Zone2Speak Podcast

Join me in this inspiring episode as I chat with Elle Linton, a dynamic fitness professional, passionate cycling advocate, and creator of the empowering platform Keep it simpElle. Elle shares her incredible journey in the world of fitness and cycling, discussing everything from painful beginnings to joyful rediscoveries. Her story unveils the importance of representation, inclusivity, and authenti...

In this episode of the Zone2Speak podcast, host Juliana sits down with Colin Strickland, a renowned gravel cyclist, to explore the profound transformations and challenges he has faced in recent years. Known for his incredible endurance and iconic victories, Colin shares how his life took an unexpected turn following a personal tragedy that thrust him into the spotlight for reasons other than his a...

Welcome to the latest episode of Zone2Speak, where we dive into the inspiring story of Morgan Aguirre, a remarkable cyclist who transformed from a casual rider to a formidable force in international gravel racing. In a candid conversation, Morgan shares her unique journey that began in 2019 with a rented bike, motivated by a personal breakup, and evolved into a professional career racing for the p...

Join me in this heartfelt episode as I dive into the inspiring journey of Kevin Conley Jr., a wildland firefighter turned author and long-distance cyclist. Known online as Backcountry Ninjas, Kevin opens up about his darkest moments, including a suicide attempt, and how the simple act of riding a bike became his path to healing. Kevin’s story is one of deep resilience and courage—riding across the...

Gear Talk is back for Round 3! In this latest edition of Zone2Speak, I’m joined once again by cycling tech journalist and gear expert Aaron Borrill for a no-nonsense dive into what’s working—and what’s just hype—in the world of cycling tech. We cover: Smart pumps: Are they worth it? Layering for unpredictable rides (and affordable kit that performs) Tubeless valve upgrades: Must-have or marketing...

In this inspiring episode of Zone2Speak, I sit down with Kathryn Taylor—the force behind Girls Gone Gravel. As a gravel cyclist, community builder, and passionate advocate for women in the sport, Kathryn has been instrumental in creating space for women to explore, grow, and thrive on two wheels. We talk about the origins of Girls Gone Gravel, how it evolved into a movement and podcast (powered by...

Join me in this episode of the Zone2Speak as I delve into the incredible journey of Sofiane Sehili, an ultra-cyclist renowned for his unparalleled endurance and determination. Discover how Sofiane's early days as a bike messenger in Paris set the foundation for his remarkable transition into ultra-cycling racing. From his adventurous explorations in Southeast Asia to conquering some of the toughes...

Welcome to Zone2Speak! In this engaging episode, I dive into the fascinating world of cycling with Sophie de Boer, a former professional cyclist who has left a significant mark in the cyclocross scene and beyond. Join me as I explore Sophie's inspiring journey from dominating World Cup events to a transformative transition into motherhood and coaching. Sophie shares her unique insights into the ev...

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Zone2Speak, host Juliana welcomes Kai Luan, a four-time U.S. Paracycling national champion whose journey embodies resilience and determination. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma during his junior year of high school, Kai underwent a right-below-knee amputation but remarkably returned to competitive sports. Initially diving into martial arts, he eventually discov...

Join me in this inspiring episode of Zone2Speak as I sit down with Ana Vitória Magalhães, a pioneering figure in the world of professional cycling. Known as Tota, she shares her remarkable journey from playing football (soccer) in Brazil to becoming a trailblazer in the European cycling circuit. Tota delves into how she transitioned from football to cycling, highlights her aggressive racing style,...

In this captivating episode of Zone2Speak, join host Juliana as she engages in an inspiring conversation with Thomas Edward, a 78-year-old endurance athlete who is breaking the stereotypes of aging. Thomas, a multiple Ironman 70.3 and World Championship finisher, shares his astonishing journey of athletic perseverance, demonstrating that age is truly just a number. Listeners will be taken through...

Welcome to the latest episode of Zone2Speak! Join me as I explore the world of elite cycling with John Wakefield, the Managing Director of Science to Sport and Director of Development at Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe. John shares his experiences with top athletes and discusses what it takes to develop young riders into champions, including his time working with cycling star Tadej Pogačar during his back...

In this episode of Zone2Speak, I sit down with cyclist, community builder, and women's advocate Laura King for an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation about balancing elite performance with real life. We dive into Laura’s unique journey—racing Ironman triathlons, helping shape the gravel scene through Rooted Vermont, and most recently, redefining what it means to be an athlete while navigating...

