In this episode, we delve into the 'underworld / underwater' culture of endurance swimming in Aussie pools.  We decided to call this episode 'Pool Gate' as it's become apparent to us recently that the culture of competitive swimming is really different to the community vibe that exists with endurance running and riding. 

Emma shares a story of how she took a stand in the pool recently, and when she shared it on her story she received hundreds of comments back.  Turns out this is a real thing and not just a one-off experience in one of Sydney's busiest pools.

Em also spills the tea on her Aquabike race in Canberra, how the devil made an appearance, and how she somehow found herself on the podium despite a very challenging set of circumstances... sickness, bindies, unplanned backstroke, bike computer fail, the tumble wash bike ride... and more! 

You don't want to miss this one!

Takeaways

• Personal growth often comes from challenging experiences.
• Self-advocacy is crucial in competitive environments.
• Swimming culture can be aggressive and competitive.
• It's important to stand up for yourself in all situations.
• Healthy boundaries lead to a healthier life.
• Resilience is built through overcoming challenges.
• Sharing experiences can help others feel less alone.
• Every experience, good or bad, contributes to personal growth.

Chapters

02:47 - The low down on Aquabike in Canberra 
12:47 - The Psychology of Competition: Insights from the Pool
22:00 - Navigating Public Swimming Etiquette
28:51 - Confrontation in the Pool: A Personal Story
35:48 - The Importance of Standing Up for Yourself
42:55 - Lessons Learned: Advocating for Yourself in Life

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@the_reinvention_project on Instagram
@emz2ironman on Instagram & Tik Tok
@carlsclifton on Instagram

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In this episode, hosts Carly and Emma discuss how sometimes we can get in our own way when we are in the process of reinvention.  They explore the human tendency to romanticise plans whilst avoiding the hard work necessary for execution. The conversation delves into the importance of self-reflection, learning to learn, and setting realistic goals, especially in the context of weight loss and endurance sports like Ironman. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, emphasising that true transformation occurs in the messy middle of the journey.

Takeaways

• The magic you're looking for is in the work you're avoiding.
• Romanticising plans can lead to procrastination.
• The messy middle is where the real transformation happens.
• Learning to learn is crucial for achieving goals.
• Self-reflection is key to understanding personal challenges.
• Setting realistic goals helps maintain motivation.
• You can't be an endurance athlete and on a weight loss journey at the same time.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates
04:45 - Romanticising Plans vs. Execution
09:44 - The Messy Middle of Goal Achievement
15:43 - Learning to Learn: The Weight Loss Journey
21:25 - Navigating Daily Choices including Nutrition
22:08 - The Intersection of Weight Loss and Running
24:31 - Understanding Goal Setting and Commitment
27:49 - The Importance of Education in Achieving Goals
31:03 - Staying Focused on Long-Term Goals
32:52 - The Ironman Challenge: A Journey of Endurance

Keywords

midlife, transformation, health, weight loss, personal growth, mindset, execution, goals, Ironman, self-reflection

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Carly and Emma explore the journey of personal transformation and how this isn't a linear journey.  Instead, it's full of defining moments that can be really scary and moments where you realise you need to pivot.  Through personal anecdotes, they highlight moments of vulnerability, the necessity of support systems, and the value of experimentation in life. The conversation emphasises that it's never too late to reinvent oneself and that embracing imperfection is key to growth.

Takeaways

• Facing our fears and making mistakes is how we become great
• Emotional resilience is built through overcoming challenges
• Personal transformation is often non-linear and messy
• Support systems are crucial during times of change
• Embracing imperfection leads to growth and learning
• Life is an experiment - do all the experiments!
• Scary moments and pivots are all part of the fun

Chapters

00:00 - Chit Chat
09:27 - Em & Carly share their stories (bit of a roasting!!)
14:36 - Lessons from their Embarrassing & Scary Moments
20:30 - Facing Hard Truths in Personal Growth - Em's Weight loss Journey
27:25 - Learning when it's time to let go of a past version of you
33:27 - Moving on from mistakes
38:26 - The beauty of embracing Life as an Experiment

Keywords

reinvention, personal growth, resilience, overcoming fear, transformation, midlife, mindset, health, fitness, self-improvement

Come find us!

@the_reinvention_project on Instagram
@emz2ironman on Instagram & TikTok
@carlsclifton on Instagram

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In this episode, Carly and Emma explore what can happen to your friendships when you're in the process of reinvention and how the road to success can sometimes feel quite lonely.  They also explore this topic from the perspective of being the friend of someone who's going through a reinvention, and how that can feel.  They overlay the element of social media, talking about the benefits of being able to build a niche community and the potential downsides in terms of the impact on long-standing friendships.  It's their usual authentic style - they go there with the discussion and make it awkward!

