Ageless Athlete - Longevity Insights From Adventure Sports Icons

“During chemo, I could have stayed on the couch binge-watching Netflix. Instead, I chose to walk 500 meters, then build from there. Every step reminded me that I could still fight and get stronger.”​In this episode of The Ageless Athlete Podcast, I sit down with Ray Zahab—a professional adventurer and ultra-endurance athlete who has crossed some of the world’s harshest environments, from the Sahara Desert to the Arctic tundra. But Ray’s most inspiring journey isn’t just about extreme landscapes; it’s about how he used the resilience forged in those adventures to overcome some of life’s toughest challenges, including a battle with lymphoma.Ray shares his incredible story of transformation—from a pack-a-day smoker in his late 20s to one of the world’s most accomplished ultra-endurance athletes. He opens up about his fight with cancer, how his mindset from years of extreme expeditions helped him navigate treatment, and the life lessons he’s learned about resilience, purpose, and living fully.What You’ll Learn in This Episode🌍 The Mental Strength of an AdventurerHow Ray developed resilience by running across deserts, trekking solo in the Arctic, and embracing challenges most would avoid.🩺 Overcoming Cancer With GritHow Ray applied the same mental toughness from his adventures to his cancer treatment, including pushing through chemo with small daily wins.🚭 Breaking Free From SmokingRay’s story of quitting smoking in his late 20s and how it became the catalyst for a complete life transformation.💡 Life Lessons on Resilience and PurposeWhy Ray believes limitations are 90% mental and how shifting your mindset can unlock incredible potential.Key TakeawaysFocus on Small Wins: During cancer treatment, Ray started with 500-meter walks and built from there—proving that progress begins with small, consistent steps.Reframe Challenges: The same mindset that carried him across the Sahara—breaking big goals into smaller milestones—helped him push through chemo.Resilience is Built Over Time: Quitting smoking taught Ray that transformative change starts with a single decision.Adventure as a Teacher: Ray’s expeditions taught him patience, problem-solving, and how to embrace discomfort—skills that helped him in his fight against cancer.References Mentioned in the EpisodeImpossible2Possible (i2P): Ray’s nonprofit that inspires and educates youth through adventure. Learn more here.Running the Sahara: Documentary about Ray’s epic 111-day journey across the Sahara Desert. Watch here.Ray’s Arctic Expeditions: Explore Ray’s solo Arctic crossings and his insights on endurance. Details here.Connect With Ray ZahabWebsite: www.rayzahab.comInstagram: @RayZahabTwitter: @RayZahabIf you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜🟢 Spotify🎵Apple Music▶️ YouTube📸Instagram 💧Substack Blog

In this episode, I reflect on 10 surprising and powerful lessons I’ve learned from some of the world’s top adventure athletes. From reframing fear to finding joy, embracing awe to chasing big dreams, these lessons have reshaped my own journey—and they can inspire yours too.Whether you’re an athlete or simply looking to live more fully, this episode offers actionable insights to start your year with purpose and resilience.Key HighlightsAwe as a motivator and mindset shifter (Caroline Paul, Thomas Huber).Fear isn’t the enemy—it’s a companion (Timmy O’Neill, Jeremiah Bishop).Joy fuels longevity and resilience (Wingnut).Mentorship grows both the teacher and the student (Lynn Hill, Fitzpatricks).Power and flexibility are essential for lifelong performance (Jeremiah Bishop, Juliet Starrett).It’s never too late to chase big adventures (Lionel Conacher, Amy Gubser).I Want to Hear From You!How are you applying these lessons—or similar ones—in your own life? What goals are you chasing in 2025? I’d love to hear your stories! Share your thoughts with me on Instagram or at my email [email protected], and let’s keep inspiring each other to live agelessly.🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.If you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜🟢 Spotify🎵Apple Music▶️ YouTube📸Instagram 💧Substack Blog

As we step into a new year, there’s no better time to revisit this transformative conversation with Caroline Paul—firefighter, adventurer, and NYT best-selling author. In this episode, Caroline shares practical strategies to reframe fear, build confidence, and find awe in everyday life. Whether you're chasing bold resolutions or just seeking a more courageous mindset, Caroline’s wisdom will inspire you to take action. Make sure to get a copy of 'Tough Broad', one of my favorite books in recent memory!What You’ll Learn in This Episode🌟 How to Transform Fear into ConfidenceWhy fear is often misunderstood and how to reframe it as a tool for growth.Caroline’s three-step process for pushing past fear in everyday situations.🌊 The Power of Awe in Daily LifeHow to recognize and cultivate awe, even in small moments.Why awe is a key to resilience and joy, and how it can transform your mindset.🧗‍♀️ Lessons from a Life of AdventureThe challenges Caroline faced as a firefighter and how they shaped her courage.Stories from her most daring adventures and the lessons they offer for taking risks.📋 Actionable TakeawaysDaily habits to step outside your comfort zone.How to identify and take “micro-risks” that build confidence over time.Simple techniques to stay calm and focused in the face of challengesIf you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜🟢 Spotify🎵Apple Music▶️ YouTube📸Instagram 💧Substack Blog

Robert "Wingnut" Weaver, is the star of Endless Summer II and one of surfing’s most iconic longboarders. Wingnut takes us behind the scenes of the movie that shaped surf culture and shares timeless lessons on living a balanced, joyful, and active life.Whether you’re a surfer or simply someone seeking inspiration, this conversation is packed with practical tips and stories that will leave you feeling energized and ready to ride the waves of life—no board required!🌊 Stories from Endless Summer IIBehind-the-scenes moments from one of surfing’s most beloved films.Wingnut’s most memorable (and hilarious) adventures on the road.🧘 Wingnut’s Proven Longevity FormulaThe flexibility routines that keep him agile and strong in his 50s.Why he prioritizes eating local and seasonal foods while traveling.His approach to maintaining a balanced mindset and staying stoked through the decades.🌎 Lessons from Surfing GreatsWhat Wingnut has learned from icons like Jerry Lopez and Laird Hamilton.How their philosophies on health, longevity, and resilience have shaped his life.🤔 Practical Takeaways for ListenersWhy focusing on small daily habits, like stretching, can make a huge impact over time.How to cultivate joy and resilience, even if you’ve never surfed.The surprising connection between surfing and mindfulness.References Mentioned in the EpisodeEndless Summer II – The iconic movie that made Wingnut a household name in the surfing world. Go see it now! Jerry Lopez and Laird Hamilton – Surfing legends whose philosophies have inspired Wingnut’s approach to life.Surfline Forecasts – A tool Wingnut occasionally uses but still values discovering waves the old-school way.Connect with WingnutInstagram: @thewingnutWebsite: WingnutSurf.comIf you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜🟢 Spotify🎵Apple Music▶️ YouTube📸Instagram 💧Substack Blog