Best Whitewater Kayaking Podcasts (2025)

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Ep #82 Money in the Bank: Making Every Move and Every Fail Count with Anna Bruno 1:03:35

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9h ago1:03:35

1:03:35

In paddling and in life, nothing is wasted — every stroke counts, and every experience is money in the bank moving you toward your goal. In this episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast, Anna Levesque sits down with longtime paddler, coach, and storyteller Anna Bruno — a six-time member of the USA Freestyle Team and current Marketing Communications M…

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E111: The tummy revolution and how I turned chronic stomach pain into a risk exploration 32:12

4d ago32:12

32:12

This episode is a reintroduction!!! Hi hi hi!! I'm Becca, the Risk Mentor! I'm building a MOVEMENT for women LIVING in aliveness rather than seeking safety through a healthy relationship to risk. You were meant to speak your opinions, to perform WELL under pressure, and to grow grow grow into a version of yourself that's so badass you can't current…

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Episode 500: Alan Drummond, Fat Bear Week, Paddlepalooza, Kayak camping on Georgian Bay 1:30:14

19m ago1:30:14

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Episode 500 ~ September 18, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Alan Drummond of Kingdom Outdoor Products joins us to chat about Fat Bear Week, Paddlepalooza, kayak camping on Georgian Bay, paddling to Mohawk Island on Lake Erie, and a man that circumnavigated Vancouver Island on a standup paddleboard (and a few other topics)…

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From Flood to Future: Helene’s Mountain Recovery 52:32

7d ago52:32

52:32

This September brings the one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene and the powerful flooding that pounded Southern Appalachia. Incredible work has been to remove the bridges and cars and houses and trees that filled up the rivers. And more work continues today and for the next 18 months to clean up the remaining smaller trash. In this episode we le…

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Ep #81 Conquering vs. Connecting: Rethinking Adventure with Brett Mayer 1:10:32

2h ago1:10:32

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What does it mean to honor the voice inside you that says “Not today”—even when your skills say yes? In this conversation, Brett Mayer, lifelong educator, athlete, and Policy Director at the American Canoe Association, joins Anna to explore how discomfort shows up on the river, in public speaking, and in stewardship. Together, they unpack identity,…

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E110: Energetic, frequency, and removing the woo from energetic healing with Joan 54:00

3d ago54:00

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Dr Joani is a western trained doc & intuitive energy healer. She moves energetic clutter in folks bodies & minds And teaches them how to do it for themselves so that they live in a path of least resistance. Because that’s where love, relationships, money and vibrant health just naturally flow to you! Join her upcoming masterclass series, the femini…

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Episode 499: 2000 campsites in the Boundary Waters; One family’s extended expedition; Power boats vs paddle craft 1:13:38

7d ago1:13:38

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Episode 499 ~ September 11, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics One man has spent years visiting all the paddle in camp sites in the Boundary Waters and logging them with GPS coordinates How one family threw out the book on adventure and spent nine years completing their extended expedition What do you do when you see the power boats coming but they don’t s…

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Ep #80 5 Steps to Stop Negative Self-Talk (and Paddle Out of Your Inner Critic) with Anna 17:33

12d ago17:33

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Ever feel like your inner critic has you stuck in a recirculating hole? 🙋‍♀️ Same here. In this solo episode, I share the 5 steps to stop negative self-talk — the exact ones I use when my own mind starts spiraling - which it has been doing recently on my back-healing journey. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✨ Get curious about your inner dialogue 🛑 Inter…

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E109: What it actually feels like to SEND IT with Beth Orehosky 1:02:59

12d ago1:02:59

1:02:59

On today’s episode we talk in depth about the experience of starting something really new, whether that’s a big trip, moving into a van, starting a coaching program, or learning to kayak! And reminder that September 9th, my 1:1 program Femme in Flow is closing!!! Apply here www.wildwomanbecca.com/flow -- Beth Orehosky (or a hos key) was a teacher b…

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Episode 498: Sean is back from Japan and talks about log rafting, canoeing, day camping and more 1:20:40

