Episodes

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 ...

Legendary big wave surfer Yuri Soledade, is 48, and has spent decades riding some of the most powerful waves on Earth at Jaws in Maui. Known for winning the 2016 TAG Heuer XXL Biggest Wave Award for riding a massive 73-foot wave, Yuri’s story is about much more than surfing. It’s about mental resilience, humility, and balancing passion with a successful career. Yuri opens up about his humble beginnings in Brazil, moving to Hawaii, and the grit it took to chase his dream of conquering the world’...

"Age isn’t what defines you—it’s your ability to adapt, to keep going, and to never stop seeking what you’re capable of." 🚀 In this episode of the Ageless Athlete Podcast, we talk with the legendary ultra-endurance athlete, Marshall Ulrich. Known for running across America, completing over 20 Badwater Ultramarathons, and climbing all Seven Summits—including Mount Everest—Marshall shares the secrets behind his mental and physical resilience. From embracing pain as part of the journey to expe...

"Fear is natural, but it's how you dance with that fear that defines who you are as a climber and as a person." 🌄💗 Heidi Wirtz—aka "Heidi Almighty"— is a climber, guide, yogi, and an entrepreneur. 🧗‍♀️ Heidi is known for her bold and technical climbs, pioneering routes on big walls worldwide, and her speed ascents in Yosemite Valley. Heidi’s journey is about more than just summits. 🌍 From living in a tent to exploring diverse cultures, navigating gender dynamics, and finding strength th...

"You can sculpt your body to perfection, but without mastering your mind, you’ll never unlock your true potential. The real victories happen in your head." 🧎🏼‍♀️💪🏾 We are diving deep into the power of mental training with Hazel Findlay, a world-renowned climber, coach, and mindset expert. While Hazel may be young, her wisdom extends far beyond her years, offering insights that are crucial for athletes of any age—particularly those navigating the changes that come with aging. A 6x Britis...

Diana, 64 and Tim Fitzpatrick, 62, are accomplished ultrarunners who’ve not only achieved remarkable personal feats but also transformed lives through their work at San Quentin State Prison. They've marathon PRs of 2:37 and 2:35 respectively, and multiple finishes at the Western States 100, where at 60, Diana was the oldest to complete the run in sub-24 hours. Diana and Tim exemplify resilience, both in their athletic pursuits and their commitment to giving back. For the past eight years, they’...

"Even as life changes, keeping a playful spirit is essential. That’s what keeps me coming back to the rock, year after year." 🤾🏻‍♂️🌟 At 53 years young, Chris Kalous has spent over three decades dedicated to rock climbing, evolving from a dirtbag climber living out of his van to a house painter, and ultimately becoming the voice behind the legendary Enormocast podcast. With nearly 300 episodes of the Enormocast under his belt, Chris has captured the heart of the climbing community through his r...

"Even at 63, I train like I'm still in my prime. The key is to stay consistent and never lose that hunger." 🔥 Tinker Juarez turned 63 this year, and has been mountain bike racing competitively since the age of 13. He continues to compete against and beat bikers half his age . He is a three-time cross-country champion and a four-time national champion in the 24-hour solo category. In 1996 and 2000, Tinker had the honor of representing the United States in the Olympics when mountain biking was...

This week on Ageless Athlete, we're joined by a true climbing icon: Eric Hörst. Eric's not just a world-renowned climber, author, and coach—he's a pioneer who revolutionized climbing training and nutrition, inspiring generations of climbers to reach new heights. We'll journey back to the 80s, a time when climbing was a niche sport with limited resources. Eric was a trailblazer, experimenting with techniques and philosophies that transformed the way we train. He shared his insights through g...

“The mountain always show you how far you can go, and how far you are allowed to go, because biggest success will be always not to reach the summit, to come back alive from expedition.”🏔️ 🌟💪🏾 Thomas Huber, a legendary alpinist and one half of the iconic Huber brothers is a prolific first ascensionist over of the world’s most formidable big walls, including the Ogre, Cerro Torre, and the elusive Latok 1. He’s also made his mark on Yosemite Valley, where he and his brother Alex became part of the...

I've been reading Matt Samet's climbing and adventure writing since I started climbing myself in 2004 and am thrilled to be able to bring Matt to the show! Matt shares his journey of nearly four decades in the climbing world, offering insights into his experiences and the lessons he's learned along the way. From his perspective on climbing journalism to his honest discussion about overcoming addiction, Matt's story is one of courage, passion, and balance. Whether you're a climber or simply so...

Fred Pompermayer is the visionary behind some of the most breathtaking big wave surfing photos you've ever seen. 🏄‍♂️ From a landlocked town in Brazil to the world's most iconic waves, Fred's journey is as riveting as the images he captures. In this rare interview, Fred opens up about selling his bicycle at 12 to buy his first surfboard 🚲🏄‍♂️, sneaking university cameras for beach trips 🎓📷, leaving architecture school to chase his California dream 🏠➡️🌴, and transforming a childhood obsession ...