In this episode, I sit down with fellow endurance coach Joe Howdyshell and elite athlete (and Olympic hopeful) Cam Smith for what turned into a true badass class on endurance training, mindset, and long-term athletic development. Joe is the author of Badass Class, and this conversation dives deep into the big-picture principles that actually move the needle—without getting lost in spreadsheets, buzzwords, or social-media noise.

We talk about why general training lays the foundation for everything that comes later, and why so many athletes overestimate what they can do in six weeks while underestimating what’s possible over a year—or a decade. Joe breaks down first principles like volume, intensity, stress, and recovery, while Cam shares real-world perspective from racing at the highest level and navigating injuries, setbacks, and evolving goals.

We also explore the often-overlooked skills that support great training: life skills, athlete skills, coping strategies, and the importance of having tools beyond exercise to manage stress. From fueling and sleep to fun, flexibility, and knowing when to push—and when to walk it out in the woods—this conversation is about staying healthy, consistent, and excited for the long haul.

Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned endurance athlete, or a coach trying to simplify your approach, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, honest reflections, and plenty of laughs. The basics work—and this is a masterclass in why.

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials

This week Liz Humphreys (founder of the non-profit, Mind What Matters) and I sit down with Dr. Dani Cabral, founder of BrainLove, to talk about one of the most hopeful and exciting areas in modern medicine: the reversal and prevention of cognitive decline. Dr. Cabral combines functional medicine, neurology, and lifestyle design to help patients facing Alzheimer’s and dementia reclaim their vitality and brain health.

We discuss her journey from traditional healthcare to creating a more holistic approach, one that looks at nutrition, hormones, inflammation, sleep, toxins, and emotional health as interconnected levers for healing. 

Dr. Cabral shares stories from her clinic, practical strategies for optimizing brain function at any age, and powerful insights into how mindset, relationships, and purpose play a role in neuroplasticity and recovery.

We also talk about the science of BrainLove, why it’s never too early (or too late) to start supporting your brain, the daily habits that make the biggest difference, and how she’s helping shift the narrative from fear and decline to empowerment and transformation.

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials

On this episode, I sit down with pro mountain biker and endurance powerhouse Hannah Otto to talk about the mental and physical strategies that fuel her remarkable performances from setting FKTs on the Moab Triple Crown to racing in the Lifetime Grand Prix and World Championships.

Hannah shares how she’s built a life around adventure and purpose, balancing the technical and tactical side of elite racing with the mindset tools that keep her grounded and thriving. We dive into her journey from triathlon to mountain biking, lessons from the Leadville 100 win, and how she approaches fear, failure, and focus with the same level of intention she brings to every ride.

We also unpack what she calls the “psychological similarity” between pros and everyday athletes, the shared experience of pushing limits, battling self-doubt, and chasing growth for its own sake. Hannah talks about working with a sports psychologist, learning to control what you can and release what you can’t, and how her “CocoPelli Strong” mantra has become a symbol of resilience after one of her toughest days on the trail.

Episode Art Photo Credit: Marcus Gracia

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

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The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials

In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist, author, and former professional musician Gary Trosclair to explore what it really means to have a driven personality and how to take the wheel instead of letting it drive you. Gary’s work, The Healthy Compulsive Project, sheds light on obsessive-compulsive personality traits (OCPD) and how the same tendencies that push us to achieve can also cause stress, rigidity, and disconnection if left unchecked.

We dig into how perfectionism, control, and urgency show up in endurance sports, work, and family life and how to transform those patterns into strengths through awareness, mindfulness, and compassion. Gary shares insights from Jungian psychology, personal stories from his journey as a musician turned therapist, and practical ways to move from “proving yourself” to simply being yourself.

We also talk about the mental side of endurance how athletes can find balance between excellence and ease, the role of meditation and body awareness in releasing tension, and how learning to “hold the pen more loosely” can actually improve both performance and happiness.

If you’ve ever felt like your ambition is both your greatest gift and your toughest challenge, this conversation is for you.

Learn more about Gary: thehealthycompulsive.com | garytrosclair.com

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials

I'm honored to be joined again by Dr. Stacy Sims, exercise physiologist, nutrition scientist, athlete, and author of ROAR and Next Level. Stacy is a leading voice in women’s performance, and her groundbreaking work has reshaped how we think about training and fueling across the female lifespan.

