I Could Never Do That

Carrie Barrett welcomes the remarkable Shannon Hogan, an inspiring figure in the world of ultra-endurance sports and the author of the newly released book, The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports. Hogan, a former pro mountain biker, ultra-runner, open water swimmer, and avid adventurer, shares her insights on the mindset required to tackle numerous extreme athletic challenges, featuring stories and lessons from a diverse cast of lesser-known yet extraordinary athletes. They discuss the importance of community support, resilience, and the joys of discomfort, showcasing stories of athletes who have achieved the extraordinary. With themes of personal growth and perseverance, this episode encourages listeners to embrace their own challenges and explore the limits of their potential where "will becomes stronger than skill." This book will ignite your endurance spirit and help you discover the unthinkable achievements awaiting just beyond your comfort zone.    Purchase The Unforgiving Hours on Amazon or wherever books are sold Read more about Shannon and her book in The Seattle Times Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett or  BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  Save 15% on  Plantstrongfoods.com with code: CARRIE15 "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)        

Understanding the transformative power of adopting new habits is paramount in our journey toward healing and personal growth, but we're often misguided in developing new habits thinking we need to do something big, drastic or "all at once." We're caught up in the desire to "break" habits before they break us. What if there was a different way to think about habit change? What if you asked yourself, "How Can I Heal Myself Today?" Dr. Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA is a double board-certified family medicine and lifestyle medicine physician. She emphasizes the notion that instead of merely attempting to break detrimental habits, we should focus on healing them through awareness and intentionality. By doing so, we can cultivate a nurturing relationship with ourselves and create sustainable change that is both manageable and profound. Dr. Marbas shares the significance of developing microhabits—small, actionable steps that can be easily integrated into our daily routines—as a way of becoming our owne "habit healer." This episode serves not only as a guide to personal growth but as an invitation to redefine our relationship with our habits in a more loving and supportive manner. Laurie Marbas, MD Website Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett or  BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  Save 15% on  Plantstrongfoods.com with code: CARRIE15   "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)      

If you've listened to music, let's say in the last 30 years, then you're likely familiar with my guest today, but not in the way you may think. Gary Burr is a legendary songwriter and vocalist who is behind hit songs for artists like Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Lady A, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Juice Newton, Christine Aguilera, Garth Brooks, Lynne Skynrd, Carole King, and Ringo Starr…and seriously…that's the tip of the iceberg here. He's had 14 #1 hits in total (so far), 24 top 10s, and 32 top 40 hits to his name - a master of the 4-minute story arc known as a song.  But, while I could talk to him for years about his songwriting career, I reached out to him about something else — his foray into fiction. On July 5th, 2024, Gary is releasing his first novel called, Reunion - A Rock-n-Roll Fairy Tale and it is his take on the question…"What if?" What if John Lennon wasn't assassinated? Could they ever come together again and play as a band? And, as a reader, can you let your imagination even go there?  I talk to Gary about the process of writing a fairy tale novel. How is it different (or similar) to writing songs? How did he take four of the most famous people in history and script an alternative story? Why tackle someone like the Beatles? Did he know from the outset how it would end? And, most importantly — what does Ringo (who Gary has worked with for the past 20 years) think of this fairy tale? We often think about “what ifs” in our own lives and it is a fascinating idea to explore. Order Reunion - A Rock-n-Roll Fairy Tale GaryBurr.com Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett or  BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  Save 15% on  Plantstrongfoods.com with code: CARRIE15   "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)      

Women's sports are certainly having a moment and with more eyes on women's sports, comes more scrutiny and pressure. The new book, "The Price She Pays: Confronting the Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Women's Sports—from the Schoolyard to the Stadium" explores this crisis in women's athletics from early childhood exploration to elite-level competition, up to retirement. Authors Katie Steele and Dr. Tiffany Brown of @Athletesmentalhealthfoundation are both Licensed Family and Marriage Therapists who work with athletes in their practice and have noticed the unique pressures that female athletes have faced to be thin, but not too thin, to be aggressive, but not too aggressive, to be strong and muscular, but heaven forbid you're too muscular. It's not surprising that female athletes are apt to suffer greatly from disordered eating and substance abuse, sexual abuse, racism, depression and anxiety, self -harm and suicidal ideation. This new book seeks to answer the question of WHY? Why has this been woven into women's sports and is the system too broken to fix? Katie and Tiffany don't think so and this book serves as a wonderful resource for athletes, coaches, parents, and other therapists to provide answers and help before it's too late. The profiles of athletes they share are powerful and that's where the “I could never do that” theme resonates. Despite their fears of retribution, punishment, or damage to their reputation, these women featured in the book all chose to share their experiences for future generations of female athletes who we all want to see thrive. Listen at the link in the bio or wherever you follow your podcasts. The book comes out June 18th! Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett or  BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett      "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)      

Women's sports are certainly having a moment and, with more eyes on women's sports comes more scrutiny and more pressure.  The Price She Pays: Confronting the Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Women's Sports—from the Schoolyard to the Stadium explores this crisis in women's athletics from early childhood exploration, to elite-level competition, and retirement.  Authors Katie Steele and Dr. Tiffany Brown are both Licensed Family and Marriage Therapists who work a lot with athletes in their practice and have noticed the unique pressures that female athletes have faced to be thin, but not too thin, to be aggressive, but not too aggressive, to be strong and muscular, but heaven forbid you're too muscular. It's not surprising that female athletes are apt to suffer greatly from disordered eating and substance abuse, sexual abuse, racism, depression and anxiety, self -harm and suicial ideation. This new book seeks to answer the question of WHY? Why has this been woven into women's sports and is the system too broken to fix? Katie and Tiffany don't think so and this book serves as a wonderful resource for athletes, coaches, parents, and other therapists to provide answers and help before it's too late. The profiles of athletes they share are powerful and that's where the “I could never do that” theme resonates. Despite their fears of retribution, punishment, or damage to their reputation, these women featured in the book all chose to share their experiences for the benefit of future generations of female athletes who we all want to see thrive. Order The Price She Pays Book  Athletes Mental Health Foundation Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett or  BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)      

Robert Cheeke has been a pillar in the plant-based community for over 30 years as an award-winning bodybuilder, outspoken vegan advocate, and New York Times Best-Selling author of The Plant-Based Athlete.  It's his new book, however, that inspired me to reach out and have him on the “I Could Never Do That” podcast. So many want to become more impactful in everything we do (especially for causes that are important to us), but often don't know where to begin. We get stuck in the, “I could nevers” because we see the big donors, the celebrity endorsements, or the big social media campaigns and think, "That's just not me." Well, The Impactful Vegan: How You Can Save More Lives and Make the Biggest Difference for Animals and the Planet is a blueprint for how you (and me and all of us) can use your time, energy, skills, talents, and resources to make the greatest impact on the lives of animals and the planet. Yes, this book is about becoming a more impactful vegan, but the pages and the examples translate into ANYTHING that holds our hearts.  Reading this book made me think differently about how I can contribute to the world and I hope this conversation does the same for you.   Pre-order The Impactful Vegan Follow Robert on Instagram "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  or venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett   I Could Never Do That - Instagram

