Choose the Hard Way

Michelle Curran, call sign MACE, spent three years flying in the United States Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team and was the lead soloist for two of those years flying on the outer left wing of the delta formation. Michelle was the fifth woman ever to be a member of the Thunderbirds and while deployed as a fighter pilot in Afghanistan in 2016, she acquired 163 combat hours. When Michelle left the Thunderbirds in 2021 she continued to pursue her passion for inspiring and motivating people in a slightly different format. Today she's a keynote speaker and the author of the children's book "Upside Down Dreams" and a forthcoming biography. Michelle has done many fantastic podcast appearances about leadership and lessons learned from her time in combat and with the Thunderbirds. In this interview, we go deep on new topics including risk management, vulnerability, the power of extraordinary effort, why you must become an expert learner to become the very best at anything, and the role mountaineering, running and strength training played in helping Michelle prepare for and heal from the physical demands of pulling 9 G's while on the road 240 days a year with the Thunderbirds and more. My uncles used to take me to the airshow at Richards Gebauer air base outside Kansas City every summer when I was a kid and watching the United States Air Force Thunderbirds was one of the most truly awe inspiring things I have ever experienced. This one is extra special for me and I'm really excited to share it with you. Special thank you to former Choose the Hard Way guest Ben Davis, the author, former Navy SEAL and VOAG executive director for connecting me to Michelle, very much appreciated. You can catch my interview with Ben in the archives. You can learn more about Michelle at macecurran.com or on Instagram @mace_curran. Michelle Curran Website | Instagram Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

