Walking Towards Fear: Recent Episodes
Knuckles + PowerPlant
Two friends decide to quit their jobs, leave everything behind, walk towards fear and hike 2600+ miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. Is this a podcast about hiking or about chasing your dreams? Tune in and decide for yourself š„
Follow us on Instagram: @walkingtowardsfear
Christina spends time reflecting on some big shifts that have helped her be more successful in relationships over the last year. Learning to vanquish the habit of hyper-independence and gain the ability to more deeply receive support have been game-changersā¤ļøāš„
Christina is BACK! After an unplanned break, sheās back and ready to dive into an entirely new understanding of what it means to walk towards fear. This season will be focused on solo episodes exploring all things relationship - with yourself and others. Thanks for following alongā¤ļø
Stepping into your brilliance can shift a lot. I've just seen it firsthand, and wanted to share how I got there. Overplaying your weaknesses and underestimating your strengths is a great way to stay where you are. Claiming your unique power can change everything when you're ready for it!
Today's guest is a "constant and never-ending improvement seeker".
BNS Srinivas launched himself into the world of personal transformation after reading a book that cracked him open. Now he has read more than 500 books, lost 60 lbs, and was the first person to be able to interview Steve Hardison.
BNS interviews the best of the best, and I'm honored to hear more about who he is and what's on his mind.
What you think is impossible, BNS thinks is fun. He gained 100K subscribers in 48 days! "Unwaivering commitment can move mountains"
Check out his youtube channels here:
@TeluguSuperhumans
@HEROBNS
I love love. And I love moving towards things that scare us. This conversation really combines those two things. Moving towards love. Which can sometimes feel scary!
Otto is a master creator in his relationship with his wife Susie. We dive into the details of what it means to "create" what you want in relationship with other people, and how to move closer to love.
If you enjoyed this conversation, check out his recently released book "Big, Fat Love" for even more goodness. Written by Otto and Susie Collins.
"A game is any voluntary attempt to overcome an unnecessary obstacle". This conversation really helped shift my perspective on how to bring more fun into my own life with the goals I currently have. The idea of turning our goals into a game can be the difference between enjoying our experience, or suffering through it. We touched on topics like regret, comparison, and what it means to 'live the story'.
Christina shares about a serious slowing down thats taking place right now.....and what to do when you identify a problem in your world.
Interviews continue next week!
This episode is for everyone who is currently "in progress". So if you're alive....it's for you. We talk about all things creativity including how to "force the perfect desk". Celia is a master at learning by doing, and really knows how to drive it home for anyone whose wanting to take the next step in their life or business even if they're a bit unsure right now. We also talk about putting it into perspective when you've spent so long WANTING to do something like start your own business, that even the bad days doing what you love is always better than the mundane days doing anything else.
From big goals to big laughs, this episode is one I'll go back to listen to many times over. It's filled with so much wisdom!
Check out her art: @celiafromwork https://www.celiafromwork.com/
Can every episode be my favorite episode?? This week we dive into a raaaange of topics. From the nuance of who we think "should" be, navigating the challenges that come with being a deep feeler, how "brutiful" life can be, and the power of choosing your viewing "lenses". We talk about the inevitability of fear, its motivational abilities, and how it can even be mistaken for excitement. She graciously shares her learnings and experience going through deep grief from losing her father. Tiffany's love for being alive has been genetically passed down from her incredible father, and she's doing amazing work to spread his ripple of love through the world.
Interested to learn more about Tiffany? Or if you're interested in her offer to experience a powerful conversation around career or career change, you can check her out here:
https://greenecareercoach.com/
Coming at you today to talk about how judgment is my favorite teacher. I won't ever pretend to have it all figured out, and to me that is far more powerful than anyone who tries to tell you they know best and that they've "arrived". Using new insight to judge past versions of ourselves can be tempting, but is disempowering. I'm all for powerful and new perspective shifts that bring MORE love, not lessā¤ļø
walkingtowardsfear@gmail.com
@walkingtowardsfear
@christinaspin
This episode is such a gem. Amanda beautifully shares her own winding path, one that's still an ongoing evolution. We cover her learnings through her experience of the corporate cargo net, and also what she learned while taking her biggest and most unreasonable leap into Montessori teaching. Amanda is an advocate of mindful leadership, experiential learning, and really being in charge of the story you tell. Her view on living from the inside out will change anyone who takes the time to listen deeply to the truth in this episode.
