Episodes

  • #22 Jessica, Jenna, Lisa, Alexis, Henrietta - Changing the Face of Mountain Biking in Northern California

    #22 Jessica, Jenna, Lisa, Alexis, Henrietta - Changing the Face of Mountain Biking in Northern California
    May 23 2024

    Love the show, hate the show? Send us a text message!

    “I'm not a 70-year-old woman on the trail, I'm a free spirit dancing with gravity.” - Henrietta Stern, mountain biking icon 🚵🏽‍♀️ 💜

    This week, we’re breaking the mold with not one, but FIVE remarkable guests – all powerhouse women from the San Francisco Bay Area mountain biking scene.

    Meet Jessica, Jenna, Henrietta, Lisa, and Alexis – a group of community entrepreneurs, passionate riders, certified instructors, and social leaders who are changing the face of mountain biking. I was enthralled with their stories of resilience and transformation, shared with wit, joy and candor, and so will you! 🙌🏽

    We uncover how they -

    - Navigated cultural expectations and overcame physical setbacks to pursue their passion
    - Discovered the power of female camaraderie and built a supportive community on and off the trails
    - Became advocates for inclusivity, expanding access to mountain biking for people of all ages and backgrounds.

    Listen for:

    -The importance of finding joy in movement and connecting with nature. ��
    -How to overcome fear and build confidence through proper training and supportive community.
    -Tips for staying physically and mentally strong to enjoy an active lifestyle at any age.

    Resources & Organizations Mentioned:

    Girls Rock MTB: https://www.girlsrock-mtb.com/

    MORCA (Monterey Off-Road Cycling Association): https://morcamtb.org/

    Ninja MTB: https://ridelikeaninja.com/

    San Jose Composite NICA Team: https://www.sanjosemtb.org/

    Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers: https://www.svmtb.org/

    Sea Otter Classic: https://www.seaotterclassic.com/

    National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA): https://nationalmtb.org/

    Fort Ord Recreation Trails (FORT) Friends: http://www.fortordfriends.org/

    Little Bellas: https://littlebellas.com/

    Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP): https://www.bicp.org/

    City of Santa Cruz Parks & Rec: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation

    Connect with our guests:

    Jessica Tseng: Instagram: @theladiej
    Jenna Graham: Instagram: @bcgraham2021
    Lisa Birch: Instagram: @didsomeonesay2wheels
    Alexis Morgan: Instagram: @lexibsc

    ▶️ YouTube

    🟢 Spotify

    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram

    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Craig DeMartino - The Unexpected Gifts of Adversity, How Climbing Became a Catalyst for Healing and Empowerment

    Craig DeMartino - The Unexpected Gifts of Adversity, How Climbing Became a Catalyst for Healing and Empowerment
    May 16 2024

    Love the show, hate the show? Send us a text message!

    🚀"Yes, that was a catalyst. Yours doesn't have to be falling off a cliff, because you know, everyone's going to fall off their own cliff, whatever that is. "💪🏾⛰️

    Craig DeMartino embodies the spirit of this podcast in every way. He's a climber, a teacher, a mentor, and an inspiration to anyone who's ever faced adversity. Climbing wasn't just a hobby; it became a way of life, a passion that shaped his world.

    But life, as we know, throws curveballs. In Craig's case, it was a devastating accident that changed everything. He found himself at a crossroads, facing a future that seemed unimaginable. But Craig is not a man who backs down. He made a choice, a bold choice, to not let this event define him. And that choice led him on an incredible journey of adaptation, grit, and ultimately, triumph.

    Today, Craig stands as a champion adaptive climber He has five ascents of El Cap, two of them in less than 24 hours. He’s the two-time National Champ, two-time bronze medalist in Worlds, and five-time Extremity Games gold medalist. What makes Craig’s story truly stand out

    Craig now dedicates his life to helping others discover the transformative power of climbing. He works tirelessly with veterans and individuals with disabilities, sharing his knowledge, experience, and unwavering belief in the human spirit's ability to overcome any challenge.

    Cover Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/bearcam/?hl=en

    Ready to unlock your full potential? This episode is kindly brought to you by Maximum Performance Learning, you can transform your career and leadership journey! Arnold and his team were invaluable to me when I was starting this podcast. MPL provides expert coaching designed to elevate your skills and performance. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, their tailored coaching sessions will propel you to the next level. For a limited time, mention Ageless Athlete to receive 20% off your first four sessions. Don't wait – visit Maximum Performance Learning today and start your journey to peak performance!

