Forging Mettle Podcast

Our guest today is Janey McGill. She has been a lawyer, a soldier and an art dealer. But not at the same time. She is now a filmmaker, an explorer, a speaker and a designer. After years of experimenting and searching for fulfillment she has crafted a life that brings her joy and purpose. 

She's led a somewhat unconventional life. The ‘things’ society deem important, she often doesn't. Making choices with her heart leads to incredible learning and adventure. The consequences of those decisions and the circumstance of her life prompt much introspection and self-examination.  As she says, "Arguably too much" at times.

She’s had her back broken from a horse riding accident and came back better. She’s walked hundreds of miles in the pursuit of meaning and giving back. She recently finished filming a documentary about planning and executing the greatest escape to the Arabian desert with a team of eastern and western strangers to deliver a message that we are ‘better together’ regardless of gender, culture or identity…

This was such a delightful conversation with a delightful soul. Enjoy the show, please drop a rating or review if you feel moved.

This week we welcome my "SISU sister" to the forge. Elisabet and I have so much alignment around the concepts of doing hard things, overcoming adversity, being tough and staying the course. But to also make room for changing course when needed, softness, gentleness, compassion for yourself and those we lead. You will come away with ideas of how we can be both tough and gentle, and why we should. This is the leadership model of the future. We discuss what it means to honor yourself. And that pushing on is not always the best choice.

Show notes:

Elisabet is an international presenter on topics related to positive psychology, courage, leadership, and high performance. She is also a transformational mindset coach supporting individuals who are committed to cultivating compassionate leadership and integrity in their daily lives

She conducted her PhD research for the Finland-based Aalto University School of Science and Technology in which she is pioneered the research on the ancient Finnish construct of sisu, which denotes courage and determination in the face of extreme adversity and the ability to unlock hidden inner strength when it is needed (find the research paper on embodied fortitude here and its press release here).

Elisabet´s work has been featured by The New Yorker, Business Insider, Scientific American, BBC, and Forbes among others. Elisabet has given talks at Fortune500 companies such as Facebook and Salesforce, as well as Stanford University, The International World Congress on Positive Psychology, The Consciousness Summit, TEDx, and Singularity University at NASA Ames in Mountain View, California, where she also studied futurism and exponential technologies while attending their Global Solutions Programme.

Elisabet has a master's degree in social psychology from the University of Tampere in Finland and in a master's degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, USA. She is a former student of Dr Martin Seligman and began her master thesis work on sisu was advised by research professor Dr Angela Duckworth in 2013.

Her personal life mission involves being a catalyst for human connection and compassion. She believes it is our collective responsibility to create socially warm, inviting spaces that empower people to reach their fullest potential. Elisabet enjoys facilitating meaningful connections across geographical, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries and has been hosting story circles and women's groups since 2013.

As the author of a bestselling book with the title, "Deliberate Discomfort," you can imagine our guest today is a perfect fit for the Forging Mettle podcast. Jason Van Camp is a former special forces soldier and now teaches people how to proactively seek out hard things through his company Mission Six Zero. In this discussion I was fascinated by Jason's origin story of his company, how he talks about failure, and what he believes we need to do to live our best lives.

Show notes:

Jason B.A. Van Camp is what Malcolm Gladwell would refer to as an Outlier; an exceptional person who is successful not just because of his personal accomplishments but because of his will to win and the unique ability and willingness to unlock the potential of others. A decorated Green Beret, world traveler, entrepreneur, author, and loyal friend, Jason has mastered the art of storytelling that reflects many of his own life adventures.

Jason is the chairman of “mission six zero.” He is also the executive director of Warrior Rising, which is a non-profit that empowers U.S. military veterans.

Today's guest is our first Army Ranger on the show. Even though she was a trailblazer for women, I purposely left out that "adjective" of being female. Lisa recently published her book, "Delete the Adjective: Soldier's Adventures in Ranger School." I think you are going to find her approach to excellence, raising kids, controlled suffering and doing hard things and facing adversity.

Show notes:

Army Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Jaster is a soldier, an engineer, a wife and mother, and a trailblazer. One of only three women to graduate from the first integrated United States Army Ranger program—one of the most difficult combat training courses in the world—Lisa was the first female Army Reserve officer to become Ranger qualified.

Lisa, a fitness fanatic who continues to train CrossFit and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, has a hard-won understanding of the importance of perseverance, as well as a deeply ingrained respect for camaraderie stemming from a seven-year-long active duty career (including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan).

In today's show we talk about female aviators forging a path for those who followed. They were instrumental to having the combat aviation exclusion for women finally removed. Our guest, Bev Weintraub, has written the first book detailing their incredible historical journey. This story includes head shaking moments, great courage, humility and perseverance. 

Show notes: 

Beverly Weintraub is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and instrument-rated private pilot. As an editorial writer for the New York Daily News, she covered topics including education, social services and aviation. She shared the 2007 Pulitzer for Editorial Writing for an in-depth investigation into the illnesses afflicting World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers after 9/11.

Her book, “Wings of Gold: The Story of the First Women Naval Aviators” debuts with a meticulous and often infuriating chronicle of the obstacles faced by the first six women to earn their naval aviation wings in the early 1970s.

Today's guest is Massimo Pigliucci. In his latest book, "The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us about Our Search for Good Leaders," he looks at lessons of leadership and politics from ancient Greece. What is character? Is it something we are born with or can we develop it? We wade into compelling topics like wealth, power, greed, cooperation and competition. No discussion about character can skip over politics. Enjoy the show! 

Show notes:

Massimo has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Tennessee. 

He is currently a Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His research interests include the philosophy of science, the nature of pseudoscience, and practical philosophies like Stoicism and New Skepticism. He is also a prolific author. 

In today's episode we talk about trauma from someone who has experienced it as a combat aviator and also in his personal life. What he has to share could help us all take a different approach to how trauma affects us. Does it burn us down or heat our house? There are many factors that define trauma for us, but perhaps the most powerful is how we think about it. He has a wonderful "lightning" analogy that I think you will find useful. 

About Brian:

One in three will experience a significant trauma in their life. For Army Apache Pilot Brian Slade, his first was in Afghanistan.

Offering a unique perspective on preparing one's mind for trauma, his book, Cleared Hot puts readers in the cockpit of the most lethal helicopter in the world as Slade learns on the job, flying over an unforgiving landscape.