Robert Cheeke has been a pillar in the plant-based community for over 30 years as an award-winning bodybuilder, outspoken vegan advocate, and New York Times Best-Selling author of The Plant-Based Athlete.  It's his new book, however, that inspired me to reach out and have him on the “I Could Never Do That” podcast. So many want to become more impactful in everything we do (especially for causes that are important to us), but often don't know where to begin. We get stuck in the, “I could nevers” because we see the big donors, the celebrity endorsements, or the big social media campaigns and think, "That's just not me." Well, The Impactful Vegan: How You Can Save More Lives and Make the Biggest Difference for Animals and the Planet is a blueprint for how you (and me and all of us) can use your time, energy, skills, talents, and resources to make the greatest impact on the lives of animals and the planet. Yes, this book is about becoming a more impactful vegan, but the pages and the examples translate into ANYTHING that holds our hearts.  Reading this book made me think differently about how I can contribute to the world and I hope this conversation does the same for you.   Pre-order The Impactful Vegan Follow Robert on Instagram "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  or venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett  

TV journalist, Emmy Award Winner, and multiple @ironmantri triathlete, Michelle Bandur (@michellebandurtv), shares her story of how she took an anonymous bully's mean-spirited letter and turned it into a positive movement that has inspired and empowered thousands of young girls to achieve more than they ever imagined. Her mission? Inspire you to stand up for yourself, love yourself, and turn around a negative experience. Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett or  BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett    "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)      

TV journalist and multiple IRONMAN triathlete, Michelle Bandur, shares her story of how she took an anonymous bully's mean-spirited letter and turned it into a positive movement that has inspired and empowered thousands of young girls to achieve more than they ever imagined.  Her mission? Inspire you to stand up for yourself, love yourself, and turn around a negative experience.   My Big Fat Nose Website - https://www.mybigfatnose.com/  IronHawk Juniors Website - https://ironhawkjuniors.org/  Michelle's Ted Talk  Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett  "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)

Let me give a couple of headlines from the past two years of today's I Could Never Do That guest, Emily Ballenger. @emilybatx Shock pains in her face, the Berlin Marathon, pregnancy, miscarriage, another pregnancy, the selling of a business, a brain tumor, a birth, massive brain surgery, the London marathon, and the completion of the Six World Marathon Majors. These events would throw anyone off balance (literally and figuratively), but Emily has used them to create a foundation of stability of what's important in her life. Marathon training truly is a metaphor for her last two years. Sometimes you don't get the run or the race you want, but you always walk away stronger and more accomplished. The growth comes from the lessons learned and not the time on a clock. Emily has no idea what the future holds for her health, but she lives boldly for her baby Beau and her family, proving that in those "I could never do that" moments of despair, a little forward motion is sometimes all you need. Episode Webpage Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett or  BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett    "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)      

Let me provide give a couple of headlines from the past two years of today's guest, Emily Ballenger. Shock pains in her face, the Berlin Marathon, pregnancy, miscarriage, another pregnancy, the selling of a business, a brain tumor, a birth, massive brain surgery, the London marathon, and the completion of the Six World Marathon Majors. These events would throw anyone off balance (literally and figuratively), but Emily has used them to create a foundation of stability of what's important in her life. Marathon training truly is a metaphor for her last two years. Sometimes you don't get the run or the race you want, but you always walk away stronger and more accomplished. The growth comes from the lessons learned and not the time on a clock.  Emily has no idea what the future holds for her health, but she lives boldly for her baby Beau and her family, proving that in those "I could never do that" moments of despair, a little forward motion is sometimes all you need.   Runner's World Article on Emily Ballenger   Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  Support the Podcast through Venmo - https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett  "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)          

It's no secret that girls – and women – haven't traditionally had role models for adventure- seeking and exploration as we age. Even as young girls, we're taught to "be careful" while boys are taught to "be strong and brave." It's maddening.  Author Caroline Paul, a longtime adventurer, started to notice the massive decline in the number of women she would see when she would go out paddle boarding, skateboarding, or surfing. In her late 50's she was asking the questions like,  “Why is this happening?” and, "Shouldn't we be experiencing adventure at ANY age?” That's what her new book, Tough Broad seeks to answer with the women Caroline interviews in her book. I'm talking hikers, wing walkers, birdwatchers, BMX racers, boogie boarders, swimmers, and more. These women aren't experts. But their experiences and the scientific studies that back them up offer important insight into our own physical and emotional health as we age, showing that growing older is no reason for women to sell themselves short. One thing that is clear: Adventure doesn't have to be some adrenaline filled, death-defying act, although there is some of that in this book. No, true adventure and self fulfillment can start with a walk outside. The more time you spend outdoors and the more positive your view on aging, the happier you will be.  That can indeed make you a tough broad.   Buy Tough Broad - From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking - How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett or  BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)        

It's no secret that girls – and women – haven't traditionally had role models for adventure seeking and exploration as we age. Even as young girls, we're taught to "be careful" while boys are taught to "be strong and brave." It's maddening.  Author Caroline Paul, a longtime adventurer, started to notice the massive decline in the number of women she would see when she would go out paddle boarding, skateboarding, or surfing. In her late 50's she was asking the questions like,  “Why is this happening?” and, "Shouldn't we be experiencing adventure at ANY age?” That's what her new book, Tough Broad seeks to answer with the women Caroline interviews in her book. I'm talking hikers, wing walkers, birdwatchers, BMX racers, boogie boarders, swimmers, and more. These women aren't experts. But their experiences and the scientific studies that back them up offer important insight into our own physical and emotional health as we age, showing that growing older is no reason for women to sell themselves short. One thing that is clear: Adventure doesn't have to be some adrenaline filled, death-defying act, although there is some of that in this book. No, true adventure and self fulfillment can start with a walk outside. The more time you spend outdoors and the more positive your view on aging, the happier you will be.  That can indeed make you a tough broad.   Buy Tough Broad - From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking - How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett   "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)  

My guest today encountered a personal (and all-too-common) dilemma after she had her son eight years ago. As someone who worked full-time in corporate or tech jobs for most of her career, Jill Jacobs was anxious to get back to work after giving birth. Not only did she love working, but as she says today, she needed to get back to work to support her home, lifestyle, and new baby's needs. Quickly, she realized how daunting and unsustainable this was. Here she was working full time, paying somebody else to be home with her child and, when she did get home from work, she was clearly not bringing her best self.  Ahhh…the American dream, right? Here's the deal, though.  Educated women with children are leaving the work forces in droves. What Jill wanted was to work smarter, spend smarter, and love what she was doing. So, since she wasn't finding it in the workforce, she started it herself. Enter the Better Balance vision. At Better Balance, Jill and her team connect professionals who want to work less than 40 hours a week with the Employers looking to hire them. They help people find fulfilling part-time professional work, leveraging their education, experience, talents and skills while maintaining a balance that fits their priorities in life.  Jill offers valuable and real insights about starting a business from the ground up, taking risks, and the value of finding mentors and supporters in your endeavor. And, as difficult it is, she also stresses the importance of taking small steps and imperfect action. I love this “I Could Never Do That” theme of taking a problem and creating a solution. Not just so you can flourish, but to help others do the same. Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett or  BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett   Better Balance Website "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)