With years of cycling and endurance experience under his belt, Derek Teel now dedicates his life to providing strength training programs and coaching through his app and platform dialedhealth.com, helping cyclists around the world become healthier and perform better. In this episode, we'll dive into Derek's journey from building bike ramps and working out in his parents' garage with p90x, to becoming a successful entrepreneur running his business, Dialed Health. We'll discuss the highs and lows of his racing career and learn how he transitioned from being a pro downhill & enduro mountain bike racer to a sought-after strength coach who is blowing up on Instagram. Hear about Derek's experience tackling an Everest challenge on his mountain bike, a double Everest ride on his road bike, why he is focusing exclusively on gravel racing and how he keeps pushing for more as a business owner, family man, and athlete. You can learn more about Derek at dialedhealth.com. Derek Teel Instagram | YouTube | Podcast | Website Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Kerry Werner was living the hardcore multi-discipline pro cyclist life long before it was cool and has been bringing viewers inside the races on YouTube for nearly a decade. During that time, he has gone from an ace mountain bike pro to one of the brightest American stars in cyclocross to taking the now inevitable leap into the Belgian Waffle Ride series and Lifetime Grand Prix. As pro cycling and creator life on YouTube have evolved, so has Kerry and his breakfast habits which have seen him transform from a pancake evangelist into just another cold cereal muncher. I loved getting to hear his point of view on those topics and his controversial course tape clotheslining during the 2019 cyclocross National Championships. You can find Kerry on YouTube and on Instagram @kerryw24. Choose the Hard Way is a podcast about how doing hard things is fun. Please help more people find this podcast. To do that, just hit subscribe and rate the show five stars on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this episode with someone you care about. Go to choosethehardway.com to sign up for the newsletter and if there's someone you think would make a great guest, please send a note to [email protected] or @hardwaypod on social. In This Episode: Kerry Werner Instagram | YouTube Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Unbound XL winner Kristen Legan & Gravel legend Nick Legan on racing, adventure, bikepacking and teamwork in sport, life and marriage as lived at Unbound Gravel, Ride the Divide, TransIowa and more. The inside line on the months of prep, recon and planning that went into Unbound XL, why Kristen and Nick like to go deep, why they choose the hard way and recommend that you do, too. Kristen Legan won the 350-mile, 2023 Unbound XL gravel race in 26 hours and six minutes, beating her closest competitor by nearly two full hours. She modestly describes herself as a sometimes-pro racer who competes in gravel and endurance mountain bike races with a healthy heaping of bikepacking in the mix. She also leads communications for Shimano North America and Mosaic cycles and works with endurance athletes of all kidneys through her coaching company, Rambleur. Nick Legan has worked as WorldTour and Olympic mechanic, a tech editor and now leads gravel marketing for Shimano. He's completed the Tour Divide, Trans Iowa, Unbound XL and Unbound 200 five times. He's also the author of "Gravel Cycling: The Complete Guide to Gravel Racing and Adventure Bikepacking." If memory serves me correctly, the first time I did the Unbound 100 back in 2013, Nick and Kristen were there. You can watch a chunk of Kristen's Unbound XL victory in the Vegan Cyclist's video about the event, he closely trailed her for much of the race before he tapped out and she went on to win. Nick has graciously helped me with a decade's-worth of tech questions about my gear for which I'm deeply grateful and I'm excited to bring this conversation to you today where we cover everything about Kristen and Nick's meticulous preparation, planning and teamwork to put Kristen in the best possible position to execute to the best of her ability on race day at Unbound XL and dive into many of their other adventures and how Kristen is working with athletes through her coaching company. Find Kristen on social @KPLegan and learn more about her coaching practice at rambleur.com and find Nick @nlegan and on bookshelves everywhere if bookshelves still exist, otherwise find him on Amazon and buy his awesome book. In This Episode: Kristen Legan Instagram Nick Legan Instagram Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Paris-Roubaix Femmes winner, Olympian and current Canadian national road race champion Alison Jackson is back for her second appearance on Choose the Hard Way to talk about Tour de France Femmes and more. Alison is a major favorite for a stage win and her EF Education Tibco-SVB team is expected to animate the race. Alison is well known for her work as a creator and storyteller and you can find her on Instagram @aliactionjackson. This episode is a collab with Spencer Martin, the sheriff of Valmont bike park, a co-host of several cycling podcasts on the WEDŪ network and the author of the best pro racing analysis newsletter, Beyond the Peloton, which you can find at https://beyondthepeloton.substack.com/. Like Voltron coming together, Spencer and I co-host the Beyond the Peloton podcast where we analyze the latest races and happenings in pro cycling, coin strategic moves like the reverse Geraint Thomas and provide a perspective you won't get anywhere else. In my first interview with Alison we talked about her rise as a pro and storyteller and you can find that episode everywhere you listen at and at choosethehardway.com. In this episode we got deep on how she forged a race-winning mindset on the bison farm where she grew up, how she's approaching the Tour Femmes, her thoughts on leadership and team building and more. Choose the Hard Way is a podcast about how doing hard things is fun. Please help more people find this podcast. To do that, just hit subscribe and rate the show five stars on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this episode with someone you care about. Go to choosethehardway.com to sign up for the newsletter and if there's someone you think would make a great guest, please send me a note to [email protected] or @hardwaypod on social. To learn more about Alison, follow her on Instagram. In This Episode: Alison Jackson Instagram Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Mitch Docker is the creator of the Life in the Peloton podcast and a former World Tour pro cyclist. Mitch raced the biggies including the Giro and Vuelta and rode for legendary squads including EF, Green Edge and Skil Shimano. He was best known as a leadout man, classics rider and road captain. He's equally well known for his highly entertaining storytelling, the highest-volume mullet the sport has seen since Laurent Brochard and a mustache a California Highway Patrolman would envy. I love Mitch's podcast and I'm grateful to Peacham, Vermont's proudest son, Ian Boswell for connecting us to make this interview happen. You may have heard Mitch talk about cycling style, culture and racing for hundreds of hours on his pod and others, but this chat has loads of new material and surprising revelations. Cape Epic, Mitch's insider experience as a leadout man, dad life, the allure of gravel, the importance of psychological training and preparation, leadership lessons and things Mitch learned in the World Tour that have helped him as an entrepreneur, areas where he has had to work hard in life after pro cycling and much more. It's all here in this unprecedented interview. Choose the Hard Way is the podcast about how doing hard things is fun and builds stronger humans. Sharing is caring, please rate this show 5 stars wherever you listen, hit subscribe and tell your mom about it. You can suggest guests and send me your great ideas @hardwaypod on social and at [email protected]. Find Life in the Peloton everywhere you listen and at lifeinthepeloton.com and find Mitch on Instagram @mitchbowen. Mitch Docker Instagram Life in the Peloton Website | PodcastWatch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn | Instagram Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Brent Bookwalter is a Tour de France commentator for the NBC Peacock team. He spent 16 years as a pro cyclist and raced in the World Tour including on the BMC squad that helped Cadel Evans win the 2011 Tour de France. He shares about his experiences before, during and after his career as a pro cyclist, the path that led him to pursue a graduate degree in psychology, why he passed on the calling of the holy spirit of gravel and how he landed the coveted Tour analyst gig. Catch him on Peacock's coverage of the Tour and to learn more, go to www.brentbookwalter.com and @brentbookwalter on Twitter. Choose the Hard Way is the podcast about how doing hard things is fun and builds stronger humans. You're one of those strong humans so please hit subscribe and rate this show 5 stars wherever you listen. Sign up for the newsletter at choosethehardway.com and you can suggest guests and send me your great ideas @hardwaypod on social and at [email protected]. Brent Bookwalter Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Website Bookwalter BingeWatch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn | Instagram Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Veloworthy founder Brian Co on building a sports media empire solo while working full time and raising a family. Brian has single-handedly built a dedicated following by profiling top cycling pros and providing an inside look at the world of gravel cycling that traditional media outlets have failed to capture. Now, Veloworthy is one of the most influential media properties in cycling. Brian talks with Andrew Vontz about his journey from filming local bike races to covering the biggest pro gravel races across the country like Belgian Waffle Ride, Unbound Gravel and more. Hear about the challenges he faces and the techniques he's fine-tuned for capturing a unique perspective, building relationships with top athletes and brands and the method he has developed for covering sprawling events on inaccessible terrain on social media, live, as it happens. Follow @veloworthy on Instagram and check out race recaps on YouTube. Veloworthy Website | Instagram | YouTube Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn | Instagram Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Keegan Swenson continues to dominate the gravel racing world, winning this year's Unbound Gravel in tough conditions after a runner-up finish in 2022. Swenson's prowess on the dirt is also backed by his affiliation with Santa Cruz Bicycles htSQD, an elite group of multi-surface racers. It's no wonder that Keegan is known as the top gravel racer on a global scale: he also has the 2022 Lifetime GrandPrix series, Leadville Trail 100, and Sea Otter Classic wins under his belt, among many others. In a conversation with Andrew Vontz, Swenson reflects on his latest muddy victory, breaks down how he experiments with race prep and gear choices, explains strategy for selecting races, and shares his priorities for the rest of the season. To learn more about Keegan, follow him on Instagram and check out the show notes. Keegan Swenson on Instagram Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn | Instagram Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

After being forced to retire from professional cycling due to a series of concussions, Ian Boswell reinvented himself as a dominant force in the new world of gravel racing - and he's not looking back. The 2021 Unbound Gravel 200 champion was formerly a member of Team Sky, the world's top pro cycling team at the time, where he competed in all three grand tours of Europe - the Giro, the Vuelta, and the Tour de France. But it's not just about winning for Boswell. He's focused on balancing family life, homesteading, and a full-time job at the fitness tech company, Wahoo. He sat down with host Andrew Vontz, to discuss his path to success, the challenges he's overcome, and the future of gravel racing. To learn more about Ian or listen to his podcast, Breakfast with Boz, follow him on Instagram and check out the Choose the Hard Way website. Ian Boswell on Instagram | Strava Breakfast with Boz Podcast Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

After a decade as a United States Navy SEAL, Ben Davis is now conquering peaks, competing in races and coaching. He is also the executive director of the Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group (VOAG) - a non-profit that promotes access to outdoor adjunct therapies for all veterans. In his last few years of service, he completed numerous mountaineering endeavors and has since competed in some of the most challenging mountain bike and ultra running races in the world, including the Leadville 100. He now lives in Colorado's front range and works as a cycling and endurance sports coach for Boundless Coaching. His specialty is long-distance mountain bike racing. Ben joins host Andrew Vontz to share how his experiences in the military and in endurance sports have shaped his understanding of personal achievement, and what he has (and has not) discovered about himself in the process. To learn more about Ben and VOAG, head to the Choose the Hard Way website. Ben Davis Instagram | Newsletter VOAG Website | Instagram Boundless Endurance Coaching Instagram | Website Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