Follow Slade as he navigates the ugliness of combat while working to preserve a difficult marriage to a wife suffering from mental illness. Witness the challenges that taught him universal lessons on resilience and coping-and how they equipped him to think fast under pressure and maneuver through a curtain of enemy fire that crippled his aircraft and wounded his co-pilot, ultimately earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Cleared Hot offers readers an exhilarating ride while giving them tools they can use to survive the traumas of their own lives.

Brian L. Slade has held command positions in the Army and the Air Force. He has received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and fourteen combat air medals. He attended Utah State, where he earned a BA and was commissioned as an Army Aviation second lieutenant. He's also earned an MA in aviation instruction. Brian currently serves as a lieutenant colonel for Air Force Combat Search and Rescue.

A quick recap of 2022 and looking ahead to 2023. In this solocast, Ron discusses 3 types of goals and which one is most important, strategic planning, work ethic, and how much habits and routines drive our behavior. Don't miss this episode as you prepare to make 2023 your best year yet!  

Habits and routines (article) 

Today we talk with a mental coach for aviators. You'll get a firsthand account of what it's like to be a female instructor pilot in the U.S. Air Force. But rest assured there is plenty of wisdom in our discussion for the non-pilots among us. We banter about self-confidence, finding root causes, trusting your brain, women in leadership and performing at your best under pressure. Enjoy the show and please leave us a rating and review! 

Our guest, Tammy Barlette retired from the Air Force in 2018 after 20 years of dedicated service. During her last assignment she was an  instructor pilot in the T-38 Talon. She has more than 3000 total flight hours and over 1500 hours of combat support time in both Iraq and Afghanistan. She is now a motivational speaker with years of experience teaching and empowering others to be their best.

Show notes:

Former Green Beret Fran Racioppi joins us to discuss far ranging topics like quiet quitting, meeting people where they are, properly setting standards for yourself and those that you lead, navigating a complex world and a decision-making process to help you come out ahead more times than not. Thank you for listening. 

Show notes: 

Fran served 13 years in the United States Army as a Green Beret, deploying three times to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. In 2013, he deployed to Djibouti, Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he coordinated Special Operations combating Al-Shabab throughout East Africa. In 2014, he planned and coordinated the Special Forces response to Boko Haram in West Africa, as well as oversaw the operations of Special Forces teams countering the Lord's Resistance Army in Central Africa and ISIS in North Africa. In 2014, Fran was selected to serve as the advisor and aide to the Commander of Special Operations Command Africa. Fran is a graduate of the US Army Ranger School, Airborne School, and several other Special Operations sponsored certifications.  

A lifelong sailor, Fran volunteers teaching Veterans to sail as the Race Director for Sailahead a Veterans service organization dedicated to reducing the Veteran suicide rate. Fran has also served as the Treasurer of the United War Veterans Council, a NYC-based non-profit focused on the wellness and healing of transitioning veterans, as well as the host of the annual NYC Veterans Day Parade. 

In today's grind-it-out, never ask for help, always on, stuff it down, culture, we need more discussions like this one. We candidly discuss different ways to frame "asking for help" to make it a bit easier to do, and even fun when approached in the right way. We also have a lively back and forth chat about how to better deal with the life trauma we all carry. You're going to find real value in what Abigail has to say about healthy habits and self-limiting beliefs. Thanks for tuning in.

Show notes:

Abigail G. Manning is the founder of “Create Awareness, Change Lives” and speaks internationally on professional development and personal empowerment. She is an impactful storyteller, weaving together true life stories with powerful key takeaways. Abigail shares insights from her Indiana University double major in Cognitive, Communication and Behavioral Sciences along with hard lessons learned from the trenches of life. She learned to thrive, not in-spite of, but because of the  obstacles she has faced. It is her mission to offer insights, inspiration and innovative life skills so we each can create the best path forward to lead more effectively and live more powerfully.

Today we discuss many topics related to managing the mental side of performance in difficult situations. Our guests train special forces candidates to get through the demanding selection process. What can we learn from those who do hard things? Topics such as the big five personality traits, emotional regulation, using humor to blunt the effects of hardship, and who survives, who fails, and why. 

Building the Elite 

Caleb Campbell achieved his childhood dream. To play football in the NFL. Only to have his world come crashing down around him. His dreams shattered. He now says those shattered dreams are what saved his life. This is a man who knows what it means to be tested by the fire and emerge stronger. Listen in to hear his struggles, triumphs and life lessons so that we can all lead better lives and be better humans. 

Show notes:

How many times have you been told, "you're just not very good at that." Today we discuss how words matter, and to use them carefully. We all have superpowers and they may not be what you think they are. Hidden in what might called a weakness, may actually be a strength. Life is full of paradoxes, we highlight some of those in our chat. 

Show notes:

Juliet Hahn grew up in Moorestown, New Jersey, a quaint town just outside of Philadelphia. She had a fulfilling childhood and her parents, Marc and Barbara, showered their five children with love, support, and humor. Juliet enjoyed being active which led to her year-round involvement in sports. She brought her love of athletics to Rowan University where she starred as a two-sport athlete. After graduation, she moved to New York City and began a career in advertising. Juliet embraced New York City’s culture, diversity, and energy and made it her home for fourteen years. It also happens to be where she met her future husband, Dan. Currently, they reside in Remsenburg, New York with their three children: Montgomery (16), Truman (14), and Penelope (12) and two Boxers.

How many of us have been directly or indirectly impacted by cancer? My guess is, almost all of us have some form of cancer story. Today's guest wrote a book that looked closely at our relationship with cancer. From all perspectives; survivors, caregivers, friends, and those we've lost. It is a heavy conversation, while inspiring and uplifting at the same time. 

About David:

As a former sedentary, overweight, smoker, David knew that he needed to focus not on what others wanted out of him, but on what he wanted out of life. Through lessons learned in business and sport, David introduces the concept of the “middle of the pack” and discusses how to get more out of ourselves than ever imagined. He applies this concept to life and business and adds value to the people he works with coming from the perspective of the “middle of the pack.”

Do we truly know what will deliver happiness to our doorstep? Everyone is searching, but few are finding it. Perhaps our happiness model is broken? I'll discuss this as a teaser of my upcoming TEDx talk. I'll also expand on my thoughts of "empathize and empower" from Julie Lythcott-Haims. 