My guest today encountered a personal (and all-too-common) dilemma after she had her son eight years ago. As someone who worked full-time in corporate or tech jobs for most of her career, Jill Jacobs was anxious to get back to work after giving birth. Not only did she love working, but as she says today, she needed to get back to work to support her home, lifestyle, and new baby's needs. Quickly, she realized how daunting and unsustainable this was. Here she was working full time, paying somebody else to be home with her child and, when she did get home from work, she was clearly not bringing her best self.  Ahhh…the American dream, right? Here's the deal, though.  Educated women with children are leaving the work forces in droves. What Jill wanted was to work smarter, spend smarter, and love what she was doing. So, since she wasn't finding it in the workforce, she started it herself. Enter the Better Balance vision. At Better Balance, Jill and her team connect professionals who want to work less than 40 hours a week with the Employers looking to hire them. They help people find fulfilling part-time professional work, leveraging their education, experience, talents and skills while maintaining a balance that fits their priorities in life.  Jill offers valuable and real insights about starting a business from the ground up, taking risks, and the value of finding mentors and supporters in your endeavor. And, as difficult it is, she also stresses the importance of taking small steps and imperfect action. I love this “I Could Never Do That” theme of taking a problem and creating a solution. Not just so you can flourish, but to help others do the same. Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett     Better Balance Website "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)      

Kim Murphy was born and raised on a farm in Texarkana, Texas- about as ordinary an upbringing as you can have. After losing her father to Alzheimer's in 2018, she underwent a massive health and lifestyle change, which led to a complete career change, a booming online coaching business, and a brand new book called, Plant Powered: How to Prevent or Reverse Chronic Diseases, Lose Weight, and Feel Great with the Power of Whole Plants. Kim shares her family's journey to a whole food plant-based diet, highlighting its benefits on weight management, brain function, and energy levels. She offers practical tips for those considering a plant-based lifestyle and emphasizes the importance of community support. Kim provides coaching programs through her website, simplyplantbasedkitchen.com. This is a shared journey of someone who has conquered so many roadblocks that would otherwise stop most of us from achieving WHATEVER we want to do in life.  Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett or  BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett    "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)      

Kim Murphy was born and raised on a farm in Texarkana, Texas- about as ordinary an upbringing as you can have. After losing her father to Alzheimer's in 2018, she underwent a massive health and lifestyle change, which led to a complete career change, a booming online coaching business, and a brand new book called, Plant Powered: How to Prevent or Reverse Chronic Diseases, Lose Weight, and Feel Great with the Power of Whole Plants. Kim shares her family's journey to a whole food plant-based diet, highlighting its benefits on weight management, brain function, and energy levels. She offers practical tips for those considering a plant-based lifestyle and emphasizes the importance of community support. Kim provides coaching programs through her website, simplyplantbasedkitchen.com. This is a shared journey of someone who has conquered so many roadblocks that would otherwise stop most of us from achieving WHATEVER we want to do in life.  "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett 

Kim Murphy was born and raised on a farm in Texarkana, Texas- about as ordinary an upbringing as you can have. After losing her father to Alzheimer's in 2018, she underwent a massive health and lifestyle change, which led to a complete career change, a booming online coaching business, and a brand new book called, Plant Powered: How to Prevent or Reverse Chronic Diseases, Lose Weight, and Feel Great with the Power of Whole Plants. Kim shares her family's journey to a whole food plant-based diet, highlighting its benefits on weight management, brain function, and energy levels. She offers practical tips for those considering a plant-based lifestyle and emphasizes the importance of community support. Kim provides coaching programs through her website, simplyplantbasedkitchen.com. This is a shared journey of someone who has conquered so many roadblocks that would otherwise stop most of us from achieving WHATEVER we want to do in life.  "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett             

You're not strong enough, fast enough, skinny enough…You'll be last…Don't bother…Ugh. This is the crap we would NEVER say to our closest friends and, yet, for most of us, it's the hideous soundtrack of our lives. Today's guest is licensed clinical social worker, Pat Spencer who runs both a clinical therapy practice as well as a mental skills coaching business for athletes called, Getting Your Mind in Gear. Today, we discuss her work around a recent piece she wrote called, “Three Steps to Build Confidence.”  (And, sadly, it doesn't involve scrolling on your phone to see what everyone else is doing.)   We also spend some time talking about some powerful research and her thoughts around “exercise or cycling as therapy.” There is some surprising research showing that ultra-endurance athletes are actually MORE prone to depression and mood disorders, even though exercise is often recommended as the antidote to depression. W Pat is also an ally and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community which is facing unprecedented difficulty these days fitting into spaces where ALL should feel welcome.   Getting Your Mind in Gear Website Follow Pat on Instagram: @getting_your_mind_in_gear "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett           

Being a female in a male dominant space may be rare, but Shannon O'Grady handles it like a boss because, as COO and Chief Product Officer at Gnarly Nutrition, she IS one of the bosses.  As CPO, it is her science and research that are the brains behind every new product development at this company. When Shannon was just a teenager, she had to give up her early passion for running because of a genital heart defect. At the time, medicine didn't have the technology and procedures it does today, so she was essentially told to quit running and pursue something else.  So, Shannon turned to her other passion - SCIENCE. This led her down years of academia, where she pursued and completed her Ph.D. in Nutritional Physiology. She always dreamed of working for a sports nutrition company and, after years of letter writing, and knocking on doors, she landed her dream gig at Gnarly.   Admirably, Shannon later came back to endurance sports and became an avid and accomplished cyclist, triathlete, climber, trail runner…all the things! Today, she is most passionate about the sport and discipline of jiu-jitsu, where she is a brown belt. You'll hear a lot about how products are developed at Gnarly and how important it is to know and understand your body's needs in training and racing, but it is her advice and tips for success in life and business that I admire and appreciate most.    https://gognarly.com/    "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)  Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett     

If you have ever dreamed of being a rock-n-roll star, this episode is gonna light you up. Annie Davis decided, in her mid-40s, that she wanted to become a musician. So, in the middle of the pandemic, she began taking lessons and taught herself how to play drums and guitar from scratch. Music has always been in her DNA. As a kid, she immersed herself in it both personally and educationally. Her instrument at the time was the trumpet.  But here comes that all too familiar story that we've been told - a music degree wasn't going to get her anywhere in life. It wasn't a "real career." So, she ended up learning the sciences because this music nerd was also a biology nerd. She got her bachelor's degree in Human Biology and she eventually found her way to a Doctorate in Chiropractic.  It was while she was pursuing her education that she was also immersing herself in a love of athletics, including running mountain biking, triathlon, and adventure racing. And, because of some bad advice that she received from an Orthopedist, she knew that she wanted to help others, which is why she picked up, moved her stuff to Austin, Texas, and opened her own practice called RunLab, where for the past 10 years, she has helped now 1000s of runners stay active in the game of life. She's now hustling to build another following with her rock band, Trashy Annie. As she says on her website, "Starting an original rock band at the age of 44 during a worldwide pandemic was a surreal experience, to say the least." But in just three years, she was honored as the CMA of Texas Americana Artist of the Year, she was signed to a record label, and she's about to release her full-length, first rock-n-roll record on May 19, 2023.  It is never too late to be the person that you dreamed of being when you were young. TrashyAnnie.com Follow Trashy Annie on Instagram - @trashyanniemusic Trashy Annie Album Release Party - April 25th, 13th Floor Austin "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)        

If you think you could never come up with a different concept for running shoes, well then let me introduce you to the minds behind the latest shoe on the walls of local retailers, Vimazi Shoes. Vimazi is the first-ever pace-tuned shoe, designed for energy, or as they say on their website, “Goldilocks cushioning and an ultra-efficient push-off.”   Founders, Scott Tucker and John Zilly, join me today to share their inspiration and research behind this innovative new shoe design. I mean, what does it mean to be “pace tuned,” right?? Of course, I asked that question (and no I won't be running a 4-minute mile anytime soon just by wearing these shoes).   But more than the science and engineering, I loved talking with them about their extensive backgrounds, their passion for running and writing, and their friendship that has lasted for decades. They also talk about the challenges of launching a new running shoe brand during the pandemic in a crowded space. These are my people. The people who, in spite of all of the challenges and obstacles, get up every day and say, “We've got something good here.” In fact, they're in tune with what runners want and need.  From a 4-minute mile to a 20-minute mile, Vimazi is tuned to your needs.    https://vimazi.com/ - Vimazi website Follow Vimazi on Instagram - @vimazi Blog Post on How Vimazi Running Shoes Feel - and Why - https://vimazi.com/blogs/news/how-vimazi-running-shoes-feel  "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)  Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett     

Adina O'Neill is a fitness coach and motivator.  This former accountant and teacher found her passion in endurance sports and coaching when she realized that so many were coming to her for advice and inspiration.  Team B-REAL, is a roster of endurance athletes where every BODY is accepted. She is motivational and inspiring, but her own side passion is what made me go, "Oh, I could NEVER do that!" Adina LOVES cold water swimming. And by cold water swimming, I mean, breaking open a frozen lake in the middle of New England in February and jumping in right away kinda swimming.  Yes, my friends, there is even such a thing as a winter swim festival where you walk out into the middle of a frozen lake, submerge in 30-degree water without a wetsuit, and compete against others in 25s, 50s, 100s…It is Un-freaking-believable. So, yeah, I had to learn more and that's what today is all about. We get real about her personal journey, about the imposter syndrome of coaching others, and the overwhelming sense of pride she receives watching others succeed.  Mostly, though, we discuss her passion for cold water swimming and the unexpected joy it has brought to her life.    Episode Resources Adina's Website https://adinaoneill.com/ Follow Adina on Instagram: @adina_oneill_real_fitness Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett   Register for the 2024 Memphremagog Winter Swimming Festival https://kingdomgames.co/memphremagog-winter-swimming-festival-2023-registration/ "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)      

Ginna Hoben was born to be a performer.  Ginna and I went to high school together and bonded over the very cool subculture of musical theater. Of course, she gracefully danced her way through Oklahoma while I stood in the background as an awkward chorus girl in a prairie dress singing “Surrey the Fringe On Top.” We went on to do several plays together and the one thing (of many) we had in common?!? We both loved attention and adoration and as she says, as the middle child, she would do pretty much anything to get attention — and she meant it! This led to both a BA and MFA in acting. It also led to stints in Chicago and LA before landing in New York as an actor, director, and playwright. Imagine that - the young girl who dreamt of moving to New York and being an actor did it!  Ginna Hoben still lives in New York with her husband and daughter and continues to make her living as a writer, director, and actor. She was most recently on an episode of the Equalizer featuring Queen Latifah and her plays have been produced at theaters across the country. She currently has another play in the works with an upcoming live reading of that new show. Today, we quite literally catch up and talk through everything she went through to live out that childhood dream and how many "I could nevers" she's had to navigate. This "dream life" has taken some unexpected tragic turns, but she is very clear - this is what she was born to do and, to me and everyone who knows her, she is a star. Ginna Hoben's Website "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)   Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett       

Hugh Gaither, founder and former CEO of the sock brand, Feetures shares his origin story of growing up in the hosiery business to making the transition to one of the most recognizable sock companies in the athletic space.  What prompted this decision to enter an entirely new market? What strengths did he have to launch a new company in a brand new category? Where did they get the name of the company?  Where did he start with the product design? Was it based on style? Material? Color? How should entrepreneurs approach any new venture that excites them? No matter the goal, Gaither stresses the importance of treating other people with kindness and respect. It goes a long way toward success and happiness in life.  Feetures Website - https://feetures.com/  The Feetures Origin Story - https://feetures.com/pages/our-story  Article on Gaither's transition   Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)      

This episode is so much fun! How can it not be when you're interviewing the partners of “Team Adorkable” — the zany Swimrun duo of Amy Bush and Trista Mennen?! I've known Amy for a long time and she's always doing something epic from 100 milers, Ironmans, Ultramans, etc…she's always an inspiration, but recently, I've seen her kicking it up and, together with Trista, going off the deep end (pun intended) on this relatively new phenomenon of a sport — Swimrun…and specifically, the Ötillö World Championships in Sweden, which is the notoriously difficult Super Bowl of Swimrun.   Swimrun isn't just a triathlon without a bike.  This is a cross between rock climbing, trail running, open water swimming, orienteering, and adventure racing- swimming from island to island and running through trails, forests, or whatever landscape the race director dreams up. It's not uncommon to have upwards of 40-50 transitions between the two sports. And, you're doing this all with your equipment and nutrition with you at all times — buoys, paddles, shoes, goggles, gels, etc. It sounds SO incredibly intimidating, which is where my, "I Could Never" came into play and why I had to get them on this show.  For as frightening as it sounds, these two make it sound SO DANG FUN!!!! My mission was to have them get me from, "I could never," to "maybe I can," and you know what?! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. No doubt, they'll inspire you too!  Episode Resources: Team Adorkable: https://teamadorkable.blogspot.com/  Ötillö Swimrun: https://otilloswimrun.com/  Odyssey Swimrun: https://www.odysseyswimrun.com/  Ark Sports - Swimrun Gear and Equipment: https://www.arksports.com/collections/swimrun  Envol Swimrun Coaching: https://envolcoaching.net/  The Swimrun Experience Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSwimRunExperience/  Wild Swimrun Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/wildswimrun?mibextid=LQQJ4d Swimrun Lake James: https://www.facebook.com/SwimRunLakeJames?mibextid=LQQJ4d  Swimrun Swap Meet: https://www.facebook.com/groups/swimrunswapmeet/  Low Tide Boyz Swimrun podcast: https://lowtideboyz.com/  Show Resources "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett    Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)        

On June 15th, one of my longest and dearest friends, Lisa Diamond, suffered a stroke at age 48. No warning signs, no acute trauma, not even a hint that this would happen when it did.  Today, for the first time, Lisa gives us a play-by-play of what happened in those moments — an hour and 43 minutes to be exact from the time she had the stroke to the time they wheeled her out of the OR into recovery from emergency surgery. She also talks about the physical and emotional repercussions of this event, and the ongoing processing, which is why she wanted to finally open up and start talking about it.  So, if you're struggling in life right now in health, career, or relationship, Lisa is an open book and a wonderful resource. She invites anyone to reach out to her at any time because, by talking about these difficulties, we can begin to move through them and extract some sort of meaning and purpose in moments of fear and uncertainty. Lisa Diamond Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lisadiamondcoaching  Lisa Diamond Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisadiamondcoaching/?hl=en (@lisadiamondcoaching) Email: lifecoachlisa23@gmail.com  "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett     

