The Evolving Adventurer

Transforming grief to strength… and moving on without a perfect plan with Christian Zepeda How often do we delay our dreams because we don't have the entire plan figured out? Today’s guest is endurance athlete, storyteller and adventurer Christian Zepeda. We explore his life journey, touching on the vulnerable topics of grief, resilience, identity, and the courage it takes to move forward when...

What happens when you overhear someone filming a "manifesting" video in a coffee shop and decide to start a conversation? Tune in to the latest episode of The Evolving Adventurer podcast! Today you’ll learn how Madi is documenting an ambitious goal: buying or selling 12 homes in 12 months as a brand-new realtor in Arizona! While many people would wait until they feel confident, experienc...

What would you do if someone tells you that you're not built for the thing you love most? In today’s episode of The Evolving Adventurer , I chat with ultrarunner, coach, mom and adventurer Bri Boley. What started off as a funny case of mistaken identity at Javelina Jundred this past October led to a powerful conversation about grit, self-belief, and choosing your own path—even when “experts,” inju...

Barbie the Bomb Builder to Badass Join us today, friends, as veteran Natasha Swartley, the wondering--and wandering--lost unicorn @ shares her powerful journey. From starting her career as Barbie the Bomb Builder, to taking bold, brave steps exploring America, going back to school not once, but twice, and how networking led to some amazing opportunities.  From her early days in a toxic household t...

Thank you for listening today, friends! We’ve got a treat today, as Corinne Shalvoy, founder of Women Can. shares her inspiring journey of walking away from a high-level career in corporate America because it no longer aligned with her values and passions to creating a movement to celebrate women’s pursuits through all walks of life. The Women Can. Movement symbolizes strength and capability and g...

Thank you for listening, friends! Today we’ve got Wynonna Fulgham talking about her deep connection to her Diné culture, inspirational ultrarunning journey, and her role as a Native woman in the running community. You’ll learn how running is a spiritual practice, means of healing, and a form of cultural expression for indigenous communities. You’ll also find out what it’s like to finish 100 challe...

Thank you for listening today, friends: we’ve got Brenna Thiessen joining today from Calgary! Brenna shares her journey today from shy non-runner to run club leader hosting weekly events, shooting for a Boston, Chicago and New York qualifying time at the Calgary Marathon . She chats with us about her run journey, relocating to Calgary, stepping away from running, and the improbable way she became...

Thank you for listening today, friends! We've got a fun episode with Heidi Garner today, in which we'll learn what it's like to create artwork and merchandise for races, run a small business while navigating family schedules, and plan out an award-winning Javelina Jundred costume. Heidi also shares some of her hard-earned wisdom with us, including the relevance of squirrels on cocaine,...

Thank you for listening today, friends! Today we’ll learn how  Megan Flanagan  combines her passion for running, community, and personal growth to create spaces for meaningful connection, including her innovative new app called  BelongNow,  Strong Runner Chicks (and upcoming retreat), and develop supportive networks. We explore her inspiring journey, plans for fostering meaningful human connection...

You've seen her hair and nails... now hear about her packs and shoes! We've got Sierra DeGroff on the podcast today chatting about her experiences at looped courses, competing for the 100K national team, and ordering custom gear for her adventures. Sierra shares about her transition from road marathons to trail ultras, her experiences building community, training and racing in Las Vegas, a...

Thank you for listening today, friends. Our guest today is Sarah June, @sarah.j.june , who finished as third female in Burrito League in Tempe, Arizona, which was livestreamed on the Mountain Outpost YouTube.. Sarah completed 807 miles on Mill Ave during January, which built up her confidence to tackle, and set the Fastest Known time (FKT) for the 247 mile Maricopa Loop in Arizona. It was neat to...

Have you ever felt like giving up on a dream? Margaret Spring, @margaret_t_spring , almost did at mile 88 of the Leadville 100! Listen today to learn how she turned it around... Tag someone who’s chasing a dream against all odds! Three years ago, Margaret attempted the Leadville 100... it ended with a brutal DNF at mile 88. It was heart-wrenching, but it taught her resilience and the importance of...