If you like the show, please give us a 5-star rating and review. 

This is a far ranging, passionate discussion that you are sure to enjoy. We explore topics like free range kids, stranger danger, overprotecting. How to empathize and empower not only our kids but also adults. How to become stronger in the face of the storm. This is a discussion we all need right now. 

Show notes: 

I believe in humans.

I’m rooting for all of us to make it.

I’ve come to appreciate that despite our innumerable differences, we all want to be treated with dignity and kindness. We all yearn to know that we matter. We all want to be seen, accepted, and loved simply as we are.

I’m interested in what gets in the way.

Sometimes the obstacle begins within: our ego, fear, and shame can eat at us and make it difficult for us to be kind even to ourselves let alone to others. Each of us is also implicitly biased in favor of and against groups of humans based upon our upbringing, lived experiences, and the ideas to which we have been exposed. And over the decades and centuries of our modern existence, we’ve built societal mores, rules, policies, structures, and systems that preference some while demeaning or excluding others.

There is so much work to do, at all levels, to build a human community in which we all matter. I want to do my small part.

What is your philosophy of life? We all have one, but many of us don't give it a second thought. We will discuss what makes a good life, how to cultivate excellence, preparing for the worst, what is a good death, nailing the job interview and surviving the pandemic. All with the guidance of a fascinating 2500 year old philosophy.

Show notes:

What are the stories you are telling yourself about your place in the world, your identity, and where you are going? These stories can be incredibly impactful to our wellbeing. Carrie and I discuss how to tell better stories, dealing with anxiety, the difference between PTG and PTSD, how we respond to trauma, our belief systems, changing our behavior and EMDR therapy. You'll come away with useful tips to therapize yourself. 

Show notes:

Carrie Leaf is currently a practicing psychotherapist, holistic mindset coach, and hypnotherapist. She holds her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Northern Iowa. She completed her masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, graduating top of her class from Iona College. She has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 10 years and working in the psychology field for over 15 years.

Carrie has worked in the field of psychology in a wide variety of settings which include hospitals, community mental health, youth residential homes, substance abuse, military base, college university and private practice. She has worked with a wide variety of clients from all ages and around many different identified problems. She has worked with individuals, couples, families and groups.

Carrie is a mother to two twin toddler boys and a step-mother to their older brother and sister as well. She is a furbaby mom to two boxer dogs. She enjoys working out, exploring her health and fitness journey, staying active, nature and being outdoors, traveling, and trying new things.

In today's discussion, it is my hope that although much of our conversation is specific to ultrarunning, that you see the connection to life. Life is, after all, an endurance sport. You’ll want to hear Addie’s thoughts on self-talk, attentional style and focus, her experience at the 2018 Leadville 100, why self-awareness is so important and are women tougher than men?

Show notes:

This episode is a real gem, filled with wisdom. Co-authors General Stan McChrystal and Anna Butrico join me to talk about leadership, risk, resilience, adaptability and what they call our risk immune system. We discuss the risks associated with a global pandemic, special military operations, and how to navigate a complex changing environment in corporations. 

Show notes:

General McChrystal was a green beret, ranger and paratrooper during his career. He is perhaps best known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in the mid-2000s. As you might guess, he was no stranger to risk.

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates described McChrystal as "perhaps the finest warrior and leader of men in combat I ever met."

After retiring from the military, McChrystal founded the McChrystal Group in January 2011 to deliver innovative leadership solutions to businesses globally in order to help them transform and succeed in challenging, dynamic environments.

What is resilience? How does it compare to mental toughness and grit? Can we develop it, and what are its benefits? How does adversity influence savoring? We cover all of this and much more with psychologist Courtney Ackerman this week. 

Show notes:

Courtney is the author of four published books on positive psychology-related topics, including:

Today's guest, Bill Mullen, is a voracious reader. We're going to talk about his book list and some of the books that have inspired him in his long 34 year career in the United States Marine Corp. We're going to talk about Admiral James Stockdale, congressional medal of honor winner. We discuss the Stockdale paradox, and how it relates to our ongoing challenges with the pandemic. We're even going to mix in a little bit of General Custer and Crazy Horse.

Show notes:

Mullen holds a BA and MA in political science from Marquette University, and an MA in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. He is a graduate of the Advanced Artillery Officer Course, School of Advanced Warfighting, Airborne, Ranger, Summer Mountain Leader and Royal Marine Arctic Warfare Survival courses. Mullen co-wrote the book Fallujah Redux, which came out in 2014. All proceeds from the book go to the Semper Fi Fund. Mullen and his wife, Vicki, have three adult children.

Buy Bill's book: "Fallujah Redux: The Anbar Awakening and the Struggle with Al-Qaeda" 

Part of the mission of Forging Mettle is to provide an equal spotlight on strong female leaders; their seat at the table in the forge is vital to our revolution. In this podcast, we present our "Denver Startup Week" panel discussion with four of our former guests: Kim "KC" Campbell, Shannon Huffman Polson, Jannell MacAulay and Amy McGrath. This is a powerhouse panel of successful women, all with a military aviation background. We discuss important topics of leadership, and how to be successful in your chosen field. This is part 2 of 2.

Part of the mission of Forging Mettle is to provide an equal spotlight on strong female leaders; their seat at the table in the forge is vital to our revolution. In this podcast, we present our "Denver Startup Week" panel discussion with four of our former guests: Kim "KC" Campbell, Shannon Huffman Polson, Jannell MacAulay and Amy McGrath. This is a powerhouse panel of successful women, all with a military aviation background. We discuss important topics of leadership, and how to be successful in your chosen field. This is part 1 of 2.

This week we talk with the first adventure psychologist. A term she coined and is now writing the book on the topic. We discuss ideas that fit well in the forge. Have we become too soft? How does adventure, fun, challenge and awe improve our wellbeing? What mode are you currently in? Surviving, coping or thriving? What is adventure psychology? Enjoy this very unique discussion with a lovely guest. 

Show notes:

If anyone knows about mental toughness - Paula Reid does. She has learned resilience first hand and understands how to perform enduringly in the toughest of conditions. From Skiing to the South Pole to Yacht Racing around the world, she has learned how to thrive in hugely challenging circumstances.

