Trigger Warning: this episode discusses domestic and sexual violence and abuse.

In this inspiring episode, Zen dives into a raw and empowering conversation with comedian, pole coach, and all-around badass Orchid, as she opens up about rebuilding life after loss, owning her identity, and redefining strength as a woman over 40.

We explore what it means to rise from a chapter you never asked for — to choose resilience, joy, and self-expression in a world that often underestimates women over 40. Through comedy and movement, Orchid continues to rewrite what confidence, beauty, and boldness can look like in midlife.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Orchids journey from profound grief to reclaiming joy

• Why embracing your feminine power is NOT anti-feminist

• The power of movement — especially pole — to heal and transform confidence

• How women over 40 are rewriting the conversation around strength, sexuality & aging

• The role of community in rebuilding identity

• Why it’s never too late to try something totally new

• How to step into your “stadium era” — believing your dreams deserve big stages

Prepare to feel seen, understood, and wildly empowered. You’re not behind… you’re right on time for your comeback.

Follow Orchid @orchidcameron

Start your journey today!

• Want to try pole? Join a class at your local studio or download the free GenX Pole Arts Starter Kit⁠ to begin exploring at home.

• Visit the Linktree for links for upcoming workshops, YouTube videos, and resources to support your pole journey.

Upcoming Workshops:

• November 8 – Santa Fe, NM

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to share, subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your support helps uplift and empower more women over 40 in the pole dance community and beyond!

In this inspiring episode of Fit, Fierce, and Fearless, Zen sits down with Panther, a 55-year-old dynamic, passionate, and beloved pole dance instructor with over 15 years of experience. From her first class and competition, to teaching countless students of every size and shape how to move with confidence, Panther shares her wisdom about growth, community, and owning your lane—no matter your age, body type, or skill level.

Together, we dive into what it truly means to feel comfortable in your own skin, celebrate your strengths, and find joy in movement—without comparison or pressure. This conversation is full of laughter, heart, and lessons that every dancer (and woman!) can relate to.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What it means to show up and push through, even when you don’t see anyone else in the room who looks like you

• The importance of staying true to your own journey and letting go of comparison

• Why you’re never too old or out of shape to try something new, to start dancing, or to feel sexy

• How to find your unique style and embrace what works for your body

• The power of community, encouragement, and showing up authentically in class

You’ll walk away from this episode reminded that growth has no timeline, strength has no age, and your lane is exactly where your magic lives. Whether you’re stepping into the studio for the first time or rediscovering your fire, this episode will inspire you to move boldly, live fully, and dance like it’s your time—because it is.

Follow Panther @Panther_4u

Start your journey today!

• Want to try pole? Join a class at your local studio or download the free GenX Pole Arts Starter Kit⁠ to begin exploring at home.

• Visit the Linktree for links for upcoming workshops, YouTube videos, and resources to support your pole journey.

Upcoming Workshops:

• November 8 – Santa Fe, NM

  
  

 ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍  ‍‍If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to share, subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your support helps uplift and empower more women over 40 in the pole dance community and beyond!

Welcome to Fit, Fierce, and Fearless, the podcast by GenX Pole Arts! I’m Zen (Nancy Adzentoivich), here to celebrate women over 40 finding strength, confidence, and community through pole dancing.

In this inspiring episode, Zen sits down with Kristina, a World Champion pole artist, to talk about her evolution in pole dance—from her athletic beginnings as a runner to becoming an international competitor. Kristina shares how pole has not only transformed her physically but also opened doors to creativity, community, and self-discovery.

She opens up about the challenges of learning tricks, the joys of performance, and the surprising new skills she’s picked up along the way (like rhinestoning costumes and stage makeup!). Zen and Kristina explore the importance of patience, structure, and embracing the process of growth in pole.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Kristina transitioned from running to pole dance.

• The role of community and competition in personal growth.

• Why patience and structure matter when learning pole tricks.

• How performing led to unexpected creative skills (costumes, makeup, dance classes).

• The importance of breaking down stigmas and respecting privacy in the pole world.

• Kristina’s upcoming plans and what’s next in her pole career.

Christina’s journey is a reminder that pole is more than movement—it’s empowerment, artistry, and a celebration of resilience.

Follow USPF @uspolesportfederation

Start your journey today!

• Want to try pole? Join a class at your local studio or download the free GenX Pole Arts Starter Kit⁠ to begin exploring at home.

