The Discomfort Zone

What if your breath could be the key to healing, resilience, and reclaiming your power? In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Adam Spillman — a cancer survivor, breathwork and meditation teacher — whose journey will shift the way you think about discomfort, recovery, and self-discovery. ✨ Here's what we dive into:

Need a boost of adventure, energy, and motivation? You're going to love this conversation with accomplished whitewater paddler and adventurer Anna Wagner! She's tackled some of the toughest multi-day expeditions in North America — from the Stikine to the Middle Kings, plus multiple

What does it really take to peel out of the eddy with confidence—on the river and in life? In this solo episode, Anna shares insights from a Class IV day on the Cheoah River and a powerful conversation about mindset, trust, and making bold moves. Learn how familiar thought patterns keep us stuck, and how generating the feelings you want—before the big rapid—can shift everything. Whether you're on the water or navigating a challenge in life, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to find your flow. You'll learn: Why familiar patterns feel safe—even when they hold you back A simple yet powerful morning practice to shift your energy How “spotting your landing” applies both on and off the river If you're ready to move through fear, let go of perfectionism, and feel more joy in your paddling and your life—this one's for you.

Dive into an inspiring conversation with whitewater legend Todd Wells as he joins Anna Levesque to talk all things kayaking, courage, and community. This episode is packed with insight, heart, and a few splashes of river wisdom.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Brad Burden — former pro kayaker

In this solo episode, Anna shares one of the most powerful lessons from whitewater kayaking: lean into the rock. What does that mean? When things get hard—on the river or in life—our instinct is to pull away. But that resistance can make things worse. Anna breaks down how leaning into discomfort can actually help you move through it with more ease, grace, and strength. In this episode, you'll learn:

This week, I sit down with the amazing Jessie Stone — medical doctor, pro kayaker, and founder of Soft Power Health, a nonprofit making a real difference in Uganda

In this epic episode, I sit down with Heidi Walsh—one of the top all-around female kayakers on the planet—to talk about the mental and technical game behind hucking 92-ft waterfalls, throwing down in freestyle comps, and charging Class V creeks. We dive into the wild story behind her recent switch freewheel off Spirit Falls—a jaw-dropping downriver trick that had the internet losing its mind. Heidi shares what it was like to follow up that viral moment with a swim trying to hand paddle through Chaos after her paddle got ripped out of her hands —and the powerful lessons she took away from it. Her honest take on embracing mistakes, learning from beatdowns, and building mental resilience will fire you up to push your own limits—whether you're on the water or tackling life's rapids.

In this week's episode, I sit down with world champion SUP athlete and coach, Seychelle, for a conversation packed with game-changing insights on paddling, business, and life.

What does it take to push past fear, redefine your limits, and keep chasing adventure—no matter what life throws your way? In this episode, I sit down with Isaac Levinson, a multi-sport athlete and former US National Slalom Team member, as he opens up about his incredible journey through adventure sports, the life-altering back injury that changed everything, and his recent autoimmune diagnosis. Isaac shares powerful insights on: ✅ The fine line between physical and mental discomfort ✅ How mindfulness fuels healing and growth ✅ The power of choice in turning fear into joy ✅ Coping with disappointment and setbacks ✅ Redefining goals to stay in the game for the long haul Whether you're an athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, or just someone looking for inspiration to overcome obstacles, this episode is packed with wisdom, resilience, and the true spirit of adventure.

Want to uplevel your leadership game? This episode is a must-listen! Jennifer McClanahan, a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders, sits down with me for a powerful conversation about human-centered leadership. We dive deep into the real challenges of leadership—taking risks, building strong relationships, practicing vulnerability, and communicating with impact to create a thriving workplace culture. Jennifer breaks down power dynamics in organizations and debunks the myth that being human-centered comes at the cost of profitability. You'll learn: How emotional intelligence shapes successful leadership Why connection across differences is key to innovation The power of recognizing individuals for their inherent strengths Proven strategies for tackling difficult conversations with confidence If you're ready to lead with clarity, courage, and impact, don't miss this game-changing conversation!

In this solo episode, I'm sharing with you my experience returning to some of the rivers in Western North Carolina that have changed since Helene. Learning ‘new' rivers made me realize that, although some of the rivers challenged me before Helene, they were still in my comfort zone because I knew them so well. Discovering new features and rapids challenged me to practice the strategies that I coach, including how to face scary stories and beta about a river without letting it derail my confidence. If you've ever found yourself overanalyzing rapids or battling self-doubt in high-pressure moments, this episode will give you actionable strategies and thought-provoking questions to help you. And, as always, the lessons learned on the river go far beyond kayaking—they're the same skills that help us navigate life's challenges too.

In this episode, Libby Hinsley, a doctor of physical therapy, certified yoga therapist and author, talks about her experiences with hypermobility syndromes and how discomfort can be a powerful catalyst for transformation. As teacher/instructor trainers in our respective disciplines, we share effective teaching strategies and the evolution of moving from the need to be over-prepared to having the confidence to leave time and space for creativity and being present with students. Whether you're a kayak instructor, a yoga teacher, or both, this conversation offers valuable insights for your practice and your students. We also unpack the courage it takes to build a business that supports your physical and mental well-being while making a sustainable living. And, if you've ever thought yoga isn't for you because you're "not flexible," Libby busts that myth and explains why yoga can be a game-changer for paddlers. Join us for an inspiring discussion that reframes discomfort—not as something to avoid, but as a powerful force for growth, change and success.

This week, I sit down with my dear friend from college, Jiffer Bourguignon, for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation about life, discomfort, and the unexpected ways we find connection. Jiff shares what it's been like living as an American expat in Germany for decades—navigating cultural nuances, language mishaps, and the kind of miscommunications that are so awkward, they're funny. Jiffer talks about serving as an election observer in Afghanistan, and how she found an unlikely bridge to local communities: food. By stepping into kitchens and learning traditional dishes, she forged deep relationships in a place where connection wasn't always easy. We also dive into some real talk—her challenges raising three teenagers, the rollercoaster of perimenopause, and all the messy, beautiful moments in between. Join us for a conversation about discomfort that's equal parts funny, insightful, and deeply human.

From the moment I first spoke with Vishnu Das—an experienced Ayurvedic doctor and teacher—I knew I could listen to him talk about Ayurveda and yoga forever. Now, after nearly 15 years of mentorship, I'm beyond excited to share his insights with you. In this rich and thought-provoking conversation, we explore the power of self-awareness in navigating discomfort and the profound role Ayurveda plays in understanding our unique nature. Vishnu shares invaluable wisdom on acceptance, motivation, and the transformative power of simple yet intentional lifestyle shifts. Expect personal stories, practical strategies, and deep reflections on: ✨ Embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth and healing ✨ Ayurveda's guidance for aligning with your unique constitution ✨ The magic of morning rituals and self-care practices ✨ Lessons from spiritual teachers and the art of presence in relationships ✨ The discipline-freedom paradox—and why structure is the key to liberation This episode is an invitation to rethink your relationship with discomfort, tune into your inner wisdom, and take small but powerful steps toward balance and well-being. If you're ready for a conversation that's both deeply insightful and immediately applicable, this one's for you. Tune in now.

In this episode, I'm stoked to welcome back my husband, Andrew Holcombe—a skilled paddler, natural leader, and my favorite partner-in-adventure —for another heartfelt (and sometimes funny) chat about tackling the discomfort zone in close relationships. We dive into our own experiences, sharing the good, the awkward, and the downright messy moments that come with navigating communication, boundaries, and the art of finding humor in life's challenges. Together, we unpack how understanding emotional reactions can transform communication and deepen connection, while also exploring self-acceptance, body positivity, and the power of creating supportive environments. It's a real, relatable conversation about balancing autonomy with offering help, embracing emotional intelligence, and growing stronger—individually and together. If you want to be a better partner in adventure, tune and gain insights from a couple who've been adventuring together for 20+ years and still loving it.

In this episode of the Discomfort Zone Podcast, Anna sits down with Gerry Seavo-James, Deputy Campaign Director for the Sierra Club's Outdoors for All campaign. Together, they explore the transformative power of equitable outdoor access and the discomfort zones we face in work, play and building community. Gerry shares personal stories of navigating risk, overcoming gear and financial barriers, and challenging judgments within outdoor communities. From skill-building through training and coaching to fostering community through intentional outreach, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for making the outdoors more inclusive for everyone. Anna and Gerry also dive into the art of balancing diverse passions and interests, offering insights on how this multifaceted approach enriches their work—and yours. Whether you're passionate about building community, integrating varied interests into your career, or simply finding your place in the great outdoors, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

This week on The Discomfort Zone Podcast, I'm joined by Boyd Ruppelt—a seasoned whitewater kayaker, guide, and instructor—who shares his wisdom on confronting fear and managing risk in high-stakes environments. Boyd offers a deep dive into the art of risk management and the guiding philosophies that shape his approach to both pursuing and guiding adventure sports. Together, we explore the unique mental challenges of kayaking and draw parallels to other sports Boyd is passionate about - skydiving and surfing. Boyd's stories and insights shine a light on how understanding fear can transform it into a powerful tool for growth and self-discovery. If you've ever wondered how to embrace risk, push your limits, and cultivate a richer, more fearless engagement with life, this episode is for you. Tune in and let Boyd's journey inspire your own path through discomfort and beyond!

In this week's episode, Kara Weld, co-owner and CEO of Immersion Research, shares how she approaches the discomfort zone in business, kayaking and her relationship. This conversation provides many insights for life on and off the water,  and lots of river analogies! Kara shares about her experiences as a competitive canoe slalom kayaker and business owner, emphasizing the balance between risk and reward  and the challenges of decision-making in entrepreneurship. We also hit on the dynamics of working with your significant other,  the evolution of women's participation in kayaking, and the importance of  elevating women in the sport. Spoiler alert: we barely scratched the surface on those last topics, so a follow-up episode will definitely in the works! Don't miss out on this rich and engaging conversation. Your paddling and your life will be better for it.

In this episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast, I sit down with Danny Mongno, a true paddling industry veteran, as he opens up about his journey through the highs and lows of a career in paddle sports. From his passion for teaching to overcoming physical challenges like hip surgeries, Danny shares the resilience it takes to stay active in an ever-evolving outdoor industry. We delve into the impact of e-commerce on small retailers, the growing significance of fitness and personal connections, and how the paddling community is shifting focus toward athletes who lift others up. Discover how Danny, through his work at NRS, is supporting events that are reuniting paddlers, amplifying women's voices, and empowering athletes to make a lasting impact. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the outdoors, community, and the power of connection in sports.

If you're a whitewater paddler and you've wondered how the legendary ‘Brown Claw' came to be, you'll get the facts in this episode, directly from Dave Fusilli, one of the OG Demshitz. If you're not a whitewater paddler and that sounds like crazy talk, you'll still want to tune in because Dave tends to bring out the best in people. He seems to effortlessly balance not taking himself too seriously while also being very thoughtful and committed to connection, kindness and kayaking, of course. In this conversation we explore the  themes of discomfort, decision-making, mindfulness, and the power of our spiritual connection to water. Dave also generously shares how he has been navigating the recent loss of his good friend, and industry icon, Bren Orton. You'll come away from this episode with inspiration for being more authentically yourself, having more fun, spreading more love and being a little kinder to yourself and others.

In this episode, certified counselor Somerville Johnston returns to the show to do a dive deep with Anna into the mental health impacts of Hurricane Helene on their Asheville community. They candidly explore the emotional landscape of discomfort, self-care, and survivor guilt, while underscoring the essential role of community support in the healing process. The conversation sheds light on the importance of showing compassion—for ourselves and others—as they reflect on the collective grief that follows natural disasters. Anna and Somerville discuss the complexities of grief and loss, emphasizing how grief is an ongoing process. They share personal strategies for coping, stressing the importance of routines, presence, and allowing emotions to flow freely. Ultimately, this dialogue is a powerful reminder of the strength found in small acts of care and the profound interconnectedness between individual struggles and community-wide recovery.

Last week Hurricane Helene devastated parts of our town and much of Western North Carolina. This is a solo episode on my reflections of the past week because it felt like the right thing to do rather than go to a pre-recorded interview episode. I literally re-recorded this episode 4 times because nothing I say captures all of the emotions and thoughts that have been running through me. There are no words, and things will continue to change as the recovery continues. Settling on the focus of compassion, gratitude, focusing on what we can create anew from this devastation, and knowing that we will be able to return to the rivers for healing when the time is right. Thanks for tuning in to this episode where I am very much in my discomfort zone on many levels.

If you want to learn to set better boundaries, then to tune into this week's episode about my absolute favorite teaching from the river: How to set boundaries like river banks. Learning how to set boundaries around what's important to you is essential to living a life that is fulfilling and meaningful to you. Unfortunately, boundaries can get a bad rap as too confining, rigid and not fun. However, when you look at the flow of the water in a river - full of fun, beauty, power and freedom, you'll notice that none of that could exist without the boundaries of the river banks. In this episode you'll learn how to direct the flow of your energy, focus and awareness towards what's important to you.

If you need some positive inspo this week, this episode is for you! Stephen Wright is one of the most accomplished and positive paddlers I know. In this conversation Stephen shares how he navigates his discomfort zone in competition, squirt boating, coaching and starting his carbon boat building company, Dreamboat Kayaks. You'll learn about his coaching philosophy, and how he approaches inspiring and motivating his students through failure and success. Stephen's take on winning and creating the stoke he wants to see in the future of paddling is both refreshing and motivating. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, and share some laughs along the way.

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Sophie Gilfillan, recent silver medalist in Junior Women at the World Freestyle Championships, who has also excelled in slalom kayaking, and creek boating. In this episode of the Discomfort Zone Podcast, Sophie delves into the delicate balance between rational and irrational fear, sharing how she navigates the mental challenges of paddling and competition. She reveals how the rule of thirds has become her secret weapon for bouncing back from tough performances, allowing her to keep the joy alive in both competition and everyday paddling. As an experienced slalom paddler, Sophie offers her insights on extreme slalom, an event recently added to the Olympics. She explains how it has made slalom more accessible and fun. With a wisdom that exceeds her years, Sophie reminds us of the true essence of success: pursuing what you love, making a positive impact, and understanding that neither accolades nor failures define us.

Nicole Bernardin, a passionate ultra runner, reminds us to separate fact from fiction to stop ourselves from getting derailed by the lows or the highs of racing and life. She shares her mental agility strategies for completing endurance races, and how the sport has helped her cultivate patience, resilience and confidence in all areas of her life. Nicole also shares her story of having to face a difficult divorce after completing one of the biggest races of her career, and how her journey led her to discover the importance of giving herself personal grace in challenging times.

Imagine recovering from a catastrophic climbing accident that resulted in major multi -systems trauma, including  a skull fracture, a broken back, bruises in both lungs and 15 broken bones, to race the Green just 11 months later. Adam Herzog, an accomplished whitewater kayaker and outdoor enthusiast, did just that. This week, Adam shares his journey of overcoming the accident and how it has redefined his discomfort zone. Through his recovery, Adam discovered what it means to surrender and accept help, the big power of seemingly small practices, and joy in transitioning to becoming a kayak instructor. Adam's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination and you don't want to miss this conversation.

Shane Benedict, co-founder of Liquid Logic Kayaks, is one of the most confident paddlers that I know, and in this conversation he shares how he cultivated that confidence, and has sustained it for 40+ years on the water. He also talks about his passion for designing kayaks, and what part of the design and development process feels most uncomfortable, and most satisfying. Shane shares the strategies he uses to stay present in the moment, and the importance of keeping kayaking fun, and resisting the pressure to constantly progress. There are many gems in this conversation, including strategies for keeping your body injury-free, the impact of female mentors on Shane's paddling, and how he approaches breaking down hard whitewater.

Shawanna Kendrick, founder of The Hiking, Healing and Outdoors Life (H2O), shares how her recent expedition to Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania was both a personal and generational goal, and the lessons she learned along the way. Our conversation delves into cultivating self-awareness and personal growth through adventure, the benefits of pushing through hard, both for yourself and for others, and why it's important to live an inspiring life for yourself and for future generations. Shawanna shares practices and strategies she uses in her own life to ensure that she gives everything she's got to every day, while also reminding us to rest when it's time to rest, climb when it's time to climb and nourish ourselves when it's time to nourish ourselves. This conversation is full of gems of wisdom that you can apply in your own life to motivate you to keep showing up fully when life gets hard.

Benny Marr is known as one of the best big wave and river paddlers in the world, but I've always been just as impressed by his self-awareness, growth mindset and lighthearted humor. There's so much packed into this episode! Benny shares his thoughts on ego and kayaking, and how he has used his ego for both ‘good' and ‘evil' throughout his career. He distinguishes between being self-conscious versus self-confident, and how that has helped him grow and progress on and off the water. We talk about the satisfaction and confidence that comes from feeling that you've accomplished what you set out to accomplish, and followed the passions you set out to follow. Benny also shares his processes for gaining proficiency in kayaking, including video review, choosing confidence, and incorporating yoga and breathwork. If you want to learn from the journey of one of the best and most grounded paddlers in the world, tune into this episode!

Brenna Keller, a top PSIA ski instructor and guide, dives into the interplay between fear and excitement, highlighting how mindset can help achieve a flow state. .She explains how fear, when managed properly, can enhance performance.   The conversation also examines the discomfort zone beyond skiing, particularly in communication and relationships, where the courage to speak up can be challenging but crucial.   Brenna and Anna talk about the potential dangers of constantly seeking adrenaline in both ski culture and whitewater culture, their shared experience of feeling most comfortable in leadership roles, and the importance of separating self-worth from performance.   They reflect on how their passions for skiing and kayaking have evolved with age, touch on the fear of disappointing others and the necessity of letting go of the need to always do the right thing.

In this episode, helicopter air ambulance pilot, Holley Gardel, shares strategies for transforming negative feelings into powerful cues that propel you to perform at your best. We talk about the power of mental performance training, how it unlocks potential in every aspect of life, and how it's not just for elite athletes. Holley champions thorough preparation, seeking support, and celebrating even the smallest victories on the path to your success. Holley shares candid insights into her career as a female pilot in a male-dominated industry, addresses common misconceptions about aviation and the critical role of mentorship for women in the field. Through her stories, Holley emphasizes the importance of resilience, shares wisdom she has gained from her mentors and coaches, and the joy of fulfillment that comes from committing to your passions. If you want to learn how to adjust your attitude and altitude (I didn't realize that there is actually something called an attitude adjuster in a helicopter cockpit) to navigate your discomfort zone with more confidence and joy, then you'll want to listen to this conversation!

Abby Holcombe, a world champion kayaker who started paddling while traveling the world with her parents in their Winnebago van, shares her strategies for overcoming fear and building confidence while pushing her limits. Abby tells the story of running the Grand Canyon at the age of 12, and how that trip taught her the value of breaking challenges into smaller pieces, and honoring her feelings, including what she calls cry-yaking. Abby and Anna talk about the changing culture of whitewater paddling, the impact of social media on women in kayaking and what type of support is missing for empowering up-and-coming girls in the sport. If you're looking for a reframing of your fear, this conversation touches on the importance of knowing the difference between irrational and rational fear, and the power of knowing when to push yourself to go versus take your time. You don't want to miss this conversation packed with insights and inspiration!

In this episode, Shaun Eggie, a military veteran who has found healing through whitewater kayaking, shares his experiences and strategies for navigating discomfort and post-military life. Passionate about supporting veterans in re-integrating into civilian life, and healing mental injuries, Shaun talks about strategies for grounding, the importance of separating fact from story, and what you can do when you get caught up in negative narratives. This episode will give you practical strategies for navigating discomfort, growing self-awareness, embracing accountability, and cultivating a strong community of support. You'll get a lot out of Shaun's experience and wisdom whether you're a veteran or civilian.  

What does it take to get to become World Champion, and run some of the most challenging rapids in the world? In this episode, Freestyle World Champion and top extreme paddler, Sage Donnelly shares the strategies she uses in competition, and when taking on big whitewater, to calm her mind, stay focused and find her flow. Not only is she a successful multi-disciplined paddler, she is committed to helping others, like her, with Type 1 diabetes, celiac and hypothyroidism not let their diseases define what they can accomplish. This conversation is chock full of inspiration, motivation and good laughs. 

In this episode Chris Gragtmans, a former professional kayaker, life-long adventurer who now works in commercial real estate, talks about setting boundaries and finding balance between family, work and adventure. Chris shares his philosophy on working smarter, not harder, and why learning how to say no is key to his success in following your passion, and living a life that is important to you. We also talk about why following your instincts and why walking rapids you've run hundreds of times is also a way to set boundaries with yourself, and honor your inner knowing. If you love river analogies, and want to learn strategies for better boundary setting so you can focus on what's important to you, don't miss this episode!

Emily Jackson, a three-time world freestyle champion and marketing director at Jackson Kayak, shares what it was like growing up in a famous paddling family and how her unconventional childhood has shaped her approach to discomfort and goal setting. She describes her journey of overcoming the fear of disappointing others, particularly her father, and the importance of choosing your own way. Emily and Anna's conversation delves into a lot of different topics including the challenges of envy and comparison in competition, insights into the realities of sponsorship in paddlesports, and Emily's parenting philosophy. If you're interested in learning how to befriend discomfort, and turn challenges into opportunities, this episode is for you!

Handling discomfort in high pressure situations can be challenging, and Cindy Frost, a lieutenant in the Austin Fire Department and avid adventurer, shares insights on how to respond powerfully. We talk about parallels between firefighting and whitewater kayaking, her experience solo thru hiking the Appalachian Trail, and the lessons she learned about self-sufficiency and the power of choice. Cindy also shares how comparing yourself to others can cause you to play small, and how celebrating your accomplishments allows you to contribute to and inspire others to do things they never thought possible. If you're looking to change things up in your life and take on a new challenge, this episode is for you.