From growing up on a bison farm to winning the 2023 Paris-Roubaix Femmes, Alison Jackson is now known for more than just her world class wins. The pro cyclist with UCI Women's WorldTeam EF Education–Tibco–SVB has also gone viral on TikTok. Alison has come a long way thanks to her unique blend of humor and athletic intuition. When she was younger, she trained in triathlons and ran competitively, even attending the University World Championships in Uganda. After committing to cycling, she quickly made moves to the top and represented Canada in the 2020 Summer Olympics. In this episode, she joins host Andrew Vontz to talk about what it took to become the champion of the biggest one-day race in the sport and shares the powerful role storytelling, social media and dance play in her life as an athlete and in life. To learn more about Alison, follow her on Instagram. In This Episode: Alison Jackson Instagram Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Entrepreneur, scientist, and author Chris Case knows how to design a challenge. His company, Alter Exploration, curates intense, application-only custom cycling and trail running trips. Alter's experiences are built to test physical limits, foster emotional growth, and encourage mental evolution. As a former cycling journalist and lifelong endurance athlete, Chris has spent countless hours exploring the world by bike and on foot. He has degrees and research experience in neuroscience and clinical psychology, a master's degree in journalism and photography. His research led him to write The Haywire Heart, an insightful investigation into heart problems that affect endurance athletes. Chris was also the COO of The Paleo Diet, co-founder of Fast Talk Laboratories, and former editor of VeloNews. Chris joins host Andrew Vontz to speak about the genesis of Alter Exploration, what it takes to build a business like this from scratch, and why he believes that hard things can transform us and the people around us. In This Episode: Chris Case Instagram | LinkedIn Alter Exploration Instagram | Website Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Pioneering sports data journalist and coach Zach Nehr has always been ahead of the curve. He is one of the first journalists to do deep quantitative analyses of power data from the world's top pro cyclists, and now he's transferred that knowledge to the growing scene of virtual racing. An elite level competitor in road, track and cycling esports, Zach has recently taken a slew of victories at the highest level of eracing on Zwift and MyWhoosh with the NeXT eSport presented by Enshored team. Zach joins host Andrew Vontz to talk about how he developed such a differentiated and effective approach as a writer, coach and top-level athlete, and how his study of human performance helped him rocket to the top of Zwift racing. Zach studied exercise science and raced bikes at Marian University and is the owner of ZNehr Coaching. His revolutionary writing approach - found on the likes of Cyclingnews, Velonews, TrainingPeaks, CyclingTips, and Bicycle Guider - has since been imitated by many writers in the field. To learn more about Zach, visit zachnehr.com and follow him on Instagram. In This Episode: Zach Nehr Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Strava | YouTube Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

As a respected journalist, Ben Delaney has written and edited for top outlets like VeloNews, BikeRadar, and Cycling Weekly. He's also the director of content at FasCat Coaching. Last year, he decided it was time to take a crack at creating his own cycling content. Enter Ben's YouTube channel, The Ride. With a million views in just a year, it's clear that Ben has hit the mark. The Ride offers expert reviews on bikes, gear, and tires, as well as exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from some of the toughest gravel races around. Though he is humble about it, with wins at the SBT GRVL Blue Course and the BWR Utah 45+ field, he's a force to be reckoned with on the trails. In this episode, Ben joins host Andrew Vontz to share universal lessons that come from career changes, gravel races, and going out on your own. To learn more about Ben and The Ride, check out the show notes. In This Episode: Ben Delaney YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Professional racing duo Syd Schulz and Macky Franklin are on a quest to race the best and most challenging mountain bike races in America, filming their adventures along the way to give viewers an unvarnished look at the reality of living on the road as professional cyclists. After traveling in a tiny orange car, then a series of (old, janky) white vans, they retired from life on the road and now live in Los Alamos, New Mexico where they train and prep for races around the world - like the recent Transandes Challenge, an epic expedition in Patagonia. They have also added cross country, stage racing and endurance events to their lineup. Syd and Macky join host Andrew Vontz to share how they went from amateur content creation to financial independence with YouTube, what it means to focus on "the 10% things not the 1% things," and why basic rest and recovery are both the most important and least executed part of every training regiment. You can check out all of their video content on YouTube, and follow them on Instagram. To learn more, check out the show notes: www.choosethehardway.com/episodes/syd-and-macky. In This Episode: Syd & Macky Instagram | YouTube Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Dylan Johnson's skill on the bike, coupled with his popular YouTube videos about exercise physiology and racing tactics have put him at the forefront of cycling culture. He's a renowned professional cyclist racing in the Lifetime Grand Prix gravel and mountain bike national series and the co-founder of Ignition Coaching Co. In this episode, he talks to host Andrew Vontz about how he balances it all while remaining competitive in the ever-evolving cycling landscape. Dylan is also one of the hosts of the Bonk Bros podcast about the latest happenings in the world of bike racing. To learn more about Dylan, find him on Instagram, and learn more about him in the show notes. In This Episode: Dylan Johnson Website | Instagram | YouTube Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Cycling has influenced Craig Dalton in business and life. He is the dynamic co-founder and CEO of DODOcase and DODOcase VR, and current VP of Portfolio a Founder in Residence at Collaborative Fund. He's also the host of The Gravel Ride, a podcast that recently hit the one-million download mark. His passion for the bike industry led him to Dean Titanium, and he then applied the lessons from the world of cycling to fuel his leap into the competitive tech domain, where he founded DODOcase. In this episode, he shares a story with host Andrew Vontz about shaking hands with President Obama in the White House, talking about American manufacturing. In addition to his years as a consultant, entrepreneur, development expert, and MBA graduate, Craig is a board member and acting executive director of the non-profit Bike Index. You can find The Gravel Ride anywhere you listen to podcasts, and learn more about Craig in the show notes. In This Episode: Craig Dalton LinkedIn | Twitter The Gravel Ride Podcast Instagram | Spotify Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Long before Cameron Mason made it to the podium, he was filming and creating content about racing. Cameron is a Scottish professional cyclist and filmmaker who has amassed over 2.5 million views on YouTube documenting his experiences in cyclocross, road racing and mountain bike racing. His distinctive style on the bike and behind the lens caught the attention of Tom Pidcock and he now competes for UCI team Trinity Racing. Last season, he was a British national cyclocross champion, scored top five finishes in Belgium and had a 9th place finish at the World Championships. Cameron joins host Andrew Vontz and Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton to talk about his rise as a filmmaker and cyclist, and how documenting races - and riding for fun - impacted his career. You can see more behind the scenes on Instagram, on Twitter and on YouTube. To hear about his pro cycling career and where he is heading next in the sport, check out part two of this interview on Beyond the Peloton, available wherever you get your podcasts. In This Episode: Cameron Mason Instagram | YouTube Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

