Ginger and Chocolate

Shoot us a text. Summary This episode explores the multifaceted nature of discipline, its impact on mental health, and how it can be cultivated to improve life quality. Lindsay and Mike share personal stories, practical tips, and insights on building discipline, managing setbacks, and understanding its role in personal growth. Keywords discipline, mental health, self-improvement, habits, resilienc...

Shoot us a text. Summary In this episode, Mike and Lindsay explore the nature of disappointment, especially in the context of athletic pursuits and personal goals. They share personal stories, discuss reframing setbacks, and offer practical advice on handling disappointment healthily. Keywords disappointment, resilience, athletic goals, reframing failure, mental health, community, triathlon, Ironm...

Shoot us a text. From Distance Running to Powerlifting: An Inspiring Journey with Ania Wronski Discover how Ania Wronski transitioned from a non-athlete background to excelling in powerlifting, overcoming injuries and societal stereotypes along the way. This episode explores her training strategies, community involvement, and tips for beginners. In this episode: Ania's background growing up a...

Shoot us a text. In this episode, Tara Pipia shares her inspiring journey from military service to becoming a PhD in transpersonal psychology, her experiences with Spartan and DECA races, and her mission to support veterans and individuals in recovery through fitness and community. Discover how movement and community can transform lives and foster healing.  keywords Spartan Race, DECA, recovery, v...

Shoot us a text. Summary In this conversation, Jenn Peterson, founder of Thrive PRP, discusses her journey from acute care nursing to establishing a holistic practice focused on patient-centered care. She emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person rather than just symptoms, integrating various health services, and addressing hormone imbalances through innovative treatments like PRP inj...

Shoot us a text. Summary In this conversation, Lindsay S. Hiken interviews ultra runner Maddie Mau, who shares her journey from a reluctant runner to an accomplished ultra marathoner. Maddie discusses her early experiences with running, the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, and the importance of resilience and self-discovery through endurance sports. The conversation also highlights...

Shoot us a text. Summary In this episode of "Ginger and Chocolate," hosts Mike Ergo and Lindsay S. Hiken reflect on their experiences from 2025 and share their aspirations for 2026. Lindsay recounts her recent trail race, where she achieved second place in her age group, highlighting her newfound confidence in downhill running. Mike discusses his transition from a long career with the VA...

Shoot us a text. Summary In this episode of the Ginger and Chocolate podcast, host Lindsay S. Hiken speaks with ultra runner Julia Minkstein about her journey through running, personal challenges, and recovery. Julia shares her experiences with childhood health issues, the impact of COVID on her running, and her journey through trauma and recovery. She discusses the empowering nature of ultra runn...

Shoot us a text. Summary In this conversation, Raul Ponce shares his journey of rediscovering self-love and purpose. He reflects on his past struggles with identity and the realization that he didn't truly know himself. Through this process of rebuilding, he emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own personality and desires. Takeaways I didn't know how to love myself. I pr...

Shoot us a text. Summary In this episode, Mike and Lindsay explore the concept of ego, discussing its role in personal experiences, sports, and competition. They reflect on their holiday experiences, delve into the psychological aspects of ego, and share personal anecdotes about balancing ego with self-awareness and mental health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and man...

Shoot us a text. Summary The conversation explores the extreme physical demands placed on athletes, particularly the mindset that equates exhaustion with success. Sue Reynolds shares a personal story of pushing her limits during training, leading to severe consequences, including a hospital visit due to kidney failure. This highlights the dangers of ignoring bodily warning signs in pursuit of athl...

Shoot us a text. Summary The conversation explores how society categorizes individuals into archetypes, affecting our perception of their identities. It discusses the implications of these stereotypes and the importance of recognizing the complexity of human experiences. Takeaways We categorize people into archetypes like heroes or villains. Stereotypes can limit our understanding of individuals....

Shoot us a text. Summary In this episode of the Ginger and Chocolate podcast, hosts Mike Ergo and Lindsay Hiken welcome back Sue Reynolds, an inspiring triathlete and author. They discuss Sue's incredible journey of losing over 200 pounds, her transition into triathlon, and the mental and physical challenges she faced along the way. The conversation delves into the importance of values in bal...

