Gratitude is one of the simplest and most underestimated mindset tools for paddlers — and for anyone navigating life’s rapids. We often think of gratitude as something soft, sweet, or reserved for the good moments. But in my experience, gratitude is also a strength tool. It’s a way to shift your nervous system out of
The Power of Gratitude to Shift Fear and Build Confidence Read More »
When Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, it didn’t just reshape the riverbanks — it challenged an entire community to step into the unknown and take action, even when no one felt “ready.” In this powerful episode of The Discomfort Zone, I sit down with French Broad Riverkeeper Anna Alsobrook and MountainTrue River Cleanup
If you’re anything like me, you love the Holiday season — especially the delicious meals and treats that come with it. And if you’re also like me, your body might talk back after all that richness — hello, bloating, sluggishness, and that “oof… maybe I overdid it” feeling. The good news? You can fully enjoy
Eat, Drink, Be Merry — and Skip the Bloat: 7 Simple Holiday Digestion Hacks Read More »
Most paddlers are trying to build courage and skill on top of a shaky foundation — and they don’t even know it. In this solo episode, I break down why so many paddlers (and humans!) focus on the wrong thing when they’re trying to improve. Whether it’s your roll falling apart, your eddy peel-outs feeling
Ep#90 Fix the Foundation: Getting to the Root of Fear and Skill Breakdowns Read More »
Your playful, step-by-step guide to building confidence underwater. If you’ve ever flipped over in your kayak and thought, “Wait… what exactly am I doing down here?” — trust me, you’re not alone. The kayak sweep roll is one of the most commonly practiced, yet struggled with maneuver in whitewater kayaking. And when you’re underwater, overthinking
Is Your Sweep Roll Fighting You? Here’s How to Make It Feel Easier Read More »
What if the same mindset that gets you through a Class IV rapid could help you start a business, write a book, or take a bold leap in life? In this episode of The Discomfort Zone, I sit down with Melissa DeMarie — international kayak coach, river guide, and founder of California Watersport Collective —
Ep #89 Flowcharts, Fear, and Silverback Courage with Melissa DeMarie Read More »
My friend Clay Wright once said something to me that has really stuck, and inspired me to write this blog post. I’m starting with ‘in a nutshell’ because that is the new trend, also known as Too Long, Didn’t Read of TL;DR. It’s true, more folks scan now, so… In a Nutshell Anyone can get
In this episode of The Discomfort Zone, Anna Levesque talks with Olympian and extreme kayaker Sofia Reinoso, the first Mexican woman to compete in Canoe Slalom at the Olympic Games. Sofia opens up about what it takes to say yes anyway — even when fear, uncertainty, or failure show up on the path to your
Ep #88 Say Yes Anyway: How Olympian Sofia Reinoso Turns Discomfort into Confidence Read More »