Thank you for listening today, friends! We about to have a candid and humours chat with Jen Laughlin about her journey through menopause, unexpected growth as she supports women in midlife, and adventures in ultrarunning. You'll learn how honesty, humor, communication and community-building can empower women, and help tackle the physical and emotional challenges of aging, fitness, and life. Some o...

Competing in Burrito League was the ultimate test for TJ Harms-Synkiew: a second-place finish with over 1,000 miles in 26 days… not on dirt or mountain trails, but navigating city streets, road crossings, physical pain and intense mental battles. He finished with grit, learning that patience and mental toughness matter just as much as miles. In an unexpected twist, TJ's biggest challenge wasn’...

We’ve got a fun episode in store today, friends! Maia Detmer shares her inspiring journey from a childhood rooted in sports to becoming a dedicated trauma nurse and an accomplished ultrarunner. She started running to improve her health, and shares with us the intense experiences of last person standing race,  the vibrant community fostered through Across the Years, Jackpot Ultras and Burrtio Leagu...

From spontaneous moves to becoming an ultrarunner, her story is a testament to embracing change, managing discomfort and chasing dreams. Taryn's path from Texas to Utah is filled with unexpected turns, majestic landscapes, overcoming an eating disorder, and discovering a love for the trails. In today's episode of The Evolving Adventurer, @taryn_annette shares her insights on taking risks,...

Join us on today's episode as we dive into the world of Whitney Dancaster, an elite trail runner from the East Coast, sponsored by Newton Running. Whitney shares her thrilling journey from city streets to ultramarathons, and how she's building a vibrant running community. Tune in for tales of her Burrito League escapades, safety smarts, race prep secrets, gear must-haves, and her sky-high...

Healing through Rhythm: Exploring Drums & Rattles with Robyn Join us in this inspiring conversation with Robyn, artist and Métis healer, as she shares her journey into making drums and rattles, their cultural significance, and how these sacred tools facilitate healing and self-discovery. Discover practical insights on crafting, using, and connecting with these powerful instruments in your pers...

Discover Krista’s inspiring story of overcoming mental health struggles, shifting from conventional medicine to holistic modalities like Body Talk, and reclaiming her vitality. This episode dives deep into her personal evolution, the power of energetic healing, and practical insights for anyone seeking profound transformation. Krista’s background with mental health challenges and medication depend...

Thank you for listening, friends! Today, Asia Jackson of Wild Mountain Breathwork in Vernon, BC shares her transformative journey through breathwork and cold plunging, detailing how these practices helped her reconnect with herself and her surroundings. In this episode, Asia discusses the importance of creating safe spaces for breathwork, the science behind it, and how it has impacted her parentin...

Thank you for listening today, friends! I'm a recently attuned reiki master, and today's episode discusses some of the benefits and myths about reiki, energy healing, and healing at a distance. I wanted to share this information to clear misconceptions and promote awareness of the huge shifts, pain relief, emotional regulation, and relaxation that reiki and energy healing can have on the p...

Anxiety can derail an adventure, sometimes even before it starts. Today's episode discusses eight common sources of anxiety for outdoor adventurers and strategies to navigate and mitigate those uncertainties with confidence. Together we'll learn how to manage anxieties around getting lost, physical performance, weather, wildlife, injuries, social dynamics, planning and pooping. Thanks for...

Thanks for listening today, friends! Y'all may have noticed I haven't been as active on my social media, Cactus Moose recently due to an unfortunate and significant ankle injury. That injury sparked today's episode of tips for returning to adventure after an injury, and suggestions of strategies to maintain mental resilience during that transition. Injuries are a challenge to navigate...

Alastair Humphreys defined a micro adventure as “short, simple, local, and cheap.” When you're short on time, but still want an outdoor excursion, try a microadventure! Today's episode breaks down my recent afternoon hike micro adventure. Microadventures are an accessible way for busy persons to get outdoors and are still a potent catalyst for growth. Microadventures build confidence, capability,...

Thank you for listening today, friends. It's a different format for today's episode: I share my recent experience trusting my gut and healing my thumb Hey adventurers! Welcome back to  The Evolving Adventure(r) , where we hit the trails, face the wild, and grow through every challenge life throws at us. I’m gregii, your guide through the dirt, sweat, and soul of outdoor living. Imagine thi...