I heard the quote years ago.... "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans". You don't have to be religious to get the idea here. Things rarely go exactly as we plan them (or want them) to go. Melissa is the poster-child for taking the non-linear path and arriving EXACTLY where she needed to be. We talk about her journey of arriving at her passion and what it looks like to really pave your own path.
If you're a leader of a team or an organization, you would be MISSING OUT if you didn't check out her podcast: Works Well with Melissa Sherry.
She can be found on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-sherry-coaching/
I've been spending a little extra time lately thinking about how much the PCT transformed me as a person AND as a business owner. This guest is someone else who knows the feeling well, as another adventurous business owner who hiked the PCT last year. Ash is a rockstar of a human and we dive into the messy details of what it looks like to own a business. The ups, the downs, and everything in between. You all know I'm here for honest conversations, and this is one of them. I loved the conversation and hope you do too.
To learn more about her check out her site here: https://www.alpinestartcreative.com/
Oooooof. Wowie. I spontaneously recorded this one the other day because it was wanting to come through me. Honesty isnāt easy. Itās odd that weāre so good at deceiving ourselves with so little conscious awareness thatās itās happening. Being truthful has so many layers to it, and Iām really encouraging you to ask yourself where you can get more honest in your own life, because every time we do, more becomes available to us. š„š„
Katie is a total rockstar and inspiration for anyone who feels like they have to choose between having a family and traveling. She has BOTH!! We talk about all things travel, dreaming, navigating fears and her newest ideas. Come listen in for some serious inspiration and busting of your own self-imposed limitations š„š„
I learned SO much in this conversation with Anastasia Allison, founder of Kula Cloth. She graciously shares so much of her own story and how her near-death experience was the catalyst to really living. Because in the face of death, she experienced no fear, only presence. Boom. Recognizing that fear is manufactured in the mind. š¤Æ So what'd she do? HAD A WTF MOMENT.Now she's also a self-growth addict who's a student of life AND a successful entrepreneur. She drops some serious truths in this episode and shatters the idea that "not knowing" is a somehow curse, but invites us to see it could be a gift instead. We also talk about how to manage the fear of other people when you choose to take a non-traditional path. If you're listening carefully here, you can hear the truth and power of Anastasia's story. Check out more information over at https://kulacloth.com/ https://kulacloth.com/pages/thedanceexperiment
Put your helmets on to prepare for this one! If you have all your "reasons" that you aren't following your dreams right now, Layne has news for YOU. It doesn't matter your percevied justifications for staying where you are...when you want something, you can create it. We talk about Layne's initiating adventure cycling 4300 miles across the United States with his wife and SEVEN kids following along in a camper van.
From figuring out what really pulls us as a calling and sharing that dream with others, to navigating judgment and committing before it's comfortable...this episode is filled with wisdom. Listen in and share in the fun!
If you want to check more of Layne's adventurous work, head over to https://wayofthehero.com/ š
I went back and forth about posting this episode. It feels open, honest, vulnerable and really, really raw. If you want to join the movement (and want community by your side as you do it) connect with me and share the one step you're taking that gets you out of waiting, and into creating. This is to honor the people who I love who aren't here anymore.I love you. Thanks for listeningā¤ļøFacebook - Christina SpinazolaIG - ChristinaSpin or WalkingTowardsFearEmail - walkingtowardsfear@gmail.com
If you've been feeling the itch to get out there and start traveling...you HAVE to listen to this episode. Why wait for other people to join your adventures when you can go out and travel solo?! This week's guest talks to us about all things international solo-traveling and the confidence it creates in you. From how to stay safe, and how to communicate with a language barrier, I learned a LOT. Cheers to creating your own self-concept to be able to do anything, be anyone, and go anywherešš
You've heard it before...."words matter". But why? And how much do they matter?
They matter the MOST because the language we use creates the lens we experience the world through.
Today's episode is special for me. Because I share with you who I am and who I'm creating myself to be....with the power of language.
If this resonates or inspires you....share it with a friend. Or twelve.
