Episodes
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What does it really take to peel out of the eddy with confidence—on the river and in life? In this solo episode, Anna shares insights from a Class IV day on the Cheoah River and a powerful conversation about mindset, trust, and making bold moves.
Learn how familiar thought patterns keep us stuck, and how generating the feelings you want—before the big rapid—can shift everything.
Whether you're on the water or navigating a challenge in life, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to find your flow.
You’ll learn:
Why familiar patterns feel safe—even when they hold you back A simple yet powerful morning practice to shift your energy How “spotting your landing” applies both on and off the riverIf you’re ready to move through fear, let go of perfectionism, and feel more joy in your paddling and your life—this one’s for you.
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💔In 2016, Nina Loretto, one of my oldest friends, experienced a life-altering tragedy when she lost her first husband to suicide. In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, she opens up about the deep discomfort of navigating that loss—and the strength it took to begin healing.
🕊️With remarkable honesty, compassion, and even humor, Nina shares how she found her way back to joy. She talks about the importance of breaking the silence around suicide, tending to your own well-being, and seeking support when you’re carrying grief. Her insights offer comfort and encouragement to anyone who has experienced loss or wants to better understand how to support others.✈️ We also explore Nina’s career as a commercial airline captain for West Jet —how she handles the demands of the job, why representation matters for women in aviation, and the unseen challenges aspiring pilots often face.
This episode is moving, courageous, and uplifting. You will laugh, cry, and walk away inspired by Nina’s resilience and wisdom. ✨
If you're looking for a story that honors the complexity of loss and the power of hope, this one’s for you. 💛
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Episodes manquant?
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Dive into an inspiring conversation with whitewater legend Todd Wells as he joins Anna Levesque to talk all things kayaking, courage, and community. This episode is packed with insight, heart, and a few splashes of river wisdom. 🌊
Here’s what you’ll hear:
🧭 How Todd is shifting his decision making in high-risk environments
💥 The hard-earned lessons from injuries—and how they shaped his approach to life and paddling
🧠 Why mental health, self-awareness, and emotional expression matter in adventure sports
🫂 The role of mentorship, communication, and community in shaping future paddlers
🔄 Reflections on generational shifts in paddling culture and teaching progression
🌟 How positive decision-making creates ripple effects for the next wave of river runners
Whether you’re a whitewater junkie or just love stories of grit and growth, this episode will inspire you to think deeper about the balance between risk and reward.👉 Press play and paddle into the conversation!
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In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Brad Burden — former pro kayaker 🛶, kayak instructor, now basketball coach 🏀 and teacher — as he shares his evolving journey through leadership, parenting, and self-awareness 💬.
Brad gets real about what it's like to:
🔄 Recognize when your old ways of coaching and parenting just aren't working anymore
🧠 Support a child through mental health challenges with compassion and humility
🧘♂️ Let go of the need to always "fix" and instead learn how to simply be present
👥 Lead with self-awareness, even when it means putting your own emotions aside
🌊 Apply lessons from whitewater kayaking to the wild ride of life, parenting, and leadership
Whether you're a parent, coach, teacher, or just someone trying to show up better for the people in your life, Brad's insights will resonate deeply ❤️.
This episode is an honest, vulnerable look at how we grow — not by having all the answers, but by learning to listen and respond to what the moment is truly asking of us 🔍✨.
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In this solo episode, Anna shares one of the most powerful lessons from whitewater kayaking: lean into the rock. What does that mean? When things get hard—on the river or in life—our instinct is to pull away. But that resistance can make things worse. Anna breaks down how leaning into discomfort can actually help you move through it with more ease, grace, and strength.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🪨 Why “leaning into the rock” helps you stay balanced in turbulent times
💭 How avoiding discomfort often makes things harder
🌬️ Mindset tools to help you stay grounded when life gets rough:
Breathwork strategies (like box breathing)
Grounding techniques to bring you back to the present moment
How to separate fact from story to shift your perspective
The power of asking for help—and allowing yourself to receive it
🌊 How leaning in opens up new possibilities and momentum, even when things feel stuck
Whether you're navigating rapids or real life, this episode will inspire you to meet challenges with courage—and trust your ability to find your way through.🎧 Hit play and let’s paddle through the hard together.
