Girls Gone Gravel podcast

On this week’s episode, Kathryn and Kristi are joined by Life Time Grand Prix U23 athlete Samanth Johnson. Samanth (yes, without the “a”) is from Louisville KY, and she tells us the unique story behind her name - although she’s happy to just be called Sam too. New to the U23 Grand Prix this year, Sam cut her teeth in the world of collegiate cycling. She discusses the ins and outs of the world of collegiate cycling in the US, and shares how she moved from crit racing into gravel and ultra-endurance, including results at Southern Cross, Leadville, and Unbound 100 with Lunch Box Racing.
Sam is an alumni of Milligan University, and her community was tragically affected by the death of two cyclists, and hospitalization of many others just weeks ago as a result of a motor vehicle collision with a group of Milligan cyclists while they were out on a ride. The tragedy happened just days before Gravel Worlds, and she discusses the difficulty in deciding whether to race or not in Nebraska, and why she decided to race in her Milligan cycling kit. Sam shares how the Milligan community responded after the crash, including overwhelming support for the injured students and their families.
Follow Sam on Instagram @_samantha_mis_prime

Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feistycycling
@feisty_media
Girls Gone Gravel Website:
https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/
Support our Partners:
Wahoo: Learn about the ELEMNT ROAM 3 at https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/6kn0Eb
Momentous: Use code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com
Tifosi: Use the code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at tifosioptics.com

This week, Kathryn sits down with Kara Folkerts, a full time trail running guide and global bikepacker, to talk about the overlap between endurance sport, travel, and cultural curiosity. Growing up a runner in Canada, Kara moved into ultra-running during university while studying ecotourism and outdoor leadership which introduced her to guided trail running trips. They cover Kara’s path into guiding, the logistics of a nomadic life, solo bikepacking, bikepack racing, and how she’s navigated RED-S, fueling, and recovery while staying active. Kara and Kathryn also discuss the realities behind the glamorous outdoors lifestyle too, including the mental load of guiding, the challenge of consistent training, and why Kara keeps choosing adventures that require problem-solving instead of perfect plans.
Follow Kara on Instagram @karafolkerts

On our episode this week, Kathryn is live on the ground in Port Gamble WA, for the 5th annual Hangtime women’s freeride event. Created in 2021 by pro freeride athlete Hannah Bergemann, the event brought together 60 women from across the world to showcase the rapidly progressing level of women’s freeride. The weekend isn’t about competition, it centers development and progression, and encourages the riders to support each other to progress at their own pace. Kathryn chats with young, up-and-coming riders Mayumi Wakefield and Peyton Lee about what the events means to them, and where they hope to see women’s freeride go as their careers progress in the sport. We also hear from event organizer Hannah Bergemann about what inspired her to start the event, and the changes she has seen and continues to see in the sport.
Follow the event & riders on Instagram:
@hangtime.bike
@hannahbergemann
@peyton.lee22
@mayumi.wakefield
Find the event highlights on PinkBike at: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/hannah-bergemanns-5th-annual-hangtime-recap.html

Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feistycycling
@feisty_media
Girls Gone Gravel Website:
https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/
Support our Partners:
Wahoo: Learn about the ELEMNT ROAM 3 at https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/6kn0Eb
Momentous: Use code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com
Tifosi: Use the code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at tifosioptics.com

On this week’s episode Kristi and Kathryn talk with internet sensation Laini Bones, about how a joking Instagram bit turned into a fast-growing cycling platform. Laini started running during college, and spent 10 years as a runner working in the world of corporate finance before cycling piqued her interest. She tells us about her path from running marathons to road racing, the viral segment-hunting reels that launched her account, and how she balances comedy, competition, and growing visibility in the cycling world. The conversation also digs into her racing plans with Lauren Stevens’ team, Aegis Next Step Racing where she has been a guest rider this year, and her plans for the future - which may just include some gravel racing
Aside from being a total bad-ass on a bike, Laini is also co-founder and CFO of Carbs Fuel with her husband Gabe. She tells us how the company got started, and what it was like making the leap from her full-time corporate gig to the life of an entrepreneur and influencer.
Follow Laini on instagram @lainibones

On this week’s episode Kathryn joins us from on the ground at Gavel Worlds in Lincoln, Nebraska. First we hear from fellow podcasters, the Bonk Babes who tell us a little bit about how their show got starters, as well as a few plans they are cooking up for the future. Then we hear from a number of athletes including Sofia Gomez-Villafane, Cécile LeJeune, Danni Shrosbree, and race winner Gee Schreurs. Tune in to get all of the on the ground details!

Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feistycycling
@feisty_media
Girls Gone Gravel Website:
https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/
Support our Partners:
Wahoo: Learn about the ELEMNT ROAM 3 at https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/6kn0Eb
Momentous: Use code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com
Tifosi: Use the code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at tifosioptics.com