah had an unusual path into the job of cycling and continues to forge her own way, inspiring women and men to ride with a smile, bring others along with her and even once in awhile accept that she might be pretty good, or at least tough. I really enjoyed speaking to Sarah and her enthusiasm and excitement are contagious, and hopefully you can feel some of that through our conversation.

On episode 71 I speak with Dr. Jeff Riepe from Move Lab in Los Angeles. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy Board Certified Athletic Trainer who is focused on bridging the gap of rehabilitation and performance training at the highest end. Working with college and pro athletes, as well as amateurs like myself, Jeff uses a mix of the most innovative technologies along with his own experience and intuition to help support, heal and grow athletes not only in their bodies but their minds as well. I love chatting with Jeff about all things performance and after working with him at Move Lab for the last 18 months, I was looking forward to diving in on the podcast.

On this episode I was excited to speak with Lachlan Morton, profession cyclist for EF Education–EasyPost and known for going into the unknown. Lachlan shares his journey into professional cycling from a teenager and riding for hours before school to quickly burning out in his first crack at cycling as a career. We dive into how he was able to re-ignite his passion for riding bikes and create an incredibly unique mix of racing year-round that's allowed him to explore his body and mind, different places on Earth and connect with different cultures in a way that most never do. He's got a great vibe and whether you're into cycling or not, Lachlan is a great guy doing inspiring things in the world, they just happen to be with a bicycle.

Welcome to the new season of MEP Podcast. Carrying on from Into the Well, I take this first episode to share a little about what MEP is, where we're headed and why I have launched the new brand. I also dive into some of my big lessons from my year of training and finally racing Ironman 70.3 in April, and the parallel healing journey and series of DMT ceremonies over the final months leading up the race coincidently. I am really excited to get into this new season, share some of the upcoming guests, experiences and products coming through MEP, enjoy!

MEP Mindful Cycling Retreat (Offer through 5.22)

I’ve been sharing about the MEP Cycling Retreat at the end of June in Marin, CA and I can’t believe it’s coming up fast now. It’s going to be a deeply connecting and transformative experience using cycling, breath, meditation and more to really explore ourselves and our bodies. Each participant will receive a Rapha cycling kit, Walden meditation tools and the retreat includes all food with Holos providing us with nutrient packed overnight oats. From now through May 22nd we’re offering this experience for $1500, all you have to do is get there! Email for more info and see this page for a more in-depth breakdown.

What is Wu wei and Ziren? Damo explains…

This week’s MEP compendium ♾ ♾

* Check out Richard Schwartz, PhD book, No Bad Parts on his IFS system ( Link )

* Nike’s Circular Design principles, how much do they really follow this? ( Link )

* I’ve been really interested to look at Ketamine therapy lately, and the research sounds pretty impressive ( Link )

* 📺 🚴🏼 Are you watching the Giro D'Italia? GCN has great coverage ( Link )

* New Maurten product? Energy bars? via Knox 🏊🏼 🚴🏼 🏃🏽 ( Link )

* The new Hoka Carbon X 3 looks rad, especially in orange ( Link )

* Love these epic photos of Rio running in Marin, CA ( Link )

* Heading to Maui next week, mostly for rest but reminded me of this beautiful Rapha cycling film ( Link )

Question: Who would you like to see/hear on the Podcast? Comment below!

hale Breath Performance Certification

I’m really excited to join Johnny Oduya starting in April for hale’s first offering of their performance breathwork course. Personally, I’ve been using breathwork of various forms over the last few years for healing, growth, inner exploration, but rarely for performance, while there have likely been some indirect gains.

Now, I’m going to dive into this course over the coming months and I’d like to invite you to join me in this course if it speaks to you. Applications are now open, and hale’s App is coming soon as well. The course is available online worldwide and now open to sign up ( Link )

Tool Review: POC Elicit Sunglasses

Exceptionally lightweight and with a completely frameless lens, the Elicit sunglasses give exceptional coverage and performance. Developed with the ethos of reducing weight and adding style, the Elicit weigh so little they are barely noticeable while wearing but have a form that is sure to get you noticed. Featuring a completely frameless design and large wraparound lens with Clarity technology, the sunglasses give complete eye protection and an optimum field of view, so you can stay focused on the road ahead.

I recently got a pair of the POC Elicit glasses to try out, both on and off the bike. I never thought I would wear some of the ‘big’ cycling glasses that rule the market, but I’m converted. I wear the POC Aim on every ride, and now the lightness of the Elicit has me taking them off the bike once in a while. Although I still prefer District Vision for running, POC has taken over on the bike.

This week’s MEP compendium ♾ ♾

* 🔊 Really enjoyed this podcast by Peter Attia with Ryan Hall on running, health, training and more ( Link )

* 🔊 This is my ultimate favorite running playlist, it got me through the last couple months and my marathon in 2015, Hesperian Sound Division ( Link )

* Foam Roller Routine, this has improved my physical and overall health, learned via Paul Chek ( Link )

* 📺 Aware: Glimpses of Consciousness is worth a watch ( Link )

* Maurten just released a Transition Kit in time for race season 🏊🏼 🚴🏼 🏃🏽 ( Link )

* 📖 Can a Brand Be a Gateway to Practice? via Tricycle featuring our friends from District Vision ( Link )

* Magnesium in different forms has been an incredible supplement for almost everyone, lately I’ve been really liking Moon Juice’s Magnesi-Om before bed ( Link )

* A recent video for Ironman + Maurten leading up to my first 70.3 experience ( Link )

MEP Mindful Cycling Retreat

Marin, CAJune 23-26

More information

On episode 68 I speak with Maurizio Diaz, co-founder of Aire Libre, an inspiring company that explores the world through running. We dive into the beginning of Aire Libre, how it's evolved and the family that's been created around the world and some of the stories of growth that can happen on these experiences. Mau shares his journey into running, how it helped him grow personally while learning and exploring cities around the world. We also get into a powerful story from Mau's youth that proved powerful for this growth and independence as a young man.