Under the Sun

This episode is with a good friend and collaborator, Dr. Marco Meucci of COSMED. Marco was formally an Associate Professor in the Public Health and Exercise Science Department at Appalachian State University, where he also served as the Director of their wellness and human performance lab. He now is the Academics Manager for COSMED, an Italian company that “designs, manufactures, and sells worldwide diagnostic medical devices to assess Lung function, Metabolic, and Body Composition.” Marco shares his story and progression as an athlete, student, professor, and leader in academia. We discuss how he made decisions leading to where he is today and how he uses the sparks to create forks in life, then takes the most exciting one. We believe you are going to love the energy and insight this enthusiastic Italian brings to the show. Enjoy!

Coach Kaysee Armstrong is back on the podcast, and now as the Women's Assistant Coach at Lees-McRae College. I have had the distinct privilege of working alongside Kaysee for the past year, and we discuss her transition from being a professional cyclist to collegiate coach to soon a mom. She shares a lot of thoughts and stories about how her belief system has helped her grow as a person, and how playing it safe within your comfort zone does not lead to growth. We dive deep into the mental and emotional side of our identities as people, and how the coach-athlete relationship requires trust and communication. I am hopeful you will appreciate this discussion and it will help you grow as a person as well. Enjoy, and if you like what you hear, please share it with a friend!

Ian is back for his third time on the podcast to discuss his experience healing from Lyme Disease, Bell's Palsy, and what his plans are moving forward after graduation. Ian and I have always found it easy to talk about a wide variety of subjects. In this longer episode we openly discuss our ideas and behaviors we believe have and are helping us to not only do what we enjoy, but do it better than we did before. Ian has always had a strong interest in biology and wellness, and he always comes up with interesting scientific research. He has plans to work in the Optometry field in order to help others live healthier lives, and I have no doubt he will one day accomplish this goal. We hope you enjoy the discussion!

First podcast in 2025 is a reflection of why I started this podcast show back in June of 2019. Recent life events have reminded me the value of how our life stories can impact the lives of other people. Story telling is a powerful form of communication, and I am a firm believer our testimony can change lives.

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/