When Kristen Faulkner gave cycling a try in 2017, she was already excelling in a venture capital career and had eyes on making partner. Three years later, she turned pro while working at Threshold Ventures and quickly started crushing European stages. Now she's a pro cyclist for the UCI Women's Continental Team, Team Jayco–AlUla. The Harvard grad joins host Andrew Vontz and Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton for a conversation about the life experiences that have shaped her. Kristen talks about stress management, downregulation, becoming an expert learner and how growing up in the Alaskan wilderness with her four siblings prepared her to thrive as a tenacious human later in life. You can follow Kristen on Instagram and learn more in the show notes. To hear about her pro cycling career and where she is heading next in the sport, check out part two of this interview on Beyond the Peloton, available wherever you get your podcasts. In This Episode: Kristen Faulkner Instagram Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

As far as doing hard things goes, Clay Cooper has got it down. He's a dad with a full time job who spends his free time deadlifting in nature. He started @discoverydeadlift in 2020 when powerlifting proved to be more than just an outlet for him to change his mental and physical health. Since then, he's hiked and deadlifted in over 180 unique locations across 10 states with his wife and kids. Clay joined host Andrew Vontz to talk about stereotypes surrounding anxiety and depression and how embracing our passions and doing difficult things can transform us into stronger versions of ourselves. With international plans already in the works for 2023, it's clear that Clay's journey is far from over. To see more from Clay, check out @discoverydeadlift on Instagram and TikTok or this week's show notes. In This Episode: Clay Cooper Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

American pro cycling is changing. As riders adjust to year round competitions in multiple disciplines, Tobin Ortenblad has done more than just keep up. He started crushing in cyclocross years ago and now races mountain bike and gravel, too. Tobin, who has raced for Santa Cruz Bicycles since 2016, is now a member of Santa Cruz's in-house endurance team, htSQD, with Keegan Swenson and Alexis Skarda. He has over a dozen professional UCI Cyclocross wins under his belt, along with a Cyclocross National Championship title. This year he joins the best cyclists in the country to compete in the Life Time Grand Prix, featuring seven iconic races on varying terrain. Andrew Vontz sits down with Tobin to talk about how cyclocross has changed, why strength training is important to cyclists, and the truth about mustache trends in the pro racing gravel field. Plus, Tobin shares his theories on why more cyclists are moving toward gravel racing. You can find Tobin on Instagram @mctubbbin and read more about him in the show notes. In This Episode: Tobin Ortenblad Instagram Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Chris Muniz, aka DJ Nightstalker, has been enchanting crowds with his signature sound since the late '90s, where he started alongside heavies like Photek and DJ Rap. From warehouse raves to massive festivals like EDC Vegas and Nocturnal Wonderland, his impact on the drum and bass scene is undeniable. For decades, he's been an influential electronic music journalist and essayist and his writings have been published in outlets like Bassrush, Insomniac, URB, XLR8R, ATM and Kmag. He's also a professor at University of Southern California, and holds a PhD in creative writing and literature. Join Chris as he sits down with host Andrew Vontz for a discussion on navigating the LA music scene, the challenges of striking harmony between his roles as a professor, husband, father, and music maker. In This Episode: Chris Muniz Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Soundcloud | Mixcloud EDC Mexico INSOMNIAC: How to Talk to Your Kids About Drum and Bass Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

As a black belt and entrepreneur, Ben Kovacs wanted to make Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu more accessible. He founded Guardian Gym, a nonprofit dedicated to providing jiu-jitsu scholarships and training to young people around the world. Ben joins our host Andrew Vontz to discuss the intersection of good intentions and reality, and what it takes to build a lasting and effective nonprofit. Guardian has a unique strategy of using adult memberships to fund free youth after-school programs, while also providing affordable martial arts classes to the entire community. Since opening in Oakland, Guardian has scaled into an international model that places and pays for kids to join their local jiu jitsu academies in LA, Baltimore, Mongolia, Peru and beyond. Ben received his black belt under Eduardo Fraga, previously worked at Twitter, and is an entrepreneur who has launched companies including Lifted View and the EA Mafia. To learn more about Guardian Gym, check out the show notes. Co-host Blake Kasemeier is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt and friend of Guardian. He has been a guest on previous Choose the Hard Way episodes and you can find his videos on TikTok @blakeoftoday. In This Episode: Ben Kovacs LinkedIn Guardian Gym Website | Instagram Blake Kasemeier Instagram |TikTok Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Benji Naesen is a Belgian YouTuber who makes videos about gaming, cycling and his personal fitness journey. He's also the co-host of the Lanterne Rouge cycling podcast, one of the most popular pro cycling podcasts in the world. Benji went from streaming and creating content about the video game Pro Cycling Manager to working as an analyst for Jumbo-Visma, the best cycling team in the world. Andrew and Benji talk about his experience living life in a public way as an online creator, the sacrifices he has had to make to do it, why he walked away from the Jumbo-Visma gig, and challenging parts of his journey that you may not have seen on his YouTube channels. Whether you love the Tour de France and Tom Boonen or have never heard the name Remco Evenepoel, Benji has an overflowing wisdom bank and this episode is full of gems. Plus, Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton podcast joins Andrew Vontz as co-host for the conversation. You can find Spencer on Twitter @btpcycling and Beyond the Peloton everywhere you listen. You can check out Benji's content on Twitter @benjinaesen, find the Lanterne Rouge cycling podcast everywhere you listen, and learn more in the show notes. Benji Naesen on Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Lanterne Rouge Podcast Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

