Women Empower Active

We're thrilled to introduce Lindsay Williams, a trailblazer in the world of cross-country skiing whose journey is as exhilarating as a downhill descent. I've admired and looked up to Lindsay since our time together as teammates at Northern Michigan University. Around that same time marked the 2006 Winter Olympics, where Lindsay was part of the Olympic team—a testament to her unwavering ded...

We're excited to introduce Melissa McQueen, a dynamic presence in the world of Parkour. As an event coordinator for the US Parkour Association and a skilled athlete herself, Melissa's journey in parkour is as exhilarating as it is empowering. From conquering heights to overcoming challenges and reconnecting with her body through this unique style of movement, Melissa embodies the spirit of...

We're thrilled to introduce Khai Bhagwandin. With a background in holistic health and wellness medicine, paired with her passion for outdoor action sports, Khai seamlessly integrates her expertise to offer a distinctive experience for her clients. She not only advocates for health but also champions the BIPOC community. Khai is creating fresh tracks in the Snowboarding and Skiing space, shredd...

We're honored to introduce Melissa Adao, affectionately known as B Girl Mel. Her remarkable journey embodies decades of experience across choreography, breakdancing, community leadership, mentorship and personal empowerment. Join us as we delve into Mel's story of dance, creativity, resilience, and the boundless pursuit of dreams. In her words "You're never too old, and it's n...

In this episode we have the pleasure of speaking with Crystal Hudelson (she/her), an extraordinary individual whose passions for climbing and community empowerment are truly inspiring. As a rock guide, Crystal leverages her knowledge and experience towards creating diversity, equity, and inclusion in the climbing space. Crystal balances her adventurous spirit across many hobbies and interests join...

In this episode of Women Empower Active Jacalyn recounts her most recent race the Orcas Island 50K. She discusses her training leading up to her race, her pre-race rituals, and the race itself. She also shares what she learned from this specific course and what she would like to work on moving forward. She ends with Words of Empowerment and goals for the year. If you're training for a big adve...

In this episode, we take all of the Words of Empowerment from the year and put them into one powerful episode. We are so thankful to all of our guests from the year for helping to push us to try new adventures. Thank you also to all of our listeners please like, subscribe, and review. It helps promote the show so other people can find us and if you're so inclined share us with brands you love...

In this early episode, Jacalyn and her co-host Erica Mann interview their MSU teammate about her newfound love of mountain running. As a self-proclaimed middle-of-the-pack runner Sarah really got motivated by the technical aspect of hill training. If you’re looking for some hill training tips or just some great inspiration you are not going to want to miss this quick listen!  Host Jacalyn Gross Co...

In this episode of Women Empower Active Jacalyn interviews Yvette Valery a skateboarder who advocates for diversity and inclusion in the sport. Yvette also discusses her support system and the impact this has had on her life. It’s been a journey to get here, but that’s what made Yvette the woman she is.  We hope you enjoy this episode! Host Jacalyn Gross Guest Yvette Valery Producer Jeremy Canaria...

In this episode of Women Empower Active Jacalyn interviews Amna Khan. Amna is a climber, runner, hiker, and mountaineer. Amna grew up hiking and backpacking with her family it wasn’t until Amna was older that there was a pivotal moment when she realized the power of movement and what her body can do. Inspired by what climbers call ‘dirt bags’ Amna’s life takes an interesting turn after she decides...

In this episode, Nicole and Jacalyn talk about their most recent 25K race around Mt St. Helens! They also get into Nicole’s coaching style and Jacalyn’s progression as a runner and they touch on orthotics and when they’re worth it, in their opinion. There are some deep lessons to be learned here and their Words of Empowerment are not to be missed. Host Jacalyn Gross Guest Nicole Bush Produced by J...

In this episode of Women Empower Active Jacalyn talks to Alesha Zappitella. Alesha is a mixed martial artist and a former atom weight champion fighting for Invicta Fighting Championships. Host Jacalyn Gross Guest Alesha Zappitella Producer Jeremy Canaria Edited Jacalyn Gross

In this episode of Women Empower Active we talk to Jennifer Gross who has always been a runner but more recently started boxing, kickboxing, and jujitsu. She is most importantly my older sister and one of the women that made me want to become active.  Jennifer now has a daughter of her own and it’s been amazing to watch her share the love of activity with Eva. Teaching her it’s okay to try has inc...

