Brandon, host of Permission to Evolve, joins co-host/producer Holly Deschenes from Tucson, Arizona to discuss “permission to be uncomfortable” through his first cycling-camp experience despite not being a cyclist. Invited by a client who runs an endurance and nutrition program, Brandon attends a five-day retreat run by The Cycling House with guides, support vans, a chef, and a group ranging from high-level riders to retirees. He shares learning basics like shifting, managing physical discomfort, and tackling Mount Lemmon’s climb (including a difficult 10% grade section) before a fast descent through changing biomes. The conversation connects this supported beginner experience to personal growth: saying yes to new opportunities, asking questions, confronting fear and ego, applying lessons to tough conversations and career change, and using discomfort as a practice that builds self-trust, presence, and progress. Brandon also shares ways to connect with him via his website, newsletter, and social channels.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:09 Tucson Cycling Camp Setup

00:57 Permission to Be Uncomfortable

02:20 Inside the Cycling Retreat

04:28 Beginner Lessons and Support

06:48 Mount Lemmon Climb and Descent

10:45 Mindset Under Physical Stress

12:16 Saying Yes to New Things

15:22 Adventure and Self Trust

17:19 Beyond Cycling Real Life Discomfort

18:17 Speaking Up for Change

19:29 Questioning Old Patterns

21:11 Discomfort and Safety Signals

22:14 Slow Down to Grow

23:56 Beginner Mindset and Hope

26:13 Imposter Syndrome on the Bike

27:14 Desire, Practice, and Mastery

31:01 Play, Presence, and Joy

33:10 Final Takeaways on Discomfort

37:04 Where to Find Brandon

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/