Our lives in Western North Carolina were turned upside down by Hurricane Helene. In this episode Ian McDonald and I share stories of what it was like to live through. This is Ian's second visit to the podcast, his first being #92 with Lanier Ash earlier this year. When the hurricane hit the High Country, Ian was on campus at Lees-McRae College and I was on top of Beech Mountain, about a 1500’ elevation difference. We share what it felt and looked like, and the aftermath of destruction it left behind. Our conversation scratches the surface of stories shared about our Helene experience. We will be coping and dealing with its effects for years to come. Hope you enjoy!

A lot of life has happened in 2024 and in the past few months with Hurricane Helene hitting home. A short episode to lay the groundwork for some upcoming episodes about the hurricane and other significant moments in life. Time to get back in whack!

Liam Flanagan is a professional cyclist racing for Team Skyline-Cadence at the UCI Continental level, and shares insight and stories into what he has been up to since our last sit down in early 2023. Liam lost confidence through a crash, rebounded and overcame it, and is now improving upon his process along the way to a future podium. We discuss his struggles, his successes, good sportsmanship, and what it looks like to be a good teammate. This is a longer episode, but Liam does a great job at making the conversation worthwhile. We hope you enjoy it, and if so, share it with a friend!

Follow Liam and his team:

Liam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liamflanagan27/

Liam's Strava: https://www.strava.com/pros/1130255

Team Skyline-Cadence: https://www.instagram.com/teamskyline_cadence/

Lanier Ash and Ian McDonald are seniors on the Lees-McRae cycling team. We sat down to discuss their views on their future ahead, and how anxiousness and misguided perceptions have affected their outlook. This conversation stems from a previous chat we had during a road trip. I shared with them what life was like in the 80s and 90s, and they were curious to experience it for themselves. Young people today are bombarded with media, which is making deep impressions, and it is leading to very unhealthy outcomes. Lanier and Ian have sensed this, and are taking measures to turn it around. If you’re Gen X like me, you will smile and scream “yes!,” and if you’re of the current generation you will likely be intrigued. Hopefully you’ll become encouraged to take action to combat the problems facing everyone!

Collegiate cycling is full of aspiring athletes who are striving to reach the next level. In this episode we speak with Josh Foley, a fierce competitor for the Lees-McRae College cycling team, and someone who has risen the ranks in collegiate to performing in the biggest races in the US. We discuss his physical development, mental development, and what the process has been like for the past four years. No matter where you are on your developmental timeline, you can learn from Josh's insight and experience. Enjoy!

Follow Josh on Socials:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/josh_foley15/

Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/7477562

Under the Sun

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/under_the_sun_podcast/

Kicking off 2024 better than how we ended 2023! I share my experience in Spain along with reflections and intentions coming into the new year. I am reclaiming my time and will be focused on the meaningful. I share some thoughts and ideas on how to do this, and what happens to your well being if you do. Chin up. Lock in. Have faith.

Cycle Sierra Nevada: https://www.sierranevada.cc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyclesierranevada/

Coach Tim Hall: https://www.coachtimhall.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachtimhall/

Under the Sun: https://www.instagram.com/under_the_sun_podcast/

What does it take to make progress and win towards the vision you are striving to achieve? I share five key steps on the way to winning, and if done right, the progress and momentum you build is very rewarding! Listen up and focus on these simple steps, and remember - you don't have to win to win!

I tried to tap out early in this episode, but it took a little longer to share the ideas than I anticipated. Feeling like a million bucks is an old expression, and it requires a lot of help. I share my formula as to how to feel like a million, and the tangible ingredients it takes to feel it. I include updates on what I have been up to, how my coaching career unfolded initially, and how my thinking evolved about how to get better to win. I'd love to hear your thoughts and how these ideas helped you!

Email - [email protected]

Website - www.coachtimhall.com

In this episode I share a personal story of taking a small step, and how taking small steps leads to achieving the dreams we imagine. This idea continues to build on the past three episodes (#84-86), and how by taking small steps takes us from the "in-between" to where we want to go. I am sure you can relate the feeling of intimidation or impossibility, but the good news is we can all do something about that - take the small steps! I hope you enjoy.

We are starting a HOT STREAK here at Under the Sun, two episodes in one week! Today I discuss a concept about guarding the gate leading into your mind. We get to decide who and what enters our gate, it is a choice. I was reminded of this choice by Marcus Aurelius and an entry in his journal called Meditations. I share 5 points to consider and focus on to guard your gate, and share a personal story from college that helped me become a better guard. Plus, a crazy radical idea that I'd love to hear your thoughts about! Hope you enjoy.