In this enlightening episode of Zone2Speak, host Juliana is joined by Dr. William Murrell, a pioneering sports medicine orthopedic surgeon dedicated to revolutionizing global healthcare. Together, they delve into the world of regenerative medicine and its transformative impact on cycling, athletic performance, and recovery. Dr. Murrell shares his insights on innovative treatments such as PRP and s...

Welcome back to another Gear Talk edition of Zone2Speak! In this episode, host Juliana is joined once again by cycling journalist and Off-Road.cc editor Aaron Borrill for a deep dive into the latest innovations and trends shaking up the cycling world. From the future of 3D-printed saddles to the solar-powered Garmin 1040 and the evolution of wider tires across road, gravel, and MTB—this conversati...

Join us in this exciting episode of Zone2Speak as host Juliana interviews George Sales, an ultra-endurance cyclist who took on the challenging Atlas Mountain Race in Morocco, all while adhering to a vegan diet. Explore George's inspiring story of resilience, strategy, and overcoming harsh conditions in a 1,300-kilometer self-supported race. Discover how George navigates the difficult terrain and m...

In this episode of Zone2Speak, host Juliana welcomes professional cyclist Haley Smith, who shares her incredible journey through the grueling 2025 Absa Cape Epic race. Known for her impressive career, including representing Canada at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Haley opens up about the challenges and triumphs of one of the toughest multi-stage mountain bike races in the world. The discussion delves i...

Welcome to an inspiring episode of Zone2Speak, where I delve into the world of untra-endurance cycling with our remarkable guest, Flavinha Camargo. Known for her holistic approach to cycling, Flavinha's journey is one of connection, exploration, and personal growth. In this episode, we explore the highs and lows of long-distance rides, as Flavinha shares her insights on how she balances performanc...

In this episode of Zone2Speak, host Juliana welcomes Svenja Betz, a renowned figure in gravel racing, to chat about her incredible journey and achievements in the sport. Listeners will discover how Svenja transitioned from road cycling to the exciting world of gravel, overcoming challenges and embracing the welcoming community. Learn about Svenja's significant win at the 2024 Unbound XL, the strat...

Join the inaugural episode of an exciting new series on Zone2Speak as we explore the world of cycling gear. In this episode, host Juliana sits down with Aaron Borrill, a seasoned cycling journalist and expert. Together, they delve into honest product reviews, expert opinions, and intriguing stories from the cycling world. Aaron shares his journey in cycling journalism and various memorable moments...

In this episode, Zone2Speak welcomes Josh  Brandwene, a passionate cycling coach specializing in climbing. Dive into the art and science behind mastering climbs, from understanding zone 2 training and lactate clearing to the gear essentials needed for high-altitude rides. Explore the key techniques to enhance your climbing efficiency and hear fascinating insights from Josh’s experiences in leading...

Welcome to this empowering episode of Zone2Speak, where I delve into the extraordinary journey of Florence Nakagwa, Uganda's trailblazing female cyclist. Florence's story is a testament to resilience and determination, starting from cycling 50 kilometers daily during the pandemic to support her grandparents, to rising as Uganda's National Road Champion in 2023. Her journey with Canyon Sram Generat...

In this episode of Zone2Speak, Juliana dives into the thrilling world of gravel racing with special guest Peter Stetina, a former World Tour Pro who was the first to forge a path in the gravel cycling scene. Stetina shares his inspiring transition from road racing, including competing in the Tour de France, to embracing the freedom and grit of gravel racing. Listeners will gain insights into Steti...

In this captivating episode of Zone2Speak, Juliana welcomes the talented Eleanor Moseman, a photographer, storyteller, and adventurer. Eleanor shares her incredible journey of solo cycling across Asia, covering over 15,000 miles through seven countries. Listen as she explores the intersection of art, culture, and adventure, offering unique insights into the remote regions of Tibet and Uyghur. Disc...

Welcome to Zone2Speak! Join me for a conversation with the extraordinary athlete, Jason Osborne. In this episode, we explore Jason's remarkable transition from Olympic rower to WorldTour road cyclist, and ultimately, world champion in e-sports cycling. Dive into his journey as he shares his motivation, unique experiences, and perspectives on the future of cycling in the digital age. Jason also ope...