In this episode of the Discomfort Zone Podcast, Anna sits down with Gerry Seavo-James, Deputy Campaign Director for the Sierra Club's Outdoors for All campaign. Together, they explore the transformative power of equitable outdoor access and the discomfort zones we face in work, play and building community.

Gerry shares personal stories of navigating risk, overcoming gear and financial barriers, and challenging judgments within outdoor communities. From skill-building through training and coaching to fostering community through intentional outreach, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for making the outdoors more inclusive for everyone.

Anna and Gerry also dive into the art of balancing diverse passions and interests, offering insights on how this multifaceted approach enriches their work—and yours. Whether you're passionate about building community, integrating varied interests into your career, or simply finding your place in the great outdoors, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

This week on The Discomfort Zone Podcast, I’m joined by Boyd Ruppelt—a seasoned whitewater kayaker, guide, and instructor—who shares his wisdom on confronting fear and managing risk in high-stakes environments.

Boyd offers a deep dive into the art of risk management and the guiding philosophies that shape his approach to both pursuing and guiding adventure sports. Together, we explore the unique mental challenges of kayaking and draw parallels to other sports Boyd is passionate about - skydiving and surfing.

Boyd’s stories and insights shine a light on how understanding fear can transform it into a powerful tool for growth and self-discovery.

If you’ve ever wondered how to embrace risk, push your limits, and cultivate a richer, more fearless engagement with life, this episode is for you. Tune in and let Boyd’s journey inspire your own path through discomfort and beyond!

In this week’s episode, Kara Weld, co-owner and CEO of Immersion Research, shares how she approaches the discomfort zone in business, kayaking and her relationship.

This conversation provides many insights for life on and off the water,  and lots of river analogies! Kara shares about her experiences as a competitive canoe slalom kayaker and business owner, emphasizing the balance between risk and reward  and the challenges of decision-making in entrepreneurship.

We also hit on the dynamics of working with your significant other,  the evolution of women's participation in kayaking, and the importance of  elevating women in the sport.

Spoiler alert: we barely scratched the surface on those last topics, so a follow-up episode will definitely in the works!

Don’t miss out on this rich and engaging conversation. Your paddling and your life will be better for it.

In this episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast, I sit down with Danny Mongno, a true paddling industry veteran, as he opens up about his journey through the highs and lows of a career in paddle sports.

From his passion for teaching to overcoming physical challenges like hip surgeries, Danny shares the resilience it takes to stay active in an ever-evolving outdoor industry.

We delve into the impact of e-commerce on small retailers, the growing significance of fitness and personal connections, and how the paddling community is shifting focus toward athletes who lift others up.

Discover how Danny, through his work at NRS, is supporting events that are reuniting paddlers, amplifying women’s voices, and empowering athletes to make a lasting impact.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the outdoors, community, and the power of connection in sports.