If you want to battle, email me at walkingtowardsfear@gmail.com. Stay hydated everyone!
Not all heroes live in luxury. Some live in vans. And Morgan IS a hero. She started by saving herself from a life of discontent by literally creating a job that hasn't existed before her imagination and creativity took over. And now she saves hikers from having to quit their thru-hikes along some of the longest walking trails in the world. Morgan's perspective on all things life and business are insightful, playful, and practical. She's a total trail blazer, blazing her own path to a world that she's chosen and it was a pleasure getting to learn from her in this episode. Whether you're a physical therapist, an aspiring thru-hiker, or just a human with big dreams....THIS is an episode for you. Go check out Morgan on instagram @BlazePhysio or her site: https://blazephysio.com/
This may be one of my favorite episodes to date. Not just because I got to talk with a great friend (and powerful coach), Deryl Sweeneyā¦.but because of how much I learned. I learned surprising guests with the idea of an ask for my audience was NOT the way to gošš. Come listen in to a great conversation all about personal power, personal choice, and deciding who we want to be in the world. If you want to learn more about Deryl, head over to derylsweeney.com. Should you choose to pick up a copy of āThe Ultimate Coachā tag me on instagram @walkingotwardsfear!
So many people want some bite-sized episodes. So here we are! I'll be sprinkling these in here and there so you can get to know me better where I'll be sharing my musing and learnings with you too.
This first mini is all about the power of commitment that I've learned not just on the Pacific Crest Trail, but also through my #75HARD Journey.
Welcome to Season 3!!! Todays guest isā¦ā¦meš. I share a bit about what Iāve been up to, how my thinking has shifted recently, and my most recent WTF choice. 2022 was a wild ride and I wouldnāt change it for the world. 2023 is already shaping up to challenge the magic of last year and I cannot wait to see where the year ends up. This podcast is about to get a whole lot more interactive too. Iāll be using the community weāre building here to help and serve the people who take time out of their days to come share their wisdom with us. Listen to the end to understand how this will work, and please please be open to helping if you can!!
The day has come..this is the last episode of the Post-Trail series from the PCT. So Knuckles sits down with Trash Balloon to talk all things PCT one more time.
We talked about her experience hiking with a life partner, what HYOH (hike your own hike) means to her, biggest learnings from the trail, how to avoid tramily FOMO, and even attempted to capture why the thru-hiking community is so special.
Trash Balloon is a well-spoken gem of a human, and her dedication to living a radically exceptional life is nothing short of inspirational.
Unfiltered joins the pod to drop some wisdom and share his experience along the PCT. From navigating obstacles to mindsets translatable to front country life, this isnāt one you want to miss. Weāre both a bit chatty, so a longer episode but weāll worth the listen!
Aquaman is one heck out a dude! In this weeks episode we talk about the sacrifices nobody sees to live an amazing life. He came live from his brothers shed, where heās currently living, in order to join me in this conversation! Heās one to watch. Listen along to hear his next big adventurous plans.
The gang is back together!! Topo flew to the east coast to hike again with Knuckles and Powerplant! We headed to the White Mountains of New Hampshire to continue the adventure. I couldnāt resist whipping out the mics to force a mini-pod episode with my two favorite hiker trash pals.
Eagle Eye is one of the only Sri Lankan thru-hikers of the PCT! We met on night one, just over 11 miles into our journey. Come listen to his experience where we cover everything from his quick decision-making process to hike this year, navigating social media while on trail, and managing an injury that almost took him out. He's an amazing guy who also put together an amazing Youtube docu-series which can be found on his channel @vinuraperera.
An episode filled with laughter and memories! Nitro and Jurassic Park are two amazing people I met out on the PCT. They hiked the trail as a married couple, and enjoyed every part of itā¦.except Mt Whitneyš. Come listen to an awesome conversation about partnership, communication and most importantlyā¦fun!
This episodes guest, Machine, is a well-decorated hiking veteran! With thousands and thousands of miles under his belt, he offers a unique perspective on hiking, the community, the challenges and the beauty of it all. Thereās a bit of mic feedback, but poor audio quality hasnāt stopped me yetā¦onwards!!