On the day that "Suspect II: Vanished in the Snow" rose to top of the iTunes and Amazon podcast charts, co-creator Ashley Fantz was rolled into an operating room at Stanford for open-heart surgery. Ashley reported, hosted and co-wrote the show that explores the facts behind the case of a child who was abducted and murdered in 1984. Before her work with Campside Media, Ashley's award-winning investigative journalism was featured in the likes of CNN, the Oxford American, Salon, and Newsweek, garnered widespread accolades and created real change in the world. In this episode, Andrew Vontz and Ashley explore her journey to, through and beyond open-heart surgery and her experience creating the #1 rated podcast in the world. They talk about parenting, stress management, the creative process, the impact of operating in the true crime space and more. To learn more about Ashley, listen to a 2019 Choose the Hard Way episode where she shares the behind the scenes experience of being a CNN reporter, and check out the show notes. Ashley Fantz Twitter | Website Suspect II: Vanished in the Snow Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

As one of the most important professional channels, LinkedIn is increasingly critical - and tricky - to navigate. Justin Nassiri founded Executive Presence, a company that helps executives find the right way to show up for an authentic audience through consistent and relevant messaging. In this episode, Justin talks with Andrew Vontz about why he chooses transparency and vulnerability as a leader. Justin spent the last decade as a serial entrepreneur. He started multiple tech companies focused on marketing services, and launched Beyond the Uniform, the #1 podcast on iTunes for military career transition advice. He's also a qualified nuclear engineer and studied electrical engineering at the Naval Academy, all before attending the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Learn more about Justin and Executive Presence in the show notes. Justin Nassiri on LinkedIn Executive Presence Website Beyond The Uniform Podcast Watch on YouTube Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Natalie Coughlin is one of the most successful swimmers in the history of the sport: a three-time Olympian, twelve-time Olympic medalist, and three-time Olympic gold medalist. She's also a mom, an entrepreneur and the co-founder of Gaderian Wines. In this episode, Natalie and Andrew Vontz discuss winemaking, competition, making music, rucking, lifting and jiu-jitsu. Plus how creativity and focus impact the way we navigate big transitions in sport, life and work - even after three Olympic gold medals. You can learn more about Natalie in the show notes. Watch on YouTube. Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter. - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Alexey Vermeulen decided to leave the highest level of professional cycling in Europe to compete in gravel, road and mountain bike races back in the United States. In 2022 he won one of the biggest gravel races in America, the Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego as well as the Iceman Cometh mountain bike race and took part in the Lifetime Grand Prix series. Avery Stumm is a videographer, photographer and creator who came up in the BMX scene. On their YouTube channel, Alexey and Avery, they tell the story of Alexey's experiences as a pro cyclist and break the fourth wall to tell the story of their relationship as a content creation team and everything that goes into what they make. That includes Willie, the dachshund that Alexey sometimes carries in a backpack on rides who has become dog famous. Avery is part of the story and it paints a picture of life behind the pro athlete highlight reel that's a new and different kind of viewing experience. This episode is about much more than pro cycling. We talk about logistics, teamwork, the creative process, how doing hard things with friends makes success more fun and much more. Find Alexey on social @alexeyvermeulen, find Avery @avery_stumm and find the Alexey and Avery show on YouTube. You can find those links in the show notes. Alexey Vermeulen Instagram Avery Stumm Instagram Alexey and Avery YouTube Channel Watch on YouTube. Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter. - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

For serial entrepreneur and Fitt CEO, Anthony Vennare, community is the super power driving winning businesses in health, wellness & fitness. Anthony and his brother and business partner Joe have started and successfully exited multiple businesses in these spaces. Together they're the founders of Fitt Insider and Fitt Capital and have built a platform at the center of these industries. The Fitt Insider newsletter and podcast analyze industry headlines, trends and investment activity in the health, wellness, fitness & human performance business landscape. Fitt Capital invests in and advises mission-driven startups redefining well-being. To date, they've made investments in more than 20 companies including: Joon, the wellness benefits platform; Bird & Be, the fertility company; and Future, the wildly popular personal training app. I became a Fitt Insider subscriber during my time as an executive at Strava and continue to keep up with it today. Anthony and I discuss the rise of Fitt Insider, the Fitt Capital investment thesis and much more. If you are alive and listening to this podcast, and I have strong reason to believe that you are, please like, subscribe hit 5 stars and write a positive review wherever you listen. This is Choose the Hard Way where guests share stories about how hard things build stronger humans. I'm Andrew Vontz and I've spent more than 25 years telling and shaping the stories of the world's top performers, brands and businesses. I've held executive and senior leadership roles at the social network for athletes Strava and the human performance company TRX. My byline as a journalist has appeared in outlets like Rolling Stone, Outside magazine, The Los Angeles Times and more. Today I advise and consult with businesses and nonprofits on high-impact storytelling strategies and I coach leaders to become high-performance communicators. If you'd like to work with me, reach out on LinkedIn, DM me @vontz or send an email to [email protected]. I'm also now considering sponsorship from mission-aligned brands to support this show in 2023 and beyond. If that's you, reach out. We're revamping the newsletter, so be sure to sign up at www.choosthehardway.com to get a monthly drop of insights and a look at what's ahead. If you'd like to suggest a guest or say hello, you can DM me @hardwaypod on social or send an email to [email protected]. Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vennare Fitt Insider: https://insider.fitt.co Fitt Capital: https://capital.fitt.co Watch on YouTube. Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter. - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