Well, if there was ever an “I Could Never,” this one might be it. My guest today, Raymond (@the Noodnick) is a master of what is known as artistic calisthenics - which is basically some crazy combination of pure strength, gymnastics, core work, and cirque du Soleil all done with the grace of a ballet dancer. He literally defies gravity and anyone that specializes in something called “The Human Flagpole” is superman in my book. .  What I dig about Raymond is that he is an open book — both on his training and techniques, but also about his life philosophies. You know when you're having a wonderful dream and time means nothing? Well, through his training and art form, Raymond wants to, as he says, “Live Lucidly" - when hours feel like minutes because you're so in the flow of love.  That's certainly something we can all aspire to. He calls himself “The Noodnick” because it's a play on the Yiddish word for “Boring pest,” but believe me, he's anything but boring.  Follow Raymond on Instagram @thenoodnick Follow Raymond on TikTok @thenoodnick "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)    

FKT - It's an acronym that stands for “Fastest Known Time” and if you're completely unfamiliar with this concept, there is an official website, fastestknowntime.com, where you'll find hundreds, if not thousands, of routes around the world where people have submitted their times to get that coveted spot of having the FKT - the Fastest Known Time.  About a year ago, my guests were searching for new adventures and noticed something when they went to the fastest known time website. The majority of the routes were submitted by men AND many of the routes (regardless of length or terrain) didn't even have female times. So, women do what women do…They got after it and started the Women Who FKT Project. This group of women in the Oregon/Washington area set out to tackle a bunch of the FKT routes in their region. Women Who FKT started as a small project between these runners and coaches and, in the last year, has grown into a full-blown global movement. Their mission? Calling women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underserved minorities in to claim space on the trails. You'll learn: What is an FKT? What are some of the misconceptions about FKTs which often prohibit people from attempting them? What sort of equipment do you need to get started? What are some reasons WHY women should pursue an FKT? Is it best to do it solo or with a group? Advice for newbies Of course, I left the conversation completely jazzed to seek one out and give it a go — and I hope you do.  So, let's claim some space on the trails and welcome Marta, Dana, Teri, Danielle, and Stacy - The power behind Women Who FKT. Episode Resources Fastest Known Time Official Website - https://fastestknowntime.com/  Women Who FKT Website - https://www.ultraufitness.com/fkt.html Women who FKT Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/womenwhofkt/ "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett       

As Robine Bots says, "she may have lost her mind, but she found her soul." Robine is the founder of Harmony Farm Sanctuary, a little slice of heaven for humans and animals nestled on about 10 acres of land between Bend and Sisters, Oregon. What started out as one pet pig for her daughter (Pig Floyd!) has morphed into a forever home for over 145 beautiful souls including pigs, horses, donkeys, ducks, bunnies, an alpaca, a llama, goats, sheep, turkeys, chickens, and one awesome barn cat named Ronald Weasley.  Harmony Farm Sanctuary is just that - a sanctuary for these animals to live out their years to only know love, kindness, and compassion. For the staff and volunteers, it's also a place to find those same things. Whether it's brushing, feeding, or scooping poop, the feeling of helping another sentient being is unmatchable.  And that's the legacy that Robine wants to leave with her guests who visit, volunteer, or stay on the on-site air-b-n-b. These animals have personalities and they have voices. These animals feel love and they give love. (Trust me - especially when they're hungry!) I'm sure many of us feel like we could never do something of this magnitude, but that's why we're thankful for people like Robine and her family. In fact, she would probably say, it's what she was born to do. Episode Resources HarmonyFarmSanctuary.com "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)

Matt Whitcomb is the head coach for the US Cross Country Ski Team, where he's coached at the past three Winter Olympic games. Even if you don't know much about competitive cross-country skiing, you understand the value of a good coach and mentor when it comes to achieving anything in life, whether it's athletically motivated or not.  Today, we focus a lot on the ingredients in developing a world-class athlete. Is it the number of hours you train, or is mindset the superpower of success? Does a dictatorship coaching style breed success, or does it come from a more autonomous “hands off” approach to coaching? When you're working with a group of people at the top of their game (especially at the Olympics), how do you get that extra 1%,  and how do these athletes deal with the pressure of a glaring spotlight, where that light shines extra bright every four years?  We discuss definitions of success, failure, and the most important question: “Could Coach Whitcomb Ted Lasso his way into coaching a completely different sport altogether?” Essentially, are the key elements of a successful coach transferable to any sport? It's an eye-opening chat  and if you're going to learn from anyone, heck, it may as well be an Olympic head coach. Episode Resources: US Ski and Snowboard - Cross Country Ski Team US Ski and Snowboard on Peacock Best of Tokyo Moments Jesse Diggins at the 30K "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)    

Here are just a few athletic accomplishments from today's guest Deanna McCurdy: Six national championships, Four Pan-Am championships, 5th overall at ITU Cross Worlds, she's finished as the top American female and 4th overall twice at the XTERRA World Championships. USA Triathlon awarded her Off-road Triathlete of the Year honors in 2017, 2018, and 2021.  In 2019, she competed as a Pro (at age 45), placing 2nd at XTERRA Quebec and winning XTERRA Fruita. WHEW...Even if you don't know what any of those races are, you certainly recognize a powerhouse when you see and hear those results. BUT, what makes Deanna's success story so incredible is that she didn't start doing triathlons until 2009 after she had her second daughter. Yes, Deanna is also currently raising two teenage daughters (which is an “I Could Never Do That” unto itself) — one of which was diagnosed with Angelman's Syndrome at just 16 months. Life can change in an instant. Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurogenetic disorder that affects approximately one in 15,000 people – about 500,000 individuals worldwide. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: delayed developmental milestones; gross and fine motor impairment; difficulty with feeding and swallowing; issues; loss of functional speech and epilepsy. As you'll hear today, her daughter Hayden is one of the main reasons she races and trains —all in an effort to raise awareness and funds for a cure for this rare disorder. In fact, her most recent endeavor was truly epic — It was the Breck Epic, a six-day mountain bike race in the Breckenridge mountains. She and her partner crushed the race, but her fundraising goals continue and today, we talk about her athletic journey, and also the joy, difficulty, reality, and gift of raising a child with Angelman's Syndrome. She speaks beautifully and candidly about this privilege of giving her baby angel the wings to fly.  Episode Resources: Deanna's "Epic Climb for an Epic Cure" Fundraising Page - https://cureangelman.org/deanna-mccurdys-epic-climb-for-an-epic-cure  To learn more about FAST Athletes, their mission and inspiring stories, check out our FAST Athletes page - https://cureangelman.org/fast-athletes  Deanna's Team USA Blog Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com -  "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)    