    References:

    Craig DeMartino's Website: This website likely contains more information about Craig's climbing career, his work with adaptive athletes, and his speaking engagements. CraigDeMartino.com, Instagram

    Adaptive Adventures: The non-profit organization Craig works with, providing outdoor sports opportunities for individuals with disabilities. AdaptiveAdventures.org

    Evolve Adaptive Foot (EAF): The climbing foot prosthetic developed by Evolv, a climbing shoe company, which Craig helped design. Evolv Website - search for "EAF"

    Craig's Sponsors:

    ArcTeryx
    Evolv
    Blue Water Ropes
    Friction Labs
    Black Diamond
    Physivantage






    ▶️ YouTube

    🟢 Spotify

    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram

    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 38 mins
  • #20 Mohit Oberoi - From Himalayan Summits to English Channel Swims, Defining Adventure Sports in a Country of One Billion

    #20 Mohit Oberoi - From Himalayan Summits to English Channel Swims, Defining Adventure Sports in a Country of One Billion
    May 8 2024

    Love the show, hate the show? Send us a text message!

    "Oh those early days. We started with a clothesline and carabiners, venturing onto cliffs with no adult supervision. Looking back, it's a miracle we survived" 🧗🏾😅

    Today, we travel to India 🇮🇳 to meet Mohit Oberoi, a man who turned his passion for adventure into a way of life. Mohit shows a side of that country that may surprise you.

    Growing up in the 80s, Mo and his friends were climbing pioneers, questing up cliffs outside Delhi with homemade gear because the sport simply wasn't established. But Mo didn't stop there! Ironman triathlons? Check. 💪 Swim the English Channel? Done. 🏊‍♂️ Ultra-runs across the Himalayas? You bet. 🏃‍♂️ With the spirit of a new learner, Mo learns new sports, and goes on to take them to their apex.

    His story isn't all smooth sailing – there have been injuries and setbacks. 🤕 Mo gets right back up, learns from his mistakes, and keeps going.

    Welcome to the world of Mo.

    Today's episode is sponsored by RecPak! RecPak is a nutritionally complete instant meal for outdoor adventurers.
    Click this link for a 25% discount . Use 'AGELESS25' at checkout.

    References:

    Indian Mountaineering Foundation: https://indmount.org/
    The Nose, El Capitan, Yosemite National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbing_elcap.htm
    Climbing Gyms in Delhi: https://www.google.com/search?q=climbing+gyms+delhi
    Channel Swimming Association: https://www.channelswimmingassociation.com/
    Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne Cox: https://www.lynnecox.com/books/swimming-to-antarctica

    ▶️ YouTube

    🟢 Spotify

    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram

    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 38 mins
  • #19 Lionel Conacher - Making History as the Oldest Rookie at Mavericks, "The Mount Everest" of Big Wave Surfing

    #19 Lionel Conacher - Making History as the Oldest Rookie at Mavericks, "The Mount Everest" of Big Wave Surfing
    May 2 2024

    Love the show, hate the show? Send us a text message!

    🌊"The biggest thing that impacts you when you first go out there, before I even surfed it, I just went out on a on a jet ski and sat there and watched, is the sound it makes when it breaks...its terrifying" 🏄🏽‍♀️

    At the age of 59 years and 8 months, Conacher became the oldest person in the world to surf Maverick's 🌊, the "Mount Everest of surfing" 🏔️ one of the most challenging and dangerous surf breaks in the world, located near Half Moon Bay, California.

    What makes Conacher's feat truly astonishing is the fact that he didn't start surfing until his 50s, wow! 🤯 Most accomplished big wave surfers start from a very young age, honing their skills over decades of experience. For Conacher to achieve this milestone at an age when most people are contemplating retirement is nothing short of extraordinary. 💪

    Tune in for:

    • Scene by scene account of what it takes to paddle into 30-40 foot waves 🌊🌊🌊, from an 'ordinary' surfer's point of view
    • Training to survive hold-downs 20 feet under cold water 😫
    • Finding balance with a grueling career as a Wall Street banker "plan your vacations first…"? 🏦💰
    • Strategies on finding the perfect mentor / coach and community to fuel the journey 🧑‍🏫🧑‍🤝‍🧑
    • Setting audacious goals, and the dedication and joy that follows 🎯😁
    • Finally, my favorite, wear the 'Vulnerable Adult Learner' label with pride 👴🏄
    References:

    The Inertia: "How I Became the Oldest Person in the World to Surf Maverick’s for the First Time" by Lionel Conacher (March 29, 2023). Link to Article.