I met Stephen, a Japan native taking on the PCT, the very first night of the trail. We didnāt see each other very often after that, but hopped on to catch up and share about his experience. From cultural differences, changes in hobbies and a close bear encounter, his trail experience was uniquely his.
Sitting down with Passport, we learn that it all boils down to one decision: to hike or to quit. Come get to know this week's guest and how her PCT experience differed from her first thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.If you're interested in reading some of her blog from the trail (which I highly recommend) it can be found at https://sarahmariesb.com/
When Daddy Long Toes realized his name was a mouthful, and nobody would call him ādaddyā his trail name switched to Jumbo. We talk all things trail, and how the experiences has shifted perspectives coming home and back to work!
Christina talks with Garret āJive Turkeyā about his PCT experience. From how being a strength coach helped him prep for the trail, to the emotional highs and lows of fire logistics. Come listen in!
Christina has a virtual sit-down with Yosef (Weatherman) about his experience on the PCT. Talking about favorite memories, choosing your own adventure, and going from the remote wilderness back to the hustle and bustle of New York City. Come listen in and get a glimpse of our honest conversation about the re-assimilation process!
Season 2 kickoff is here! Christina shares a bit about her re-assimilation journey after leaving the Pacific Crest Trail and talks about what season 2 of the WTF podcast will look like. I hope you follow along!
This episode is a compilation of various hikers that Knuckles met out on the Pacific Crest Trail. They share their stories of how they got their trail names!
The finale of the Walking Towards Fear podcast, PCT edition. Knuckles sits down with Beetle, Milk, Hermes and Topo at Timberline Lodge after taking their final steps on trail. With a combination of stories, reflections and learnings, this episode covers it all. Cheers to a wonderful adventure with even more amazing people. š„¹ā¤ļøš„²
PowerPlant, Topo, Beetle and Knuckles talk about their final days in Washington. Including tagging the northern terminus of the PCT, escaping a close call with wildfires, and whatās coming next.
In this episode Knuckles talks with Professor Pinecone about how she tackles fear head on. Not only is she hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with her three (yes, THREE) children, but when sheās done sheās planning to turn her dreams into reality. Sheās creating the COOLEST resource for her community that she could think of by opening a lavender farm and discovery center!! When I asked her earlier in the day why sheās doing it, she essentially said ālifeās short, make it what you want it to beā and I think we could all use more of that energy in our livesš„š„ You can check out their YouTube channel here: The PCT and the OāHearn Stone Family. (also excuse the small bit of white noise in this, not sure why the audio did that!)
Knuckles celebrates hitting her hundredth day on trail (!!!) by doing her first 30 mile day. Wanted to record a few minutes at the end of a long day to preserve the memory of it all.
Knuckles and Powerplant do an update pod in Burney, California! This is a longer episode but we havenāt done a general update in a while. Talking about tough days, celebrations, and what weāve been up to. Enjoy!
Powerplant, Knuckles, Topo, Beetle and Zelda sit down with the most involved trail angels weāve encountered so far - Outside Jay. Outside Jay talks to us about his experience being an angel and what he likes to explore in his free time.
Knuckles does another brief solo pod to update after one of her toughest days on trail - which happens to also be the day she crossed the half way point on the PCT
After meeting the worlds coolest ranger, we had some awesome conversations that ended in him reading us a few poems. It ended in tears and a hug and was one of our favorite nights on trail so far! We did have his permission to record and upload to the WTF podcast. Shoutout to you Ranger who wonāt be namedš¤š¼
After a long day hiking through Yosemite, Knuckles and PowerPlant sit down with the largest group yet for a fun pod. We had Little Hamster, Crypto, Milk, Zelda, Topo and Smiley join us for a fun discussion about the events that would exist if thru-hiking had an Olympic Games. Get ready to laugh. Part way through we were joined by a Park Ranger and took a small break to chat with him. Enjoy!
Knuckles and PowerPlant talk about the high elevation passes in this last section of the Pacific Crest Trail. Just a general trail update podcast, and the important questions are askedā¦.like who cuts the grass?