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This week, I sit down with the amazing Jessie Stone — medical doctor, pro kayaker, and founder of Soft Power Health, a nonprofit making a real difference in Uganda 🇺🇬✨
💥 In this inspiring convo, we dive into:
🚣♀️ The power of hard moves in easy water — in paddling and in life
🧘♀️ How visualization and meditation support physical healing and mental strength
🤝 Building trust and deep relationships with communities along the White Nile
🌱 Self-discovery, growth, and embracing challenges
💪 Changing the conversation around women in whitewater
🛶 The joy of showing up for the long haul—on the river and beyond
🔥 If you’re chasing big goals, craving inspiration, or just love a good adventure story, this one’s for you.🎧 Tune in now and get ready to be moved!
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In this epic episode, I sit down with Heidi Walsh—one of the top all-around female kayakers on the planet—to talk about the mental and technical game behind hucking 92-ft waterfalls, throwing down in freestyle comps, and charging Class V creeks.
We dive into the wild story behind her recent switch freewheel off Spirit Falls—a jaw-dropping downriver trick that had the internet losing its mind. Heidi shares what it was like to follow up that viral moment with a swim trying to hand paddle through Chaos after her paddle got ripped out of her hands —and the powerful lessons she took away from it.
Her honest take on embracing mistakes, learning from beatdowns, and building mental resilience will fire you up to push your own limits—whether you're on the water or tackling life’s rapids.
🎧 If you’re ready to level up your paddling game and get inspired by raw, real, and badass river wisdom, hit play on this episode! 🚀
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In this week’s episode, I sit down with world champion SUP athlete and coach, Seychelle, for a conversation packed with game-changing insights on paddling, business, and life.
🎯 From valuing your worth and asking for what you want, to leveraging your ego and practicing self-accountability, Seychelle shares the strategies that have fueled her success—on and off the water.
🏄♀️ Whether you’re chasing SUP podiums or personal breakthroughs, you’ll love Seychelle’s powerful mindset tips, including:
✅ Why your legs (not just your arms) are the secret weapon for a powerful SUP stroke.
✅ Strategies for staying consistent with race training—even when motivation dips.
✅ The game-changing impact of hiring a coach to level up your paddling, business, and personal goals.🔥 Plus, Seychelle gets real about recent lessons in saying no and setting boundaries—a must-hear for anyone juggling performance and passion.
If you’re ready for a dose of inspiration and some next-level SUP wisdom, this episode is for you. 🎧💥
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🚣♂️ Want to elevate your river leadership and paddling instruction skills? This episode is a must-listen!
Join me as I sit down with two powerhouse paddlesports educators, Anne Sontheimer and Jordan Taylor, for a deep dive into the art and science of leadership on the water. With a combined 80+ years of experience in whitewater kayaking, we unpack the key elements that make great instructors and leaders stand out.
🌊 What does it take to guide others through challenge and uncertainty?
🌟 How can embracing the 'discomfort zone' fuel growth and confidence?
🗣 What are the secrets to managing tough conversations and setting realistic expectations in certification processes?
We cover it all—adaptability, presence, feedback, joy in teaching, and redefining success beyond just technical skills. Whether you're an experienced instructor, an aspiring leader, or simply passionate about paddlesports, this episode is packed with insights that will help you level up your approach.
🎧 Tune in now and take your leadership to the next level!
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What does it take to push past fear, redefine your limits, and keep chasing adventure—no matter what life throws your way?
In this episode, I sit down with Isaac Levinson, a multi-sport athlete and former US National Slalom Team member, as he opens up about his incredible journey through adventure sports, the life-altering back injury that changed everything, and his recent autoimmune diagnosis.
Isaac shares powerful insights on:
✅ The fine line between physical and mental discomfort
✅ How mindfulness fuels healing and growth
✅ The power of choice in turning fear into joy
✅ Coping with disappointment and setbacks
✅ Redefining goals to stay in the game for the long haulWhether you're an athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, or just someone looking for inspiration to overcome obstacles, this episode is packed with wisdom, resilience, and the true spirit of adventure.
🎙️ Tune in now and get ready to see challenges in a whole new light!
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Want to uplevel your leadership game? This episode is a must-listen!
Jennifer McClanahan, a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders, sits down with me for a powerful conversation about human-centered leadership.
We dive deep into the real challenges of leadership—taking risks, building strong relationships, practicing vulnerability, and communicating with impact to create a thriving workplace culture. Jennifer breaks down power dynamics in organizations and debunks the myth that being human-centered comes at the cost of profitability.
You’ll learn:
How emotional intelligence shapes successful leadership Why connection across differences is key to innovation The power of recognizing individuals for their inherent strengths Proven strategies for tackling difficult conversations with confidenceIf you're ready to lead with clarity, courage, and impact, don’t miss this game-changing conversation!
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In this solo episode, I’m sharing with you my experience returning to some of the rivers in Western North Carolina that have changed since Helene.
Learning ‘new’ rivers made me realize that, although some of the rivers challenged me before Helene, they were still in my comfort zone because I knew them so well.
Discovering new features and rapids challenged me to practice the strategies that I coach, including how to face scary stories and beta about a river without letting it derail my confidence.
If you’ve ever found yourself overanalyzing rapids or battling self-doubt in high-pressure moments, this episode will give you actionable strategies and thought-provoking questions to help you.
And, as always, the lessons learned on the river go far beyond kayaking—they’re the same skills that help us navigate life’s challenges too.
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In this episode, Libby Hinsley, a doctor of physical therapy, certified yoga therapist and author, talks about her experiences with hypermobility syndromes and how discomfort can be a powerful catalyst for transformation.
As teacher/instructor trainers in our respective disciplines, we share effective teaching strategies and the evolution of moving from the need to be over-prepared to having the confidence to leave time and space for creativity and being present with students. Whether you're a kayak instructor, a yoga teacher, or both, this conversation offers valuable insights for your practice and your students.
We also unpack the courage it takes to build a business that supports your physical and mental well-being while making a sustainable living.
And, if you've ever thought yoga isn't for you because you're "not flexible," Libby busts that myth and explains why yoga can be a game-changer for paddlers.
Join us for an inspiring discussion that reframes discomfort—not as something to avoid, but as a powerful force for growth, change and success.
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This week, I sit down with my dear friend from college, Jiffer Bourguignon, for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation about life, discomfort, and the unexpected ways we find connection.
Jiff shares what it’s been like living as an American expat in Germany for decades—navigating cultural nuances, language mishaps, and the kind of miscommunications that are so awkward, they’re funny.
Jiffer talks about serving as an election observer in Afghanistan, and how she found an unlikely bridge to local communities: food. By stepping into kitchens and learning traditional dishes, she forged deep relationships in a place where connection wasn’t always easy.
We also dive into some real talk—her challenges raising three teenagers, the rollercoaster of perimenopause, and all the messy, beautiful moments in between.
Join us for a conversation about discomfort that’s equal parts funny, insightful, and deeply human.
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From the moment I first spoke with Vishnu Das—an experienced Ayurvedic doctor and teacher—I knew I could listen to him talk about Ayurveda and yoga forever. Now, after nearly 15 years of mentorship, I’m beyond excited to share his insights with you.
In this rich and thought-provoking conversation, we explore the power of self-awareness in navigating discomfort and the profound role Ayurveda plays in understanding our unique nature. Vishnu shares invaluable wisdom on acceptance, motivation, and the transformative power of simple yet intentional lifestyle shifts.
Expect personal stories, practical strategies, and deep reflections on:
✨ Embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth and healing
✨ Ayurveda’s guidance for aligning with your unique constitution
✨ The magic of morning rituals and self-care practices
✨ Lessons from spiritual teachers and the art of presence in relationships
✨ The discipline-freedom paradox—and why structure is the key to liberationThis episode is an invitation to rethink your relationship with discomfort, tune into your inner wisdom, and take small but powerful steps toward balance and well-being.
