
Hosted by Gina Meyer, DPT · EN

On this episode we’re joined by Michelle Martinez, a deeply rooted and respected presence in the Ventura running community.With over four decades as a runner, Michelle’s journey has taken her from 5Ks to ultradistance races. But what truly sets her apart is the impact she’s made beyond her own miles. As a longtime coach working with youth, high school athletes, and adult runners, she’s spent more than 20 years helping people of all levels find their stride and pursue goals they once thought were out of reach.She currently serves as an assistant cross country coach at Ventura High School and continues to play a key role in local training programs, creating spaces where beginners, competitive athletes, and lifelong runners alike can grow, connect, and push forward together.Michelle embodies what it means to stay in it for the long run, not just chasing performance, but building people. Her coaching is grounded in experience, mentorship, and a deep belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to improve, belong, and succeed.Today, we talk about the evolution of courage, not just in racing, but in life, and how showing up, again and again, becomes the real win.https://talitha.com/ginameyer

This episode of the Rise Resolute Podcast explores the power of courage with elite ultrarunner, journalist, and author Katie Arnold, who has written multiple books, including Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World. At the heart of the conversation is the idea that courage is not the absence of fear, but choosing to keep moving forward in the presence of it. Throughout her life as a writer, athlete, and mother, Katie has embodied the practice of meeting challenges with awareness and honesty: allowing yourself to feel what you are feeling in the moment rather than resisting it, which in turn creates space for possibility. Her recovery from a severe tibial plateau fracture after a whitewater rafting accident in Idaho and her return (despite being told she may not run again) to win the Leadville 100 ultramarathon just two years later offers one powerful example of how mindset, patience, and belief can shape what the body and spirit are capable of. Woven through this episode is a reminder that the energy of our mindset affects our bodies and our path forward. Be courageous. Use your voice. And keep moving toward what is possible.https://talitha.com/ginameyer

Connect and Rise with Brittany Simque, a certified health coach who shares her own incredible health and wellness journey. After losing over 200 pounds through a wholistic approach, she recently ran the Chicago Marathon, inspiring us all to lean into our power to be lifelong learners and embrace the path to long term happiness. When you believe you can, even the hard things are within reach. https://talitha.com/ginameyer

Connect and Rise with Liz Rucker who shares her journey into nonprofit work and calls us all to ask how we can make even a small impact in this world. Liz shares how her faith has guided and sustained her throughout her life. She helps us understand that we have to trust the reason we were placed in this moment in our lives and to be unafraid to look beyond ourselves. When we take our “eyes off self, (our) attitude (elevates) up.” Often we will need to trust, remembering to lean not on our own understanding. When we listen to our intuition and our faith, we can use our gifts to make this world better.https://talitha.com/ginameyer

Connect and Rise with Jenny Barber, survivor of exploitation and advocate/leader in anti-trafficking. Jenny is the co-founder of Talitha coffee, created as a pathway for survivors to reintegrate into society. Jenny shares her story and reminds us “what an amazing time (it is) to be alive,” when we look at setbacks as points of truth and empowerment. Jenny will inspire you to take whatever you bring to the table and use it for good. Her insight will empower you to become a thriving, fearless overcomer.https://talitha.com/ginameyer

Connect and Rise with Tina, Breast Cancer Survivor, optimist, and poet. Tina discusses her Cancer journey and shares a few of her wonderful poems as they relate to this ongoing journey of life. Tina will inspire you to share your light from within. https://talitha.com/ginameyer

Connect and Rise with Lori Hauck, distance runner, accounting professor, business coach, and doctorate student as we process our feeling around the LA fires and discuss how mindset can transform everything. In the 2025 season of the podcast you can expect conversations around living authentically and with intention. This episode will leave you with hope and positivity. Never give up on the things you want most in life and continue onward with optimism. https://talitha.com/ginameyer

Connect and Rise with Dr Ariella Parker, Doctoral Behavioral Analyst and expert in pivotal response treatment as we discuss growth through all the stages of life, pushing past fear, and giving ourselves grace as we journey through. Ariella’s insight will propel you to take action in your own life, forgive yourself along the way, and believe that growth and joy always await. https://talitha.com/ginameyer

Connect and Rise with Esther Goetz, author and creator of Moms of Bigs. Esther shares insight that is extremely empowering for moms, but truly can be applied to anyone’s life. Her platform supports giving kids the “wings of freedom to become completely themselves,” and our discussion will propel you, mom or not to do the same. She authentically shares how being at rock bottom can be a gift, moving us forward into becoming more fully ourselves and making an impact on the lives of others. She advocates that we discover parts of ourselves that may have been forgotten and reminds us that self compassion encourages resilience. So be tender with your former self. Self awareness, self compassion, and self acceptance are at the core of all she does. Don’t abandon yourself (in motherhood or at any other time in your life) but continue to embrace all parts of who you are, approaching life with flexibility, curiosity, and wonder. https://talitha.com/ginameyer

Connect and Rise with Dr. Heidi Lovett, triathlete, ultra-marathoner, author, humanitarian, and so much more! Heidi will remind you of your strength within to rise despite difficulty and struggle. She encourages movement and stepping outside of comfort zones. One cause particularly dear to Heidi is to help minority women learn to swim. Everyone is welcome and can benefit from learning to swim for the health benefits and also to prevent drowning related deaths. Heidi also assists high schoolers in pursuing advanced education. Heidi is a gift to her community and this world! “Doc Sunshine” will fill you with light. https://talitha.com/ginameyer