Reflecting Back with Zach Stiffler

What if the real fear behind death is not dying, but reaching the end with too much of your life still unlived? Freek van Litsenberg, founder of We Think Deeply, joins me to explore mortality, identity, self-reflection, and the choices that quietly shape who we become. We discuss how death can create urgency, why your actions reveal more than the labels you give yourself, how distraction pulls you...

David Oliver, deputy wellness editor at  USA TODAY , award-winning journalist, and journalism professor at the University of Maryland, joins Zach for a deeply human conversation on grief, mortality, and why death has become one of today’s most important wellness conversations. Drawing from his own experience losing his father suddenly to a rare neurodegenerative disease, David shares how that loss...

In this episode, Zach sits down with two leading voices in modern dating: Blaine Anderson and Tim Molnar. Blaine is a dating coach, founder of Dating by Blaine, and host of  Help Me I’m Single , known for her simple, effective advice that has helped more than 7,000 clients and built a following of over 600,000 people. Tim is a dating coach and bestselling author of  Date Smarter: A Strategic Guide...

In this episode, Zach sits down with endurance athlete, sports physiotherapist, university lecturer, and HP3 coach Tim Pigott to explore what long-term success in sport really looks like. Tim shares the story of a near-fatal car crash at age 20 that left him with multiple broken bones, months in a wheelchair, and years of surgeries and rehabilitation. Despite being told he might never run again, h...

In this episode, Zach sits down with  Nicole Davis , a two time Olympic silver medalist with Team USA Volleyball, 2014 world champion, and former USC standout who helped win back to back NCAA national titles. After retiring from elite competition, Nicole earned her doctorate in psychology and has since become a trusted voice in high performance, working with Olympic teams, professional athletes, m...

Langdon Root shares his journey from growing up in rural Indiana to a 26-year Air Force career as an F-16 fighter pilot and Special Warfare leader, followed by a transition into civilian life focused on mentorship, service, and building veterans’ projects. Drawing on combat deployments, years of leading young Airmen, and hard lessons from marriage, Langdon explains how early exposure to pornograph...

In this episode, Hillary “Hillygoat” Allen takes us inside one of the most extraordinary comeback stories in endurance sport. In 2017, at the peak of her career and ranked #1 in the world in skyrunning, Hillary fell 150 feet off an exposed ridge during a race in Norway—an accident that should have taken her life. She broke 14 bones, lost her identity as an athlete, and was told she might never run...

In this essential episode of  Reflecting Back , Zach breaks down barriers around a topic most men ignore—menopause. Inspired by the eye-opening South by Southwest panel,  "Hotter Than Ever: The Truth About Sex in Midlife,"  Zach is joined by Dr. Rachel Pope, a renowned gynecologist and menopause expert, to shine a light on the vital importance of communication and awareness around women’s health....

In this episode of Reflecting Back, Zach sits down with Gavin Greenberg and Jess Pink, founders of Travel World Culture (TWC) and the speakers behind the impactful TEDx talk, "The American Dream is Making You Lonely." They discuss their bold decision to leave corporate life to create a travel business focused on building community and meaningful experiences. Gavin and Jess share how living abroad...

Guests: Couples Therapist - Baya Voce, Austin-Based Dating Coach - Kate Durocher, and Hot Takes Hot Dates Host - Joel Monteleone This episode charts the full journey of modern relationships—from building unshakable self-worth to navigating long-term connection with depth and clarity. Kate Durocher shares how embracing solitude and doing the internal work laid the foundation for finding a healthy,...

In this episode, Omid Scheybani—global storyteller and tech entrepreneur—shares his insights on time, purpose, and personal growth. He reflects on the rewards and challenges of a nomadic lifestyle, the power of cultural exploration, and the importance of curiosity in fostering empathy. Drawing from experiences in living in China, visiting North Korea, and embracing his Iranian heritage, he challen...

In this episode of Reflecting Back , host Zach Stifler speaks with Tanji Johnson-Bridgeman, a military veteran turned fitness champion and health coach. Tanji shares her journey from a disciplined upbringing to a thriving career in bodybuilding, offering insights on resilience, self-discovery, and the value of failure in achieving success. They discuss defining identity beyond titles, transforming...

In this episode, we welcome Michelle "MACE" Curran, former F-16 fighter pilot and lead solo for the USAF Thunderbirds, who shares her journey from a small-town girl to making history in one of the world’s most elite demonstration teams. Michelle opens up about the intense pressure of flying high-stakes missions, the grit required to break barriers as a female fighter pilot, and the lessons learned...

In this episode, Alex shares his journey by discussing strategies for managing stress, anxiety, presence, and designing a life worth living. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on our ability to be present and productive, highlighting the addictive nature of scrolling and constant distractions. He also discuss the importance of balancing consumption with creation, the value of...

Jacoby Kang shares his journey from a low point in life to discovering his purpose, emphasizing the importance of being present, taking one step at a time, and exploring different paths without comparison. He discusses leaving his corporate job to focus on health, building community, and the transformative power of cold plunging at Barton Springs. Jacoby highlights the significance of visualizatio...

Sam Hendel founded Good Grief Run Club as a heartfelt way to honor her mother's memory after losing her to cancer. This club celebrates life, bringing together people to support one another, share their stories, and find joy in physical activity. With partnerships like Soho House and ASICS, the club has grown into a vibrant community. Sam’s journey of healing and the club’s mission have touched ma...

In this episode, Dr. Robert Glover discusses authenticity, masculinity, and personal growth. He delves into the concept of No More Mr. Nice Guy, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves. Dr. Glover highlights the influence of nature and evolution on behavior, the importance of understanding our desires, and the challenges faced by those trying to please others. He emphasizes integratin...

In this episode, Kate Durocher, a Dating, Relationships, and Self-Worth Coach, explores how childhood experiences shape adult relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding attachment styles, self-reflection, and healing. She highlights the role of boundaries and effective communication in building healthy connections, advising a focus on compatibility over intense chemistry. Kate and...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Janelle MacAulay discusses the benefits of the "mindful minute" for enhancing focus and transitioning between activities. She emphasizes the importance of integrating mindfulness into daily routines, differentiates between mind wandering and daydreaming, and offers techniques for building confidence through self-talk and mantras. Dr. MacAulay advises parents on balanci...

Chris Rodriguez, an Ironman triathlete and health and wellness content creator, shares his journey from being a collegiate baseball player to becoming an endurance athlete and content creator. In this engaging conversation, Chris talks about his experience training for Ironman triathlons, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and thorough research. He discusses the benefits of using ketones as a...