The Discomfort Zone

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 Operations Manager Jon Stamper, two leaders who stepped straight into the chaos with courage, clarity, and a whole lot of heart. We explore: 🌧 What discomfort really feels like — from itchy armpits to butterflies to the moment you realize the problem is bigger than anything you've ever seen 🏞 Behind-the-scenes stories from Hurricane Helene — including flooded wells, destroyed river access points, entire houses swept downstream, and shipping containers wrapped around bridge pilings 🤝 How community action becomes the antidote to overwhelm From grilling hot dogs for displaced neighbors to launching the largest river-cleanup operation in North Carolina history, Anna and Jon share how small steps created massive impact. 💪 Why taking action before you feel "ready" is sometimes the most powerful move, and how doing so expands our capacity for courage — on the river and in life. 🌊 A paddler's mindset for disaster, uncertainty, and leadership including "one spoonful at a time," reading the water ahead, and grounding the nervous system when everything feels like too much. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and deeply rooted in the heart of The Discomfort Zone: start where you are, trust yourself, and keep moving one paddle stroke at a time. If you're a paddler, adventurer, or someone navigating your own personal floodwaters, this episode will remind you that courage isn't about having the perfect plan… it's about looking where you want to go, and making the next right move. 🎧 Listen now and paddle into more courage, clarity, and community.

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 frantic, or the ever-present fear of being underwater (or in any challenge that doesn't seem to ever go away), chances are you're working on symptoms instead of the actual root. And when you build on a weak foundation? It only holds for so long… until it doesn't. Inside this episode, you'll learn: 🌊 The real cause behind head-lifting in the roll (hint: it's not your head) 🧠 How your nervous system reacts before your brain does — and why that matters for paddling confidence  💪 Why muscling through fear eventually stops working as we age or lose flexibility  🔥 The overlooked root cause driving tension, hesitation, and rushed decision-making on the river (and in life)  🔍 How to build true self-awareness so you can stop repeating patterns that keep you stuck  📹 Why video review is a game-changer for seeing what you can't feel in the moment  🌿 How Ayurveda taught me to look deeper — and how those principles apply directly to paddling + mindset I also share an update from my own healing journey — six months off the water, relearning how to engage my core, and rebuilding a stronger foundation inside and out. Growth isn't always sexy… but it is powerful. If you're ready to stop skimming the surface and actually transform the way you paddle, move, and navigate fear, this episode hands you the tools to build the strong, steady core you've been missing.

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, Anna sits down with Melissa DeMarie — international kayak coach, river guide, and founder of California Watersport Collective — to talk about how navigating the unknown on the river mirrors the discomfort we face in life, leadership, and growth. Melissa shares her "mental flow chart" — a practical, soulful framework for aking decisions when fear hits. We explore: 🌊 How to transform nerves into excitement when the butterflies kick in 🧠 Why "failure" on the river (or in business) is just another rapid to learn from 💪 The power of rituals, self-talk, and embodiment when stepping into challenge 🔥 What it really takes to build confidence, community, and courage over a 20-year paddling career 💫 And how to bring your inner silverback gorilla to the moments that scare you most. This one's not just for paddlers — it's for anyone ready to push past fear, trust themselves, and find flow on the river and in life. 👉 Listen now to learn how to paddle smarter through fear, failure, and growth — and why your next breakthrough might just start in your discomfort zone. About Melissa Melissa is a certified whitewater kayak coach, international guide, and founder of California Watersports Collective, a paddlesports school offering instruction and adventure programs across the U.S., Chile, Norway, and Italy. Melissa combines technical expertise with a deep passion for empowering others through outdoor adventure. She also leads a nonprofit initiative, Riverbound, focused on breaking down barriers to access in paddlesports, creating inclusive and supportive spaces on the water. A proud team paddler for Kokatat, Pyranha and Werner Paddles, Melissa brings 20 years of experience, mentorship and environmental stewardship to every river she shares. Connect with Melissa Cali Collective: https://cwwcollective.com/ IG: @cwwcollective FB: melissa.demarie Riverbound: https://www.riverboundoutreach.org/          

