In this week’s episode, I sit down with world champion SUP athlete and coach, Seychelle, for a conversation packed with game-changing insights on paddling, business, and life.

🎯 From valuing your worth and asking for what you want, to leveraging your ego and practicing self-accountability, Seychelle shares the strategies that have fueled her success—on and off the water.

🏄‍♀️ Whether you’re chasing SUP podiums or personal breakthroughs, you’ll love Seychelle’s powerful mindset tips, including:

 ✅ Why your legs (not just your arms) are the secret weapon for a powerful SUP stroke.  ✅ Strategies for staying consistent with race training—even when motivation dips.  ✅ The game-changing impact of hiring a coach to level up your paddling, business, and personal goals.

🔥 Plus, Seychelle gets real about recent lessons in saying no and setting boundaries—a must-hear for anyone juggling performance and passion.

If you’re ready for a dose of inspiration and some next-level SUP wisdom, this episode is for you. 🎧💥

🚣‍♂️ Want to elevate your river leadership and paddling instruction skills? This episode is a must-listen!

Join me as I sit down with two powerhouse paddlesports educators, Anne Sontheimer and Jordan Taylor, for a deep dive into the art and science of leadership on the water. With a combined 80+ years of experience in whitewater kayaking, we unpack the key elements that make great instructors and leaders stand out.

🌊 What does it take to guide others through challenge and uncertainty? 

🌟 How can embracing the 'discomfort zone' fuel growth and confidence? 

🗣 What are the secrets to managing tough conversations and setting realistic expectations in certification processes?

We cover it all—adaptability, presence, feedback, joy in teaching, and redefining success beyond just technical skills. Whether you're an experienced instructor, an aspiring leader, or simply passionate about paddlesports, this episode is packed with insights that will help you level up your approach.

🎧 Tune in now and take your leadership to the next level!

What does it take to push past fear, redefine your limits, and keep chasing adventure—no matter what life throws your way?

In this episode, I sit down with Isaac Levinson, a multi-sport athlete and former US National Slalom Team member, as he opens up about his incredible journey through adventure sports, the life-altering back injury that changed everything, and his recent autoimmune diagnosis.

Isaac shares powerful insights on: ✅ The fine line between physical and mental discomfort ✅ How mindfulness fuels healing and growth ✅ The power of choice in turning fear into joy ✅ Coping with disappointment and setbacks ✅ Redefining goals to stay in the game for the long haul

Whether you're an athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, or just someone looking for inspiration to overcome obstacles, this episode is packed with wisdom, resilience, and the true spirit of adventure.

🎙️ Tune in now and get ready to see challenges in a whole new light!

Want to uplevel your leadership game? This episode is a must-listen!

Jennifer McClanahan, a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders, sits down with me for a powerful conversation about human-centered leadership.

We dive deep into the real challenges of leadership—taking risks, building strong relationships, practicing vulnerability, and communicating with impact to create a thriving workplace culture. Jennifer breaks down power dynamics in organizations and debunks the myth that being human-centered comes at the cost of profitability.

You’ll learn:

• How emotional intelligence shapes successful leadership
• Why connection across differences is key to innovation
• The power of recognizing individuals for their inherent strengths
• Proven strategies for tackling difficult conversations with confidence

If you're ready to lead with clarity, courage, and impact, don’t miss this game-changing conversation!

In this solo episode, I’m sharing with you my experience returning to some of the rivers in Western North Carolina that have changed since Helene.

Learning ‘new’ rivers made me realize that, although some of the rivers challenged me before Helene, they were still in my comfort zone because I knew them so well.

Discovering new features and rapids challenged me to practice the strategies that I coach, including how to face scary stories and beta about a river without letting it derail my confidence.

If you’ve ever found yourself overanalyzing rapids or battling self-doubt in high-pressure moments, this episode will give you actionable strategies and thought-provoking questions to help you.

And, as always, the lessons learned on the river go far beyond kayaking—they’re the same skills that help us navigate life’s challenges too.

In this episode, Libby Hinsley, a doctor of physical therapy, certified yoga therapist and author, talks about her experiences with hypermobility syndromes and how discomfort can be a powerful catalyst for transformation.

