Need some inspiration on positive self-talk to face your biggest challenge? Arnaldo Cespedes, accomplished Costa Rica paddler, instructor and guide, shares his strategies for self talk that get him through challenges on and off the water. We also talk about what it takes to recover from injury, his top advice for river leaders, and the discomfort and benefits of traveling, connecting with others, and learning to speak a new language. If you want a reminder to take a pause and enjoy life to the fullest, this conversation will provide!

Need some inspiration on positive self-talk to face your biggest challenge? Arnaldo Cespedes, accomplished Costa Rica paddler, instructor and guide, shares his strategies for self talk that get him through challenges on and off the water. We also talk about what it takes to recover from injury, his top advice for river leaders, and the discomfort and benefits of traveling, connecting with others, and learning to speak a new language. If you want a reminder to take a pause and enjoy life to the fullest, this conversation will provide!

Need some inspiration on positive self-talk to face your biggest challenge? Arnaldo Cespedes, accomplished Costa Rica paddler, instructor and guide, shares his strategies for self talk that get him through challenges on and off the water. We also talk about what it takes to recover from injury, his top advice for river leaders, and the discomfort and benefits of traveling, connecting with others, and learning to speak a new language. If you want a reminder to take a pause and enjoy life to the fullest, this conversation will provide!

Ep#36 Arnaldo Cespedes on Positive Self-Talk, the Common Language of the River and Enjoying Every Moment

Do you feel called toward something bigger — a dream, adventure, or purpose — but fear keeps holding you back?

Welcome to The Discomfort Zone — the outdoor, mindset, and leadership podcast where courage meets the edge.

Every Tuesday, host Anna Levesque — world-class whitewater kayaker, World Championship medalist, author, and mental agility coach — dives into raw, real conversations with paddlers, athletes, leaders, adventurers, and purpose-driven humans who choose growth over comfort.

From powerful stories on wild rivers and mountain trails to navigating major life transitions, these conversations explore what it truly takes to face fear, build confidence, and find your flow — on and off the water.

You'll hear:

Stories from whitewater kayakers + outdoor athletes pushing their edge

Insights from guides, coaches, and leaders creating impact in their fields

Practical mental-agility + leadership tools you can use right away

Lessons from expeditions, competition, and personal transformation

How to navigate the discomfort that fuels growth, courage, and purpose

Whether you're a paddler, outdoor enthusiast, emerging leader, or someone seeking more courage in everyday life, you'll walk away with practical tools to strengthen resilience, show up with confidence, and embrace the adventure of being alive.

If you're ready to stop playing small and start living boldly, you're in the right zone.

Sports

Education

Self-Improvement

Wilderness

Do you feel called toward something bigger — a dream, adventure, or purpose — but fear keeps holding you back? Welcome to The Discomfort Zone — the outdoor, mindset, and leadership podcast where courage meets the edge. Every Tuesday, host Anna Levesque — world-class whitewater kayaker, World Championship medalist, author, and mental agility coach — dives into raw, real conversations with paddlers, athletes, leaders, adventurers, and purpose-driven humans who choose growth over comfort. From powerful stories on wild rivers and mountain trails to navigating major life transitions, these conversations explore what it truly takes to face fear, build confidence, and find your flow — on and off the water. You'll hear: Stories from whitewater kayakers + outdoor athletes pushing their edge Insights from guides, coaches, and leaders creating impact in their fields Practical mental-agility + leadership tools you can use right away Lessons from expeditions, competition, and personal transformation How to navigate the discomfort that fuels growth, courage, and purpose Whether you're a paddler, outdoor enthusiast, emerging leader, or someone seeking more courage in everyday life, you'll walk away with practical tools to strengthen resilience, show up with confidence, and embrace the adventure of being alive. If you're ready to stop playing small and start living boldly, you're in the right zone.

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Ep#36 Arnaldo Cespedes on Positive Self-Talk, the Common Language of the River and Enjoying Every Moment

Ep#36 Arnaldo Cespedes on Positive Self-Talk, the Common Language of the River and Enjoying Every Moment

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