Episodes

  • 2022 Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Inductee and Founder of the Almanzo 100: Chris Skogen

    2022 Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Inductee and Founder of the Almanzo 100: Chris Skogen
    Oct 13 2026
    In this episode, Chris Skogen shares his journey from the bike industry to driving a Zamboni, emphasizing the importance of happiness, discipline, and making intentional life choices. We explore how small decisions and perspective shifts can lead to a more fulfilling life.
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    48 mins
  • Fostering Passion in Athletes of All Ages with Coach Ryan Kohler

    Fostering Passion in Athletes of All Ages with Coach Ryan Kohler
    Sep 29 2026
    In this episode, Michael and Holly welcome coach Ryan Kohler for a practical conversation about endurance coaching, recovery, and long-term athlete development. Ryan brings more than 20 years of experience translating sports science into coaching for cyclists of all ages. They discuss how to balance drive with rest, why recovery and detraining are part of progress, and how to keep high achievers engaged without burning them out. Enjoy!
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    48 mins
  • On Performance, Failure, and Creativity with Poet, Teacher, and Runner Abigail Michelini

    On Performance, Failure, and Creativity with Poet, Teacher, and Runner Abigail Michelini
    Sep 15 2026
    In this episode, Holly sits down with Abigail Michelini to explore the relationship between performance, failure, creativity, and embodied living. Abby shares how poetry, teaching, and long-distance running have shaped her identity, and why learning to “suck at something” can be a powerful path to growth. https://www.abigailmichelini.com/ Deena Kastor: Let Your Mind Run https://a.co/d/0dtOlVgC
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    46 mins
  • The Discipline That Turns Busy Professionals Into Endurance Athletes with Kim Griffith

    The Discipline That Turns Busy Professionals Into Endurance Athletes with Kim Griffith
    Sep 8 2026
    It’s okay if it sucks at first. In this episode, Kim Griffith joins Sean and Holly and shares the mindset that helped her grow from a CrossFit athlete into a full Ironman competitor: keep showing up, stay patient, and trust the process. Progress doesn’t come from being perfect — it comes from doing the hard thing long enough to get better. We hope you enjoy this episode!
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    43 mins
  • Coaches Chat: Listener Q&A

    Coaches Chat: Listener Q&A
    Sep 1 2026
    In this episode, Holly Benner, Sean Luitjens, and Michael Seiler answer questions from our listeners. In this coaches chat, we discuss strategies for managing nerves, mental preparation, and the lessons endurance sports teach us about life and leadership. We share practical tips for athletes facing challenges and how to apply these insights beyond sports. Enjoy!
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    57 mins
  • Mental Skills Training with Performance Consultant Carrie Jackson

    Mental Skills Training with Performance Consultant Carrie Jackson
    Aug 25 2026
    How do athletes stop self-sabotage, manage performance anxiety, and build confidence that holds up under pressure? In this episode, Michael and Holly welcome certified mental performance consultant Carrie Jackson to explore the psychology behind sustainable performance. Together, they break mental performance training into practical, repeatable skills that athletes and coaches can apply in sport, work, and life. The conversation explores why the brain naturally focuses on threat, how self-talk shapes confidence and performance, why dwelling on uncontrollable factors drains valuable energy, and how to prepare mentally for difficult moments before they happen. You’ll also learn practical strategies for strengthening confidence, improving focus, navigating pressure, and making your mindset an asset rather than a barrier. Learn more about Carrie here: https://carriejackson.com/
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    51 mins
  • Why Great Coaches Put People Before Performance Metrics with Jason Fonder

    Why Great Coaches Put People Before Performance Metrics with Jason Fonder
    Aug 11 2026
    How do leaders sustain high performance without losing the human side of work? In this episode, Michael welcomes Jason Fonder to explore how consistent coaching, smart use of data and AI, curiosity, resilience, and a people-first culture create stronger performance over time. This conversation also examines why leaders should invest in high performers, how to learn from failure without using data as punishment, why company values must be simple enough to live every day, and how the right mentors and support system can help you move through a career crossroads. Enjoy!
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • How Race Directors Build Safe Memorable Events (And Stay Calm Under Pressure) with Jeff Smith

    How Race Directors Build Safe Memorable Events (And Stay Calm Under Pressure) with Jeff Smith
    Jul 28 2026
    How do race directors create safe, memorable endurance events, and what can leaders learn from the pressure behind race day? In this episode, Sean and Holly welcome Jeff Smith from https://www.outsiderendurance.com/ to learn how he does it. This conversation explores the year-round work required to plan triathlons, manage safety, coordinate volunteers, respond to emergencies, and deliver an athlete experience that appears effortless. It also examines how endurance sports build confidence, adaptability, and calm decision-making when plans change. Enjoy! Find one of Jeff's events to sign up for here: https://www.outsiderendurance.com/
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    44 mins