How does resilience transfer across disciplines? Andrew Vontz and co-host Blake Kasemeier sat down with Hector Beltran to talk about fine-tuning the balance of creativity and progress in any practice. Hector, co-founder of Academy Jiu-Jitsu in Downey, California, is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a mixed martial artist and a Bronze medalist in the Master division at the 2022 IBJJF No-Gi World Championships. He's also a coder, filmmaker, musician, and endurance athlete. He shares the value of being present with family and career, how tech influenced him to unlock new opportunities in business by breaking tradition, and what mountain biking taught him about jui-jitsu. To learn more about Hector, check out the show notes. Watch on YouTube. Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter. In This Episode: Academy Jiu-Jitsu Website | Instagram Hector Beltran Instagram Blake Kasemeier Instagram - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Travis Macy has graced podiums at some of the world's most grueling trail runs, adventure races and mountain biking competitions. As a speaker, podcast host, and author, he shares stories of what endurance sports have taught him about human resilience both on and off the trail. His forthcoming memoir A Mile at a Time is about his relationship with his father, Mark Macy, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2018. The two often host a podcast, The Travis Macy Show, together. Travis shares the value of rest and optimism when balancing family, mental health, and training, and the importance of having a beginner's mindset when you're new to something. To learn more about Travis, find his website and podcast in the show notes. Watch on YouTube. Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter. In This Episode: Travis Macy Instagram | Website Mace Macy on Instagram A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son's Inspiring Alzheimer's Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope Travis Macy Show Apple Podcast | Spotify - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Andrew Vontz of Choose the Hard Way and Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton talk with Patrick Broe about high performance, team dynamics and race strategy inside the professional peloton. This episode is part of the Choose the Hard Way Life Cycles series that explores how bikes shape people and the world. To learn more about Lanterne Rouge, check out the show notes at ChoosetheHardWay.com. Beyond the Peloton is a podcast with in-depth pro cycling race previews, analysis, and rankings, hosted by Spencer Martin. You can find the podcast and subscribe to Spencer's newsletter at www.beyondthepelotonblog.com. Watch on YouTube. Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter. In This Episode: Lantern Rouge Website | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Podcast Patrick Broe LinkedIn Beyond The Peloton - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

After navigating depression and bipolar 2, Alex Palmer sought more purpose and meaning in life. He founded a mental health awareness project in the cycling world called Blackdog, and now hosts Blackdogcast, a cycling-powered mental health awareness podcast. He shares his insights into environmental stress in the pro cycling world, searching for a job that works with you, and how too much of anything - including riding a bike - can become an unhealthy way to hide from your problems. Now, Alex works with Heading Health, an Austin-based start-up offering integrated mental health care and psychedelic therapy. You can read more about him in the show notes. Watch on YouTube. Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter. In This Episode: Alex Palmer Instagram | LinkedIn Blackdog Cast Website | Podcast - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Whether innovating healthcare systems, challenging personal habits, or competing in an uphill cycling race in freezing weather, Chris Waugh often returns to the core principle of a "beginner's mind." How would we approach this if it was our first experience? Chris is a powerhouse in the world of health care innovation. Human-centered design informed years at IDEO, One Medical Group, and now at Sutter Health, as first Chief Innovation Officer. In this interview, we talk about how curiosity and creativity can reframe our approach to human health. He shares anecdotes about marginal gains, cellular health, systems thinking, and the many ways cycling has been a vector for personal and professional exploration and growth. This episode is part of the Choose the Hard Way Life Cycles series that explores how bikes shape people and the world. You can find out more about this series and Chris in the show notes. Watch on YouTube. Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter. In This Episode: Chris Waugh LinkedIn - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

How do exercise, conversation, and memory change our brains? Cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Scott Frey has spent over 30 years researching the way our brain's adaptability impacts human performance. He is an award-winning scientist, endurance athlete, lecturer and entrepreneur - and not long before he began his research, he was a high school dropout financially supporting his single mother, who had multiple sclerosis. Within 10 years, he graduated from Harvard and went on to receive a PhD from Cornell. Now, in addition to running his company, Neurocognitive Consultants, he is a professor of cognitive neuroscience at Missouri University, where he also directs the Rehabilitation Neuroscience Laboratory. In this episode, we talk about the brain's ability to adapt to challenges like limb loss and degenerative disease, how focus and attention determine memory function, and the way exercise impacts our neuroplasticity. Read show notes and more on our website. Watch on YouTube. Sign up for the Hard Way Newsletter. In This Episode: Dr. Scott Frey Website | LinkedIn | Facebook Neurocognitive Consultants - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Chris Cowart has applied the expertise in user-centered design he developed during 14 years at IDEO to innovate across the disciplines of product, partnerships, venture capital and business. His career spans Venture Capital with Montage Ventures, revolutionizing food systems with Treasure8, and designing many "first of their categories" including TiVo and Handspring at IDEO. Now as the Managing Director of the Nomura-SRI Innovation Center (NSIC), he is working to accelerate the adoption of Silicon Valley's disruptive technology innovation processes into corporate Japan. We talk about the socialization of ideas and seeing the future through design fiction, plus a Google X moonshot project that didn't quite make it past the stratosphere. To learn more about Chris, follow him on Instagram or LinkedIn and check out the show notes. In This Episode: Chris Cowart Instagram | LinkedIn - - - - - - - - - - Choose The Hard Way Website | Instagram Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

For Mary Lemmer, improv was initially a means to recalibrate and reconnect to her life. Now, the fundamental response of "yes and" has become a guiding principle that changes the way she moves through the world. As the founder of Improve, she has led workshops for tens of thousands of people around the world - to individuals, companies, Fortune 500s, universities, and nonprofits - and she even gave a TED talk about the impact of improv on leadership. We talk about what she learned on her professional path from the gelato cart, to tech and investing, and even to an Airbnb for vegetable gardens - and how she ended up studying at The Second City and The Annoyance in Chicago, Upright Citizen's Brigade in NYC and The Groundlings in LA. Go to www.chooseimprove.com and @chooseimprove on Instagram to learn more. In This Episode: Improve Website | Instagram | LinkedIn Mary Lemmer Website | Instagram | LinkedIn - - - - - - - - - - Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher Choose The Hard Way is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