Ashley Brush was born and raised in a strict, religious upbringing and, by her early 20s, she was married, with a young son, and was also a stepmother to two other children. At this time, because she was playing by a strict set of rules,  she says she had no idea who she really was because she was so young and never gave herself an opportunity to find out. Resentment and depression were the norms, which led to drugs and binge eating to numb the pain.  Just a couple of years ago, Ashley went back to one joy she had as a child/teenager — running. She quietly started running again and, magically, a portal opened to happiness, joy, self-confidence, and profound freedom.  THIS is what she was meant to do…and today she's doing it. Ashley is a coach, trainer, and ultra-endurance athlete. She runs redjasperrunning.com and the Rising Runners group in Bend, OR. She's also a coach for Team RunRun, working with runners of all levels.  By “pouring love all over herself,” she has started to discover the woman she was meant to be.    Episode Resources: Red Jasper Running - https://www.redjasperrunning.com/  Rising Runners FB Group Team RunRun - https://teamrunrun.com/coach/ashley-brush-bend-running-coach/  Support the Podcast through BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)  

In this episode of “I Could Never Do That,” I “shake” things up a bit to take a self-indulgent and celebratory walk down “memory lane.”  Think back to when you were 13, 14, or 15. What or who just lit your world on fire and made you believe that "Anything is Possible?" Was it a book? A Teacher? A Relative? A First Love? Was it a song, athlete, or artist that took hold and sent you on a journey of imagination and unlimited potential?  For me, as a 14-year-old songwriter wannabe in the late 80s (i.e. the best music decade ever), that person was Debbie Gibson and that album was “Out of the Blue.” In 1985-1986, I saved up some money to buy a 4-track Tascam multitrack recorder and, week after week, I would lay down pitiful keyboard tracks, hit rewind, and then lay down a drum machine, hit rewind again, and play guitar, only to top it off with some of the worst pitchy vocals you can imagine, but man oh man I was living my dream of making music. It wasn't long after that I started hearing about this young 16-year-old, rising star who was also writing and producing her own music…and that was it.  Somehow along the way, over three decades have passed and I'm so thrilled to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the release of "Out of the Blue" by talking with a few Debbie Gibson fans and letting them share THEIR stories about the impact she had on them at the time and still has on their lives.  I chose a few old-school friends that I was pen pals back in the day of DGIF (Debbie Gibson International Fan Club), and a couple of new friends I met just a few months ago on her recent tour stop in LA. I even speak with a younger fan who, as she says, was an “Electric Youth” baby born in 1989!  There was a time I thought, “I could never” adequately thank Debbie for being such a bright light in my world, but actually, thanks to her, I have this mic and am honored to have that chance in this episode.  Episode Resources: "I Could Never Do That" Website Debbie Gibson Website: https://debbiegibsonofficial.com/  Instagram: @debbiegibson - https://www.instagram.com/debbiegibson/  http://www.rocknrollrescuedogs.org/  Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Support the Podcast:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett 

Dan Leite is a long-time runner, multiple marathon and IRONMAN triathlon finisher, and recipient of a heart transplant recipient in 2015. His symptoms began in 2011 at the peak of his running and his condition, although treated with medication, continued to deteriorate until he was granted the ultimate gift in December 2015. His life ultimately was saved by the heart of a stranger, but the impact remains far-reaching. Today, we discuss: The onset of his symptoms Why it's so important to be an advocate for your own health The gratitude he feels towards his donor and the medical team who saved his life Why he wanted to return to “normalcy," which included more marathons What he's doing now to give back The great news? Dan still runs regularly and has completed a couple of marathons since his transplant. He's also the Chairman of the Board of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon and will be running the half distance this October. He and his family created a fund for ongoing research and support for transplant recipients, donors, and their families. It's called “Rita's Corner of the World Fund” named after his Mother.  He writes: The fund's namesake is a direct result of a conversation I had with her many years ago, when she reminded me that people do not always have to do large acts of kindness to change the world. Mom said that “sometimes we all need to just focus on improving our own little corners of the world. If many people can do that, just think of how many corners we can assemble to create an amazing mosaic and a better world.” Rita's Corner of the World Fund is our small attempt to give back to the very large community that saved my life. It is meant to honor heart donors and their families, health care and hospital caregivers at all levels and those waiting on transplant lists. It is our hope that this fund will provide both needed patient services to heart transplant recipients at Ohio State along with funding to conduct crucial breakthrough research in organ transplantation. In dreaming a little, wouldn't it be amazing if our new fund could help provide the needed resources that create “a new little corner of the world” through research discoveries that allow all transplant recipients to receive their “miracle call” and have a second chance at life with their families?   Episode Resources Runners World article on Dan Rita's Corner of the World Fund "I Could Never Do That" Website Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Support this Podcast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett   

Spencer Newell is a music writer, producer, health coach, trainer, author, and longtime endurance athlete.  He has certainly run the gamut in his 43 years - growing up as a high-level endurance athlete, battling a crippling addiction to drugs and alcohol, seeking treatment and finding sobriety, diving headfirst back into endurance sports, and unfortunately succumbing to overtraining syndrome not once, but twice. Today, we explore that fine line of being “all in” on something or being “all-out” — either by choice or force.  His journey is so packed with lessons from both extremes, but thankfully finding peace and stillness somewhere in the middle.  Follow Spencer: Instagram: @spencer.newell Facebook Novo Veritas - "Honest Change" Health Coaching Follow Spencer on Spotify Follow Spencer on Apple Music "I Could Never Do That" Website Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett 

Dawn Mussallem was in medical school when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Treatment was successful but eventually, Dr. Mussallem, who works at Mayo Clinic in Florida, began experiencing heart failure. She had a defibrillator implanted and went through myriad procedures as she navigated her medical career. As her heart worsened, she was listed for a heart transplant and on Feb. 5, 2021, “the ultimate exchange” occurred – when Dr. Mussallem received a new heart. Just one year later, Dawn also became a marathon finisher. Today, she shares her journey as a physician, mother, wife, daughter, and 20-year cancer survivor turned heart transplant recipient. Episode Resources: Episode Webpage Dawn's Journey from Cancer Survivor to Transplant Recipient Mayo News Network Story on Dawn's Marathon Journey "I Could Never Do That" Website Support Carrie and the Podcast through "Buy Me a Coffee" Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)    

A musician and teacher by day and potato pusher by night! This is the story of Alison James, CEO of Sports Spuds. Tired of constantly feeling sick and nauseous during her marathons and races, Alison heeded the advice of a nutritionist and tried boiled potatoes - BAM!! Success! The only problem? They were messy and not portable, especially when you're reaching into your baggie with dirty hands. For 12 years, Alison and her husband researched, tested, explored and hit dead ends when trying to figure out how to package potatoes. Finally, they found a supplier with the right machine and packaging...now they just had to hone their recipe.  Sport Spuds debuted in 2021 and, through some grassroots marketing, is now making quite the impact on the endurance scene.  This is definitely a story of patience, resilience, and the determination to keep searching for solutions. Now, they have a great product and a loyal audience extolling the power of the potato!   Sport Spuds Website "I Could Never Do That" Website Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)    

Tracey Hulick is a plant-based ultrarunner who, at the young age of 12, became inspired to donate her kidney to a stranger.  Upon hearing a story of someone whose life was saved from a living donor, Tracey was also determined to save the lives of strangers, which she did in 2017 when she donated one of her kidneys. This also led to her creating a nonprofit and global community at kidneydonorathlete.org, which, as she writes on her website, "Promotes the gift of life through living kidney donation among active individuals and athletes, by building a community that inspires, supports, and educates people about the experience of kidney donation." As this episode drops in early March, Tracey, and 20 plus other members of Kidney Donor Athletes are in Tanzania about to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.  Today, she shares her story of how this uncommon seed was planted and how she had to endure a tremendous amount of resistance from those who she thought were her closest friends. She talks about her triumph when she returned to racing, and now her fulfillment of creating this resource for others so that they don't have to go it alone as she did. Life truly has come full-circle for this advocate and adventure-seeker. Kidney Donor Athlete Website Tracey Hulick Instagram Washington Post Article 

Lisa Hesse is a Life and Wellness Coach for Athletes. Her job is to literally change the limiting beliefs of her clients and release them from the, "I Could Nevers." She is passionate about helping women across the wellness continuum find and celebrate their best selves while unleashing their own superpowers of joyful living. Questions we explore today: What limiting beliefs do you hold onto What identities do you find yourself stuck in? What is something you'd like to see yourself doing in 3 months, 6 months, 2 years? What relationship do you have with change? Everything changes, but when the ground gets too shaky, Lisa is there to help her clients stabilize and re-find their foundation. Episode Resources: Lisa Hesse Website Live Feisty Women's Performance Summit

Anthony Masiello is co-founder and CEO of Plant Based TeleHealth, which provides medical care for patients who have chronic disease and other medical conditions, including, but not limited to, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and digestive issues. These conditions are addressed through lifestyle medicine—the powerful, evidence-based practice of promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyle modification, including a whole-food, plant-based diet. Anthony shares his own journey from an overweight young adult, to a health coach and entrepreneur. He is passionate about making lifestyle medicine accessible to all and improving quality of life for all - especially as it relates to health, wellness and wellbeing, peace, freedom, accomplishment, and overall life satisfaction. Episode Resources: Plant Based TeleHealth Website "I Could Never Do That" Website Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)  

Today, I take a dive deep on a topic that is so, so important to me. Performance as a Plant-Based athlete. I hear all of the time from friends and fellow athletes who want to increase their knowledge and education around a plant-based diet and put it into practice in their training or on the racecourse. Today I'm speaking with Certified Sports Nutritionist Elizabeth Inpyn - she has a Masters of Science (in applied Exercise Science in Sports Nutrition) and she's also certified by the International Society Of Sports Nutrition, as well as a plant-based certification from the T.Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies. Elizabeth is a nutrition coach for FuelIn, which is an online coaching service and app that takes the guesswork out of your fueling and eating and really helps to dial in your needs based on your personal training schedule. We talk through so many of the nuts and bolts of putting together a plantstrong performance plan We discuss soy (the many pros of this misunderstood food) We talk micronutrients and supplements We talk protein sources, protein powders, and how to mix and match foods to get some serious bang for your buck. You might never want to become fully vegan, but let's face it, we could all use a little more of a plant slant in our lives, yes? Episode Resources FuelIn     

  Are you doing work you love? Are you waking up with purpose? Are you doing work that matters to you? Most, unfortunately, are not. In fact, in 2020, a whopping 65% of employees were already thinking of leaving their jobs - this was pre-pandemic.  Author, Career Coach, Radio Host and Podcaster, Ken Coleman, discusses his latest book, From Paycheck to Purpose - The Clear Path to Doing Work You Love. Coleman is heard on 70 radio stations, SiriusXM, and his podcast with over a million downloads a month, where he helps his audience discover what they were born to do and provides practical steps and advice to make that dream job a reality. His seven steps are outlined in his new book and, while they may seem simple, they are not easy. Finding your purpose requires constant work, self-evaluation, clarity and returning to your own personal mission statement about what you want and WHY. You were born to do work that matters and From Paycheck to Purpose is your personal guidebook. Episode Resources Ken Coleman Resources - including "Your Guide to Career Clarity" Order From Paycheck to Purpose    

Melissa Sundermann, DO, dipABLM, is board-certified in internal medicine. Dr. Sundermann has clinical interest in chronic disease management and preventive medicine through a Lifestyle Medicine approach. Lifestyle Medicine is a specialty of medicine that emphasizes increased physical activity, healthful whole food plant-based nutrition goals, improving sleep quality, avoiding risky substances, stress management and forming and maintaining supportive, healthy relationships. In caring for patients, Dr. Sundermann believes in a collaborative team approach between physician, patients and specialists.

  Betsy Hartley is an ultrarunner, health coach, and author of the book, "All Bets Are Off - My Journey of Losing 200 Pounds, A Showdown with Diabetes, and Falling in Love with Running." Today, she discusses how her rock bottom actually became her escape hatch to become absurdly brave. Cover excerpt: "From insulin shots to ultrarunning, Betsy shares, in her honest and often humorous way, the stories, advice, pitfalls, and triumphs of her very personal journey to build a healthy new life. And, what life is like today as a healthy, active, non-diabetic woman."    Episode Support Novo Veritas - Fostering Honest Change Visit "I Could Never Do That" and subscribe, rate, and review to the show 8 Greens Website - Use promo code: ICNDT for 15% off your first one-time order at 8greens.com    

Julieanna Hever, also known as the Plant-Based Dietitian, has helped thousands of people lose weight and achieve optimal health by following a plant-based diet. Today, she discusses her journey from actress to plant-based educator, author, and podcaster and how this role bridges her three biggest passions for food, performing, and helping people. Julieanna has written six books and her seventh, The Choose You Now Diet, is being released on December 21st (available for pre-order now). In The Choose You Now Diet, Julieanna condenses the experience she has accumulated over 15 years into 10 easy-to-follow tenets for lasting weight loss and health gains. Instead of counting calories, her joyful approach to eating embraces the health benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet: one that's focused on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. Her low-sugar, plant-based method combined with strategic time-restricted eating and mindfulness techniques has a proven record of success. As Julieanna likes to say, “Results are typical.” Supported by 75 delicious, plant-based recipes, The Choose You Now Diet provides the information and motivation you need to drop your extra pounds—and change your relationship with food for good. Today, she talks about how she works with her clients to finally choose themselves first in order to become the best possible versions of themselves. It is time to Choose. You. Now. Episode Resources Julieanna Hever - Plant-Based Dietitian Episode Support 8 Greens Website - Use promo code: ICNDT for 15% off your first one-time order at 8greens.com Visit "I Could Never Do That" and subscribe, rate, and review to the show Theme Music

Today's episode has quite the emotional arc — from this couple's romantic adventure to becoming scrappy accidental entrepreneurs, and going from near-business COVID collapse to redemption and rebirth…Plus, a new book, Venture, that explains it all in witty, thrilling, head-shaking detail.  At the heart of it all? A love of running. I'm talking today to Allison Macsas and Gabe Steger - founders of Rogue Expeditions, a boutique adventure travel company that creates run-centric vacations around the world. You'll find out what happened the moment Allison and Gabe learned that borders were shutting down — all while she was mid-air on an international flight to guide a trip. How have they pivoted in the time of COVID? What do they want their guests to take away from each trip? (spoiler alert - it's more than just miles. It's an appreciation for culture, exploration, and humanity.) And before you start thinking, I could never do that! I'm too slow, or I couldn't keep up — stop — You CAN do that because their expedition-style trips are suited for people of all levels, all paces, and all backgrounds. Your only requirement? Be open to adventure. Episode Resources: Rogue Expeditions Venture - The Rogue Expeditions Book Episode Support 8 Greens Website - Use promo code: ICNDT for 15% off your first one-time order at 8greens.com Visit "I Could Never Do That" and subscribe, rate, and review to the show Theme Music

