Jaxson Riddle wrote it down every single day. I am a Red Bull athlete. At 18 years old it came true. He was one of maybe two or three free-ride athletes in the US to ever wear that helmet. The peak moment of his life.
Two months later his father was gone.
What followed was grief he buried, self-destructive thoughts he nearly did not survive, a woman who showed up at exactly the right moment, two sons pulled into the world with his own hands in his living room, and a 24 year old trying to figure out how to be the father he never fully had.
This conversation goes everywhere. Growing up as an only child with young parents barely holding it together. Dropping out of school at 16 to bet everything on a bike. Sleeping on the floor of a minibus in a Whistler parking lot just to get seen. Manifesting his way to one of the most coveted sponsorships in action sports. Then watching his father have a complete breakdown, hearing voices, driving off a cliff in the desert, and being found face down in 29 degree cold.
Jaxson talks about what Red Bull actually does for its athletes that nobody sees. The fear of dying and leaving his sons fatherless. Two home births including pulling his second son out purple and terrified. What it means to be present as a father when your work never turns off. And what it looks like to find beauty in the worst thing that ever happened to you.
This is one of the most complete human stories we have ever put on this show.
Connect with Jaxson:
Instagram:
@JaxsonRiddle
YouTube: Ride with Riddle
Connect with Joe:
Instagram: @joeadams_rp
YouTube: The Relentless Pursuit Podcast
Brought to you by:- True Friends Moving Company
- Nashville Fit
- BodyWell
- B2 Wellness Suites
00:00 Red Bull Dream Manifested
00:51 Tragedy After the High
01:32 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro
03:24 Why This Platform Matters
04:57 Identity Beyond Achievement
07:34 Fatherhood and Self Care
11:47 Life Today Pro Rider Dad Builder
15:38 Childhood Only Child Roots
17:00 Parents Young and Struggles
22:05 Only Child Strengths and Gaps
23:54 Sponsor Break True Friends Moving
25:11 Dad Returns and Bikes Begin
32:28 School Dropout Bet on Riding
38:20 Going Pro Sponsors and Income
42:24 Momentum After Transition
43:10 Battling Negative Self Talk
46:19 Traveling For The Ride
47:13 Whistler Crankworx Breakthrough
49:43 Manifesting Red Bull Dream
51:44 Getting The Red Bull Helmet
53:38 Life Changes Overnight
54:52 Red Bull Family Support
57:32 Staying Authentic And Creative
59:53 Responsibility To Young Fans
01:03:28 Avoiding Party Culture Pitfalls
01:06:30 Sponsor Break Nashville Fit Ad
01:08:25 Dad's Breakdown After Success
01:15:06 Desert Search And Loss
01:21:51 Grief And Compartmentalizing
01:23:17 What I'd Tell My Dad
01:25:38 Grief Aftermath
01:27:06 Finding The Gold
01:28:59 Carrying His Spirit
01:30:10 Facing Mortality
01:34:57 Fear Of Leaving Family
01:36:51 Meeting His Wife
01:39:42 Love In Dark Times
01:42:51 Home Birth Intensity
01:47:47 Postpartum Reality
01:49:07 Fatherhood Priorities
01:50:35 Being Present Daily
01:57:00 Embracing The Chaos
01:58:42 Savoring Small Moments
01:59:40 Press Pause for Play
02:01:41 Traveling as a Dad
02:03:43 Stay at Home Mom Goal
02:06:24 Always On Entrepreneur Life
02:11:20 Balance and Surrender
02:14:54 Faith in Practice
02:16:19 You Are Not Alone
02:19:52 Legacy and Memories
02:20:46 Ozzy Files for Kids
02:23:03 Vulnerability as Strength
02:26:12 Legacy for His Sons
02:31:29 Rapid Fire and Sign Off
02:33:06 Healing in Many Lanes
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