Takeaways

• How the journey of an endurance athlete can be lonely at times
• Building community by sharing personal experiences is so important
• Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy and comparison for friends
• Friendships may evolve as individuals pursue new goals
• Support from friends is crucial during challenging times
• Self-worth should not be tied to social media presence
• Finding new ways to connect with friends is essential

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates
03:54 - The Journey of Endurance Training
06:32 - Sharing the Journey on Social Media
09:39 - Building a Community and Accountability
12:45 - Navigating Anxiety and Imposter Syndrome
15:43 - The Impact of Social Media on Personal Life
18:44 - Conclusion and Reflections
21:43 - The Impact of Social Media on Friendships
23:47 - Sharing Personal Journeys and Vulnerabilities
28:37 - Evolving Friendships and New Dynamics
34:40 - Finding Balance and Setting Boundaries

Come find us!
@the_reinvention_project in Instagram
@emz2Ironman on Tik Tok and Instagram
@carlsclifton on Instagram

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In this episode, hosts Carly and Emma explore the concept of 'Cul-De-Sac Life' in midlife careers. They discuss the importance of finding balance, embracing personal growth, and the value of having intentional seasons in your career. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight how not always striving for that next promotion can lead to greater fulfilment in both work and life.

Takeaways

• It's okay to have seasons in your career, with different speeds.  
• Making an intentional decision to pause your career progression can create space to explore other elements of life that light you up.  
• Taking time to focus on personal growth and learning new skills can make you more resilient and successful in the long run.  
• Designing a meaningful life can mean your career isn't always linear.
• With our life and career spans becoming much longer, it's important to take time to figure out where your capabilities can make the most impact.  
• Striving for a personal goal outside of work can be really fulfilling. 
• Wealth is an abundance of something you strongly desire - this might change over time, and it's not always going to be money.

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome
03:27 - Carly & Emma's concept of Cul-de-Sac Life
08:07 - The Balance of Career and Personal Life
13:25 - Emma's Career Journey and Realisations
18:05 - Carly's Career Reflections and New Opportunities
20:23 - Generational Perspectives on Career Paths
24:35 - The Benefits of a Cul-de-Sac Life on your Career
28:28 - Navigating Career Choices and Letting go of Guilt
33:22 - The Science Behind Slowing Down to get ahead in your Career

Come find us!  
@the_reinvention_project on Instagram
@emz2ironman on Instagram and Tik Tok
@carlsclifton on Instagram

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In this episode, Carly and Emma explore 10 ways you can support your brain health through lifestyle transformation including the importance of sleep, exercise, nutrition, and the power of laughter. They share personal stories and insights on how these elements contribute to overall well-being and cognitive function. The conversation emphasises the significance of making intentional lifestyle changes to enhance brain health and personal growth.

Take-aways

• Exercise is crucial for both physical and mental health.
• Sleep quality directly impacts cognitive function and overall well-being.
• Laughter can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health.
• Nutrition, particularly sugar intake, affects brain function and clarity.
• Hydration is essential for maintaining cognitive performance.
• Meditation can help rewire the brain and improve focus.
• Social interactions are vital for cognitive health as we age.
• Challenging the brain with new skills can slow cognitive decline.
• Hearing health is linked to cognitive function and should not be neglected.

Chapters

03:37 - Embracing New Experiences: The Night Ride Adventure
06:47 - Motivations for Transformation: Personal Stories
09:28 - Brain Health Insights: Understanding Our Most Vital Organ
12:15 - The Importance of Sleep: Quality Over Quantity
15:25 - The Aging Brain: Facts and Strategies to Combat Shrinkage
18:29 - Memory and Learning: The Power of Our Experiences
21:16 - Exercise: The Brain's Favourite Drug
24:26 - Reframing Our Narratives: Learning from the Past
28:46 - Embracing Change and Positivity
30:09 - The Power of Laughter as Medicine
33:22 - Understanding the Impact of Sugar on the Brain
37:13 - The Importance of Hydration for Brain Function
40:21 - Meditation: A Path to Brain Upgrade
44:34 - Hearing Health and Its Connection to Brain Health
48:08 - Introduction to The Reinvention Project
48:38 - Engagement and Community Building

Come find us! 

@the_reinvention_project on Instagram
@emz2ironman on Instagram and Tik Tok
@carlsclifton on Instagram

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In this episode of The Reinvention Project, hosts Emma and Carly share their stories of reinvention which hasn't exactly gone to plan.  They discuss their forays into affiliate marketing, some of the more awkward moments of corporate life, and their creative pursuits, all while emphasising the importance of trying new things and allowing failure to be part of the story. The conversation is light-hearted and reflective, showcasing how even missteps can lead to personal growth and new directions in life.

Takeaways

• Reinvention is not a linear process; it involves ups and downs.
• Listen to your gut when something feels off.
• It's okay to quit if something isn't right for you.
• Humour can be found in the most awkward situations.
• Creative pursuits can sometimes lead to disasters.
• Every experience contributes to personal growth.
• Eventually the moments where it all went wrong will make sense.

