Touching the Trail Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jarod Contreras
Our mission is to help you be better daily through mind, body, and soul by learning together how to live our truest selves. So join me, Jarod Contreras a 19-year-old storyteller, as we work to be better. From mountain tops to canyon floors these are conversations on adventure, on health, on life, and on change. Change that is positive, lasting, and true. To make change listen in as everything from endurance and adventure sports to vegan living, yoga, and meditation are covered in these episodes through all forms of conversation and discussion. Following and living your truest trail must be your number one priority so let us all create a community centered around peace, presence, and perseverance.
Update! The Touching the Trail Podcast will be taking a hiatus for the summer. I, the host Jarod Contreras, feel that I need to take this time to refocus and reevaluate where I’m at and where I’m headed. To give myself the space and the opportunity to figure some things out that I’ve been neglecting figuring out for quite awhile. Thank you all so much for listening and remember that this is not the end, Touching the Trail and I will return. I hope that you take the time as well to refocus, reevaluate and to always keep in mind the journey of bettering yourself. I will see you again when Touching the Trail returns. Muchas gracias.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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“The bicycle gear, and the wheel, and everything it just increases your own power and makes you a superhero!”
-Ultra Romance
Ultra Romance is known by many names, Ronnie, Benedict, Poppi, etc., and this Instagram sensation, if that is even the right word, has captured the fascination of thousands through his depiction of the bicycle as lifestyle. A few years ago he captured my fascination and I have been following his human-powered, bikepacking adventures ever since. The ultra-endurance cyclist spends most of his time traveling the country, riding far. Today Ronnie, as he asked me to call him, and I sit down to pull back the curtain on the character, the myth, the persona that he presents on Instagram and delve into the philosophy he has built through all of the time that he has spent in the saddle, living simply. Consider this episode as part one of my discussion with Ronnie, as I have much more that I want to explore and discuss with this fascinating man.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find Ultra Romance:
ronsbikes.com
Instagram: @ultraromance instagram.com/ultraromance/
Instagram: @ultraromance_mach2 instagram.com/ultraromance_mach2/
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“You can really make huge strides just by sticking to the simple concept of consistency.”
-Steve House
This week’s episode is the complement to last week’s, as it tells the other half of the story behind Training for the New Alpinism and Uphill Athlete. Steve House was the climber who Scott Johnston, last week’s podcast guest, was coaching when they both decided to share with the world the training techniques that had been so beneficial for Steve. That idea eventually became Training for the New Alpinism, their new book Training for the Uphill Athlete, and their coaching company Uphill Athlete. Steve himself is an accomplished climber who built a name for himself through practicing alpinism, ascending mountains via the most aesthetic lines while leaving as little a trace as possible. While the idea of alpinism may sound simple, it is actually one of, if not the, hardest and most complex endeavors that a human being can attempt and Steve became one of the best in the world at it. He brought that experience in the mountains into his work with Scott to build a training framework that is both practical and beneficial. Today Steve and I delve into his story, the sport of alpinism, community, overcoming challenges, consistency, and how to train smart to achieve your goals.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find Steve:
stevehouse.net/
uphillathlete.com/
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“Every good training program needs to have qualities to it: continuity/consistency, progression, and modulation.”