Shoot us a text. Summary In this episode of the Ginger and Chocolate podcast, Lindsay Hiken welcomes back Amy Outman to discuss the challenges of self-care during times of physical and mental exhaustion. They delve into Amy's recent experiences with travel, illness, and recovery, exploring the importance of listening to one's body and seeking support from friends and professionals. The c...

Shoot us a text. Summary In this inspiring interview, Shay Eskew shares his journey from a traumatic childhood accident to becoming a multiple Ironman finisher. He discusses the power of resilience, the importance of perspective, and how he balances family life with his athletic pursuits. Keywords Shay Eskew, Ironman, resilience, perspective, family balance Takeaways Resilience is built through ov...

Shoot us a text. Summary In this episode of Ginger and Chocolate, hosts Mike Ergo and Lindsay Hiken explore the dynamics between motivation and discipline in the context of fitness and personal growth. They discuss how motivation can ignite the journey, but discipline is what sustains it, sharing personal anecdotes and strategies to maintain consistency in workouts and life. Keywords motivation, d...

Shoot us a text. Summary In this episode of Ginger and Chocolate, co-hosts Mike Ergo and Lindsay Hiken discuss the importance of family, the benefits of spending time with loved ones, and share personal stories about running and racing. They explore how family interactions can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and create lasting memories. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parentin...

Shoot us a text. Hosts: Lindsay Hiken and Mike Ergo Episode Highlights: Weekend Adventures: Mike shares his paddleboarding experience at Donner Lake and Lindsay recounts a humorous paddleboard story from Tahoe. Mental Health Check-In: Both hosts discuss their current mental health and the impact of missing workouts. Nutrition and Mental Clarity: A deep dive into how different foods affect mental c...

Shoot us a text. Join hosts Lindsay Hiken and Mike Ergo as they dive into an inspiring conversation with ultra-runner Liz Omodt. Liz shares her incredible journey from battling alcoholism to becoming a dedicated ultra-runner. Discover how running became a pivotal part of her recovery and how she continues to push her limits in the world of ultra-marathons. Key Highlights: Liz's early struggle...

Shoot us a text. Join hosts Mike Ergo and Lindsay Hiken as they dive into an inspiring conversation with Patty Lyn Tweten. Discover Patty Lyn's journey from starting swimming in her 30s to becoming a seasoned open water swimmer. Learn about her experiences with the Donner Lake swim, overcoming personal challenges, and the camaraderie of the swimming community. Key Highlights: Patty Lyn's...

Shoot us a text. Join us on a journey through the highs and lows of ultra running with Loren Lewis, as he shares his gripping experiences at the Western States. From the anticipation of the lottery to the grueling race day challenges, Loren opens up about the mental and physical trials he faced, the lessons learned, and the triumphs achieved. Whether you're an aspiring ultra runner or a seaso...

Shoot us a text. Description: Join Mike Ergo as he sits down with fellow Marine Corps veteran and ultra runner, Rich Dreyling. They dive into the world of endurance racing, discussing the mental and physical challenges of ultra marathons, the importance of training, and the role of exercise in mental health. Rich shares his experiences from the Afton 50K and offers insights into balancing family l...

Shoot us a text. Today we interview multiple IRONMAN finisher and coach, Maddie Valley, for part two. Maddie talks more in depth about her IRONMAN journey and the experience of being a trans athlete. To contact or find coaching information about Maddie, find it here below: Ironman. Fitness. Coach@gmail.com Maddie. Valley@tridot.com Website - valley-coaching.com Instagram - Valley_Coaching Thanks f...

Shoot us a text. Today on the show, Lindsay and Mike talk gear reviews and Lindsay recaps her time at Gravel Camp by Cycle House  in beautiful Montana.  Mike and Lindsay break down the following products: Shokz Open Ear Headphones LMNT hydration  Salt Stick electrolytes Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us...

Shoot us a text. In today's episode, cohosts Lindsay and Mike discuss what a flow state is, how one finds it, and what you can do to make endurance racing more enjoyable during those long stretches. Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolat...