Episodes

“Fear doesn’t have to destroy you—it can become rocket fuel if you learn to harness it. That mindset carried me through big waves and even bigger challenges on land.” In this episode, we dive deep with Shawn Dollar, a big-wave surfer known for paddling into massive 60-foot waves—twice—earning him two Guinness World Records. As awe-inspiring as those rides were, Shawn opens up about an even more daunting challenge: a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that threatened to derail his life entirely. He sha...

“Get people outside. Let them walk, let them move. And if they can’t, do it in a wheelchair. Fresh air and movement—at any level—still have the power to bring joy, connection, and even a little bit of who they once were.”​ In this episode of The Ageless Athlete Podcast, I sit down with ultra-endurance athlete, coach, and bestselling author Travis Macy to explore one of the most powerful and personal lessons from his life: how movement, the outdoors, and adventure are helping his father, Mark ...

At 50, Chris Bertish has built his life on pushing the boundaries of human endurance. From conquering Mavericks with no sleep and borrowed gear to paddling 4,600 miles across the Atlantic solo, his story is proof that commitment, mindset, and resilience can rewrite what we think is possible. In this storytelling episode, Chris takes us inside his biggest challenges—the brutal storms, the mental battles, and the moments of absolute clarity that only come from pushing beyond fear. 🔥 In this ...

"We can be younger by tomorrow—iit's about how we choose to move, think, and approach life with intention. Every day is an opportunity to grow stronger, more resilient, and more connected to what truly matters." 🙌🏾 Lisa Smith-Batchen is a living legend in the world of endurance sports. Lisa’s achievements are awe-inspiring—she’s the only woman to complete the grueling 584-mile Badwater Quad, running from the depths of Death Valley to the summit of Mt. Whitney and back, twice. But what makes L...

🎙️ Ageless Athlete Podcast is back with Part 2 of our Best of 2024 series! In this special episode, we revisit some of the most powerful, thought-provoking, and inspiring conversations from the past year. If Part 1 was about pushing limits and redefining aging through adventure, Part 2 dives deeper into the mindset shifts, personal transformations, and philosophies that keep athletes and adventurers thriving. From harnessing awe and overcoming fear to resilience, longevity, and second chances, ...

Steve McClure is one of Britain’s most accomplished rock climbers, and at 54, still continuing to climb at an elite level, defying the notion that performance inevitably drops with age. We dive into his unconventional training philosophy, how he balances pushing his physical limits with enjoying family life (and even the occasional late-night party), and why he believes that loving the process of climbing is the best key to long-term success. About Steve McClure British Climbing Icon: Kno...

Excited for this special look back at the most inspiring moments of 2024! Host Kush Khandelwal revisits powerful conversations with athletes and adventurers who’ve challenged limits, overcome adversity, and redefined resilience. This episode highlights some of the most moving stories and actionable lessons from climbers, surfers, runners, cyclists, and coaches. Whether you’re an athlete or simply curious about pushing boundaries and thriving in life, this episode offers something for everyone. ...

What if aging didn’t have to mean decline? What if the years ahead could be just as vibrant as your youth—if not more so? In this week’s episode of Ageless Athlete, Jamie Justice, Executive Vice President of Health at XPRIZE, reveals how she’s leading a $101 million global competition to make that vision a reality. This episode is packed with mind-expanding insights, but here’s a preview of the most compelling takeaways: A Personal Journey That Inspires Jamie’s story is one of resilience ...

“During chemo, I could have stayed on the couch binge-watching Netflix. Instead, I chose to walk 500 meters, then build from there. Every step reminded me that I could still fight and get stronger.”​ In this episode of The Ageless Athlete Podcast, I sit down with Ray Zahab—a professional adventurer and ultra-endurance athlete who has crossed some of the world’s harshest environments, from the Sahara Desert to the Arctic tundra. But Ray’s most inspiring journey isn’t just about extreme landscape...

In this episode, I reflect on 10 surprising and powerful lessons I’ve learned from some of the world’s top adventure athletes. From reframing fear to finding joy, embracing awe to chasing big dreams, these lessons have reshaped my own journey—and they can inspire yours too. Whether you’re an athlete or simply looking to live more fully, this episode offers actionable insights to start your year with purpose and resilience. Key Highlights Awe as a motivator and mindset shifter (Caroline Pa...

As we step into a new year, there’s no better time to revisit this transformative conversation with Caroline Paul—firefighter, adventurer, and NYT best-selling author. In this episode, Caroline shares practical strategies to reframe fear, build confidence, and find awe in everyday life. Whether you're chasing bold resolutions or just seeking a more courageous mindset, Caroline’s wisdom will inspire you to take action. Make sure to get a copy of 'Tough Broad', one of my favorite books in recent m...

Robert "Wingnut" Weaver, is the star of Endless Summer II and one of surfing’s most iconic longboarders. Wingnut takes us behind the scenes of the movie that shaped surf culture and shares timeless lessons on living a balanced, joyful, and active life. Whether you’re a surfer or simply someone seeking inspiration, this conversation is packed with practical tips and stories that will leave you feeling energized and ready to ride the waves of life—no board required! 🌊 Stories from Endless Summe...