​She has a unique combination of business intelligence, personal extreme expedition experience and a MSc in applied Positive Psychology. Her expertise is unique in being able to equip people with the tools to thrive in challenging and uncertain conditions.

We've been trying for decades to level the playing field for men and women in the workplace, and we haven't quite made it there. There might be a simple reason for this...what if there is no "level" playing field - regardless of who you are. So, what if we changed the narrative and said, "that's ok." Instead of "leveling" we could work together to build a "new normal."

Show notes:

Although Tony's background is in the combative industry, much of what he teaches can be applied to all areas of our life where we feel fear. Let's be honest, we face fear on an almost daily basis in myriad ways. If we can know our fear, and befriend it, we are more able to control it. We discuss some catchy acronyms to help demystify fear and understand why it's happening. There is also a fascinating connection between fear management and time management. 

Show notes:

Coach Tony Blauer has been in the martial art, self-defense, defensive tactics, and combatives industry for over  four decades.

His research on physiology and mindset as it relates to confrontation management has influenced over three  decades of reality-based martial artists and enhanced the survivability of law enforcement, military, and  emergency services personnel around the world.

He founded Blauer Tactical Systems (BTS) in 1985 and it has grown into one of the world's leading consulting  companies specializing in the research and development of performance psychology, personal safety, and close  quarter tactics & scenario-based training for law enforcement, military, and professional self-defense  instructors.

What do you do when your aircraft is hit by enemy fire over Baghdad and your control inputs no longer function? You have 20 seconds to figure it out or you'll be forced to eject over enemy territory. This week we hear Colonel Kim "KC" Campbell tell the tale of her harrowing mission in 2003. She learned a lot about herself that day. She faced her fear with courage. Listen in as we talk about confidence, perseverance, preparation, assertiveness and authenticity. 

Show notes:

Colonel Kim “KC” Campbell served in the Air Force for 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. Kim is a keynote speaker sharing her story about a life changing combat experience while weaving in ideas and lessons about leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and decision making in stressful environments. Kim has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy and has a Master of Arts in International Security Studies and a Master of Business Administration from the University of London. She has served as a Squadron Commander, Operations Group Commander, Air Force Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Most recently, Kim served as the Director for the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the United States Air Force Academy. In 2003, Colonel Campbell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission in Baghdad.

This week we talk with an athletic trainer who has worked with and interviewed many top Hollywood stars. He has learned plenty from some of the biggest names in fitness. He believes that it is important to build not only physical strength, but also mental strength. We talk about mental toughness, intrinsic motivation, motivation, willpower, the power of small steps, conversations about 'cheap heat' with Hulk Hogan and sticking to the plan. 

Show Notes:

Tune in this week as blacksmith Ron Duren Jr recaps his summer of traveling through 9 western states. He spent almost three months being a digital nomad. Traveling 4000 miles all the while working and staying at airBnB's along the way. The lessons were profound. He talks about adversity, uncertainty, fear, anxiety and non-attachment in this fascinating talk.

Show notes:

In a world that seems to be addicted to taking shortcuts, hacks and taking the easy path, this week's guest pushes back on that narrative. He believes that we should strategically seek out times to do "necessary evils." He explains why getting out of our comfort zone is fundamental to our growth. Why is it beneficial and when should we do it?

Show notes:

As one of the first female fighter pilots, Amy was a trailblazer in an environment that saw very few women. Her message about what it means to be a patriot, how to forge strength in the face of adversity, how to deal with failure, and how to have the courage to keep going when doors are closed, are not to be missed. This is a powerful message for us all.  

Show notes:

Amy graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned as a Marine Corps officer in 1997. She earned her Wings of Gold as an F/A-18 weapons systems officer and completed two combat deployments, flying 89 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2002, as a weapons systems officer, Amy became the first woman in the Marine Corps to fly a combat mission in an F/A-18.

After her operational flying tours, Amy served as a Congressional Fellow advising a senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee on defense and foreign policy.

Subsequently, she served in the Pentagon as Marine Corps’ liaison to the State Department and other federal agencies. After earning a postgraduate degree in global security from Johns Hopkins University, her final active duty assignment was as a senior instructor in the Political Science Department at the US Naval Academy before retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and moving back home to Kentucky to raise her family.

In 2018 and 2020, she ran U.S. House and Senate races in Kentucky.

As we struggle to emerge from a once in a century disruptive event, we are seeing unprecedented spikes in people quitting their jobs. Why? What is causing this phenomenon and how are corporate leaders managing this dilemma? Perhaps you are also considering quitting your job? You'll want to listen in this week as we discuss why you should, or shouldn't follow the crowd. 

Show notes:

This week we discuss topics focusing on our "always on" culture and how its leading to burnout, lack of motivation and mental health issues. Can we strive for more but also be content with what we have? Can we work hard to be our best selves, but also not get caught up in the "never enough" mindset? Some are calling this phenomena "internalized capitalism." We wrestle with these questions and many more in this episode.

Show notes: 

So often we silence ourselves at work, at home or out in the world for one reason or another. Approval from others, lack of confidence in our ideas and convictions, or maybe we just misplaced the tools to simply speak out effectively in that meeting at work. That silence however can actually cause us physical, emotional and mental pain that manifests in a myriad of ways. Not to mention - creating missed and meaningful opportunities for us.

Rachel Druckenmiller shares her story of living a "muted life" only to be pushed to a place of desperately needing to change that. And so she did. She now spends her time and expertise helping others embrace how to trust their true voice and make that voice heard. This is not only how we influence, but also how we stay aligned with who we genuinely are. Finding and nurturing that alignment within ourselves can be a freeing feeling - leading to less stress, less anxiety, deeper connections, and a more fulfilled life.

Rachel is the Founder of UNMUTED and works with teams, leaders and individuals manage stress and anxiety in the workplace with trainings and coaching in unique ways that help with productivity, reconnection, care, resilience and hope within the workplace. All key elements for leaders going forward when it comes to increasing retention in today's workforce.

SHOW NOTES:

What does it mean to 'Forge an Unbeatable Mind'? Can we actually 'thrive' in a VUCA World (one of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity & Ambiguity)?  Retired Navy Seal Commander Mark Divine has practiced a lifetime of martial arts, EMDR and CBT therapy, military training, visualization and trauma healing (these are only the tip of the iceberg) and now through his teachings and training he is able to share and help others implement what he has learned for creating a 'better life' through controlling how we perceive our reality and handle stress and uncertainty.

He spent  years as a Navy Seal Commander and is the Creator of SealFit and Unbeatable Mind. Mark has been helping people transform their lives through his books and programs for decades.

What's the meaning of everything that's happened in all of our lives this past year and half throughout the course of the pandemic? Some of us have thought about what we've gained during this time, but more often most of us have felt a lot more around what we've lost (understandably). We may not even use the word "loss" for what we're feeling but this discussion with 'loss and healing' expert, Melissa Douaire, will show that there is some real processing we all need to make space for if we want to flourish moving forward. This is not a conversation meant just for home life...Melissa actually focuses her work with leaders in the workplace and their new responsibilities going forward.

Show Notes:

This week we wrestle with the commonly held belief that reaching the top requires taking no prisoners and vanquishing foes on the journey upward. How important is good character to high performance? The data that Jim Loehr and his team have collected might surprise you. Do nice gals and guys really finish last? 

Show notes:

Dr. Loehr has worked with hundreds of world-class performers from the arenas of sport, business, medicine and law enforcement, including Fortune 100 executives, FBI Hostage Rescue Teams, and military Special Forces.

Corporate clients of the Institute represent hundreds of Fortune 500 companies, including Procter & Gamble, The Estée Lauder Companies, FBI, GlaxoSmithKline, PepsiCo, and Citigroup Smith Barney.

Dr. Loehr has worked with hundreds of elite sports clients including 17 number ones in the world in their respective sports, multiple clients from professional tennis, golf, basketball, football, hockey, boxing, race car driving and the Olympics. He has applied his methodology to both individuals and entire teams.

What is it that world-class athletes tap into, or that the leading names in business are able to harness in order to reach excellence?  Are us everyday people, parents, managers and entrepreneurs able to do something similar...to tap into that type of excellence ourselves?  Or are the top 1% of successful people just born 'GREAT' and the rest of us have to settle for just being 'GOOD'?

What if we could ALL maximize our physical, mental and social potential using the same tools that the top 1% utilize.  Dr. Kumar Mehta takes us on a journey this week into the world of excellence and explains how he helps everyday people become the best of the best in their relative fields of interest.

Show Notes:

Find out why we all need mental toughness in our lives, how we can develop it and what exactly it is. With it we have more success, more fulfillment in life, less stress, anxiety and fear. Can we assess how mentally tough we are - we can. Do women or men score higher on these assessments - one of the genders does. Listen to find out and learn more as we dig in on the topic with expert Doug Strycharczyk.

Doug is the CEO of AQR and for AQR International – Founded in 1989, AQR is now recognized as one of the most innovative (and fast growing) test publishers in the world working in more than 80 countries.

AQR established its reputation initially as a leader in Team Building and leadership development. Doug’s work has been featured on BBC Television where Prof John Adair described the material as “highly effective.”

In recent years, Doug has worked with Professor Peter Clough to define mental toughness and to create the world’s leading measure of mental toughness. Doug is now recognized as a leading authority on the application of mental toughness to the worlds of work, education, sport as well as social applications. His expertise is focused on helping organizations develop performance, increase retention and employee engagement and more effectively dealing with issues such as bullying and the impact of change.

Doug has more than 30 years expertise in a variety of Line, HR & Consultancy roles with a number of blue chip businesses. Doug’s areas of expertise also include Organizational Development, Senior Management/Leadership Development and Top Team Assessment.

Show notes:

Our guest this week refused to allow childhood adversity turn her into a victim. She changed the story, and she now helps others do the same. She believes caring for others can move the needle in the right direction. Treating people with respect, empowering them, and letting them know they matter will make them "go to the N-th degree" to return the favor.

Show notes:

Heather R. Younger is an experienced keynote speaker, two-time author, and the CEO and Founder of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement, leadership development, and DEI consulting firm, where she is on a mission to help leaders understand the power they possess to ensure people feel valued at work.

Known as The Employee WhispererTM, Heather harnesses humor, warmth, and an instant relatability to engage and uplift audiences and inspire them into action.

Rooted in her belief that employees aren’t just numbers on the payroll but human beings with ideas that matter, Heather’s talks and workshops are dedicated to helping teams, leaders, and organizations shine by improving how they listen to, communicate with, and empower employees.

This week Ron & Tara talk about the topic that is EVERYWHERE right now.  "Burnout"

Stress, anxiety, exhaustion, productivity, motivation, purpose, rest.  These are all on the table today as each of them are experienced by each and everyone of us, regardless of how much we try to fight, ignore or push through them.  What we'll talk about today is that there are ways to manage each of them in order to thrive...rather than just survive.  Managing the factors that contribute to burnout just requires a set of tools.  Tools we can add to our Mental Toughness toolkit...and tools that anyone and everyone can learn.  We just need to be open to changing our go-to behaviors and build new ones that will serve us in more beneficial ways. Grab a pen and paper and an an open mind and see if you can snag one, just one, new habit to incorporate into your daily life when it comes to utilizing mental toughness to manage your burnout.  

Show Notes:

Physically recognized for his leading role in the 2012 blockbuster movie, Act of Valor, Rorke Denver hangs with us this week to talk about anything and everything from parenting, to being a movie star, why we should embrace fear and failure, and how to build an ethos to help us through hard times. Commander Rorke T. Denver has run every phase of training for the U.S. Navy SEALs and led special-forces missions in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and other international hotspots. He starred in the hit film Act of Valor, which is based on true SEAL adventures. His New York Times bestseller, Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior, takes you inside his personal story and the fascinating, demanding SEAL training program. In his second book Worth Dying For: A Navy SEALs Call to a Nation, Rorke tackles the questions that have emerged about America’s past decade at war–from what makes a hero to why we fight and what it does to us. Rorke was most recently seen on FOX’s American Grit. The series followed 16 of the country’s toughest men and women as they faced a variety of military-grade and survival-themed challenges set in the wilderness. Today he works with business leaders, corporations and individuals on their mental toughness through keynote speaking, coaching and consulting. 

