Jenny Cavnar is not just calling games; she's redefining them. As the first woman in over 25 years to do play-by-play for Major League Baseball, Jenny’s voice in the booth is changing the sound (and the face) of the sport. In this powerful and personal conversation, Jenny opens up about the professional grit and personal grace it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments. From growing up on the baseball field as the daughter of a coach, to navigating motherhood, marriage, and media scrutiny, Jenny walks us through what it really looks like to lead with courage and conviction. We explore the strategies that keep her grounded: from mental performance routines and visualization to family systems and faith. She shares how she handles online criticism, cultivates resilience, and chooses flexibility over perfection in every area of her life. This is a deep dive into what it takes to build a meaningful life while carrying both ambition and responsibility. Jenny’s journey is proof that you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep saying yes to the next right thing. Listen in to learn: The inside story of her rise in MLB broadcasting Balancing career, motherhood, and a marriage across state lines Her mental performance tools: pre-game prep, visualization, post-game reflection The toll of online criticism and how she copes Why being a “woman in sports” is only part of her story Learning to do “one more thing” without burning out How faith, flexibility, and community are her real armor Follow us @theantifragileacademy Book a call today at www.theantifragileacademy.com

In this episode of the Antifragile Podcast, we had the incredible opportunity to speak with Dr. Karen Dark, a remarkable individual whose life story exemplifies the concept of antifragility. At just 21 years old, Karen was paralyzed from the waist down, but instead of allowing this life-altering event to define her, she embraced challenges that many would consider insurmountable.

Karen shared her recent adventure to Everest Base Camp, a journey that required immense mental fortitude and adaptability. We delved into her definition of anti-fragility, which she describes as the ability to grow and learn from challenges, ultimately emerging as a stronger version of oneself. She emphasized the importance of reflection and conscious choice in responding to life's difficulties.

Throughout our conversation, Karen recounted her various adventures, including cycling across the Himalayas, sea kayaking from Vancouver to Juneau, and crossing the Greenland ice cap. Each experience contributed to her resilience and understanding of her own capabilities. We explored the dual nature of challenges—those we choose and those that life presents to us—and how both can lead to personal growth.

Karen also discussed the significance of trust, both in herself and in the teams she works with during her expeditions. She highlighted the importance of meticulous preparation and mental rehearsal, sharing her unique process of creating spreadsheets to address potential fears and risks before embarking on new challenges.

As we wrapped up, Karen introduced her initiative, Quest 79, encouraging listeners to embark on their own personal quests to discover their inner strength and resilience. This episode is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the endless possibilities that arise when we choose to confront our fears and embrace the unknown.

Join us for this inspiring conversation with Dr. Karen Dark, and discover how you can cultivate your own anti-fragility in the face of life's challenges.

00:00:35 - Meet Dr. Karen Dark 00:02:10 - Karen's Recent Adventure to Everest Base Camp 00:03:16 - Defining Antifragility 00:04:49 - Reflecting on Life's Challenges 00:06:31 - Choosing Challenges vs. Facing Challenges 00:08:02 - Building Resilience Through Experience 00:09:10 - The Role of Trust in Team Dynamics 00:12:03 - Surrendering Control in Extreme Situations 00:14:57 - Navigating Vulnerability and Risk 00:18:08 - Karen's Journey of Growth and Accomplishments 00:25:13 - The Olympic Experience and Its Challenges 00:27:37 - Lessons Learned from the Olympic Journey 00:30:57 - The Importance of Preparation and Planning 00:38:06 - The Spreadsheet Method for Managing Fear 00:41:30 - Quest 79: Encouraging Others to Embrace Challenges 00:45:07 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find Karen

In this episode of the Antifragile Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Brendan, a remarkable individual who recently completed the World's Toughest Row, an ocean rowing race from Monterey, California, to Kauai, Hawaii. Brendan and his team, which included a member living with Parkinson's, not only made history by becoming the first four-man American team to cross the mid-Pacific but also raised an astounding $43 million for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Brendan shared insights into the intense physical and psychological challenges faced during the 41-day journey, including navigating severe storms and the mental hurdles that arose. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, vulnerability, and communication, highlighting how their mantra, "we did a thing, we did it together," encapsulated their collective spirit.

We explored the relational dynamics within the team, the significance of building a supportive community, and the lessons learned about mental fortitude and resilience. Brendan's experiences in high-altitude climbing and endurance sports provided a foundation for his approach to the ocean row, illustrating how past challenges prepared him for this monumental task.

The conversation also touched on the importance of incremental growth and the mindset shifts necessary to embrace discomfort and push personal limits. Brendan's reflections on the emotional impact of reaching the finish line and the profound takeaways from the experience served as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential within us all.

Join us as we delve into Brendan's incredible journey, the essence of antifragility, and the transformative power of facing our fears together.