• Visit the Linktree for links for upcoming workshops, YouTube videos, and resources to support your pole journey.

Upcoming Workshops:

• October 12 – Newburgh, NY

• November 8 – Santa Fe, NM

 ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍  ‍‍

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your support helps uplift and empower more women over 40 in the pole dance community and beyond!

Sometimes the shortest updates are the most important. In this quick solo check-in, Zen shares news on upcoming GenX Pole Arts workshops and how you can get involved with the pole community near you.

In this episode:

• Why supporting your local Pole Sport Organization (PSO) competitions matters for the growth of the community

• Where to find GenX Pole Arts swag featured on the podcast (DM or visit the shop)

• Registration info for upcoming workshops in Santa Fe, NM (Nov 8) and Newburgh, NY (Oct 12)

• An invitation for women over 40 who want to bring a GenX Pole Arts “Intro to Movement & Pole Dance” workshop to their city

• Links to ZenPole Instagram videos of recent competition performances for inspiration

For women over 40, this is your reminder: pole is for you. Whether you start at home with the free GenX Pole Arts Starter Kit or join a local class, movement is your chance to reconnect with strength, joy, and confidence.

Share this episode, subscribe, and help spread the message that pole belongs to every body, at every age.

Welcome to Fit, Fierce, and Fearless, the podcast by GenX Pole Arts! I’m Zen (Nancy Adzentoivich), here to celebrate women over 40 finding strength, confidence, and community through pole dancing.

In this episode of Fit, Fierce, and Fearless, Zen sits down with Susan to explore the journey of body image, strength, and self-acceptance through the art of pole. From navigating pregnancy and postpartum, to embracing body changes in midlife, they dive into how pole dance becomes more than just movement—it’s a powerful practice of creativity, resilience, and empowerment.

Susan shares her personal story of finding confidence, rediscovering creativity, and learning to celebrate her body’s capabilities rather than focusing on aesthetics. Together, they remind us that it’s never too late to build strength, find community, and redefine how we see ourselves.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How pole dance helps shift focus from aesthetics to body capability.

• Why consistency matters during life transitions such as pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

• How strength training and movement can transform body image and confidence.

• The role of creativity in pole and how it can become a form of art.

• Why it’s never too late to become stronger than ever before.

Whether you’re a mom, mom-to-be, or simply looking to reconnect with your body, this conversation is a heartfelt reminder to give yourself grace and embrace your unique journey.

Follow Susan on IG: @SusususanjoStart your journey today!

• Want to try pole? Join a class at your local studio or download the free GenX Pole Arts Starter Kit⁠ to begin exploring at home.

• Visit the Linktree for links for upcoming workshops, YouTube videos, and resources to support your pole journey.

Upcoming Workshops:

• October 12 – Newburgh, NY

• November 8 – Santa Fe, NM

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your support helps uplift and empower more women over 40 in the pole dance community and beyond!

If you’ve ever wondered how to build more strength, endurance, and body awareness outside of pole, this episode is for you. Zen shares her first-hand experience trying Lagree Pilates, a high-intensity, low-impact workout designed to challenge your entire body.

In this short solo episode, Zen talks about:

• What Lagree Pilates is and how it compares to traditional Pilates

• Why it’s an effective cross-training option for pole dancers

• The specific ways it targets strength and stability to support movement

• How new workouts can expose weaknesses and help you grow

• An invitation for listeners to share other effective full-body training methods

For women over 40, this is a reminder that pole progress doesn’t just happen on the pole—cross-training builds resilience, prevents injury, and helps you stay strong and confident.

Ready to begin? Take a class at your local studio, or download the free GenX Pole Arts Starter Kit to start your journey at home.

Check out the Linktree for links to upcoming workshops, YouTube, and to get the free pole dance starter kit and start your pole journey at home.

Upcoming Workshops:

• October 12 – Newburgh, NY

• November 8 – Santa Fe, NM

  
  

If you’ve ever wanted to try pole dancing but felt too nervous, too old, or unsure where to start, this episode is for you. It’s also for anyone who knows the pull of creativity and the fear that often comes with trying something new.

Zen sits down with Bryan, a dancer with nearly 40 years of training and almost two decades on the pole. In addition to her movement background, Bryan is a stand-up comedian, singer, songwriter, clothing designer, painter, and multimedia artist. She’s spent her life stepping into new forms of expression, even when they were intimidating—and her advice on how to manage fear, stay curious, and keep your body safe comes from that deep well of experience.

