Joy Before Fear

Jenny Low joins me for another conversation after completing the Orcas 100. If you've experienced DNFs, spend a lot of time working with race cutoffs, or find yourself toward the back of the pack, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. We discuss how racing cutoffs requires a different race-day strategy than racing toward other time goals. We discuss the importance of supportive an...

In this episode, Holly Grahn returns to the Joy Before Fear podcast to discuss imposter syndrome, the journey of becoming, and the role the subconscious mind plays in our lives. Holly is a hypnotherapist, life coach, mindset coach, and ultrarunner. Through stories from the trail and her work with clients, she shares her perspective on self-worth, vulnerability, and learning to work with ourselves...

In this episode, Stacey shares a conversation she had in November of 2025 with Annette Kennedy. Annette shares her “Fit for Life” approach to health, movement, and her athletic goals. In this conversation, we learn what it took to turn the dial from daily survival mode into thriving while living with ankylosing spondylitis. Annette was generous in sharing her story and candid about the ups and dow...

In this episode, Angel Mathis shares lessons from hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail and her path from nursing burnout to financial freedom and resilience. She’s a powerful example of what happens when we step into our own power, build our resilience, and then turn around to help others do the same. We talk about athletic identity as something rooted in choice, and how sport and time on trail c...

🎧 Monday Mindset Snack: Rest. Recalibrate. Return. This week’s Monday Mindset Snack is about rest— the reminder that every living thing needs recovery to adapt and grow, including you. Rest isn’t weakness — it’s biology. Every living thing needs recovery to grow, adapt, and thrive — and that includes you. In this episode, Stacey shares three connected mindset snacks: Rest — Needing rest is not a...

Monday Mindset Snack Episode : the weekly mini-series from Joy Before Fear. Stacey shares three quick mindset snacks to help you start your week in the Joy Before Fear way — grounded, intentional, and connected to what truly matters. ✨ Core Values — Your values are your foundation — the why behind your goals and choices. When your training and life goals reflect what truly matters to you, everyth...

This Monday Mindset Snack continues the weekly mini-series from Joy Before Fear . Stacey shares three quick mindset snacks to help you start your week grounded, strong, and radiant: Be Bold — Boldness is a daily practice of showing up in your truth — through your body, your voice, your choices, and your self-talk. It’s not about being loud or reckless; it’s about being real, compassionate, and ali...

This first Monday Mindset Snack kicks off a new weekly mini-series from Joy Before Fear . Stacey shares three quick mindset shifts to start your week strong: Trust Reflection / Take the Action — Borrow belief from those who see your potential and take the step anyway. Be the Mirror — Reflect belief back to others so they can borrow it too. Small Actions Build Consistency — Go small and go consiste...

In this episode of Joy Before Fear , Stacey shares practical ways to make healthcare appointments less stressful and more effective. She talks about tracking symptoms, writing down questions, and bringing someone you trust so you don’t have to navigate it all alone. Stacey also digs into the lack of attention to women’s health, especially around perimenopause and menopause, and why finding a pract...

In this bonus episode, Holly Grahn shares more science behind hypnotherapy and how it impacts both the brain and nervous system—across our life stages, and within the context of ultrarunning performance, and long-term health resilience. Learn about how early childhood experiences may play a role in your current limiting beliefs, how nervous system resilience affects your pacing in an ultramarathon...

In this episode, Holly Grahn shares her transformative journey in becoming an ultrarunner, hypnotherapist, and life coach. Her story is a beautiful example of becoming what you needed. She discusses the importance of understanding the subconscious mind, the role of positive language, and how running has served as a therapeutic outlet. Holly talks about some of the science behind hypnotherapy and i...

In this episode, Jenny Low shares how her connection to nature, her inner voice, and her “try and try again” philosophy shape her approach to life, running, and long-term goals. She reflects on reaching 90 miles at the Orcas Island 100 miler—her furthest distance yet—and how mindset training supported her decision-making and focus on race day. Jenny discusses setting clear DNF criteria, making pea...

In this episode, Ted Clifton shares his transformative journey into ultra running, emphasizing the importance of joy over fear. He discusses his experiences at the Orcas 100, the mental and emotional resilience developed through running, and the supportive community found in ultra running. Ted also highlights his work in building net zero energy homes, connecting the themes of personal growth and...

Welcome to the first epsisode of Joy Before Fear Podcast!! In this espiode you will learn: What athlete health resilience coaching is and who it is for Why health resilence matters Why "Joy Before Fear" A little bit about your host Stacey Nievweija...that's me, and how ultrarunning, swimming, and strength training have given me strength and resilience I never knew I had. Get some takeaways to supp...