Cara Brookins built a house! Not a big deal, you say, many people have built a house. Cara did it with her own hands, as a single mother of four kids and no prior construction experience. She did it all with the help of youtube videos and a lot of trial and error. You're going to fall in love with her story of resilience and down to earth message. As she likes to say, "what's the worst that can happen?"

Show notes:

If you’re thinking I built a house because I’m some kind of natural born doer, some non-procrastinator, some anomaly who has never played a time-waster on my cell phone, think again. I have put off calls, ignored emails, and skipped laundry for a weekend Netflix binge just as often as the next person. And it wasn’t until I was in a horrible place as a single mother of four that I even recognized how badly I needed to do something big. Something that would forever change the trajectory of my life. BUT something was holding me back.

I felt stuck—even though I knew I was capable of doing so much more. I was ready to do something bold.

I was ready to stop being the type of person who says, “I’ll do this someday,” and become the person who says, “I’ll do this now.” I was determined to set my default mode to: Take Action. But first I had to get myself unstuck.

Then I had the idea that changed everything. It was big—REALLY BIG.

In this far ranging discussion with mountaineer and generational consultant Brooke Chesnut, we hear his harrowing stories on Denali and Everest. He explains why learning to be patient and listening more were transformational for him on a personal level. We also discuss hard decisions at high altitude and the lessons he learned. 

Show notes:

The only way to get people to be 'all in' at work and at home, is for you to be 'all in' all the time yourself. The only way to achieve this is by making sure you lead yourself BEFORE leading and taking care of others. We talk to Alden Mills, former Navy Seal, about how to forge your commitment by taking action and managing your physical, mental and emotional well-being to find your greatest success. And then how to take that strength and get others to rally behind you and give you everything they've got.

Alden became a nationally-ranked rower, a 3-time Navy SEAL platoon commander, then founder/CEO of one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies and author. 

Show Notes:

Soft people need to experience pain. “Pain is part of the deal. Pain is growth.” says Jess. But pain brings fear and resistance, so then what do we do...how do we break past all of that and come out better on the other side? Jess Kidd joins us today to share the pain she experienced as a teenager, the pain she takes on herself as an adult, and how all of this allows her to help others today.  An incredible journey that may ‘hurt’ a little to listen to!

Show notes:

In this week's visit to the forge, we talk with resilience coach and cancer survivor, Chris Bordoni. We discuss facing our mortality. What is resilience? How to build everyday resilience with simple daily steps. What is a 'failure resume,' and why is it something all of us should create. How does post traumatic growth transform us to be stronger and better? 

Show notes: 

Chris Bordoni is a resilience coach, cancer survivor, and management consultant. He has been through his share of adversity in his life and has been a good student in the school of mental strength. In his podcast, "100 Inspiring Voices" he interviews others who have also lived through hardship. Why do some people, teams, and communities grow stronger when faced with adversity? What can we learn from them, and how might those insights allow us to live better lives? In this podcast, Chris is interviewing 100 individuals with amazing, inspiring, and uplifting stories.

In this Fireside Reflections solocast, we turn the microphone this time to your blacksmith Tara O'Brien. She shares her stories on doing hard things,  beating back imposter syndrome, and how she learned (and now teaches) to use the power of our own narratives to succeed in everything we do. Our mind can tell us powerful (very believable) stories, but taking control of those stories is something we all have the power to do. Tune in to find out how it's as easy as learning how to do a few pushups!

Show Notes:

One of the more amazing women we've had the pleasure to chat with about leadership, character, and how women can navigate leadership in a male dominated organization/industry...and be successful. After 40 years in leadership positions within U.S. Coast Guard, recent author of Breaking Ice & Breaking Glass, our new friend Sandy Stosz shares what she's learned throughout the decades on being an incredible and successful leader...even as an introvert surrounded by military men.

Show Notes:

Let's take a journey into how the brain works when facing adversity. We're going to talk brain science in this fast moving episode that is sure to educate and entertain. What happens in the brain when we do hard things and suffer? More importantly, can this be trained and developed? Tune in to find out.

Show notes

About Simon Marshall: 

I grew up in Zambia, Africa, and in different parts of the UK. My travelling childhood was spent obsessively playing soccer, rugby, and tennis, before I found competitive cycling. I started training and racing at age 12 and never really stopped.  As my dreams of becoming a professional cyclist faded, I decided to study sports science instead.  This led to rather lengthy collection of degrees that simply proved with science why “Simon” and “professional athlete” were destined never to be used in the same sentence.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Sports Science, a master’s degree in Kinesiology, and a PhD in Sport and Exercise psychology.  For reasons I’m still baffled by, I’m an internationally renowned expert in exercise and health with a focus on changing people’s behavior. I’ve published over 80 scientific articles (yawn) and book chapters (more yawn) about the science of health behavior change (cool).

We talk about the grit and perseverance it takes to be an effective leader of people when faced with the worst conditions and the most unfortunate circumstances. To do this, we travel back in time to learn more about and discuss the journey and survival of Sir Earnest Shackleton and his crew aboard The Endurance.

Here to dive into the details of this world-renowned survival story of over 2 dozen men...led by one man who had to overcome 18 months of hell in the most extreme conditions.  Margot Morrell brings this story to light for us.  She has studied, traveled all over the world and written about Shackleton since 1984.  

"If humans are evil, why do we sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to help others even at a cost to ourselves?" This week we talk to an expert psychologist about what makes people more altruistic than others...and why some people have no empathy and can even be labeled as 'psychopaths'.  We cover the spectrum between the two which brings about some fascinating ideas on what a year of isolation is doing to people and what effects it might have on how we understand what others think and feel.  

Show notes:

About Abigail Marsh: She is a psychologist and neuroscientist who works as a professor at Georgetown University's Department of Psychology and the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, where she is the director of the Laboratory on Social and Affective Neuroscience.  She addresses questions using multiple approaches that include functional and structural brain imaging in adolescents and adults from both typical and non-typical populations, as well as behavioral, cognitive, genetic and pharmacological techniques. Among her ongoing research projects are brain imaging and behavioral studies of altruistic kidney donors and brain imaging studies of children/adolescents with severe conduct problems and limited empathy.

Has fear even held you back from achieving your dreams? Or is it your relationship with fear that held you back? Patrick shares his journey to change his narrative about his fears and how you can too. He is candid about how it changed his life in unimaginable ways. 

