In this episode, I sit down with fellow endurance coach Joe Howdyshell and elite athlete (and Olympic hopeful) Cam Smith for what turned into a true badass class on endurance training, mindset, and long-term athletic development. Joe is the author of Badass Class, and this conversation dives deep into the big-picture principles that actually move the needle—without getting lost in spreadsheets, buzzwords, or social-media noise.

We talk about why general training lays the foundation for everything that comes later, and why so many athletes overestimate what they can do in six weeks while underestimating what’s possible over a year—or a decade. Joe breaks down first principles like volume, intensity, stress, and recovery, while Cam shares real-world perspective from racing at the highest level and navigating injuries, setbacks, and evolving goals.

We also explore the often-overlooked skills that support great training: life skills, athlete skills, coping strategies, and the importance of having tools beyond exercise to manage stress. From fueling and sleep to fun, flexibility, and knowing when to push—and when to walk it out in the woods—this conversation is about staying healthy, consistent, and excited for the long haul.

Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned endurance athlete, or a coach trying to simplify your approach, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, honest reflections, and plenty of laughs. The basics work—and this is a masterclass in why.

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials

This week Liz Humphreys (founder of the non-profit, Mind What Matters) and I sit down with Dr. Dani Cabral, founder of BrainLove, to talk about one of the most hopeful and exciting areas in modern medicine: the reversal and prevention of cognitive decline. Dr. Cabral combines functional medicine, neurology, and lifestyle design to help patients facing Alzheimer’s and dementia reclaim their vitality and brain health.

We discuss her journey from traditional healthcare to creating a more holistic approach, one that looks at nutrition, hormones, inflammation, sleep, toxins, and emotional health as interconnected levers for healing.

Dr. Cabral shares stories from her clinic, practical strategies for optimizing brain function at any age, and powerful insights into how mindset, relationships, and purpose play a role in neuroplasticity and recovery.

We also talk about the science of BrainLove, why it’s never too early (or too late) to start supporting your brain, the daily habits that make the biggest difference, and how she’s helping shift the narrative from fear and decline to empowerment and transformation.

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

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The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials

On this episode, I sit down with pro mountain biker and endurance powerhouse Hannah Otto to talk about the mental and physical strategies that fuel her remarkable performances from setting FKTs on the Moab Triple Crown to racing in the Lifetime Grand Prix and World Championships.

Hannah shares how she’s built a life around adventure and purpose, balancing the technical and tactical side of elite racing with the mindset tools that keep her grounded and thriving. We dive into her journey from triathlon to mountain biking, lessons from the Leadville 100 win, and how she approaches fear, failure, and focus with the same level of intention she brings to every ride.

We also unpack what she calls the “psychological similarity” between pros and everyday athletes, the shared experience of pushing limits, battling self-doubt, and chasing growth for its own sake. Hannah talks about working with a sports psychologist, learning to control what you can and release what you can’t, and how her “CocoPelli Strong” mantra has become a symbol of resilience after one of her toughest days on the trail.

Episode Art Photo Credit: Marcus Gracia

- - - - - - - - - - -
A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

- - - - - - - - - - -
Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

skimo gold, endurance and life coaching with brief testimonials