In this solo episode of Women Empower Active, host Jacalyn reflects on her recent 25K "hard effort" at the Olympic Mountain Trail Races. She takes listeners behind the scenes of her race experience—sharing the highs, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in for an honest breakdown of the effort, her post-race reflections, and the takeaways she’s carrying forward into future adventures.

Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross

Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary

Editor: Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by: Pete Alba

Today, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Anna Chang—a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Licensed Physical Therapist, and Certified Personal Trainer. After graduating from the University of Puget Sound in 2020, Dr. Anna recognized a need for more accessible, inclusive wellness services. In response, she founded Onsight PT LLC in 2021, focusing on injury prevention and strength-building for athletes through personalized, intentional care.

But this conversation isn’t just about her impressive work—it’s about the driven, passionate individual behind it. Let’s dive into her story.

Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross

Guest: Dr. Anna Chang, PT, DPT, CPT @onsightdpt

Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary

Editor: Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by: Pete Alba

We’re excited to speak with Mel Fernandes. A leading force in outdoor advocacy for survivors of violent crimes, marginalized communities, and much more. All areas that have become increasingly crucial to the climbing and outdoor community. In addition to her advocacy work, Mel is a dedicated pet rescuer, showcasing her deep compassion for both animals and people.

She believes that we are all meant to thrive outdoors, and her approach to an active, purposeful lifestyle is truly inspiring. We’re excited to share her wisdom and offer insights that will resonate with anyone who lives for adventure and the outdoors.

Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross

Guest: Mel Fernandes @melinthealpine

Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary

Editor: Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by: Pete Alba

Runner referenced: Caster Semenya 800 meter Olympic Runner

Today, we're pumped to welcome Erin Murray, a powerhouse in the world of Strongwoman competitions. As a World’s Strongest Woman titleholder and record-breaking athlete, Erin has lifted, pressed, and carried her way to the top, proving that strength is just as much about tenacity as it is about muscle. From making history at the Arnold to coaching others in their own strength journeys, she's breaking barriers and raising the bar—literally. Don your war paint as we dig into her journey of grit, growth, and unstoppable power.

Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross

Guest: Erin Murray @e.murray_pro.strongwoman

Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary

Editor: Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by: Pete Alba

In this episode, we sit down with Lenie Gallardo—the powerhouse mom and climber behind the vibrant Gallardo girls, Hunter and Phoenix. Lenie shares how she weaves motherhood into her climbing journey, her approach to bouldering, and how she’s found her own style of climbing. From problem-solving to leading by example, Lenie embodies quiet strength. She has greatly inspired me, and I’m so excited to share her story with you.

This episode is an off-grid episode! I'd like to give a special thanks to MidNite Solar who kindly provided this Little Rosie inverter and Expion battery to power my recording setup.

Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross

Guest: Lenie Gallardo @LenieBird

Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary

Editor: Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by: Pete Alba

In this episode, we’re joined by Amanda Bullat, a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Dietitian who specializes in supporting women through the transformative stages of perimenopause and menopause. With years of experience, Amanda combines her expertise in nutrition with a passion for holistic health to help women embrace intuitive eating.

As a past runner now cyclist and hiker she understands the power of fueling your body for strength. Tune in for practical strategies, compassionate guidance, and an empowering perspective on navigating the changes of midlife with confidence and care.

My 5 favorite foods for women + recipes⁠ https://alpinenutrition.kit.com/5foods⁠

Thrive Guide - 5 steps to make intuitive eating easy ⁠https://alpinenutrition.kit.com/thrive-guide

Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross

Guest: Amanda Bullat @alpinenutrition alpinenutrition.org

Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary

Editor: Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by: Pete Alba

Photo: Angela Prospert @rainydayprosper

Ting Ting is an adventurer who discovered climbing at 32 with no athletic background and went all in, driven by the fear of running out of time. After seven years of vanlifing and traveling frugally to pursue climbing, she’s tackled alpine first ascents in Asia and Patagonia, big walls, desert towers, and even a 20-day Winds traverse bagging 33 peaks along the Continental Divide.

Now, at 49, she may be stepping back from expeditions, but performance climbing goals are still alive, driven by the belief that her best day is yet to come. Join us as we explore the mindset of someone who’s redefined what’s possible and continues to push her limits.

Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross

Guest: Ting Ting @szutingyi

Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary

Editor: Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by: Pete Alba

Photo: David Anderson @thewildsights

In this episode, Jacalyn reconnects with the inspiring Crystal Rose Hudelson, who first shared her remarkable journey in the second episode of the 2024 season (listen to her full story here: link). Together, they reflect on the powerful goals Crystal set for herself and how her perspective has evolved. They explore the climbing routes she aimed to conquer in 2024 and the strides she’s made towards those ambitions. The conversation also delves into Crystal’s evolving views on guiding and the bold new goals she’s setting for herself in that arena. Crystal shares profound lessons of empowerment drawn from her experiences over the past year. Finally, she discusses her exciting new venture, Rock Rose Blog, LLC, and her upcoming Climb Malawi event—get your tickets here: link.

For Washington State business information: https://wsbdc.org/

Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross
Guest: Crystal Rose Hudelson @aroseontherock
Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba

In this motivating episode of the Women Empower Active Podcast, we catch up with Lydon Kersting, revisiting our chat before she embarked on her life-changing Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hike. Together, we break down her journey and explore the lessons learned along the way. Lydon’s experience will ignite the spark to pursue your own goals, no matter how daunting they may seem. Prepare to feel empowered to take on your next big challenge!"

Host Jacalyn Gross

Guest Lydon Kersting

Producer Jeremy Canaria

Editor Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by Pete Alba

*@tyler_yezman is the thru-hiker with the daily vlog

This is one of Jacalyn’s favorite episodes! She always loves reflecting on the incredible women she’s had the privilege of speaking with and the empowering insights they’ve shared. Each of them comes from a unique background, facing different struggles and viewing their active lifestyles through different lenses, which shapes what fitness means to them personally.

This year, Jacalyn has faced her own challenges. After her appendix ruptured, she was sidelined for two months—only able to walk, the longest break she’s had from exercise since she was 12. It was a true mental test, impacting not just her physical health, but her sense of self-worth as well. It forced her to reflect on everything she’s learned through this podcast, including the realization that sometimes, fitness itself can be an obstacle to pursuing other passions.

She wants to take a moment to thank each of the incredible women who have shared their stories. Their courage and wisdom continue to inspire her, and she can’t wait to see what the next year brings in terms of new conversations and insights.

Crystal Rose Hudelson 01:44:07

https://www.instagram.com/aroseontherock/

Melissa Adao 07:20:09

https://www.instagram.com/bgirlmel/

Khai Bhagwandin 13:15:25

https://www.instagram.com/khaiann/

Melissa Pell McQueen 15:32:14

https://www.instagram.com/mel2toes/

Lindsay Williams 18:38:12

https://www.instagram.com/coachlinwilli/

Jacalyn Gross 20:11:26

https://www.instagram.com/jacalyngross/

Lizzi Hoffert 21:05:16

Follow on Strava

Julie Mckelvey 22:42:08

https://www.instagram.com/juliemckelvey27/

Cherilyn Suiter 25:02:02

https://www.instagram.com/dcsuiter/

Producer Jeremy Canaria

Editor Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by Pete Alba