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 biggest dreams. From her beginnings paddling Mexico's Alseseca River to competing on the world stage, Sofi shares how she's built confidence through courage, community, and consistent mindset work. You'll hear: 🌊 Why discomfort is a daily practice — not a punishment 💪 How to train your mind like your body for resilience and clarity ❤️ The power of saying no to the "easy route" so you can say yes to what matters 🧭 How small, consistent "yeses" build unstoppable confidence This conversation will inspire you to choose growth over comfort — and to remember that your greatest power comes from saying yes anyway. 👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. About Sofia Sofia Reinoso is a Mexican slalom and extreme race competitor, kayak instructor and guide. She has medaled in both K1 Womens and K1 Extreme Women at the Pan American Games, and has a World Cup K1 Extreme medal to her name as well. Sofia Reinoso is a Mexican slalom and extreme race competitor, kayak instructor and guide. She has medaled in both K1 Womens and K1 Extreme Women at the Pan American Games, and has a World Cup K1 Extreme medal to her name as well. Sofia grew up at Aventurec, a rafting outfitter and kayak school that also hosts the annual Alseseca Race. She has extensive guiding experience on her home rivers in Mexico and other countries around the globe including Argentina, Colombia, France, Chile, and the United States.  Connect with Sofia IG: @sofireinoso FB: Sofia Reinoso

Can laughter on the river be a way of reconnecting to self, to ancestors, to the water itself? In this powerful episode of The Discomfort Zone, Anna sits down with Keeya Wiki, a 17-year-old Indigenous kayaker who belongs to the Yurok peoples of the Klamath river and Te Aupouri and Ngati Porou tribes of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Keeya shares the story of completing the first descent of the newly undammed Klamath River, a historic journey led by Indigenous youth reclaiming connection to ancestral waters. Through laughter, vulnerability, and reflection, Keeya and Anna explore: 🌊 What it felt like to paddle the Klamath after generations of advocacy for dam removal 💫 How to navigate discomfort, fear, and self-doubt with grounding and self-trust 🤝 The power of community, mentorship, and representation in outdoor spaces 😮How she navigated an intense underwater experience on the river 🔥Why the joy she experienced on the river has the power to heal generations Keeya's young wisdom invites us to listen deeply, and learn from Indigenous peoples and their resilience as we move and paddle forward through the world. 🎧 Listen now to hear how joy, courage, and river restoration flow together on the Klamath.

In this week's episode of The Discomfort Zone, Anna dives into the power of accountability as a key mental agility skill — both on the river and in life. From her journey healing a herniated disc to returning to the water with strength and gratitude, Anna shares how holding herself accountable (even when it's hard) helped her rebuild courage, confidence, and consistency. 💪 You'll learn why being kind to yourself sometimes means doing the hard thing, and how small daily actions — those "easy moves in easy water" — create real momentum toward your goals. Anna also explores how accountability shapes true leadership: walking your talk, staying the course, and inspiring trust — whether you're leading a river crew or your own life. 🌊 💡 Why Listen If you've ever... ✨ Set a goal and drifted off course ✨ Struggled to get back into rhythm after fear or injury ✨ Wondered how to balance self-compassion with discipline ✨ Needed a reminder that small daily actions really do matter ...then this episode will meet you right where you are. Anna shares paddling stories, honest reflections, and actionable tips to help you: Rebuild trust with yourself Practice accountability without perfectionism Stay in your flow — even when the current gets tricky 🧘‍♀️ 🔥 Key Takeaways 🛶 Accountability isn't punishment — it's an act of self-leadership. 🌊 "Easy moves in easy water" build strength for harder runs. 💙  Being kind to yourself can mean doing the hard thing. 🤝 You don't have to do it alone — find a buddy, system, or coach to help you stay the course 🎧 Listen Now Available wherever you get your podcasts

You might know Dane Jackson as that guy in the pink boat, the G.O.A.T. of Whitewater, or the paddler who somehow manages to throw tricks off of rarely run Class V drops. But in this episode, we go deeper — into what really drives his courage, how he navigates fear, and why fun might just be the ultimate superpower. Dane opens up about: 🌊 What "comfort zone" really means to him — and how he lives right on the edge of it 🧠 How fear actually keeps him safe (and why "no fear" is a myth) 💪 The mental and physical prep behind big waterfalls and world championships 🕊 Why failure isn't the opposite of success — it's part of the flow ❤️ How joy, curiosity, and community fuel his drive more than competition ever could Through stories of big water, mindset mastery, and pure love for the sport, Dane reminds us that courage doesn't mean the absence of fear — it means showing up anyway. 💡 Why Listen If you've ever looked at someone fearless on the water and thought, "I could never do that," this episode is for you. Dane pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to trust yourself in the moment, stay calm when things go sideways, and find joy — not pressure — in the pursuit of growth. You'll walk away with: 🔥 A new way to use fear as fuel — not a stop sign 🌬 Tools for grounding yourself in presence when challenges arise 🌊 The reminder that courage comes from preparation, not perfection 😄 Inspiration to bring more fun, play, and joy back into your paddling — and your life 🎙️ Listen now to paddle past fear, find your flow, and fall back in love with the process — on the river and in life.  