Chapters

00:00 - Celebrating Birthdays and New Beginnings
02:41 - Reinvention Gone Wrong: Personal Stories
14:46 - Lessons from Affiliate Marketing Adventures
22:47 - Corporate Life: The Sales Era
29:41 - Crafting Disasters and Creative Failures
35:22 - Finding Humour in Reinvention
36:34 - Embracing the Journey of Change
37:11 - Introduction to The Reinvention Project
37:42 - Engagement and Community Building

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In this episode, Emma shares her experience of training for a 70.3 triathlon while dealing with a broken leg. They explore the importance of mindset, the realities of endurance sports, and the lessons learned from pushing oneself beyond limits. Emma shares her candid reflections on the race day experience, the emotional toll of injury, and the recovery process, emphasizing the need for self-care and listening to one's body.

Takeaways

• Mindset is an incredible super power
• Injuries can be part of the journey
• Listening to your body is crucial
• Pushing through pain can lead to setbacks
• Community support can be a game changer
• Embrace the journey, not just the destination
• Recovery is a process that takes time
• Learn from mistakes to improve future performance
• Celebrate small victories along the way

Chapters

00:00  - Chit Chat
03:45 - Emma's Journey to the 70.3
06:40 - The Build-Up to the Race
09:23 - Injury and Ignoring Warning Signs
12:37 - The Race Day Experience
18:17 - Post-Race Reflections and Recovery
24:06 - Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Come follow us!
@the_reinvention_project on Instagram
@emz2ironman on Instagram and Tik Tok
@carlsclifton on Instagram

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In this episode of The Reinvention Project, hosts Emma and Carly explore the challenges of self-sabotage and the inner critic, affectionately dubbed the 'Sneaky B*tch.' They share personal stories of transformation, decision-making, and the importance of embracing discomfort in the journey of personal growth. The conversation emphasises the need to confront self-doubt, make bold decisions, and ultimately evolve into a better version of oneself.

Takeaways

• It's never too late to start something new.
• Everyone has their own name for their inner critic.
• Self-sabotage often arises when we try to level up our lives.
• Making a bold decision can help silence the inner critic.
• Documenting your journey can build confidence.
• Embracing discomfort is part of the growth process.
• You have the power to choose your path.
• Reflecting on progress can motivate you to continue.
• It's okay to feel uncomfortable when starting something new.
• You belong in the spaces you choose to enter.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview
03:20 - The Sneaky B*tch that is Self-Sabotage: Understanding the Inner Critic
11:46 - Emma & Carly's Personal Stories of Overcoming Self-Doubt
19:04 - Embracing New Challenges and Growth
24:37 - Final Thoughts: Taking Action and Evolving

Come find us!

Podcast - @the_reinvention_project on Instagram
Emma - @emztoironman on Instagram and Tiktok
Carly - @carlsclifton on Instagram

And let us know if you have a topic you'd like us to cover!

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Carly and Emma discuss all things fitness and Emma's journey from being inactive and overweight to training for an Ironman. They talk about the inspiration of the Olympics, the importance of muscle mass, and the mindset shifts required for a fitness transformation. Emma shares her experience of starting with small steps, overcoming gym fear, and setting goals. They also touch on the challenges of swimming, biking, and running in preparation for an Ironman. Emma shares her journey of becoming a triathlete, starting with overcoming her fear of open water swimming and participating in smaller, less intimidating events. She gradually built up her skills and confidence, eventually completing a half Ironman. Carly discusses her approach to fitness, focusing on longevity and feeling good rather than aesthetic goals. She emphasizes the importance of consistency and finding activities that you enjoy. The conversation also touches on self-sabotage, the need for rest, and the impact of exercise on brain health.

Takeaways

• Don't worry about what's come before, it's never too late to start a new chapter with fitness.
• Muscle mass is important for cardiovascular and metabolic health, fighting off illness, reducing inflammation, and faster recovery.
• Start with small steps and gradually build up your fitness level.
• Overcome gym fear by finding activities you enjoy and focusing on feeling strong.
• Set goals and challenge yourself to achieve new milestones.
• Swimming, biking, and running are key components of Ironman training. Start small and set realistic goals when embarking on a fitness journey.
• Find activities that you enjoy and that align with your purpose.
• Consistency and persistence are key to long-term success.
• Listen to your body and give yourself rest when needed.
• Exercise not only benefits the body but also improves brain health.
• Overcoming fear and pushing through discomfort can lead to personal growth and achievement.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Recap

03:09 - Inspiration from the Olympics

08:48 - The Importance of Muscle Mass

12:29 - Overcoming Gym Fear and Finding Activities You Enjoy

17:23 - Setting Goals and Achieving Milestones

20:25 - The Challenges and Rewards of Ironman Training

22:18 - Conquering the Fear of Open Water Swimming

25:28 - From Beginner Events to Half Ironman: Emma's Journey

29:48 - Fitness for Longevity and Feeling Good

33:26 - The Importance of Consistency and Finding Enjoyment

35:13 - Navigating Self-Sabotage and the Need for Rest

38:30 - Exercise and Brain Health: The Brain Shower

Come find us!
Podcast - @the_reinvention_project on Instagram
Emma - @emz2ironman on Instagram and TikTok
Carly - @carlsclifton on Instagram

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