Olympia Edwards didn’t find her first mentor through a formal program — she noticed her skirt, her shoes, and the way she walked with confidence. Sometimes mentorship unfolds organically like it did for Olympia and her mentor, Kelly. Other times, a path has to be intentionally created so more young people can experience the leadership, confidence, and belonging that relationships like theirs make possible. That belief is at the heart of Project Girl.

In this episode of the Redefine What’s Possible podcast, Olympia, founder and executive director of Project Girl Mentoring Program, shares how that early, informal mentorship shaped how she leads and why she built a community-centered program that has supported over 1,000 girls across the Puget Sound since 2012. She reflects on what it means to be truly seen, why consistency matters, and how everyday moments of attention and care can change a young person’s sense of self.

Olympia takes listeners inside the work of Project Girl — from school-based programs to after-school spaces — and explains how belonging is built through presence, trust, and shared experience. She also offers practical insights on supporting young people, interrupting negative self-talk, and showing up in ways that are human rather than performative.

This conversation is a reminder that building belonging doesn’t require a formal title or a perfect plan. It starts with noticing, listening, and choosing to show up. If you’ve ever wondered how you might get more involved in your community, this episode offers a meaningful place to begin.

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Most things come with a “best by” date—a quiet suggestion that usefulness, quality, or value has a shelf life. Judy Gay never bought into that idea.

Judy joined Experience Momentum at 63. She began training seriously later in life, took on triathlons in her 70s, and stepped into powerlifting well after most people are told to slow down. At 81, she’s not telling a story about what she used to do—she’s reflecting on what happens when you keep choosing to engage with strength, even as it changes.

Judy didn’t stumble into her strength. She built it—by showing up consistently, taking herself seriously, and surrounding herself with people who believed in growth at every age. She found belonging without shrinking herself, and community that didn’t lower the bar—but helped her clear it.

As seasons changed, Judy stayed in relationship with her strength. She listened when her body asked for adjustment, adapted without quitting, and found ways to keep moving forward even when “strong” needed to look different than before. Strength, for her, was never something to leave behind—only something to meet where it was and carry into whatever came next.

This conversation is a reminder that strength doesn’t disappear when it evolves. It accumulates. And when you keep choosing to engage with it—honestly, consistently, and on your own terms—it continues to redefine what’s possible.

Summary

When senior engineering leader Theresa Aristarco faced long COVID and burnout, her world suddenly got small — walking the dog became impossible, and even daily tasks drained every ounce of energy. But what happened next redefined her idea of success. In this powerful conversation, Theresa shares how she chose health over the high-powered career that once defined her, building a support team, finding strength through therapy and physical recovery, and ultimately transforming her life through creativity and coaching. From learning to ask for help to finding joy in the simple act of baking bread, her story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the courage it takes to start again.

Keywords: resilience, burnout recovery, long COVID, vulnerability, reinvention, holistic healing, redefining success, coaching, leadership transformation.

Chapters

00:00 From Burnout to Breakthrough
06:44 The Turning Point: A New Perspective on Health
13:57 Building a Support Team for Recovery
21:42 Celebrating Triumph: The Wedding Day
23:35 Reclaiming Health and Creativity
28:22 Transformative Journey Through The Artist's Way
30:45 Redefining Success: Health First
33:53 Coaching Through Transitions
38:43 Building a Sustainable Coaching Business
41:04 Taking the First Step Towards Change
43:26 Finding Meaning in Struggles
46:13 Rapid Fire Insights and Reflections

Keywords

orthopedic surgery, cycling, reinvention, healthcare, Mischief Bikes, resilience, passion, risk-taking, patient care, medical innovation

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Chris Wahl shares his remarkable journey from being a top orthopedic surgeon to founding Mischief Bikes, a custom bike shop in Seattle, WA. He discusses the motivations behind his career changes, the challenges faced in both medicine and cycling, and the importance of resilience, joy, and community in pursuing one's passions. Dr. Wahl reflects on the lessons learned from difficult cases in surgery, the evolving landscape of healthcare, and the significance of taking risks to redefine what is possible in life.