🚀 From fighter jets to river rapids, this week's episode of The Discomfort Zone takes you on a journey of resilience, courage, and service. Anna sits down with Khalid Kure — U.S. Air Force veteran, father of five, and leader of Team River Runner Columbia, SC — who shares how kayaking became a powerful tool for healing, community, and transformation. Khalid opens up about anxiety, fear, and facing the river with shaky legs (literally!), and how leaning into those moments of discomfort helped him level up as both a paddler and a mentor for other veterans. His passion for service, family, and empowering others shines through in every story — from practicing kayak rolls with a broom in Germany to teaching his kids the joy of the river. 🌊 Whether you're a paddler, a veteran, or simply someone navigating your own discomfort zone, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and heart. ✨ Why Listen? Hear how Khalid transformed fear into confidence and leadership — on the river and in life Discover the power of visualization, community, and "finishing strong" Learn why camaraderie on the water feels so much like camaraderie in the military Get inspired by Khalid's mental toolbox for facing rapids, challenges, and life transitions Be reminded that you're never alone — and that support is often closer than you think 🎧 Tune in for a story of courage, service, and the healing power of rivers.

What if discomfort wasn't something to avoid, but an opportunity to grow? 🌱 In this episode, I sit down with Mardae Weaver — athlete, trainer, healer, and creator of Nowhere Solutions holistic retreat center in Nashville. Mardae's path has taken him from sports and fitness to Reiki, prison work, and childhood behavioral support. Along the way, he's faced profound moments of discomfort, from life-threatening encounters to deep personal challenges — and he's discovered how leaning into those moments creates wisdom, empathy, and transformation. 💫 We talk about: ✨ Why Mardae sees discomfort as opportunity, not pain 🧘 His MISRED framework for self-investment (Mental, Spiritual, Rest, Exercise, Diet) 🔄 Parallels between children on the spectrum and men in maximum security prison 🌿 The healing power of nature and gratitude 🔥 Stories of resilience, balance, and choosing to evolve It's a conversation about strength, flow, and what it means to reconnect to our deepest core — body, mind, and spirit. 🔥 Listen now and learn how to transform challenge into growth

In paddling and in life, nothing is wasted — every stroke counts, and every experience is money in the bank moving you toward your goal. In this episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast, Anna Levesque sits down with longtime paddler, coach, and storyteller Anna Bruno — a six-time member of the USA Freestyle Team and current Marketing Communications Manager at NRS. From pre-competition nerves that literally send her running for the bushes, to redefining her relationship with ego and identity in paddling, Anna Bruno shares the raw and relatable side of navigating discomfort. Together, Anna and Anna dive into: 🤢 Anticipatory fear — why the waiting is often harder than the rapid itself 🏆 Ego and expectations — how comparison can both drive and derail us 🌊 Community over competition — why connection matters more than results 💰 Money in the bank — why every step, even failure, builds toward future success 💡 Lessons from rejection — building resilience through vulnerability 🧘‍♀️ The wisdom of yoga and self-awareness in paddling and beyond 💭 Why Listen If you've ever felt held back by nerves, struggled with self-doubt, or questioned your path in paddling or life, this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh river air. Anna Bruno's down-to-earth wisdom invites you to step past fear, laugh at the ego, and discover the joy of your own path. 👉 Tune in and discover how to embrace discomfort, find your flow, and remember why you fell in love with paddling in the first place.