As teacher/instructor trainers in our respective disciplines, we share effective teaching strategies and the evolution of moving from the need to be over-prepared to having the confidence to leave time and space for creativity and being present with students. Whether you're a kayak instructor, a yoga teacher, or both, this conversation offers valuable insights for your practice and your students.

We also unpack the courage it takes to build a business that supports your physical and mental well-being while making a sustainable living.

And, if you've ever thought yoga isn't for you because you're "not flexible," Libby busts that myth and explains why yoga can be a game-changer for paddlers.

Join us for an inspiring discussion that reframes discomfort—not as something to avoid, but as a powerful force for growth, change and success.

This week, I sit down with my dear friend from college, Jiffer Bourguignon, for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation about life, discomfort, and the unexpected ways we find connection.

Jiff shares what it’s been like living as an American expat in Germany for decades—navigating cultural nuances, language mishaps, and the kind of miscommunications that are so awkward, they’re funny.

Jiffer talks about serving as an election observer in Afghanistan, and how she found an unlikely bridge to local communities: food. By stepping into kitchens and learning traditional dishes, she forged deep relationships in a place where connection wasn’t always easy.

We also dive into some real talk—her challenges raising three teenagers, the rollercoaster of perimenopause, and all the messy, beautiful moments in between.

Join us for a conversation about discomfort that’s equal parts funny, insightful, and deeply human.

From the moment I first spoke with Vishnu Das—an experienced Ayurvedic doctor and teacher—I knew I could listen to him talk about Ayurveda and yoga forever. Now, after nearly 15 years of mentorship, I’m beyond excited to share his insights with you.

In this rich and thought-provoking conversation, we explore the power of self-awareness in navigating discomfort and the profound role Ayurveda plays in understanding our unique nature. Vishnu shares invaluable wisdom on acceptance, motivation, and the transformative power of simple yet intentional lifestyle shifts.

Expect personal stories, practical strategies, and deep reflections on:

✨ Embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth and healing ✨ Ayurveda’s guidance for aligning with your unique constitution ✨ The magic of morning rituals and self-care practices ✨ Lessons from spiritual teachers and the art of presence in relationships ✨ The discipline-freedom paradox—and why structure is the key to liberation

This episode is an invitation to rethink your relationship with discomfort, tune into your inner wisdom, and take small but powerful steps toward balance and well-being.

If you’re ready for a conversation that’s both deeply insightful and immediately applicable, this one’s for you. Tune in now.🎧

In this episode, I’m stoked to welcome back my husband, Andrew Holcombe—a skilled paddler, natural leader, and my favorite partner-in-adventure —for another heartfelt (and sometimes funny) chat about tackling the discomfort zone in close relationships.

We dive into our own experiences, sharing the good, the awkward, and the downright messy moments that come with navigating communication, boundaries, and the art of finding humor in life’s challenges.

Together, we unpack how understanding emotional reactions can transform communication and deepen connection, while also exploring self-acceptance, body positivity, and the power of creating supportive environments.

It’s a real, relatable conversation about balancing autonomy with offering help, embracing emotional intelligence, and growing stronger—individually and together.

If you want to be a better partner in adventure, tune and gain insights from a couple who’ve been adventuring together for 20+ years and still loving it.

What’s your theme for the upcoming year? 

This week my longtime friend and entrepreneur, Michelle Tennant Nicholson, joins me in a conversation that will help you create a powerful theme for the new year.

We share personal journeys of setting annual themes and stepping into the discomfort zones that fuel personal growth. From embracing risks and committing to exhilarating experiences, to letting go of habits and relationships that no longer serve, we offer a fresh perspective on creating a life you love.

Together, we dive into the art of reverse-engineering success, reframing failure as feedback, and realigning with purpose when the path gets rocky (like when Michelle’s homestead was destroyed by Hurricane Helene and she pivoted to van life). 

Full of personal stories and practical tips, this episode is your guide to choosing your path forward with intention, courage, and a dash of daring. :)

Tune in to make 2025 your best year yet!