    Bianca Valenti - Reknowned big wave surfer and Lionel's coach who prepared him for Mavericks Link to Website

    Barbarian Days by William Finnegan: This Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir explores the author's lifelong passion for surfing and his experiences at various surf breaks around the world. Link to Book

    BWRAG (Big Wave Risk Assessment Group): This organization provides safety training and education for big wave surfers. Link to Website

    Patagonia PSI Vest: This inflatable vest is a crucial safety tool for big wave surfers, providing buoyancy in case of wipeouts and hold-downs. Link to Product

    Surfline: This website provides surf forecasts, live cams, and other resources for surfers. Link to Website

    Rob Case Paddle Surf: Rob Case is a renowned surf coach who offers instruction on paddling technique and pop-up mechanics. Link to Website

    DMC Fins: Lionel mentioned this brand of surf helmets, which he wears for safety during his sessions.

    ▶️ YouTube

    🟢 Spotify

    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram

    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 31 mins
  • #18 Matt Eggleton - Ultra Endurance Mountain Biking Racing, the Power of Habit Stacking, Honoring Ones Gifts, and Safety First!

    #18 Matt Eggleton - Ultra Endurance Mountain Biking Racing, the Power of Habit Stacking, Honoring Ones Gifts, and Safety First!
    Apr 25 2024

    Love the show, hate the show? Send us a text message!

    "It's not selfish to honor your ability 💪. While I can, I have an obligation to use my gifts and make my mark 🏆. Someday I won't be able to, so I'll make the most of the time I have ⏳."

    Matt Eggleton, a former US Air Force veteran and accomplished endurance athlete, challenges age stereotypes by dominating the world of mountain biking. Despite discovering the sport in his 40s, Matt's dedication and discipline have propelled him to achieve impressive results in competitive races across the country. He's a 2x winner of the Stokesville Stoopid 50 (Smart 40, Master Men 50+) category, a 4th place finisher in the 2019 National Ultra Endurance (NUE) MTB Series Masters Division, and the Overall Winner of the 2019 Tour de Gravelly Masters Division.

    We cover:

    1. Training regimens for mountain biking?
    2. Power of habit stacking
    3. Obligation to honor ones gifts
    4. Safety….“Only spend on a helmet what your head’s worth” 🤩
    5. Is yoga worthless for enduro sports? 🧘🏾

    References:

    Matt’s website: https://www.eggleton.net/

    Matt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt.eggleton/

    ▶️ YouTube

    🟢 Spotify

    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram

    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 32 mins
  • #17 Caroline Paul - From Firefighting to Wing Walking, Transforming Fear into Awe

    #17 Caroline Paul - From Firefighting to Wing Walking, Transforming Fear into Awe
    Apr 19 2024

    Love the show, hate the show? Send us a text message!

    "What nature asks of us when we go outside is to be strong, is to use our cognitive faculties, to be nimble, to be exhilarated, and to be brave. All of that flies in the face of what we're told about our aging ." ⛰️ 💪🏾

    Caroline Paul, a true renaissance woman, has spent her life shattering stereotypes and embracing adventure.

    In this episode, we journey alongside Caroline as she shares her remarkable experiences, from the remote landscapes of Siberia to the exhilarating waves of the Pacific Ocean. We discuss her latest book, "Tough Broad," and explore the transformative power of outdoor adventures for women (and men) as they age.

    Takeaways:

    1. Embrace awe 🧘‍♀️ It can lower inflammation, boost positivity.
    2. Assess real risks 🤷‍♂️ We often blow them out of proportion.
    3. Find accountability buddies 🫂 They add fun, community, motivation!
    4. Expand your comfort zone 💪 Small steps upend expectations.
    5. Seek novelty 🏔 It's key for health, happiness and longevity.
    Time to ditch narratives about "frailty" and get rad! 🚀

    Resources:

    Caroline Paul's Website: https://carolinepaul.com/

    Caroline Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinembpaul/

    Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking, How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age: [online or your favorite bookstore!]