What does it mean to honor the voice inside you that says "Not today"—even when your skills say yes? In this conversation, Brett Mayer, lifelong educator, athlete, and Policy Director at the American Canoe Association, joins Anna to explore how discomfort shows up on the river, in public speaking, and in stewardship. Together, they unpack identity, ego, and the courage to choose connection over conquest. ✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode 🌊 Why discomfort on the river isn't always about skill — sometimes it's about intuition 🧠 How to separate fact from story and keep anxiety from spiraling 💪 The practice of saying "It's a no today" and why it can save you from injury or burnout 🌍 Why stewardship work matters for paddlers — and how to get involved 💡 Why Listen If you've ever felt pressure to prove yourself, whether in a rapid or in front of an intimidating audience, this episode will remind you that true courage is about presence, patience, and self-trust. You'll hear real stories of walking away, choosing differently, and finding growth not just in big drops but in everyday choices. 🎧 Hit play and discover how leaning into discomfort, protecting the rivers we love, and finding your flow can transform not just your paddling, but your whole life.

Ever feel like your inner critic has you stuck in a recirculating hole? 🙋‍♀️ Same here. In this solo episode, I share the 5 steps to stop negative self-talk — the exact ones I use when my own mind starts spiraling - which it has been doing recently on my back-healing journey. Here's what you'll learn: ✨ Get curious about your inner dialogue 🛑 Interrupt the negative loop 🌊 Replace it with affirmations + embodied feelings 📒 Gather evidence of your progress 🔄 Keep practicing — it's a lifelong river journey Think of it like paddling out of a sticky hydraulic: awareness, direction, and practice set you free. 💡 Why listen? Because your self-talk shapes how you show up — on the river and in life. If you're ready to stop trashing yourself, paddle toward confidence, and feel lighter in your body and mind, this episode is for you. 🎧 Hit play now and listen to the full episode — your next breakthrough starts here.

What does it mean to reconnect with your river, your culture, and your courage — all through the power of kayaking? In this episode of The Discomfort Zone, I sit down with Ruby Williams, a Quartz Valley tribal member and Kuduk person raised along the banks of the Klamath River in Happy Camp, California. Ruby's paddling journey began in 2022 with Paddle Tribal Waters, and has since taken her from the first full descent of the 310-mile Klamath, to training in Chile, Canada, and Africa. Ruby shares how kayaking has transformed her relationship with fear, taught her the power of choosing her own challenges, and deepened her connection to community, leadership, and her ancestral river. 💡 In this episode, you'll hear Ruby's reflections on: 🌊 Running the full 310-mile descent of the Klamath River 💪 Learning that courage doesn't mean never being scared 🧠 The difference between "good" and "bad" discomfort 🤝 How supportive mentors and crew make all the difference 🔥 Finding her voice as a young Indigenous leader 🌍 Why rivers are more than water — they're culture, protest, and connection If you've ever wondered how paddling can shape identity, courage, and connection far beyond the rapids — this conversation will inspire you. 🎧 Listen now to hear Ruby's story of courage, culture, and flow.

What if the mistake you're dreading is the very thing that sharpens your line? In this conversation, I sit down with Deborah Kane—founder of Rally Crew, a new "online eddy" for whitewater paddlers—to talk about launching big ideas, running big rapids, and staying human when the outcome isn't guaranteed. From walking away from months of work to the power of one person saying "I'd bet on you," Deborah offers an honest, practical playbook for courage and connection. Why listen 🧭 Discomfort as a compass: Turn "I don't know if this will work" into forward movement. 👥 Crew that's truly invested: What supportive looks like (beyond "just follow me"). 🧪 Mistakes = momentum: The Rally Crew pivot—and why the "wrong turn" made the final product stronger. 💪 Confidence you can practice: Collect evidence for your self-belief and ask for help (yes, that's a skill). 🎛️ Control the controllables: Manage variables, then—when it's time—be all in. 🌊 Paddling parallels that land: Hard moves in easy water, relationship with the river, and resilience in real life. Available wherever you get your podcasts!

What does it take to fall in love with kayaking for life—not just for the next big rapid? In this episode, I sit down with Ottawa River local and Head of School at World Class Academy, Kalob Grady, to talk about the evolution of freestyle, the joy of paddling for fun, and the mindset shifts that keep you in the sport for decades. We dive into: 🌊 Why the "middle ground" of freestyle fun matters for skill and stoke 🧠 How to build a growth mindset and embrace failure in low-consequence environments 💛 The power of community, mentorship, and connection over ego 🎯 Knowing when to push your limits—and when to walk away ✈️ Why putting yourself in the discomfort zone prepares you for life on and off the river Whether you're chasing waves, running creeks, or just want to paddle well into your 80s (yes, we talk about that goal!), Kalob's insights will inspire you to reconnect with what makes kayaking—and life—fun.