In this episode of Women Empower Active your host Jacalyn Gross goes into her most recent 50k race with her good friend and coach Nicole Bush. Together they break down the feelings and strategies behind racing the Smith Rock Ascent 50k. From training to mental toughness, they cover it all. We hope you enjoy it!  If you have more questions for Nicole Bush you can catch her Thursdays at 6:00 PM PST...

In this episode, we talk to Brenna (she/her) who is a climber, runner, hiker, and overall outdoors person. Often times when we think of being active we narrow the scope to the activity. Brenna has widened it to encompass her life as a whole. She loves art and is inspired by the surrounding mountains and animals of Washington State. She loves to see others enjoying the outdoors as much as she does....

From Kmart Bike to Tour De France Patty has had an amazing journey to her athletic career. Patty has been competing for over 40 years and in her own words, “I eat, sleep, breathe, health and fitness”. Listen to her amazing story, guaranteed it will get you wanting to push your own limits. Patty is truly inspiring! Career Highlights East Coast Triathlon Champion, 1983 Kona Ironman top 25 women, 198...

In this episode, we talk to Irene Yee pronouns she/her. Irene started being active as a young person, playing school-organized sports, cross country, and basketball. Irene went to such a small school, students almost had to join a sport in order to have enough athletes to compete. For Irene it wasn’t that she loved these sports, she just participated in them. Irene made a big move after college fr...

Kriste was very active as a child and that continued throughout her adulthood. After moving to CO she realized that she was having trouble breathing just walking upstairs and as an active person Kriste didn’t accept that. After acclimating to her new surroundings and seeking help from a running coach, Kriste went from being winded on the stairs to doing what she loved, running. Kriste also really...

In this episode, we talk to Sarah Histand she/they about how Sarah began her journey into being active and what she loves to do now Skiing, Skate skiing, Nordic skating, Backpacking, and Pack rafting. We also go into this really interesting competition, which is more of an experience, called the Wilderness Classic in Alaska. Then Sarah talks us all into really wanting to try wild ice skating or No...

It was an absolute pleasure putting together words of Empowerment for 2022 so I decided to go back to the archives and do a clip show for 2021 as well. Some of the interviews might have taken place in 2020, but who is counting? The past few years have been a blur anyway. I am so grateful for all these individuals' stories. Enjoy this power-packed episode! 00:37 Kara Graci 02:10 Nicole Bush 06:25 T...

This episode features all of the amazing people we interviewed in 2022! We have edited together clips of each guest (and some from the host) sharing their words of empowerment to create one power-packed show! We hope you enjoy! See you in 2023! 00:39 Audrey Voelker 01:15 Kim Holstine 03:20 Cobi Harris Seslar 08:07 CamE Tasker 09:04 Elizabeth Gross 12:27 Sarah Fowler 14:04 Jacalyn Gross (Race Repor...

In this episode I talk about the learnings from the last interview I did with Mercedes Pollmeier. Mercedes finds the most value in a workout with both strength and flexibility. One of her favorite examples of this is lifting and stretching together. That really was an amazing concept not just because it is an added benefit to your lift, but because it let me do something I value alongside somethin...

The guest today, Mercedes Pollmeier, has experience training at a high level and training high-level people. I was drawn into her story, because of the controlled movement videos on her Instagram account @Modusathletica. Mercedes breaks down movement to a comical level at certain points. As someone finding climbing later in life, it was helpful to learn proper warmups. As a runner with very poor b...

Helen Thayer competed in the Commonwealth Games as a discus thrower in 1962 after marriage. She also represented Guatemala as a thrower in the Caribbean games.  The Thayers moved to Washington State in 1965. She was the fourth-best thrower in the country at that time, PB was 204 ft. Her athletic endeavors did not stop with Track and Field. She also became a National Champion in luge in 1975....

Originally we interviewed Tiffany in January of 2021, and if you haven’t yet go back to the links below and listen to part 1. In this episode, we catch up with Tiffany about what has happened since we last spoke specifically how the pandemic impacted her goal of 50 races in 50 states. She also discusses her recent races and the races left to run. During this period Tiffany also faced a diagnosis o...