How do you settle your nerves when the pressure is on and everyone is watching? In this episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast, Bryan Kirk, a former member US Freestyle Kayak Team member and Worlds medalist who has taken social media by storm with his old school boats and tricks, claims that once a paddler
Ep #121 Kayaking Is 95% Mental: Bryan Kirk on Nerves and Flow Read More »
Whitewater kayaking naturally pulls us into the present moment. When you’re paddling a rapid, your senses sharpen, your mind clears, and you’re fully focused on the line ahead. But what if you didn’t have to wait for a rapid to access that state? In this solo episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast, I share simple
Ep#104 Mindfulness for Paddlers: Simple Practices to Stay Calm, Focused, and in Flow Read More »
What happens when you stop proving — and start listening? In this episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast, Anna sits down with legendary kayaker and explorer Darcy Gaechter, the first woman to kayak the Amazon River from source to sea, for a deeply honest conversation about courage, confidence, aging, and choice. Darcy reflects on how
Ep#97 Redefining Strong: Courage, Ego, and Longevity on the River with Darcy Gaechter Read More »
In this episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast, Anna sits down with Laura Zulliger — ACA Level 5 Coastal Kayak Instructor, whitewater paddler, and Saltwater Program Director for California Watersports Collective — for a powerful conversation about surrendering through challenge, trusting yourself in uncertainty, and finding play inside discomfort. Together, they explore: 🌊 The real
Ep#92 The Only Way Out Is Through: Laura Zulliger on Surrender, Play & Paddling Read More »
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 »
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 »