Ten weeks after a herniated disc sidelined me, I'm finally sitting at the mic to share my biggest recovery wins—and the hard lessons I wish I'd learned sooner. Here's what's inside: ✨ How my ego delayed my healing (and how yours might too) 🚣‍♀️ Why kayaking + heavy lifting can be a dangerous duo for your low back 🩻 The MRI that changed everything—and why I wish I'd gotten it sooner 🧘‍♀️ The surprising mind-body practices speeding up my recovery 🌿 Barefoot walks, yoga nidra, and the healing magic of slowing down If you've ever pushed through pain, ignored warning signs, or let "I'll be fine" turn into months of recovery, this episode might just save you from making the same mistakes.

In this episode I'm joined by the co-founders of the nonprofit Bright Shadow, Chris Gragtmans, accomplished whitewater kayaker, and Somerville Johnston, licensed professional counselor. Bright Shadow creates intentional spaces for community healing and reconnection for those grieving losses to and of the natural world — a topic that's often overlooked in high-performance communities. Together, they share how Bright Shadow came to be and why they believe it's important to acknowledge the personal impact of loss in outdoor and paddling spaces. ✨ You'll hear: 💔 Why grief is relevant in outdoor and paddling communities 🌲 How Bright Shadow supports those navigating loss 🧘 Practical somatic and peer-based approaches to healing 🎧 Reflections on how vulnerability can strengthen—not weaken—our experience as athletes and leaders If you've ever struggled with how to support yourself or others through loss in the context of outdoor adventure, this episode offers insight, tools, and perspective. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

What happens when a paddling pioneer shares decades of quiet wisdom on business, life, and the river? You lean in and listen. This week I sit down with Joe Pulliam—whitewater legend, founder of Dagger Kayaks, and one of the most thoughtful minds in the paddlesports world. From building his first boats in the 1960s for friends, to helping shape some of the most respected brands in the industry, Joe's story is rooted in passion, purpose, and humility. We explore: 🌊 The heart and grit behind building a brand that changed the sport 🛶 What's happening in the paddling industry today 🧠 Lessons from 50+ years on the river and in business 💬 Unexpected turns and timeless wisdom If you're drawn to paddling metaphors for business and life, and want an inside look at the whitewater world from someone who helped build it—this one's a gem worth your full attention. Available wherever you get your podcasts!

What happens when the student becomes the teacher — and your kid starts paddling harder than you ever did? In this heartfelt and often hilarious conversation, I sit down with Ken and Cashion Porter-Shirley, a father-son duo whose relationship has evolved from early river days full of coaching and "peer pressure" to deep mutual respect and role reversal. Together, we dive into: 🧠 Building confidence through discomfort — for both kids and parents 👨‍👦 The moment Cashion started 'worrying' about Ken 💔 Processing the loss of a paddling friend and showing up with empathy 🎒 How kayaking shaped Cashion's identity and relationship with fear 🛶 Why trust, communication, and community matter most on and off the water 😬The things I discovered I got wrong about both of them when we paddled together This episode is full of laughter, perspective, vulnerability, and the raw truth of parenting and paddling in the discomfort zone.  Available wherever you get your podcasts!

💥 This episode is a real-time reflection four weeks into navigating the ups and downs of my journey to healing my back.   I've resisted recording an update because I feel vulnerable, but this podcast is about the Discomfort Zone, and I'm in it!  I'm sharing hard lessons I'm learning about slowing down, letting go, and rewriting old patterns around self-worth, over-scheduling, and the belief that I have to do it all. Here are some takeaways that I share: 🌊 The humbling truth of injury for lifelong athletes 🧠 Why body awareness alone isn't always enough 🔥 How redefining self-worth is helping me heal 💡 Creative shifts that are empowering me — and my team 🌱 How staying adaptable mentally, physically and professionally is clutch If you've ever pushed yourself too hard, tied your value to your output, or resisted rest, this one's for you. It's an episode packed with honesty, insight, and wisdom you can carry into your own discomfort zone. 🎧 Listen now and rethink how you move through the world — on and off the river.