Megan Marie Myers is a painter, illustrator, and native Oregonian. After attending art school in Seattle, Megan took a position in Seattle at Chihuly Studio where her job was to coordinate the logistics of creating and installing full-scale gallery exhibitions of Dale Chihuly's artwork, as well as private commissions of large-scale glass and steel art installations for public and private clients worldwide. This, she says, was instrumental in teaching her the all-encompassing business side of the art world. It was exhausting but so valuable to her future as an entrepreneur. In 2013, she relocated to Portland and began working at Trader Joe's as an artist and sign maker. Because of the flexibility and freedom of this job, Megan was finally able to create and sell more of her own work. She and her partner, Matt, moved to Bend in 2015 and this became a huge "I Could Never Do That" moment for her. Should she transfer and continue to work for Trader Joe's in Bend with flexibility and a steady income? Could she launch her own business in a town where she was unknown? Would this new town even be receptive to her work and unique style?  Well, as it turns out, the town of Bend was not only receptive to Megan, but they unofficially adopted her as the town's resident artist!   ​Her work is ubiquitous with Bend because it encapsulates why so many people love Central Oregon - inspiration from the outdoors and the connection we have to our natural surroundings and to each other.  It only makes sense because, in addition to painting outdoor scenes, Megan also embodies her work as a trail runner, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast. Earlier this year, she created the Creativity Shakeout run, which connects creatives of all types for an informal weekly walk or run. It's her unique way of connecting with others and giving back to a community that has given her so much.  Megan Myers is proof that if you keep showing up authentically, big magic will happen and, when you put so much joy into the world through your art, how could it not? Today we talk: The joy that her work brings to her fans/buyers The personal touches and "language" of her paintings and illustrations Her journey from Seattle to Portland to Bend How she broke into the Bend creative scene - spoiler alert: a lot of cold calls and knocking on doors Client work vs. Original Work - which does she prefer? What her work with Chihuly and Trader Joe's taught her about entrepreneurship and running a business The behind-the-scenes of running a business Her favorite music and how she creates a mood to work The parallels between ultra running and creating art How she trains for her ultras The genesis of the Creativity Shakeout Group Episode Resources: Megan Marie Myers Website Podcast Supporter: 8Greens.com - use promo code: ICNDT for 15% off first on-line purchase    

An early pioneer of nutrition-first wellness, Dawn Russell has been chasing simpler solutions for getting your daily greens since 2001, after a stage three cancer diagnosis in her mid-twenties set her on a path to find alternative solutions that might speed her recovery. Unable to receive radiation or chemotherapy due to a rare bone infection that left her immune system compromised, she tried countless non-traditional treatments, only to find that going back to the basics of fresh, green nutrition was the key. Russell launched 8Greens in 2016, the world's first greens-based supplement company, to make it easier for people to get their daily minimum requirement of greens without having to splurge or sacrifice their time. Despite endless manufacturers telling her that getting real greens into effervescent tablets couldn't be done, Russell was determined and spent five years and went through 264 prototypes to make it happen. The result, an effervescent tablet made from eight real greens: spinach, kale, aloe vera, wheatgrass, blue green algae, barley grass, chlorella and spirulina. Today the product line of 8Greens continues to expand with the introduction of Chewables, Gummies, Skin and Detox tablets, and brand-new Lollipops, to ensure there's an option that works for everyone (kids included). Her mission remains the same: to uncomplicate nutrition and make it easier for everyone to get their daily greens, no matter what's on the schedule. Key Takeaways from Dawn: When chemotherapy wasn't an option, she faced a pivotal decision moment in her healing. How did she have the gumption to go on a quest for self-healing? The importance of combining both Western and Eastern medicine in her full recovery. The tenacity to keep going in the face of naysayers, prototypes, and those who said her dream wasn't possible. The highs and lows of scaling a major business. Why she chose the 8 specific greens she chose and the power that they pack in one small tablet. Brand extensions - what factors and audiences did she consider when building out her line extensions into gummies, chewables, and lollipops? How a daily dose of greens is your best defense mechanism against pervasive lifestyle disease. About 8Greens Real greens for the real world. We created 8Greens to make it easier to get your daily greens, no sacrifices necessary. You shouldn't have to compromise to live a healthy life, so our products are made with real greens in easy-to-use formats that taste great and take the guesswork out of nutrition. We offer a simple solution to a problem that's been overly complicated for too long, so that your busy life can be a healthy one, too. Episode Resources 8 Greens Website - Use promo code: ICNDT for 15% off your first one-time order at 8greens.com Visit "I Could Never Do That" and subscribe, rate, and review to the show Theme Music

Paige Davis is an author, meditation teacher, and entrepreneur. She, along with her sister, are the founders of Pebbl, a lifestyle brand providing a curated gateway to presence and wellbeing. Through their programming, collaborations, and products, they hope you'll find all the support you need to anchor the light within. The first Pebbl products, the Starter Kit and Sanctuary, feature a portable, stylish and comfortable floor chair for meditation and beyond. They like to say they provide a little cush-for-the-tush and peace for the soul. "With Pebbl, we got your back." Save 20% off the purchase with code: ICOULDNEVER Pebbl -  https://pebbl.com/ Soul Sparks - https://soulsparks.com/   

Coach Gilbert Tuhabonye has been leading the Gilbert's Gazelles running group since 2002. It's a group that encompasses all ages, goals, paces, and fitness levels. All are drawn to Gilbert, not just for the promise of getting faster or getting your BQ time (which trust me - can and does happen frequently), but people are drawn to Gilbert because of his smile, magnetic personality, and the inspiration you’ll hear today from his story. Even former President George W. Bush was inspired to paint a portrait of Gilbert in his new book, "Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants." He knows that simply put, running with joy makes you a better human. Running can also save lives as it saved his on a few occasions.  He’s originally from Burundi and was a standout runner and student. In 1993, a centuries-old Civil War between two tribes was raging in his home country. And, as written in the description of his memoir, “The Voice in My Heart” - Fueled by hatred, the Hutus forced more than a hundred Tutsi children and teachers into a small room and used machetes to beat most of them to death. Gilbert was one of those Tutsi students. The unfortunate ones who survived the beating were doused with gasoline and set on fire. After hiding under burning bodies for over eight hours, Gilbert heard a voice inside saying, "You will be all right; you will survive." He knows it was God speaking to him. Gilbert was the lone survivor of the genocide, and thanks his enduring faith in God for his survival. How did he survive? He ran…miles and miles with burns over most of his body. It’s horrific to imagine, but running saved him that day. It also brought him to the US where he ran for Abilene Christian University and, under the mentorship of Paul Carozza, eventually landed in Austin to work for Paul and RunTex. He’s been here ever since, became a legal US Citizen, and has raised his family here. In 2006, He also started The Gazelle Foundation - building wells, providing resources, and bringing clean water systems for thousands in Burundi. And, this is why it was the biggest honor of his life to be painted by a US President and interviewed on the Today Show by Jenna Bush. He is the epitome of the American Dream.  Gilbert's Appearance on The Today Show with Jenna Bush Hager Gilbert's Gazelles Gazelle Foundation Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants The Voice in My Heart