American professional cyclist Scott McGill seemingly came out of nowhere to win not only two stages, but also the points jersey at the Volta a Portugal this summer. On this special collaboration episode with Andrew Vontz and Beyond the Peloton host Spencer Martin, Scott talks about the framework that has enabled him to produce breakthrough performances around the world. Currently riding for Wildlife Generation Pro Cycling, Scott's uniquely adaptive approach to racing won him a spot on the American World Championship squad and a leadership role of the USA Cycling Team at the Maryland Cycling Classic. As he announced on this episode for the first time, he will join the Human Powered Health team in 2022 and race a full schedule in Europe. Scott is a paradigm on the road and in training. He shares insight into his nutrition protocol and how he is more likely to rely on whatever he can find in his parents' pantry for fuel before a race. Plus, other insights into his experiences on tour, and why he chose road cycling over gravel. To learn more about Scott, go to @scottmcgilljr on Instagram. Beyond the Peloton is a podcast with in-depth pro cycling race previews, analysis, and rankings, hosted by Spencer Martin. You can find the podcast and subscribe to Spencer's newsletter at www.beyondthepelotonblog.com. In This Episode: Scott McGill Instagram Beyond The Peloton Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Ian Dille has always been someone who questioned the status quo. He's a freelance journalist and former pro cyclist who thinks social media can actually broaden our worldview - if used correctly. His long-form writing appears in outlets like Outside magazine and Texas Monthly, and his stories have been reproduced by This American Life and featured on Longreads. Perhaps even more impressive, he went viral on TikTok at age 40. Previously, Ian was a senior producer for the streaming service FloSports where he helped launch a cycling content platform, FloBikes, which broadcast most of the world's biggest bike races, including the Tour de France. We talked about his formative years in the cycling world and the types of stories that exist within the sport. In this episode, Ian shares insight into how his writing process has evolved, and how he's become invested in stories about social justice, racial justice, and gender equity. You can find Ian's writing at http://iandille.com/ and on Twitter and Instagram. In This Episode: Ian Dille Instagram | Website | Twitter Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Dr. Kevin Sprouse keeps high-performance athletes at the top of the podium with training and recovery - but often, it's on the bus rides, in the hotel, and on the road where he learns the most about how people thrive in life. Trained and certified in both Sports and Emergency Medicine, Dr. Sprouse now serves as the Head of Medicine for EF Education-EasyPost Cycling. In his private practice, Podium Sports Medicine, he works with elite and professional athletes across numerous sports and disciplines, including professional cycling, triathlon, PGA golfers, NFL and MLB players, Olympic track and field athletes, and many more. He shares insights into recovery, training, and the future of performance, as well as how exercise, diet, and recovery affect the health and well-being of all active individuals at any level. Dr. Sprouse is also the host of The Podium Podcast where he dissects the principles of performance. You can visit www.podiumsportsmed.com to learn more about his practice. In This Episode: Kevin Sprouse Instagram The Podium Instagram | Website | Podcast Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

This week, we are digging deep on the relationship between humans, plants, animals and profit with Bart Elmore, who explains the necessity of a fundamental respect for nature. Bart is an associate professor of environmental history and core faculty member of the Sustainability Institute at the Ohio State University. He's also an award-winning writer who investigates the impact of big business on our environment. His most recent book Seed Money: Monsanto's Past and Our Food Future traces the path from Agent Orange to Roundup and the impact it has had on public health, the environment and more. Bart is also the author of Citizen Coke: The Making of Coca-Cola Capitalism. In this episode, Bart shares about the false starts and the forces that shaped his professional path including basketball, electronic music and a failed attempt at a cross-country cycling trip. You can find out more about Bart at www.bartelmore.com. In This Episode: Bart Elmore Website | Twitter | Books Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Can human movement be used to repair the damage technology has created? Jason McCarthy thinks it can do much more than that; it can be the glue that holds our communities together. Jason served as a Green Beret and is the founder and CEO of GoRuck. After running 1,000 events a year and managing 500 GORUCK Clubs all over the world, now he's launched Sandlot Technology with the goal of democratizing and uniting fitness. Jason first joined us on Choose the Hard way to talk about his path from the Special Forces to entrepreneurship. In this episode, he shares what he learned from hosting the inaugural GoRuck Games with the Sandlot JAX festival in Jacksonville, Florida, and more broadly how those lessons connect to community building and social health. We talked about tactical patience, how an active lifestyle is the foundation for our future and the power of bringing people together. To learn more about Jason, visit www.goruck.com and www.sandlot.fit. In This Episode: Jason McCarthy: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn GoRuck Sandlot Technology Sandlot Jax - Fitness Festival Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher

Whether river surfing on the Snake River or capturing base jumping off of Half Dome, Lyndsey Dyer is committed to her overall mission of inspiring people to get outside. Lynsey is a legendary big mountain skier, filmmaker, photographer, activist and mom. In this episode, Lynsey invites us to explore the power of fun and the alchemy of community when we're in pursuit of going big. She's the founder of Unicorn Picnic and the host of Showing Up, a podcast about people who seek to live beyond limits. Lynsey's nonprofit, SheJumps, opens the door for more girls and women to unearth potential through outdoor play and as you'll hear in this interview, she continues to expand the scope of her activism. We talked about pushing the limits, checking in with our instincts, and being who you are and not who the world wants you to be. To learn more about Lynsey, visit www.lynseydyer.com. In This Episode: Lynsey Dyer Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Showing Up Podcast Andrew Vontz LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In 2022, the women's Tour de France is back. What most people don't know is that there was also a women's Tour de France from 1984-1989. Uphill Climb is a documentary film that tells the story of that race and the legendary cyclists who competed in it.If you enjoy this episode, please give it a five-star rating on Spotify or Apple podcasts, subscribe and share it with a friend. My guests are the filmmakers behind Uphill Climb. Director Jill Yesko is a journalist, author and Fellow at the Center for Sports Communication & Media at The University of Texas. She represented the United States in cycling at the 1983 World University Games and competed in the Olympic trials. Jill's previous films include Tainted Blood: The Untold Story of the 1984 Olympic Blood Doping Scandal and Broken Trust: Athlete Abuse Exposed. She is the host of the podcast The Bounce: Sports Talk With a Spin on WYPR and NPR. Uphill Climb's executive producer, Ally Davis, is a life-long serious cyclist, an entrepreneur who has started up three companies and an award-winning veteran of television, sports production, global marketing and brand partnerships, athlete marketing and brand development. Ally has held senior leadership roles at Fox Sports, E!, NBC Universal Sports and Red Bull. Go to www.uphillclimbfilm.com and @uphillclimb.film on Instagram to learn more and support the film. This episode is part of Life Cycles, a new series I've launched within Choose the Hard Way. Conversations in this series cover the topics you've come to expect from Choose the Hard Way with guests whose lives and careers have been shaped by cycling or whose lives and careers have shaped the world of cycling. To suggest a guest or say hello, hit me at [email protected] or @hardwaypod on Twitter or Instagram. Choose the Hard Way is the podcast where guests share stories about how doing hard things build stronger, more resilient humans. Share it with a friend and subscribe to the newsletter at www.choosethehardway.com.

