In this high-powered and deeply personal episode, Kate sits down with Riley Tejcek, active duty Marine Corps Officer, Team USA bobsled pilot, and now children’s book author. Riley opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of her life: navigating the pain and self-doubt that came with divorce at a young age, and the hard-won lessons on healing, forgiveness, and choosing joy on the other side of heartbreak.

Riley shares how her journey in the Marine Corps taught her to operate at her best in chaotic, high-pressure environments, and how those same principles apply to facing fears off the battlefield, whether that’s barreling down an icy track at 90 miles per hour or confronting life’s everyday uncertainties. She offers practical tools for building resilience, including the transformative power of vocalizing fears, leaning on trusted allies, and doing “hard things” to strengthen grit and confidence. This episode is an invitation to confront the uncomfortable, pursue the dreams placed on your heart, and discover the strength you didn’t know you had.

If this episode speaks to you, please share with a friend, leave a comment, and drop a review—I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway!

MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

(00:00:00 ) Speaking the Unspoken: Heartbreak, Healing & Forgiveness

(00:19:24 ) Called to Serve: From College Athlete to Marine Officer

(00:29:57 ) Breaking the Grip of Fear & Building Resilience

(00:49:00 ) From Marine to Author

(01:03:48 ) Women Lifting Women & Redefining Success

Resources:

• If You Can Dream It, Be It by Riley Tejcek

• Instagram: instagram.com/riley.tejcek

• Facebook: facebook.com/people/Riley-Tejcek-Taylor

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/riley-tejcek-b264902b9

Connect with Kate:

• Watch the episode on YouTube

• Instagram

• Website

• Book