    The Gutsy Girl: [online or your favorite bookstore!]

    Dacher Keltner's Book on Awe: [Link to purchase book]

    ▶️ YouTube

    🟢 Spotify

    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram

    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 18 mins
  • #16 Hans Florine - El Capitan’s Speed King on Staying Alive, Gender Representation on Big Walls, and Power of Visualization

    #16 Hans Florine - El Capitan’s Speed King on Staying Alive, Gender Representation on Big Walls, and Power of Visualization
    Apr 11 2024

    Love the show, hate the show? Send us a text message!

    ⛰️"It's the struggle on those 3,000 feet that matters, the journey IS the climb."🧗‍♀️

    Hans Florine has a lifelong love affair with Yosemite's El Capitan, setting and breaking speed records on its iconic face, having climbed it almost 200 times. We talked about his climbing philosophy, staying safe on big walls, and what makes an ideal climbing partner. Hans opened up about why he loves partnering with new people up El Cap and his passion for making climbing more accessible to everyone. 🧗‍♂️🧗‍♀️

    We’ve great giveaways from Coros, Physivantage, and Hans Florine himself. Tune into the podcast for deets! 🎙️

    1. ⛰️Power of visualization
    2. 🧗 Do Hard Things (DHT) and TNT…what the heck??
    3. 🤝 Hans’ tips for lifelong safety on the walls
    4. 🤪 Hans’ favorite and worst climbing partners LOL
    5. 🥶Cryotherapy for Outdoor Athletes
    References:

    • Hans’ Instagram @hansflorine
    • Hans’ website https://www.hansflorine.com/
    • DHT Challenge https://www.dhtchallenge.com/
    • Hans Florine 100 ascents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHktkAx9SFE&ab_channel=OutsideWatch
    • On The Nose (co-authored with Jayme Moye @jaymemoye) https://www.hansflorine.com/?page_id=252
    • Coros Smartwatches https://us.coros.com/watches
    • Physivantage Nutrition https://physivantage.com

    ▶️ YouTube

    🟢 Spotify

    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram

    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 32 mins
  • #15 Wayne Willoughby - From Severe Disability, To Big Wall Summits, an Adaptive Rock Climber's Transformative Story

    #15 Wayne Willoughby - From Severe Disability, To Big Wall Summits, an Adaptive Rock Climber's Transformative Story
    Apr 2 2024

    Love the show, hate the show? Send us a text message!

    "Anything worth doing, is worth doing well"

    Meet Wayne Willoughby- an adaptive rock climber who defied incredible odds and has climbed El Cap, not once, or twice, but a mind-boggling 26 times. 🧗‍♂️🏔️ From battling polio and disabilities since infancy, to suffering terrible injuries, Wayne overcame obstacle after obstacle. 99% of us will never climb El Cap. Wayne has done it not once, or twice, but a record 26 times. 💪

    He also became the first adaptive climber to reach the summits of famous, grueling climbs like El Capitan and The Diamond in under 24 hours. ⚡

    In this wondrous conversation, and with his infectious yet humble demeanor, Wayne opens up about how he developed the grit, creative problem-solving, and deep gratitude for life's simple gifts that empowered him to defy limitations. 💎

    His stoke for the outdoors and sheer refusal to be held back, despite the punishing toll on his body, is straight-up inspiring. 🔥 Whether you're a crusty trad dad or just someone looking for an awesome story of perseverance to get pumped on, buckle up!

    🚀 This convo with a real-life superhero still defying the odds well into his 70s will challenge your perspective on what it means to be an elite athlete.

    More about Wayne:

    • The Indomitable Spirit of Wayne Willoughby
    • Wayne Willoughby, Adaptive Climber, Continues to Defy Odds
    • The Humble Badass: Wayne Willoughby

    Credits extended to:

    1. Paradox Sports: https://paradoxsports.org/
    2. Blue Water Ropes: https://www.bluewaterropes.com/



    ▶️ YouTube

    🟢 Spotify

    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram

    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 22 mins