Casey Glass is a strength and conditioning coach who works with special operators in the United States military including special operators preparing to screen for Tier One units, the most elite military units in the world. We talk about training and stress management techniques from the world of special operations that anyone can use to improve mental and physical performance in work, in life and in sport. Normally I would steer you to a guest's social media or website. While Casey graciously shares her knowledge in this interview, due to the nature of her work, you won't find her on the internet. Casey got her start working in collegiate strength and conditioning for Olympic sports before shifting to work with tactical athletes. This marks the 50th episode of Choose the Hard Way and I want to say thank you to everyone who listens to the show and shares it with their friends. When I started out three years ago, I had no idea there would be such an overwhelming response to the show or that it would get this big. Thanks for listening, thanks for helping Choose the Hard Way grow, and I'm excited to keep growing it with your help. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a five-star rating on Spotify or Apple podcasts, subscribe and forward it to a friend who likes doing hard things. If you want to suggest a guest or be in touch, hit me at [email protected] or @hardwaypod on Twitter or Instagram. Links mentioned in this conversation:Casey's appearance on the Building the Elite podcast.Pavel Tsatsouline's 2004 essay outlining tactical periodization.

Danny Way, Rob Dyrdek, Paul Rodriguez, Laird Hamilton, Gabby Reece, Jeff Emig, Ai Sugiyama and Michellie Jones are some of the world-class pro athletes that human performance coach Alex Laws has worked with in her practice during the past 25 years. Her athletes have won World Championships, Olympic Medals, X-Games gold medals, Ironman Championships, victories at Wimbledon and the French Open and have set numerous World Records. A former pro triathlete who earned four World Championship medals, Alex now coaches executives and corporate teams to reach their full potential using the same high performance techniques and technologies she applied in her work with the world's best athletes. You can learn more about Alex at https://performancelaws.com.au/ and reach her directly at [email protected]. I met Alex in 2005 when she was revolutionizing the way action sports athletes trained and working with Danny Way as he prepared to jump the Great Wall of China and have been learning from her ever since. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a five-star rating on Spotify or Apple podcasts, subscribe and forward it to a friend. That helps the show surface higher in search so more people can find the inspiring stories of my guests, and I really appreciate the support. Go to www.choosethehardway.com to sign up for the newsletter and never miss an episode. To suggest a guest or be in touch, reach out to [email protected] or DM @hardwaypod on social.

Pro cycling World Champions, National Champions and World Record holders like Stephen Hyde, Ashton Lambie and past Hard Way guest Rebecca Rusch are among the legendary winners of the Unbound Gravel 100. Held annually in Emporia, Kansas it's one of the most prestigious and competitive gravel bike races in the world In 2022, multi-time cycling road race World Champion Peter Sagan, who has won 17 stages in cycling Grand Tours and has also won the Green Jersey at the Tour de France seven times, will toe the line. In 2015, I got second at the Unbound 100 for the second year in a row riding with my good friend, training partner, content marketing ace and now rising TikTok star @blakeoftoday. If you're new to Choose the Hard Way, go back to episode 19 to hear about the first time I got second in the Unbound 100 in 2014. Severe food poisoning, the generous wisdom of Chris Carmichael, a magical tiny screwdriver purchased at Rite Aid wielded in a scene from Game of Thrones in the middle of the race, aerobars, the revelation of the actual physical location in the human body of the Spirit of Gravel--this experience had it all. Losing isn't fun, but it's often funny. Sit back and listen to this tale of two humans who did everything to win and lost anyway. This episode is part of Life Cycles, a new series I've launched within Choose the Hard Way. Conversations in this series cover the topics you've come to expect from Choose the Hard Way with guests whose lives and careers have been shaped by cycling or whose lives and careers have shaped the world of cycling. If you have a great story about losing, I'd love to hear it. Hit me on Twitter or Instagram @hardwaypod. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a five-star rating on Spotify or Apple podcasts, subscribe and forward it to a friend. That helps the show surface higher in search so more people can find the inspiring stories of my guests, and I really appreciate the support. Go to www.choosethehardway.com to sign up for the newsletter. To suggest a guest or be in touch, reach out to [email protected].

Saul Martinez is a former Army Infantryman, a Purple Heart recipient and the Chief Program Officer for Warriors & Quiet Waters, a nonprofit that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans to find peace, meaning and purpose through outdoor experiences and community. A George W. Bush Institute Veteran Leadership scholar and a subject of President George W. Bush in "Portraits of Courage," Saul is a fine artist, a husband, a TEDx speaker, a philosopher, an actor and a father. We discuss Saul's childhood, his service, the EFP IED that took the lives of two of his close friends and both of his legs and explore what he has learned on his journey. You can find Warriors & Quiets Waters at warrriorsandquietwaters.org. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a five-star rating on Spotify or Apple podcasts, subscribe and forward it to a friend. That helps the show surface higher in search so more people can find the inspiring stories of my guests, and I really appreciate the support. Go to www.choosethehardway.com to sign up for the newsletter. To suggest a guest or be in touch, reach out to [email protected] or @hardwaypod.

The relationship between humans, bikes, cars and streets is polarizing, but it shouldn't be. Humans are the original autonomous vehicles. UK-based Adam Tranter is working to build a world where people can get around safely and efficiently without fear of a vehicle running them over. Adam is the West Midlands' first Cycling & Walking Commissioner. Appointed by the Mayor of the West Midlands, Adam works with policymakers and the government to steer the region's cycling and walking policies and plans. A former national-level elite cyclist, Adam grew up training and racing with riders who have competed in (and won) the Tour de France. He is the founder of the communications agency Fusion Media and co-host of the Streets Ahead podcast on active travel. Find him on Twitter @adamtranter.