Podcast Summary: Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan

Episode: Confidence Classic: Conquer Your Mind and Redefine What’s Possible with Colin O’Brady
Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Heather Monahan
Guest: Colin O’Brady, 10-time world record explorer and author of The Impossible First and The 12-Hour Walk

Episode Overview

This "Confidence Classic" episode features explorer and mindset coach Colin O’Brady in a deep, motivational conversation with Heather Monahan. Focusing on how to break through limiting beliefs, conquer your mind, and redefine what’s possible, Colin shares personal stories—ranging from record-breaking Antarctic crossings to recovering from a life-altering injury—and introduces the concept behind his latest book: The 12-Hour Walk. The episode is a blueprint for listeners to confront their fears, redefine personal “Everests,” and invest a single day to unlock their best, limitless selves.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Origin of “What Is Your Everest?”

• Colin describes a transformative encounter with an older billionaire after a private Wall Street event ([04:15]):
  • Despite outward success, the man confided that he often thought back to a moment of peace at age 14 and wondered, “what would have happened had I actually allowed myself to ask, ‘What is my Everest?’”
  • Colin’s central question: “What is your Everest?”—useful as a metaphor for any big life goal, not just literal mountains.

Personal Journeys to Discovering Purpose

• Heather’s Story ([07:55]): She didn’t recognize her passion until later in life but realized, after giving a transformative speech, that public speaking was her “Everest.”

• Colin’s Story ([09:05]):

  • Recovered from a severe burn and paralysis, set a seemingly impossible goal (racing a triathlon) thanks to his mother’s “possible mindset.”
  • After a surprise triathlon victory, he quit a lucrative commodities job, choosing passion over conventional markers of success.

  “It’s your life. So if you’re trying to do things to please every other person...but it’s not in alignment with your truth, then you start living other people’s lives.” — Colin O’Brady [16:18]

The Power of Mindset & Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

• Possible Mindset ([11:21]):
  • “An empowered way of thinking that unlocks a life of limitless possibilities.”
  • Even in the face of negative predictions, Colin’s mother insisted, "That's your goal, let's start training for it right now."
• Types of Criticism ([16:13]):
  • Differentiating between online trolls and well-intentioned loved ones, but ultimately, your path must align with your own truth.

The 12-Hour Walk: Concept and Practice

• Antarctica Backstory ([16:15 – 21:30]):
  • To finish his solo crossing before running out of food, Colin pushed past his perceived limits, pulling a 375-pound sled 12 hours a day instead of the planned 10.
  • “This is not about my 12-hour walk; this is about you.”
• Origin During COVID ([22:30]):
  • Back home during lockdown, Colin replicated the 12-hour walk for mental clarity and peace.
  • Encouraged others (from age 22 to 77) to try it in their own neighborhoods.
  • “Every single person that does this walk comes back with their life improved. Feeling more connected to yourself.” ([24:50])

Limiting Beliefs as Everyday Barriers

• Heather admits her own limiting beliefs surfaced when considering the walk—especially regarding family obligations and uncertainty ([28:17]):

  “Immediately I said, oh, my son. I can’t do it. I have my son.”

• Colin reframes self-care as not selfish but essential for being a better parent or partner ([36:27]).

Being a Beginner and Claiming New Identities

• Drake Passage Example ([36:27]):

  • Despite zero rowing experience, Colin trained, learned, and succeeded in being the first to row the Drake Passage.
  • “I am not a rower yet. Yet. That’s the important word there.”
  • Encourages using a "growth mindset” (Carol Dweck reference)—your present does not define your potential.

  “There was a time when Kobe Bryant had never shot a basketball... At some point he had to claim that as part of his identity.” ([39:50])

Tools & Community for the 12-Hour Walk

• Practical tips and resources ([36:27]):
  • 12-Hour Walk can be started from your front door. Location doesn’t matter.
  • App available to provide maps in airplane mode and help people not get lost.
• Global Community ([44:50]):
  • September 10th as a global participation day.
  • Purpose: to inspire 10 million people to take the walk and confront their own limiting beliefs.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Colin O’Brady on self-alignment:

  “If you’re trying to do things to please every other person...but it’s not in alignment with your truth, then you start living other people’s lives.” [16:18]

• Colin on growth mindset:

  “I am not a rower yet. That’s the important word there.” [39:50]

• Heather’s reflective epiphany:

  “Two things came to my mind when you said that...my son, number one, right?...And then number two is I wouldn’t know where to walk to...When I first got fired, those are the two things...So that’s so interesting. It’s a completely new way to look at this.” [35:21]

• Colin on “possible mindset”:

  “My mother said to me, you know what, that’s your goal, let’s start training for it right now. Why not? She instilled in me what I call a possible mindset...” [11:21]

• Colin’s call to action:

  “Put this on your calendar and commit to this right now. When you actually complete the walk, you’re not only dispelling those limiting beliefs, but you unlock what I call a possible mindset: an empowered way of thinking that unlocks a life of limitless possibilities.” [29:10]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:15] — Colin’s “What is your Everest?” story
• [07:55] – [09:05] — Heather’s realization of her Everest and transition into her calling
• [11:21] — The Possible Mindset and maternal support during recovery
• [16:15 – 22:30] — Colin’s decision to quit, the Antarctica crossing, and the 12-hour walk origin
• [24:50] — Why silence and solitude matter/12-Hour Walk results
• [28:17 – 31:05] — Limiting beliefs, self-reflection, and personal application
• [36:27 – 44:26] — Being a beginner, the Drake Passage story, application of growth mindset
• [44:50] — How to participate in The 12-Hour Walk and join the global movement

Final Takeaways

• Everyone has an “Everest”—a vision, goal, or life dream. Identify yours with honesty and vulnerability.
• Limiting beliefs (I’m not enough, what if I fail?) are universal, but can be systematically broken down through intentional action.
• The 12-Hour Walk is a practical tool for confronting self-imposed barriers: a single day of silence and movement to transform your mindset.
• Being a beginner is not a setback—it’s the gateway to growth.
• Self-care enables you to show up more powerfully in every role you play.

For more:

• Book: The 12-Hour Walk (available wherever books are sold; global walk event on September 10th)
• Website: the12hourwalk.com for resources, app links, and community
• Colin O’Brady: Follow for updates, speaking, and adventure stories

This episode is a must-listen for anyone searching to rediscover possibility, break the chains of self-doubt, and take a tangible step toward their untapped greatness.