5d ago1:20:40

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Episode 498~ September 4, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Sean spent three weeks in Japan and now he is back to talk about his log rafting and canoeing adventures. He also explains what day camping is and much more.By SR

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Concrete vs The Snake River: Update 3 52:18

22d ago52:18

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After incredible collaboration and momentum at the Snake River amongst several tribes and two states to create a legitimate pathway for the 4 Lower Snake River Dams to be breached and therefore allow the anadromous Salmon, Steelhead and Lamprey of the basin to avoid extinction, the collaboration has been cancelled by the current presidential admini…

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Ep #79 Reclaiming the Current: Ruby Williams on Indigenous Youth, Paddling, and Resilience on the Klamath 41:33

17d ago41:33

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What does it mean to reconnect with your river, your culture, and your courage — all through the power of kayaking? In this episode of The Discomfort Zone, I sit down with Ruby Williams, a Quartz Valley tribal member and Kuduk person raised along the banks of the Klamath River in Happy Camp, California. Ruby’s paddling journey began in 2022 with Pa…

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E108: Neuroscience meets paddling meets manifestation with Kailey 1:05:14

12d ago1:05:14

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Ya'llllll YA'LL. I'm personally listening to this episode on repeat!!! Kailey and I gushed all over the place about ways to seamlessly train your brain to witness your dream life unfolding in front of you (because it is already unfolding)!!! This episode is jam packed with science, woo, and of course girl talk cuz it's the Wild Woman Pod, duhhhh! G…

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Episode 497: Group dynamics on paddling trip; Questions to ask new paddling partners; Can paddling bring couples closer together 1:05:47

12d ago1:05:47

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Episode 497~ August 28, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics How important are group dynamics when out on a paddling trip? Some questions you should ask potential new paddling partners 11 ways paddling can bring couples closer togetherBy SR

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Ep #78 8 Strategies for Thriving in Discomfort With Rally Crew Founder Deborah Kane 1:04:57

14d ago1:04:57

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What if the mistake you’re dreading is the very thing that sharpens your line? In this conversation, I sit down with Deborah Kane—founder of Rally Crew, a new “online eddy” for whitewater paddlers—to talk about launching big ideas, running big rapids, and staying human when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. From walking away from months of work to the …

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E107: The types of fun and maximizing the journey with Carly Schade 49:44

18d ago49:44

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What are the types of fun? Which is the most fun? Which is the most beneficial for growth? How do you get over the hump of "ahhhhhhh" and potential resistance to doing the type of fun that's not necessarily fun before you do it.... but definitely is looking back? How can we maximize life and the journey? This is my first instagram LIVE collab turne…

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Episode 496: Shedding light on some paddling myths; The haunting of Lake Lanier 1:06:22

19d ago1:06:22

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Episode 496~ August 21, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Shedding some light on some paddling myths that have been around a while Americas most haunted lake: Lake LanierBy SR

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10 Rivers for 2025 57:02

1M ago57:02

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For 40 years, American Rivers has published its annual Most Endangered Rivers list — a powerful statement sparking awareness and action to restore waterways across the country. In this 40th anniversary episode, we talk with Chantel Dominguez from American Rivers to explore this year’s list, river by river, moving through the challenges they face an…

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Ep #77 From Freestyle to Lifelong Flow with Kalob Grady 1:01:13

21d ago1:01:13

1:01:13

What does it take to fall in love with kayaking for life—not just for the next big rapid? In this episode, I sit down with Ottawa River local and Head of School at World Class Academy, Kalob Grady, to talk about the evolution of freestyle, the joy of paddling for fun, and the mindset shifts that keep you in the sport for decades. We dive into: 🌊 Wh…

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E106: Dirtbag Money Talk with Money Energetics Coach, Allison Stubbings 48:16

29d ago48:16

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To me being a dirtbag relates to being able to figure it out, find happiness in whatever I’m doing, and low key enjoying the roughness and grit of life. It’s doing more with less and not being dependent on money for wealth. However somewhere along the lines, the dirtbag mentality actually starting hindering my money beliefs in building financial we…

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Episode 495: Kevin Callan recounts his recent trips to Denison Falls on Lake Superior and Aiguebelle in Quebec 1:37:54