About Patrick:

"I grew up terrified of everything. I didn't have confidence or self-esteem. My biggest fear was flying. I made excuses every time I had a chance to fly – on exchange programs, to family reunions, for big races, I made excuses to cover up the shame I felt of being afraid. I was lying to the world and myself.

Then at 35 I got one of the rarest forms of leukemia. The doctors told me to say my good-byes. That was when I chose courage. Yeah, it's a choice. Not for me but for my 1-year-old daughter and unborn son. I decided if I beat the disease and got out of John’s Hopkins I’d get over my fear of flying. I did.

I decided I’d get my private pilots license. It was terrifying, but I still took the first frightening step. Then an incredible thing happened. I fell in love with flying. I now fly a stunt plane in aerobatic competitions. It is one of the greatest joys in my life, a true passion that was hidden from me because of fear. My choice had a halo effect on my whole life. Suddenly courage became my superpower. It all started with that first small step.

Former Colorado senator Mark Udall talks to us about adventures on Everest, the Baja and long dessert backpacking trips. The lessons he has learned from pushing his physical limits, building mettle and engaging with nature are fascinating. This is a podcast filled with rich stories of adventure and leaves us with nuggets of wisdom on why we all should do hard things to enrich our lives. 

Show Notes: 

Colorado resident and native Westerner Mark Udall represented the people of Colorado in the U.S. Senate from 2009 to 2015 and the 2nd Congressional District from 1999 to 2009. Before serving in Congress, Udall was a field instructor and later Executive director for the Colorado Outward Bound School. He is an avid mountaineer and has climbed or attempted some of the world’s most challenging peaks, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat, Denali and Aconcagua.

Books mentioned in the podcast

This episode takes a trip down a different path than many of our guests. But it is no less relevant to the development of mental toughness. Shilo talks to us about how tolerance should be painful, strengthening the mind like the body as an exercise, and that comfort is not the highest good. What does your intellectual diet look like? This conversation will challenge some preconceived notions of what a good life looks like. 

Show Notes: 

In this riveting discussion, Laurence shares his father's incredible story of survival from World War II. This led him to become a subject matter expert on survival. What separates survivors from victims? Are there secrets in the stories of survivors that can help all of us survive everyday life? We will explore all of this and more.

Show notes:

Laurence Gonzales is the author of numerous books and has won many awards, including two National Magazine Awards and the Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. He was also awarded the Montaigne Medal from the Eric Hoffer Society in 2018 and won the Eric Hoffer Award in both 2018 and 2019.

Dr. Marisa Porges has been in the room with Barack Obama, interviewed Al Qaeda terrorists, and flown jets off aircraft carriers. She now leads an all girls school and her passion is imparting her wisdom on her students. Her take on how to raise the next generation of female leaders is eye opening. There is are plenty of nuggets of wisdom, not only for our female listeners, but our men also. 

Show notes:

Marisa Porges, PhD, author of What Girls Need: How to Raise Bold, Courageous, and Resilient Women, is the eighth Head of School at The Baldwin School, a 130-year-old all-girls school outside of Philadelphia renowned for academic excellence and for preparing girls to be leaders and change-makers. Dr. Porges served in the Obama White House; was a research fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and the Council on Foreign Relations, where her research focused on counterterrorism; and served in the U.S. Navy as one of eight female aviators in an air wing of about two hundred. She lives in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, with her family.

In this Fireside Reflections solocast, we turn the microphone to your blacksmith Ron Duren Jr. He shares his stories of doing hard things, running 50 miles, and why taking on hard things is so important for purpose, fulfillment and meaning in life. He believes they are a rite of passage where we learn about the true fabric of who we are. In short, they test our mettle.

Show notes:

Visit our website

In this raw, moving conversation about vulnerability, shame, anger and guilt. Todd gets real about his struggles. Although Todd faced his demons about his brother's death, he has emerged from the fire as a better, stronger, kinder person. Listen how Todd talks about rescuing himself from his despair by forgiving himself for his perceived sins of the past. 

About Todd:  

Todd Stottlemyre is a former MLB pitcher, high-performance business coach, bestselling author, keynote speaker, business owner, active investor, and advisor to multiple companies, including a fast-casual poke concept. Each day, he works to help his clients achieve unparalleled success in every dimension of their lives.

Tara and Ron discuss 2020 and look ahead to 2021. They will talk about their struggles and triumphs this year. They will discuss what it's like to be a podcaster and what has surprised them about the journey so far. They review riveting highlights from previous and upcoming shows. They'll leave you with a glimpse of great things to come on the Forging Mettle podcast going into the new year. Don't miss this end of year wrap up!

Show notes:

This podcast breaks the mold, and unapologetically goes against the grain. Julia and Travis are not your ordinary couple with four kids. They refuse to be shackled to a dreary life devoid of adventure. They have boldly decided to follow their dreams and break free from what society tells us we should do, and they do it all with young'ns in tow. Tara and Ron have a fun and lively discussion that is well suited for the start of a new year and perhaps new adventures. Do you dare to follow your dreams as Julia and Travis have? If so, they can help.

About Julia and Travis Gentry

Hey!

We are the Gentry’s. And we’ve decided to live our lives somewhere between brilliant and insane because we believe if it’s in you, it’s possible. 5 years ago, after having our 2nd child, we found ourselves living in a beautiful home, grinding out “the American dream” only to realize it wasn’t our dream. We found ourselves asking a very simple yet profound question: Is there something more? That started us on a journey of a lifetime…Now, we live to wake up Dreamers everywhere!

We started The Dream Factory And Co. to give people just like you the tools and resources to get unstuck and clear on what they want most in this life. Our greatest mission:

We are on a quest to constantly #rethink, grow and chase our dreams and now we are unapologetically giving you permission to do the same. It’s time to Dream. We dare you!

With our WHOLE heart,

Julia and Travis Gentry

Find them here:

Kyle shares his views on creativity, problem solving, and finding a way. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, focus on what you do have. His message that we always have a choice and we are not helpless is empowering for us all. Join us as we gain real world tips on navigating your way through adversity in life.

About Kyle

Kyle Coon lost his sight at the age of six after a battle with Retinoblastoma—cancer of the eye. However, not having sight has not stopped him from pursuing vision. Since then he has become a competitive rock climber, downhill skier, runner and triathlete.