""Swimming in 43-degree water with no wetsuit, knowing sharks could be nearby, pushes every cell in your body to scream for warmth and safety. But that’s where mental toughness comes in. You break it down—30 minutes at a time—pushing past the pain and fear to discover another level of yourself."🌊 Amy Appelhans Gubser has achieved what many considered impossible: swimming nearly 29.7 miles over 17 grueling hours, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Farallon Islands—a feat that no man or woman ...

"When you understand nutrition isn’t about specific food choices, you stop chasing the trends"🥗💪🏾 n this episode of The Ageless Athlete Podcast, I sit down with EC Synkowski, the founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition and the creator of the groundbreaking 800-Gram Challenge. EC’s no-nonsense, science-backed approach cuts through the noise of trendy diets and focuses on what really matters for longevity, vitality, and health. Whether you’re an everyday athlete or just looking for practical ways to i...

"It's not easy for me just to make it through your average day, like I almost fall over and do fall over just in my kitchen trying to make dinner. But if I'm still able to accomplish these things that are seen as goals... it enriches my life in so many different ways." 🙌🏽 We're thrilled to bring back one of our most inspiring conversations for those who might have missed it the first time. Meet Wayne Willoughby—an adaptive rock climber who defied incredible odds and has climbed El Cap not onc...

In this sequel to our popular “5 Commandments” episode, we bring you five more principles for achieving longevity and fulfillment in sport and life. These lessons, drawn from the incredible lives of world-class athletes who have starred in this show, go beyond training techniques to explore mental resilience, community, and balance. Through their inspiring journeys, these athletes show us what it means to push limits, live with purpose, and give back. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an at...

"Living with purpose and humor creates a ‘lifewish’—celebrating every day and, if you’re lucky enough to climb high, bringing someone along with you.”🏔️ Today's guest is none other than the legendary Timmy O’Neill. For those of you who know his name, you'll recognize the extraordinary feats he’s accomplished in climbing. But to introduce Timmy as merely a climber would be to only scratch the surface. What you're about to hear is more than just a conversation about climbing—it's a deep dive i...

Heather Heynen is a licensed mental health therapist, life coach, and the voice behind the excellent Weight Loss and Wellness For Real podcast. At 50, she passionately rock climbs and bike packs and shares why she finds it important to go forth with outdoor adventure! With a wealth of experience helping individuals reshape their relationship with themselves, Heather shares practical, actionable strategies for building resilience, self-love, and mental wellness that can guide us through every sta...

Thrilled today to speak with Ben Moon, the man who has defined and redefined what’s possible in climbing for decades. From pioneering world-class routes to creating game-changing training tools, Ben’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and partnership. At almost 50, Ben managed to recapture his peak performance, showing that age is just a number when it comes to pushing limits and breaking boundaries. Join us as we explore his thoughts on Britain’s climbing evolution, t...

Today's episode is a bit different. We dive into the 5 Commandments that athletes follow to achieve lasting success and performance in their sports. Drawing wisdom from legends like Craig DeMartino, Juliet Starrett, Marshall Ulrich, Hazel Findlay, and more, these principles aren't just about physical endurance—they're about mindset, learning, and self-advocacy. Key Takeaways: Find Your Why: Learn how knowing your deeper purpose can carry you through the toughest challenges, like Craig DeMartin...

Imagine standing at the base of El Capitan in the early 1990s. The Nose, one of the most famous and daunting climbing routes in the world, stretches nearly 3,000 feet above you. At this time, no one—not even the best climbers in the world—has free climbed it. Enter Lynn Hill. In 1993, she not only becomes the first person to free climb *The Nose*, but she does it in a single day, a feat that redefined what was possible in climbing. This wasn’t just a physical achievement; it was a moment that sh...

"It wasn’t about what I couldn’t do; it was about what I could do. After my injury, I was focused on recovery and doing whatever was possible—like swimming every day. It’s all about the attitude you bring to the situation." 🚵🏽​ Mountain biking legend **David Wiens**, is not only celebrated for his six consecutive wins at the Leadville Trail 100 MTB but also for his integrity and resilience. As David approaches his 60th birthday, he reflects on his remarkable career, staying consistent, overc...

Katherine Hayes Rodriguez is a pioneer in adaptive sports who has spent nearly 50 years making the outdoors accessible for all. From her early days as a ski instructor in the 1970s to becoming a leader in adaptive skiing and outdoor recreation, Katherine has faced and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to break down barriers for people with disabilities. Katherine’s work is groundbreaking—not only for what she has achieved in outdoor sports but for the lives she’s impacted along the way. In...

In a unique twist, Ageless Athlete host Kush Khandelwal steps out from behind the mic and becomes the guest for the first time! Interviewed by Heather Heynen on her Weight Loss and Wellness For Real podcast, Kush opens up about his personal journey—something he doesn’t often share. From his own struggles with motivation and injuries to finding new meaning in movement as he gets older, this conversation dives deep into the challenges athletes and everyday people face as they navigate life’s ups ...