Sound Bites

• "The courage to reinvent yourself."
• "Good judgment comes from experience."
• "The time is now."

Chapters

00:00
The Leap from Surgery to Cycling

03:04
The Journey into Medicine

06:10
Defining Moments in Orthopedics

09:12
Learning from Challenges

11:56
The Changing Landscape of Medicine

15:02
Risk and Innovation in Surgery

17:59
Reflections on a Medical Career

20:57
Healthcare Challenges and Future Directions

24:09
The Joy of Cycling and New Beginnings

28:29
Family Adventures on Bikes

32:45
The Joy of Biking and Community

36:13
A Journey of Reinvention

40:51
Crafting Mischief: The Art of Bike Building

45:57
Legacy and Lessons Learned

50:54
Rapid Fire Insights

Keywords

Ice hockey, women's sports, Olympic athlete, personal growth, motherhood, resilience, professional hockey, sports transition, empowerment, community wellness

summary

In this episode, Kelly Tysland shares her inspiring journey from a young girl playing boys' hockey to becoming an Olympic medalist in women's ice hockey. She discusses the challenges she faced, including moving to Canada at 14, playing against boys, and overcoming setbacks in her career. Kelly reflects on her experiences at the Olympics, her decision to retire from competitive hockey, and her transition into motherhood and entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of personal growth, resilience, and the rise of women's professional hockey, while also sharing valuable lessons learned along the way.

Takeaways

• Kelly moved to Canada at 14 to pursue hockey.
• Playing against boys presented unique challenges.
• Overcoming setbacks is part of the journey.
• The Olympic experience was a culmination of hard work.
• Retirement from hockey opened new opportunities.
• Motherhood has taught her valuable leadership lessons.
• Building a community around wellness is essential.
• Women's professional hockey is finally gaining recognition.
• Success is defined by personal fulfillment, not just accolades.
• Growth comes from stepping out of comfort zones.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Kelly Tysland

01:40
The Journey Begins: Moving to Canada at 14

05:01
The Challenges of Playing Boys Hockey

10:10
Overcoming Gender Barriers in Sports

15:36
Transitioning to Women's Hockey and College Life

18:54
The Road to the 2006 Winter Olympics

23:35
Experiencing the Olympics: Triumphs and Trials

28:03
Deciding to Step Away from Competitive Hockey

30:48
Embracing Change and Growth

33:23
The Journey of Transition

37:19
Building Experience Momentum

39:43
Empowering Through Movement

41:10
Listening to Our Bodies

43:38
Motherhood and Leadership

45:36
The Rise of Women's Hockey

47:54
Reflections on Life After Sports

50:01
Redefining Success

51:33
Staying Open to Possibilities

Keywords
personal development, mindfulness, journaling, growth mindset, nutrition, energy management, clarity, movement, self-improvement, well-being

Summary

In this episode of the Redefine What's Possible podcast, Shanon Tysland explores the journey of unlocking true potential through clarity, mindfulness, and intentional living. He emphasizes the importance of journaling, rest, nutrition, and movement in achieving a fulfilling life and that jumping into a fitness routine without a solid foundation is setting yourself up for failure. By addressing energy management and cultivating a growth mindset, listeners are encouraged to redefine their lives and pursue meaningful goals.

Takeaways

• True potential is built from the inside out.
• Clarity is essential for generating energy and understanding.
• Journaling can significantly improve mental well-being.
• Sleep is crucial for emotional balance and recovery.
• Identifying energy vampires helps maintain focus and positivity.
• Mindfulness practices can reclaim personal power and presence.
• A growth mindset allows for continuous development and learning.
• Nutrition plays a foundational role in overall health and energy.
• Movement should be joyful and fulfilling, not just a task.
• Aligning different aspects of life creates a more integrated and fulfilling experience.