In this episode, Bryan shares:

• Why curiosity drives growth: She talks about teaching herself hard and scary things—whether it was trying a new pole move, stepping into an aerial hoop, or walking onto a comedy stage.

• Breathwork to calm nerves: She explains how simple breath techniques help her move through the anxiety that always comes with new challenges.

• Injury prevention tips: With decades of training behind her, Bryan shares the practices that keep her body strong enough to support her creativity.

• Seeing fear as part of progress: She reminds us that anxiety is a natural part of learning, and the key is to keep going anyway.

• Encouragement to start now: Her message is simple—don’t wait for the perfect time. Take a breath, step forward, and give it a try.

Follow Bryan on IG: @bryanleighsmith

For women over 40, Bryan’s story is proof that you can reinvent yourself again and again. Pole—and movement in general—is not about age, but about expression, vitality, and the courage to take risks.

Ready to begin? Take a class at your local studio, or download the free GenX Pole Arts Starter Kit to start at home. Visit www.genxpolearts.com

Zen breaks down pole dance shoes — Pleasers, Hella Heels, and heel heights — in this watch-worthy episode.

In this episode, Zen gives a practical breakdown of pole dance footwear and why your shoes matter just as much as your grip. She compares Pleasers and Hella Heels, explains how different heel heights (6”, 7”, 8”) affect your movement, and shares tips for choosing the right pair for your style and level.

This is a visual episode: if you can, watch the video version to actually see the differences between brands and heel heights demonstrated side by side.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first pair or an experienced dancer curious about upgrading your collection, this guide will help you find the right shoes to support both your movement and your artistry.

Upcoming Events Mentioned:

• Harry Potter–themed comedy pole show with Christina Kalf (Zen as Moaning Myrtle) – September

• PSO Competition in Los Angeles – September

• Secret Pole Dance Studio Halloween Showcase – October

• Ladies of Leisure Halloween Pole Party – October

  
  

  Pleasers IG: @pleasershoes

  Hella Heels IG: @clubhellaheels

  
  

  If you found this episode interesting, please like, comment and share!

In this episode, Zen sits down with Brian Riegel, a true pioneer in the pole community. With more than a decade of experience, Brian was one of the early male performers to step onto a pole stage — challenging stereotypes and carving out space for men in a predominantly female art form.

Brian shares how his journey with pole began as an act of rebellion, a bold decision to push back against expectations and embrace something unconventional. What started as defiance soon turned into a deep source of expression, discipline, and community. Over the years, his passion for pole has taken him across the world — including competing in China, where he represented the artistry and athleticism of the sport on a global stage.

In this conversation, Brian opens up about:

• Why he first turned to pole as a way to break rules and claim his identity

• What it was like to be one of the few men in pole a decade ago

• How his motivations shifted over time, from rebellion to resilience and joy

• His experience competing in China and what he learned from the international community

• Why he encourages everyone to just “give it a try” — because you never know where it will take you

This is a conversation about risk, reinvention, and the unexpected power of saying yes to something new. Brian’s story proves that sometimes the very act of stepping out of line can lead you to your truest self.

✨ Connect with Brian on Instagram @riegelbrian

If his journey inspires you, please share this episode with someone who might need the courage to take their own first step.

Start your movement journey at home! Get the FREE Pole Dance Starter Kit at www.gexpolearts.com and use the discount code "FREE"

Pole progress isn’t about checking off a list of moves someone else decided you “should” learn—it’s about finding the movements that work for you and leaning into them.

In this solo episode, Nancy (aka Zen) invites you to ditch the frustration of forcing your body into shapes that don’t align with its current strengths, proportions, or flexibility. Instead, she encourages you to discover what comes naturally, build on it, and watch your progress accelerate.

It’s a mindset shift that brings more joy, more confidence, and more breakthroughs—on the pole and beyond. Plus, Nancy shares details about her upcoming beginner pole & movement workshop in Newburgh, NY, and other events on the horizon.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How to identify the moves and styles that work best for your body

• Why chasing “should” moves can lead to frustration and stagnation

• The benefits of playing to your strengths to build confidence and momentum

• Reframing success to focus on joy, curiosity, and personal growth

• Details about the next upcoming beginner pole & movement workshop in Newburgh, NY

• A sneak peek at more workshops and events coming soon

💬 Favorite quote:

“If we’re having fun and learning about ourselves each time we step into the studio, that is success.”