26d ago1:37:54

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Episode 495~ August 14, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Kevin Callan talks about his recent Lake Superior Denison Falls voyageur canoe trip and as well as the trip that saw him heading to Parc National d’Aiguebelle in QuebecBy SR

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Ep #76 Injury Update: What I Wish I Had Known and What’s Working Now 16:14

28d ago16:14

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Ten weeks after a herniated disc sidelined me, I’m finally sitting at the mic to share my biggest recovery wins—and the hard lessons I wish I’d learned sooner. Here’s what’s inside: ✨ How my ego delayed my healing (and how yours might too) 🚣‍♀️ Why kayaking + heavy lifting can be a dangerous duo for your low back 🩻 The MRI that changed everything—a…

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E105: Reframing uncertainty into certainty, the poopy tales of kayaking on new runs 40:34

1M ago40:34

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Uncertainty can be scary, but also exciting!! During this episode I reframe uncertainty so that it can still feel stable and offer a very clear pathway to transition from intangible emotions to specific empowering ones! FREE Wet Wild and Woo Woo Guidebook + resources Send me a DM to work with me in my virtual programs -- Becca Ploener is a Feminine…

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Episode 494: Derek & Family back from the backcountry; Dragon boat world record; 7 best places to SUP in Toronto 1:06:31

1M ago1:06:31

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Episode 494~ August 7, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Derek and his family went into the backcountry to try something new A grueling world record in a dragon boat on the Missouri River 7 of the best places to go standup paddleboarding in TorontoBy SR

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Is A River Alive? - Can a New Book Convince You? 53:06

2M ago53:06

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Every year, we ask one big question: What is a River? This year, the currents brought us to Dr. Robert Macfarlane—writer & professor—and his newly released book, Is A River Alive?, Dr Macfarlane joined us to explore that very question. From the chalk streams from his home in England to rivers across three continents, Macfarlane pursues his answers.…

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Ep #75 Bright Shadow: Navigating Loss in Outdoor Adventure with Chris and Sommerville 58:08

2M ago58:08

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In this episode I’m joined by the co-founders of the nonprofit Bright Shadow, Chris Gragtmans, accomplished whitewater kayaker, and Somerville Johnston, licensed professional counselor. Bright Shadow creates intentional spaces for community healing and reconnection for those grieving losses to and of the natural world — a topic that’s often overloo…

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E104: A simple way to bring presence into your paddling and life 29:05

1M ago29:05

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I BET you've got a voice in your head that's talk talk talking to you all day long. I sure as hell do. And during this episode I share a little bit about the voices in my head and how they are the key to staying present. I also share about what it means to be a femme in flow and some of my favorite tools for making dreams come true and feeling like…

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Episode 493: Toxic Algae blooms; Bear bells or no bear bells; Alberta’s potential new watercraft pass 1:10:04

2M ago1:10:04

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Episode 493~ July 31, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Toxic algae blooms are popping up everywhere and they are nothing new and can be deadly When in the back country do you wear bear bells or have some other sort of bear protection? Alberta is considering a new watercraft pass and want public inputBy SR

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Ep #74 From Boat Builder to Industry OG: Joe Pulliam on Business, Paddling and Impact 1:08:07

1M ago1:08:07

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What happens when a paddling pioneer shares decades of quiet wisdom on business, life, and the river? You lean in and listen. This week I sit down with Joe Pulliam—whitewater legend, founder of Dagger Kayaks, and one of the most thoughtful minds in the paddlesports world. From building his first boats in the 1960s for friends, to helping shape some…

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E103: Aliveness from the Perspective of Death through play and unpredictability 35:49

2M ago35:49

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I'm not living for the avoidance of death, I want to be ALIVE. But the essence of mentioning aliveness references death and risk. A friend of mind passed away a few weeks ago and in the reflection of his passing, I'm sharing wisdom I've gained through him. This episode is full spectrum touching on grief, deep gratitude, and uncertainty. Expect to l…

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Episode 492: Lock and Paddle Ottawa; Paddling with Steve Chard; 7 best National Parks to explore by paddling 1:25:53

2M ago1:25:53

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Episode 492~ July 24, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Sean attended Parks Canada’s Lock and Paddle event in Ottawa Sean headed to Bobcaygeon with some paddling friends to meet up with Steve Chard as he paddles the Great Loop Get away from the busy National Parks and explore 7 that are best accessed by paddle craft…

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Live talk with Spencer Matthews: 30 Marathons in 30 Days 39:17

2M ago39:17

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From reality TV to the punishing sands of the Jordanian desert – this is the extraordinary endurance story of Spencer Matthews. Known to many as a TV personality, Spencer has since carved out a new identity as an ultra-endurance athlete, entrepreneur, and podcaster, recently taking on the brutal challenge of running 30 marathons in 30 days across t…

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Ep #73 Trading Places: A Father-Son Story of Whitewater, Growth, and Trust with Ken and Cashion Porter-Shirley 52:09

2M ago52:09

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What happens when the student becomes the teacher — and your kid starts paddling harder than you ever did? In this heartfelt and often hilarious conversation, I sit down with Ken and Cashion Porter-Shirley, a father-son duo whose relationship has evolved from early river days full of coaching and “peer pressure” to deep mutual respect and role reve…

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E102: Celebrating as my religion and how that Fuels Success in Paddling + Beyond 26:21

2M ago26:21

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Own Your Shit Resource⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free!!) Join the Group Chat(free) Glitter Gear Room Access ($200) Come to Costa Rica with Me!!! (1 week retreat) Send me a DM to work with me in my virtual programs -- CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES C"MON!!! But do you REALLY? Do you let yourself celebrate ALLLLLLL the good times? Or do you brush the…

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If You Are NOT Changing IT, You're Choosing IT 5:36

2M ago5:36

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On todays Friday Fire I dive into the thought behind if you are not changing it, you're choosing it. I am a believer that no matter the situation there is always something more you can do. Even if something happens to you like get fired or injured, there is always something more you can do. Could you door knock asking for a job, or could you be rea…

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Episode 491: What is a meteotsunami?; The other side of a rescue; Paddle pups and platypuses 59:43

2M ago59:43

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Episode 491~ July 17, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics When you hear about a tsunami you think of the ocean, but what about a meteotsunami in Lake Superior? Hearing about a dramatic rescue from the rescuer’s point of view and how it affects them How a group is using SUP Pups to help in the fight against platypus extinction…

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“About Damn Time” - Women Dory Guides Breaking the Current 44:40

2M ago44:40

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In this episode, we dive into About Damn Time, Dana Romanoff’s powerful film that follows Cindell “Dellie” Dale and a crew of boatwomen as they navigate handcrafted wooden dories down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. They spent 17 days and 277 miles running the river and filming the story. Their journey becomes a vivid exploration of wo…

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E101: The 9 Sources of Flow and How to Activate Them!!!! 35:55

2M ago35:55

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Own Your Shit Resource⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free!!) Join the Group Chat(free) Glitter Gear Room Access ($200) Come to Costa Rica with Me!!! (1 week retreat) Apply for Femme in Flow (1:1 work) -- This episode has been saved!!! I thought I lost this episode in the death of my laptop, but we FOUND IT!!!! Ultimate STOKE! I'm so excited t…

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Change The Words From I HAVE TO, to I GET To 8:04

2M ago8:04

8:04

On todays Friday Fire I dive into the concept of changing your speech from change the words from I HAVE to, to I GET To. There are thins in life that we have to do, like going to the gym, but if we change the words to I get to, than it switches into a gratitude mentality and you start thinking how grateful you are that you have the opportunity and …

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Episode 490: Paddling after waterway cleanups; Replicating a 30,000 year old canoe voyage; The last trip of Bob James 58:34

2M ago58:34

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Episode 490~ July 10, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics With the growing trend of cities cleaning up the waterways to encourage recreation, there is still a hesitation to go in the water Scientists built a replica of a 30,000 year old canoe and used it to test a theory of an ancient sea crossing Bob James’ final paddling trip would be the last of many, th…

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The whitewater kayaker who defied limits and dropped down a 100-foot waterfall: Nouria Newman S3:E12 28:31

3M ago28:31

28:31

Kayaking prodigy Nouria Newman has faced the extremes of both competitive pressure and raw, untamed adventure – but it was in the wild rivers of the Himalayas that she rediscovered what truly mattered. In a journey defined by resilience, survival and a deep thirst for exploration, Nouria traded podiums for mountains and learned to trust herself in …

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E100: Dreaming BIG, flow states, and doing the thing your subconcious thinks will kill you with Dasha Barsukova 1:00:42

2M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Own Your Shit Resource⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free!!) Join the Group Chat(free) Glitter Gear Room Access ($200) Come to Costa Rica with Me!!! (1 week retreat) Apply for Femme in Flow (1:1 work) ---- Dasha Barsukova is a transformational coach, speaker, and the founder of Shkoda Mystery School. She helps creatives, change makers, and my…

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Don't Say You CANT, Just Say You Haven't Done it YET 7:08

3M ago7:08

7:08

On todays Friday Fire I dive into the concept of changing your mentality and speech. Don't say you Can't do something, just say that you haven't done it yet. It switches the mentality from am impossibility based thinking to a solution based thinking. I used to believe that there were things that were impossible, and now I just think that it just ha…

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Episode 489: Ian Parish talks about paddling the coastlines of 4 of the Great Lakes 1:39:01

2M ago1:39:01

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Episode 489~ July 3, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Ian Parish has paddled the Canadian coastlines of Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. He is now almost finished Lake Ontario and completing his goal of paddling four of the lakes. Listen as he talks about the good parts, the not so good parts, the fun parts and all the things he has learned alon…

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Endurance, Suffering, Transformation - The MR 340 56:08

3M ago56:08

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Every July, more than 500 paddlers push off from Kansas City down 340 miles of massive Missouri River current, paddling day and night across the state in one of the world’s longest nonstop river races. This is the MR 340, an event of endurance, suffering and transformation. From solo racers chasing records to 10-person canoes grinding it out over f…

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Ep #72 Anna on Rethinking How I Work, Teach, Move and Heal 17:59

2M ago17:59

17:59

💥 This episode is a real-time reflection four weeks into navigating the ups and downs of my journey to healing my back. I’ve resisted recording an update because I feel vulnerable, but this podcast is about the Discomfort Zone, and I’m in it! I’m sharing hard lessons I’m learning about slowing down, letting go, and rewriting old patterns around sel…

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Episode 488: Tornadoes wreak havoc in Ontario; SUP leashes, yea or nay; Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code 1:13:15

3M ago1:13:15

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Episode 488~ June 26, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Can you imagine being on a canoe trip and a tornado rips though? That is exactly what happened in Central Ontario Should you use a leash on a stand up paddleboard? The answer is yea AND nay Paddlers are disturbing the marine wildlife in Scotland so they are asking people to follow the Scottish Marine…

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The free solo climber who turned grief into climbing fuel to honour a promise: Brette Harrington S3:E11 32:26

3M ago32:26

32:26

Climbing phenomenon Brette Harrington has spent her life chasing adventure on bold lines in remote places – but few climbs demanded more courage, resilience and emotional strength than her historic free solo of Chiaro di Luna in Patagonia. What began as a shared dream with her partner Marc-André Leclerc would ultimately become a powerful tribute to…

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The Blueprints to Building the Coolest Town in America with Jed Selby 1:10:15

3M ago1:10:15

1:10:15

Today I get to sit down with a great friend, Jed Selby, as he shares his journey from professional kayaker to real estate developer. Jed shares a blueprint into what it takes to build one of the coolest places to live. He dives into culture, community and how music can get a uniting force. This is a deep dive into a master class of real estate and …

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Episode 487: You are never too old to paddle; The Maine canoe builders of Atkinson; College credit for kayaking 1:01:53

3M ago1:01:53

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Episode 487~ June 19, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics A group of seniors prove that you are never too old to start paddling Two men, 50 years of friendship and more than 2000 wood canvas canoes built in Atkinson, Maine Go to the University of Montana and get a credit for learning to kayakBy SR