If you’re ready for a conversation that’s both deeply insightful and immediately applicable, this one’s for you. Tune in now.🎧
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In this episode, I’m stoked to welcome back my husband, Andrew Holcombe—a skilled paddler, natural leader, and my favorite partner-in-adventure —for another heartfelt (and sometimes funny) chat about tackling the discomfort zone in close relationships.
We dive into our own experiences, sharing the good, the awkward, and the downright messy moments that come with navigating communication, boundaries, and the art of finding humor in life’s challenges.
Together, we unpack how understanding emotional reactions can transform communication and deepen connection, while also exploring self-acceptance, body positivity, and the power of creating supportive environments.
It’s a real, relatable conversation about balancing autonomy with offering help, embracing emotional intelligence, and growing stronger—individually and together.
If you want to be a better partner in adventure, tune and gain insights from a couple who’ve been adventuring together for 20+ years and still loving it.
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What’s your theme for the upcoming year?
This week my longtime friend and entrepreneur, Michelle Tennant Nicholson, joins me in a conversation that will help you create a powerful theme for the new year.
We share personal journeys of setting annual themes and stepping into the discomfort zones that fuel personal growth. From embracing risks and committing to exhilarating experiences, to letting go of habits and relationships that no longer serve, we offer a fresh perspective on creating a life you love.
Together, we dive into the art of reverse-engineering success, reframing failure as feedback, and realigning with purpose when the path gets rocky (like when Michelle’s homestead was destroyed by Hurricane Helene and she pivoted to van life).
Full of personal stories and practical tips, this episode is your guide to choosing your path forward with intention, courage, and a dash of daring. :)
Tune in to make 2025 your best year yet!
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In this episode of the Discomfort Zone Podcast, Anna sits down with Gerry Seavo-James, Deputy Campaign Director for the Sierra Club's Outdoors for All campaign. Together, they explore the transformative power of equitable outdoor access and the discomfort zones we face in work, play and building community.
Gerry shares personal stories of navigating risk, overcoming gear and financial barriers, and challenging judgments within outdoor communities. From skill-building through training and coaching to fostering community through intentional outreach, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for making the outdoors more inclusive for everyone.
Anna and Gerry also dive into the art of balancing diverse passions and interests, offering insights on how this multifaceted approach enriches their work—and yours. Whether you're passionate about building community, integrating varied interests into your career, or simply finding your place in the great outdoors, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.
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This week on The Discomfort Zone Podcast, I’m joined by Boyd Ruppelt—a seasoned whitewater kayaker, guide, and instructor—who shares his wisdom on confronting fear and managing risk in high-stakes environments.
Boyd offers a deep dive into the art of risk management and the guiding philosophies that shape his approach to both pursuing and guiding adventure sports. Together, we explore the unique mental challenges of kayaking and draw parallels to other sports Boyd is passionate about - skydiving and surfing.
Boyd’s stories and insights shine a light on how understanding fear can transform it into a powerful tool for growth and self-discovery.
If you’ve ever wondered how to embrace risk, push your limits, and cultivate a richer, more fearless engagement with life, this episode is for you. Tune in and let Boyd’s journey inspire your own path through discomfort and beyond!
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This week’s episode with Greg McFadden, owner and guide at Canyons River Company on Idaho’s iconic Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers, takes you into the transformative experience of “life without mirrors” on multi-day trips.
Greg shares the art of building trust on the river, the delicate balance of leadership and vulnerability, and the unique responsibilities that come with guiding.
He also shines a light on the progress of LGBTQ+ representation in paddlesports and the critical need to create safe, inclusive spaces for underserved and marginalized communities in the outdoors.
We also explore the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and Greg’s exciting plans to deepen community engagement and support.
If you’re ready to be inspired to spark change and create a more inclusive world, this conversation will leave you energized and ready to paddle forward.
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