As a young child, Kyle was shown how to embrace his adversity by world-class blind athlete Erik Weihenmayer who encouraged him to live life to the fullest. Kyle took Weihenmayer’s advice to heart and began pursuing a life of adventure. In 2006, he hiked the Ankascocha Trail into Machu Picchu. In 2007, he summited Mt. Kilimanjaro at the age of 15. 

After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Communication, he became an endurance athlete competing in numerous marathons and triathlons. In 2018, he was a member of the first team of tandem cyclists with all blind or visually impaired stokers (person on the back of a tandem bike) to complete Race Across America—the world’s toughest bicycle race—racing from Oceanside, Calif to Annapolis, Md in seven days 15 hours. Later in 2018, at Ironman Arizona, Kyle became the first totally blind person to complete an Ironman branded Triathlon (2.4 mi swim, 112 mi bike, 26.2 mi run) in under 11 hours. He continues to push himself physically and mentally as he now pursues his goal of representing the USA at the 2020 Paralympics in the sport of Triathlon.

As a young man, Kyle has spoken to major organizations about his adversity and triumphs including various Rotary Clubs in Florida and Taiwan, the International Association of Refrigerated Warehousing, and The American Cancer Society. He has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and in Backpacker and Triathlete magazines.

Losing sight has only served as a base for Kyle’s ability to master his ambitions despite his inability to see them. Inspiring those with similar challenges and sharing a few laughs along the way has become his trademark. Drawing upon his experiences as a totally blind person and adventure athlete, he demonstrates the importance of vision, commitment and courage to pursuing an “Eyeronvision” and embracing the adversity along our life’s journey.

While he wasn’t the first blind person to climb a mountain, run a marathon or compete in a triathlon, his goal is to be one of the best and ensure he isn’t the last.

Contact Kyle

If you'd like to have Kyle speak to your organization, ask him a question, or otherwise collaborate with him. You can find him at following social media sites.

This week in the forge, we talk with retired Air Force pilot, Dr. Jannell MacAulay. She is the founder of "Warrior's Edge," which provides mental skills training to military, first line responders and anyone in a high stress environment. We talk about how you can unlock your "badassery" and find your warrior's edge by doing some of the mental push ups she prescribes. Her philosophy is that we need to exercise our minds to make them strong just as we do our physical bodies. You'll enjoy this fascinating discussion where we even break a rule, or two. Don't miss this one! 

About Jannell

Dr. Jannell MacAulay is a combat veteran who served 20 years in the US Air Force as a pilot, commander, special operations consultant, and professionalism instructor. With her innovative leadership style, she was the first leader to introduce mindfulness as a proactive performance strategy within the US military. She continues to consult within the US government and corporate America delivering keynotes and a high-performance warrior mindset training program, called Warrior’s Edge, which she developed with Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks and Dr. Michael Gervais, a high performance sports psychologist. She is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, has a Masters Degree in Kinesiology from Penn State University and a PhD with work in the field of strategic health & human performance. Dr MacAulay is a TEDx speaker, certified wellness educator, yoga instructor, mindfulness researcher, and holds a certificate in plant based nutrition. She is a mother of two, military spouse, and a combat veteran with over 3000 flying hours as a pilot in the C-21, C-130, & KC-10 aircraft. Dr MacAulay is on a mission to help individuals excel in high-stress and rugged environments, by showing them how to lean into each moment to find their best selves.

In this rapid fire discussion with Shannon Huffman Polson, we discuss healthy ways to face your fear. Understanding and then owning the narrative arc of your life. If we can change our story regarding fear, it can help us overcome challenges, rather than hinder us. Shannon shares with us what it's like to face that primal fear in the cockpit of an Apache attack helicopter in Bosnia. And then relating it back to the pressure of being a keynote speaker and Today Show guest. 

About Shannon

Speaking and writing have been part of my DNA since leading our high school debate and forensics team and running the literary journal (when we still used scissors and glue!). I believe words change the world, and I thrive on seeing transformation come as a result of sharing lessons and stories through speaking and writing.

After a childhood in Alaska, I studied English literature and art history at Duke University. At graduation I was commissioned as a 2LT in Army Aviation and became one of the first women to fly Apache helicopters, serving on three continents and leading two flight platoons and a line company. In the midst of school and flying came skydiving, scuba diving, big-mountain climbing and long-course triathlons. To turn all that into something practical, I earned my MBA at the Tuck School at Dartmouth, and worked with some excellent people in the corporate jungle for a few years in the medical devices industry and technology. I started an MDiv (part-time), and decided not to pursue it, returning to my love of words with an MFA

Shannon's website

In this intriguing discussion David walks us through how to use our breathing as a superpower to not only regulate our physiology, but also our stress levels. In these chaotic times, this message carries even more importance. By understanding our physiology, we can better manage our mental health through our mind-body connection. 

About David

David Bidler is a speaker, author, and leader in professional development. David is the CEO of Breathe to Perform which shares the science of stress management and peak performance with industry leaders and their teams. David proudly serves as the President of the nonprofit organization Physiology First which provides brain and body based education to students and teachers around the United States. David owns The Distance Project: Strength and Conditioning, in Freeport, Maine and is an avid endurance athlete and ultramarathon runner.

"Breathe to Perform" website and Instagram handle.

A lively discussion with 5-time world champion, Lesley Paterson, from the world of Xterra triathlon. Join us as Lesley explains what it's like to reach the top of your field and then come tumbling down. Her insights on how to deal with the pressure of success, setbacks, and struggles are lessons for us all. She will share her thoughts on mastering your craft, self worth and body image issues. She feels that seeking out adversity and even embracing suffering is important so that we can grow and reach new heights.

About Lesley

Basically I’m a little Scottish lassie who packs a mean punch!  But here’s the longer version…

While growing up, my ‘thing’ was rugby…yes you heard it right, rugby! I loved to get dirty and I loved to fight boys. Being the only gal outta 250 boys in the squad, I learned pretty quickly how to take care of myself! However, as with most good things in life, it came to an end. I was too old to play with the boys, so I found an equally crazy sport called triathlon. Since the tender age of 14, I’ve competed all over the world for the British and Scottish triathlon team, developing awesome friendships and seeing some amazing parts of the world.

Lesley's websites