Knuckles decided to do a solo pod while hiking! Very much a stream-of-consciousness style chat about her experience so far. She also runs into a fellow thru-hiker, Willie Nelson, who gives her some awesome suggestions for town food in Bishop. We did go to the bakery and all the food was excellent! Check bc out Willie Nelsonās Instagram: @make_memories_not_excuses
This podcast was recorded at the summit of Mount Whitney! Weāre going to believe that itās the podcast recorded at the highest altitude ever because thatās just fun. We werenāt sure if weād be able to summit after PowerPlant was sick the day before. But he felt better and made 16 miles up and down Mount Whitney his ārecoveryā day. What a legend!
More milestones on the Pacific Crest Trail are hit by PowerPlant, Topo and Knuckles. Listen to the first updates after Kennedy Meadows as they head out of the desert and into the Sierras!
Topo, Knuckles and PowerPlant give updates from the Pacific Crest Trail. Itās nice getting into camp early because it gives time to actually sit down and chat. We got distracted in the middle of this episode by a baby bunny with a serious case of the zoomies (video will be posted on the WTF Instagram). This is our last podcast episode from the desert and we could not be more excited. This ep was uploaded at Kennedy Meadows General Store!
They say āthe trail providesā and nobody knows this better than Metal. So PowerPlant and Knuckles sit down with Dolphin and Metal to talk about their trail experiences so far and how the trail has provided for them. We talk about some tough days, but also a celebration of Knuckles birthday!
Knuckes, PowerPlant and Topo tackle one of the infamous sections of the Pacific Crest Trail - the LA Aquaduct. Itās known to be a blisteringly hot section and is usually done at night because of the long water carry. We took off at 6pm and recorded this podcast right after midnight!
Powerplant and Knuckles give some trail updates between Big Bear, Wrightwood and Acton. We recount some memorable climbs, an absolute giggle fest at McDonalds, and talk about our very first marathon where we pushed 26.2 miles in a single day.
After a long day, we sit down with Stacy and Aloha to chat about their trail experience before heading to bed. We talk about whats surprised us so far, and the unspoken pressures many of us face while thru-hiking.
You meet some VERY interesting people in the hot springs in the middle of the desert. That is all.
Updates from the trail between Idyllwild and Big Bear Lake! We talk with Amazon, Snake Charmer, and Topo about this section of trail and how things are going. From big climbs and big descents, to hot days and loud laughs. Enjoy!
We talk with Scott and Mel who were our first trail angels to let us stay at their house. 10/10 highly recommend.
The toughest day so far. We recorded at the end of our hardest day to remind ourselves even the tough days are worth being out here. Capturing the good with the bad.
Todays episode is sponsored by Gabeās birthday gift to Andrew - Whiskey. Trail updates and Andrewās birthday celebration!
Andrew and Christina hitchhike into their first real town - Julian - to get some pie. Paula and Kate are from Arizona, but they were headed to Julian for a long weekend. Theyāve never picked up hitchhikers before so we figured weād do a podcast with them to make it all more memorable!
Christina and Andrew talk about their first sleepless night and give general trail updates!
Christina and Andrew talk with 4 other thru-hikers (Steven, William, Katie Ann, and Vinora) on the first night of the PCT. We learn a bit about who they are, where theyāre from, why theyāre hiking and if they were nervous to get started.
Christina talks with Devan, her boss, as her drives her to the trailhead. The final episode before the trail begins!
Andrew and Christina talk about starting the PCT in less than 12 hours. Excited, nervous and everything in between. Hereās goes nothing!
Christina sits down to talk with her boss, Kristen, on her last day of work before she leaves for 6 months. Itās a total spiral of positivity, with a few tears sprinkled throughoutā¤ļø
Andrew and Christina talk with their parents about their upcoming PCT thru-hike. What ran through their minds when we told them? How many new gray hairs were sprouted? And how theyāre coming to terms with the adventure. Thanks for your patience with the funky audio quality on this one, it shouldnāt happen againā¦but perfectionism wonāt win!
Christina and Andrew launch the pod by talking about what theyāre most excited for, and what they fear the most on their upcoming thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.
With many, MANY more steps to comeā¦hereās a sneak peak of what to expect when listening to the Walking Towards Fear podcast. Hit that follow button to make sure you donāt miss any of our new episodes! Thanks for listening to the fast talking, you only get one minute for a trailer and thereās clearly a lot to say about this adventure.