In this episode of Resiliency The Podcast, we sit down with Taryn Smith, a movement specialist, yoga teacher, and the first American woman to solo row across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the World’s Toughest Row. For 46 days, her world became nothing but sky, sea, solitude, and the rhythm of her own breath — yet she describes it as the time she felt least alone in her entire life.
Taryn takes us inside her extraordinary journey:
- Finding courage, surrender, and joy on the open ocean
- What fear taught her on day 27, when the weather turned
- How impermanence, meditation, and nature shaped her inner landscape
- What reintegration to land has really looked like after such a monumental experience
- Why true resilience is built through community, not isolation
Taryn’s story reminds us that resilience isn’t about brute strength — it’s about navigating what comes, embracing discomfort, and choosing to push forward even when conditions feel overwhelming.
This is a conversation about courage, curiosity, community, and the kind of transformation that only comes from stepping far outside your comfort zone.
🎧 Resiliency The Podcast is a global conversation redefining resilience through real stories, hard-earned wisdom, and honest dialogue.
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🔗 Connect with Taryn Smith:
Instagram: @TarynSmithMovement
Website: TarynSmithMovement.com
🔗 Connect with Jenn Quader:
- Jenn Quader’s Website: http://jennquader.com
- Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennquader/
- Jenn Quader’s Tedx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yKMeo3GW2k
- The Smart Agency Website: https://thesmartagency.com/
🔗 Connect with Dr. Kelly Culver:
- Culver Group Website: https://new.culvergroup.ca/
- Dr. Kelly Culver’s Website: http://drkellyculver.com
- Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-culver/
- Dr. Kelly Culver’s Tedx Talk: https://youtu.be/0FNU95LH-f8?si=8uamb7cs7RiUWxRV
🎙Hosted by: Dr. Kelly Culver & Jenn Quader
📍Executive Producer: Asef Quader
🎧 Produced by: ALL Inc. & The Culver Group © All rights reserved
DISCLAIMER: THE OPINIONS OR VIEWS EXPRESSED DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT OR REPRESENT THOSE OF THE HOSTS OR RESILIENCY THE PODCAST; SUCH VIEWS ARE MERELY OPINIONS EXPRESSED. THE INFORMATION IN THIS EPISODE IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY AND GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES. RESILIENCY THE PODCAST CANNOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF ANY STATEMENTS FROM GUESTS OR THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION.
Chapter List:
0:00 – What Compels Someone to Attempt the Impossible?
Setting up Taryn’s story and the spark behind her 46-day solo row.
2:07 – Introducing Taryn Smith
A movement specialist, yoga teacher, and the first American woman to solo row the Atlantic.
4:05 – What Resilience Means at Sea
Taryn defines resilience as community — even while completely alone.
5:12 – The Surprising Origin Story: A Vogue Article
How reading about other women rowers ignited her own adventure.
6:32 – How Her World Reacted to the Decision
Family, fear, concern, and the emotional weight her choice carried.
10:24 – Beauty on the Ocean: Meeting Jo March
The little bird who became her constant companion and comfort.
12:15 – Day 27: The Marlin, the Storm, and the First True Fear
The moment she felt real terror — and why she kept going anyway.
14:45 – The Practice of Impermanence
Learning how to let go, accept conditions, and adapt moment by moment.
16:50 – Choosing Discomfort on Purpose
Why she intentionally sought an experience outside her comfort zone.
18:59 – Resilience as Navigation
How ocean rowing taught her the essence of navigating life’s conditions.
19:48 – Meditation, Inner Voice, and Silence
What 46 days alone taught her about intuition and clarity.
22:02 – Returning to Land: Reintegration Challenges
Irritability, decision fatigue, identity shifts, and unexpected emotional struggles.
26:46 – What’s Next for Taryn?
Why she isn’t rushing into another adventure — and what is calling her now.
29:35 – Girls on the Run: The Mission Behind the Row
Why empowering young girls through movement matters deeply to her.
35:23 – Rapid-Fire Resilience Questions
Movies, music, laughter, and everyday tools for building resilience.
37:30 – Advice for Rebuilding Resilience After a Big Life Moment
One small, achievable step — and why it works.