We dig into the science behind why “women are not small men,” covering everything from the menstrual cycle to perimenopause and menopause, and how those changes impact hydration, recovery, and performance. Stacy shares practical strategies for fueling, training, and strength work that help women harness their physiology instead of fighting it. We also talk about breaking down taboos, the importance of lifting heavy, and why female athletes, and the coaches and partners who support them, need to reframe how success is measured over time.

This conversation is packed with research-backed wisdom, actionable tools, and empowering reminders for women (and men!) who want to thrive in sport and life .

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

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The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials

For our 200th episode, I’m honored to welcome two legends of the endurance world: Lazarus Lake, the mastermind behind the Barkley Marathons and Big’s Backyard Ultra and author Jared Beasley, whose new book The Endurance Artist dives deep into Laz’s life and legacy. We talk about what it really means to chase the impossible, how pain and discomfort shape us, and why the “Danny’s” of the sport (everyday athletes who rise beyond expectation) are so inspiring. 

Laz shares lessons from a lifetime of running, coaching, and creating races that break people down and build them back up, while Jared gives us a writer’s view into the grit, humor, and heart of these iconic events. From dogs as life coaches to the team dynamics hidden in solo suffering, this conversation is a raw and memorable celebration of endurance, resilience, and living life to its fullest.

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and athlete Rachel Popelka better known on Instagram as The Trailside Doc. Rachel is a remote physical therapist, an expedition adventure racer, and an ultra runner who’s carved out a life full of bold choices, resilience, and inspired adventure.

We talk about her unconventional path into endurance sports, from starting with a 5K to finishing multi-day expedition races, and how she built a career helping athletes stay strong and recover smarter. Rachel shares candidly about her own health struggles, lessons from navigating chronic pain, and the power of positive affirmations, community, and connection with nature.

We also dive into the unique PT model she’s pioneering working remotely with athletes to blend rehab, strength, and performance training into their everyday programming. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is to have her integrated on an athlete’s “team,” collaborating with coaches and bringing PT into TrainingPeaks just like a workout.

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials

In this episode, I sit down with adventure photographer, filmmaker, and author Cory Richards to talk about his remarkable new book, The Color of Everything, and the very human terrain that comes with chasing big mountains and a meaningful life. We dive into bipolar disorder how the creative “up” can be followed by a paralyzing “down,” why “balance” might be something you measure across a lifetime, and the simple, daily pillars Cory uses to stay grounded. 

Cory talks candidly about hypersexuality, shame, and finding value beyond adrenaline and we share vulnerable stories about ambiguous loss, aging parents, and holding on to humor and love when life gets brutally real. 

Whether you’re an athlete, artist, or anyone walking through hard seasons, this conversation is raw, practical, and full of heart. 

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials

This week on the show, I’m joined by endurance athlete, educator, and record-breaking peak-bagger Jason Hardrath for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about what it really means to pursue big goals and live with intention.

Jason is best known for completing 100 FKTs (Fastest Known Times), including the legendary Bulgers List in Washington and the Infinity Loop on Denali. But in this episode, we go beyond the records. We talk about ADHD, the stories we tell ourselves, and the role movement plays in healing and growth.

Jason opens up about his journey from a life-altering car crash to finding purpose through endurance pursuits, how teaching kids helps him become a better athlete (and vice versa), and why nuance, structure, and mentorship are key to doing hard things well.

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials

This week on the show, I’m joined by former pro cyclist, Grand Tour veteran, Olympian, NBC Sports analyst, and now mental performance coach, Brent Bookwalter.

We had a great conversation about life on and off the bike. Brent shares his unforgettable experience helping Cadel Evans win the 2011 Tour de France, reflects on the evolution of team dynamics in pro cycling, and breaks down how the sport is shifting with the rise of data and the emergence of the next generation of riders.

He also opens up about his own transition from elite racing to coaching, the role of mental fitness, and what it really means to support athlete well-being, especially during pivotal life and career transitions.

Big thanks to my producer and friend Anthony Palmer of Palm Tree Pod Co. for joining in on the conversation as well.

Be sure to catch Brent daily on Peacock throughout July as he covers the Tour de France, and check out his website to learn more about his coaching services. 

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

- - - - - - - - - - -
Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials