Podcast
Endurance Diaries
Hosted by Ashley Ljesevic · EN
Endurance Diaries brings together athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, CEOs, thought-leaders, and everyday changemakers to share stories of resilience, pivotal moments, and lessons learned along the journey. Authentic and inspiring, these conversations remind us that while our paths look different, the endurance to keep going lives within all of us.
Whether through lived experience or topic-focused reflection, each episode invites curiosity, connection, and personal growth while highlighting the strength we carry to persevere.
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP 67: Committing to the Vision | Keith Brigham
Feb 17, 202500:42:00Tap to summarizeKeith Brigham is a former Division 1 Football Player at the University of Memphis dedicated to helping the youth reach their potential.Throughout our conversation, Keith shares the unique challenges he faced along his journey and the importance of faith and resilience. He emphasizes the significance of understanding one's why in both sports and life, and the power of vulnerability in sharing our stories. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Journey as a Student-Athlete 05:40 Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience11:11 Faith as a Driving Force16:10 Navigating Life Changes and Responsibilities19:24 The Impact of Parenthood on Athletic Perspective20:46 Transitioning from Player to Coach23:21 Defining Success26:13 The Importance of Knowing Your 'Why'29:19 Personal Journeys and the Role of Vulnerability36:54 Creating Space for Authentic Conversations
Transcribe →EP 66: Endurance Sports and the Mental Marathon | Brant Stachel
Feb 11, 202500:39:54Tap to summarizeBrant Stachel is a former pro triathlete, Canadian national team coach, and practices sports psychology for high performers.In our conversation, we discuss psychological aspects of performance including identity and the process of personal growth.Brant shares his journey in competing and coaching, how training translates into life skills, and learning to finding joy and freedom in endurance sports.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Journey into Endurance Sports02:28 The Interplay of Psychology and Performance04:23 Discussing Mental Barriers07:05 The Importance of Process Over Outcome08:56 Setting Goals and Competitive Identity12:49 B+ Training and Consistency Over Perfection16:22 Finding Freedom in the Process19:02 Advice for New Runners22:23 The Importance of Personalized Training25:04 Long-Term Athletic Development27:37 Finding Joy in Running31:04 Believing in Potential34:04 Defining Personal Success36:13 Endurance Beyond Running
Transcribe →EP 65: Giving Yourself Permission to Go For It | Jason Bahamundi
Feb 3, 202500:47:25Tap to summarizeJason Bahamundi is an endurance athlete, entrepreneur, and founder of Run Tri Bike, on a mission to amplify the voices of everyday athletes, and help people embrace the fun, and personal growth that endurance sports has to offer. Jason shares the lessons he learned while training and competing in rigorous endurance events, and how experiences of failure have helped him to take risks, build a business, and foster meaningful community along the way. We also explore the importance of storytelling, the pressures of social media, and how vulnerability opens the door to deeper relationships and understanding of one another. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jason 01:59 The Journey of an Endurance Athlete 05:15 Personal Growth Through Endurance Sports 08:03 The Importance of Storytelling 10:53 Learning from Failure 13:56 Social Media and Mental Health 16:56 Embracing Community and Connection 27:18 The Power of Personal Stories 30:41 Connecting Through Fun and Shared Experiences 32:14 The Joy of Food and Vulnerability 36:23 The Magic of Unexpected Connections 40:03 The Importance of Human Interaction 43:02 Amplifying Everyday Voices
Transcribe →EP 64: Leadership, Culture, and Defining your own Success | Deno Anagnost
Jan 27, 202500:39:49Tap to summarizeDiagnosed with cancer in his mid-20s, Deno Anagnost shares his journey of how this life-altering battle shaped his mindset, career, and approach to life. After over a decade as an executive with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Deno reflects on his recent transition to a new role and the importance of defining personal success. Throughout our conversation we discuss leadership, team culture, and controlling the controllables. Deno is currently the Chief Revenue Officer for Student Athlete Score, revolutionizing student athlete discovery, opportunities and earnings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deno and Overcoming Cancer 05:50 Launch of Career in Sports Sales 11:58 Building a Supportive Network 17:07 Creating a Thriving Team Culture 22:51 Influence and Insights from Favorite Leaders 26:26 Leading from Anywhere 30:14 Navigating Transitions 36:15 Defining Your Own Success
Transcribe →EP 63: Persevering in Power Not Pity | Nancy Gale
Jan 20, 202500:51:29Tap to summarizeNancy Gale is the founder and designer of American luxury handbag brand, JAMAH. She also founded Ambition, a nonprofit entrepreneurial and mentor-driven program for disadvantaged youth, on a mission to provide students with support, access and resources to achieve their potential.In this episode, Nancy shares her own journey of challenges and hardship while emphasizing the importance of resilience and 'power not pity' mentality. Together we discuss the significance of perseverance, passion, and the joy of hard work.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nancy Gale and Her Mission02:04 Overcoming Personal Challenges05:08 The Power of Attitude and Resilience07:47 Trauma and Laughter 10:57 Holding Two Truths at Once14:02 'You Don't Know About Me'16:41 The Evolution of JAMAH Handbags20:01 The Intersection of Fashion and Philanthropy27:25 Connecting Students with Celebrities31:00 Building Confidence Through Personal Stories34:52 The Importance of Mentorship46:32 Embracing the Work-Life Blend
Transcribe →EP 62: Consistency as the Difference Maker | Read Corley
Jan 7, 202500:30:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I am joined by entrepreneur and podcast producer, Read Corley. Read shares insights from his journey into podcast production, emphasizing the importance of consistency and the power of the mind in achieving goals. We also talk about the parallels between running and life challenges, the value in travel, and the significant impact of supportive relationships. Connect with Read on LinkedIn.
Transcribe →EP 61: Why Running is a Metaphor for Life | Jonathan Levitt
Dec 22, 202400:32:25Tap to summarizeOn this episode, I am joined by Jonathan Levitt for a conversation on curiosity, community, and embracing discomfort through the sport of running. We discuss the power of doing things you don't want to do, and ultimately how physical endurance leads to mental resilience and equips you for challenges in other areas of life. Jonathan is the host of For The Long Run Podcast, exploring the why behind running. Connect with him on IG at @jwlevitt.
Transcribe →EP 60: Lifelong Challenges and the Courage to Stay Curious | Aric Paul
Dec 14, 202400:33:59Tap to summarizeBorn with a visual impairment, Aric Paul has been overcoming challenges since before he could even understand the meaning of adversity. On this episode, Aric shares his philosophy of embracing every life experience, positive or negative, with love and openness. Our conversation extends into the value of authentic human interactions and connections that are possible when we lean in with curiosity. Aric is the host of Keep The Hotel Empty Podcast. KTHE uncovers the diverse tapestry of the human experience, offering listeners an unprecedented journey into the lives of its guests.
Transcribe →EP 59: Own Your Impact | Kyle Smith
Nov 20, 202400:25:39Tap to summarizeOn this episode I welcome back Kyle Smith for a conversation on the importance of role players in sport and life.
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