Titles

• Unlocking Your True Potential
• The Power of Clarity and Mindfulness

Sound Bites

• "Mindfulness helps reclaim your power."
• "A growth mindset can change your world."
• "Movement brings joy and vitality."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Redefining Potential

09:18
Restoration: The Importance of Sleep

15:51
Mindfulness: Being Present

21:30
Mindset: Shaping Your Perspective

28:22
Movement: Joy in Exercise

32:22
Conclusion: Aligning Your Life

Summary

In this episode, Ali shares his inspiring journey from the Gambia to becoming a professional football player in the NFL. He discusses the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, the importance of community and mentorship, and how his faith has guided him through adversity. Ali emphasizes the significance of perseverance, support systems, and staying grounded in one's values while pursuing dreams.

Takeaways

• Ali immigrated from the Gambia at the age of 12.
• He experienced a significant culture shock and language barrier upon arriving in the U.S.
• Football became a vital part of his life, providing community and support.
• Ali faced challenges with injuries but remained focused on his goals.
• His journey to LSU was marked by determination and hard work.
• Faith plays a crucial role in Ali's life and career.
• He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support from coaches.
• Ali's daily routine includes rigorous training and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• He encourages young people to persevere through challenges and seek support.
• Ali believes in being a light for others and redefining what's possible.

Chapters

00:00
Ali's Journey from Gambia to the U.S.

06:57
Cultural Adjustments and Language Barriers

14:12
Discovering Football and Overcoming Challenges

16:25
The Road to College Football and Support Systems

19:25
Belonging vs. Arriving: A Personal Journey

21:59
The NFL Draft Experience: Hopes and Realities

24:15
Daily Habits and Mental Fortitude in the NFL

26:06
Faith as a Guiding Force

28:28
Staying Grounded in a Fast-Paced World

30:57
Overcoming Challenges: Advice for the Next Generation

32:33
Rapid Fire: Insights and Reflections

Keywords
Environmental advocacy, community engagement, sustainability, leadership, consumer responsibility, personal well-being, nonprofit challenges, curiosity, business impact, health and environment

Takeaways

• Kate Williams' journey into environmental advocacy was inspired by her love for nature.
• Community plays a crucial role in driving environmental change.
• Finding common ground is essential for uniting diverse perspectives in environmentalism.
• Curiosity can lead to productive conversations about environmental issues.
• Navigating challenges in nonprofits requires creativity and resilience.
• Redefining success in business involves aligning with environmental values.
• Personal well-being is vital for sustaining energy in advocacy work.
• Effective leadership involves empowering others and embracing vulnerability.
• Consumer choices can significantly impact environmental sustainability.
• Engaging with community can lead to unexpected insights and collaborations.

Summary

In this conversation, Kate Williams shares her journey into environmental advocacy, emphasizing the importance of community, curiosity, and personal well-being in driving change. She discusses the challenges faced by nonprofits and the need for businesses to redefine success in alignment with environmental values. The dialogue highlights the interconnectedness of personal health and planetary health, encouraging listeners to engage thoughtfully with their consumer choices and to embrace curiosity in conversations about environmental issues.

Sound Bites

• "We all are part of the earth."
• "Curiosity is such a powerful tool."
• "We are part of the animal kingdom."

Chapters

00:00
Kate's Journey to Environmental Leadership

03:50
The Challenge of Resource Allocation

06:18
Finding Common Ground in Environmentalism

08:43
Innovative Approaches to Capitalism

10:53
The Power of Community Engagement

13:16
Redefining Impact in Business

15:32
Vision and Resilience in Leadership

18:13
Navigating Consumerism and Environmental Stewardship

22:11
Building a Positive Ecosystem

23:53
The Power of Community

27:37
Personal Well-being and Leadership

33:21
Creating Space for Team Empowerment

34:39
Taking Meaningful Action

36:44
Connecting Human Health and Planetary Health

38:28
Rapid Fire Insights

40:09
Introduction and Gratitude

40:31
Finding Common Ground

41:32
Practical Actions for Impact

42:17
Personal Well-being and Leadership

42:55
Invitations for Action

Links

1% for the Planet Website

B Corp Website

Premiums for the Planet Website