Fit, Fierce and Fearless, presented by GenX Pole Arts

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

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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.”

What happens when a lifelong artist, activist, and interfaith minister decides to live unapologetically in her feminine power? In this unfiltered and magnetic conversation, Nancy sits down with Felicia to talk about creative rebellion, personal evolution, and the choice to step boldly into authenticity—especially as we get older.

From her decades-spanning career in the arts to her calling as a spiritual leader, Felicia’s story is a testament to living on your own terms and refusing to shrink for anyone. They discuss the courage it takes to navigate life transitions, the joy of self-expression, and the fire of feminine energy in a patriarchal world.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Felicia’s unexpected path to becoming an interfaith minister

• A lifetime of artistry across multiple mediums

• How activism fuels her work and community leadership

• Navigating life transitions with authenticity and power

• Reclaiming feminine energy without apology

• Plans for a future in-person experience with Nancy

Favorite quote:

“I don’t know how I got here, but it feels like where I’m supposed to be—so I’m going to keep going.”

If you enjoyed this episode, please share, "like", and comment to let us know!

You can follow Felicia's journey on IG: @feliciatheartist_

Contact Shana at [email protected]

Follow on IG @shana_pereira

Information on the living donor evaluation process https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/living-donor-transplant/care-at-mayo-clinic/pcc-20384790

In this deeply inspiring episode, Nancy is joined by Shana Pereira—speaker, resilience advocate, and double organ transplant survivor. Shana shares her powerful story of surviving heart and kidney failure, the emotional toll of waiting for a match, and the rebirth that followed.

Together, they explore what it means to reclaim your life, your body, and your voice after physical and emotional trauma. From vulnerability to empowerment, medical advocacy to embodiment, this conversation is a masterclass in courage and healing.

What we cover in this episode:

• Shana’s journey through heart and kidney failure

• The spiritual and emotional transformation of surviving the impossible

• Why reclaiming your body through movement is essential for healing

• The symbolic power of pole dance in recovery and joy

• How storytelling and visibility create life-saving impact

• A call to action: help us get Shana a new kidney and into the pole studio!

• How to get tested as a living donor—from anywhere in the world

Favorite quote:
“Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s your superpower.”

➡️ Share this episode to amplify Shana’s voice and help her reach the right person, or people, to help her to continue her life's journey and eventually get her into the dance studio.