-Scott Johnston
Scott Johnston is the co-author, along with alpinist Steve House, of the bestseller Training for the New Alpinism: A Manual for the Climber as Athlete (2014)and the recently released Training for the Uphill Athlete: A Manual for Mountain Runners and Ski Mountaineers (2019). Both Scott and Steve are the co-founders of the endurance and mountain sports coaching company Uphill Athlete, as well. I first heard about Scott and Steve by hearing about Training for the New Alpinism, which changed the training landscape for alpinism and endurance sports in general by applying tried and true training techniques from more conventional sports to endurance sports. With their new book, Training for the Uphill Athlete, they are continuing to shift the sports’ perspective on training for the better. Today Scott and I sit down to discuss his story, his experience with skiing and climbing, and how he became fascinated by training. We explore how he developed his own training framework, how he took that framework to successfully coach athletes like Steve House, and how he and Steve took that framework and provided it to the world with their books and coaching.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find Scott:
uphillathlete.com/
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Each year in May, the Born to Run Ultramarathon Extravaganza draws people from the world over to a small valley, nestled amongst oak woodlands, on the Central Coast of California. After stepping onto that ranch, you enter an entirely different world, a world of passion and of community. Born to Run is a highlight of my year and is now much like a family reunion for me. This year was hallmarked by a juxtaposition between wild, chaotic moments, like wheelchair jousting, lucha libre wrestling, or moshing to Metalachi, and quiet, calm moments, like running 30 miles, making new friends, and simply hanging out. That dynamic shaped my Born to Run experience for the positive because it gave me a healthy mix of both sides of the spectrum. Today I tell the story of my Born to Run adventure, incorporating various voices from the event answering the simple question, “What is Born to Run to you?”
Gracias,
Jarod Contreras
Special Thanks:
Luis Escobar
Chris “Tarzan” Clemens
Tyler Clemens
Michelle Evans
Chris Harper
Fraser Koroluk
Kaori Peters
Scott Kufferath
Tracy Thomas
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Music: purple-planet.com/
“Suffering purifies you if you accept it as God’s will.”
-JB Benna
Over the past two years since the last time my friend JB Benna, ultrarunner and filmmaker, and I spoke on this podcast, we have both undergone quite dramatic shifts in our personal journeys. Shifts that have been both good and bad but that have both landed with spirituality. Today JB and I explore that journey and how Christianity has come to play a major role in JB’s life. Now I know for some of you, reading that we are going to discuss Christianity may rub you the wrong way. However, I advise you to keep an open mind and listen with curiosity to this conversation that, when it comes down to it, explores the relationship between spirituality and ultrarunning. JB and I delve into what God and Christianity mean to him and to me, how suffering can be seen as a teacher, and the various forms that spirituality can take in one’s life.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find JB:
journeyfilm.com/
tmrrealestate.com/
Instagram: @jbbenna instagram.com/jbbenna/
Twitter: @jbbenna twitter.com/jbbenna?lang=en
Facebook: JB Benna facebook.com/jbbenna
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After heading back home to Los Angeles for Mother’s Day weekend I began to think a lot about the people in my life and what roles they play in helping me to be my best. Those that are in my circle, my friends and family, are those that I turn to for advice and support and they do the same to me. Trusting in that support from the people in your life that mean the most to you is a vital tool in living better. Bottling everything up or solely working through it on your own are not healthy tactics. Instead, rely on the people around you who are positive influences on your life and work to be the same to them. Join me today in a quick reminder of the importance of your circle.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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Throughout my journey of personal betterment, I have found that a key tool is to list out what is working and what I can improve upon. This tactic led me to realize that I am have not been incorporating functional exercises, bodyweight workouts, at all into my running regimen. To improve as a runner you cannot only focus on running, you must also put in work outside of the run. Strengthening muscles throughout the entirety of your body allows you to become a more well-rounded runner that can confidently and safely tackle any challenge. Your body is a machine and you have to care for the entire machine, not only a few parts. The complex mechanics of that machine require a runner to be strong from their head to their toes. Today I explore why building strength outside of the run is a vital tool to becoming a better runner.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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“The race doesn’t matter, the experience does and we shouldn’t be creating situations where there’s exclusivity, we should instead be creating experiences where there’s inclusivity.”
-”Sherpa” John Lacroix
John Lacroix, known in the ultrarunning world by his nickname “Sherpa John,” is the founder of the Human Potential Race Series, the largest race series in Colorado and the fifth largest in the nation. This series focuses on providing an “old school” atmosphere to their events and incorporating a strong sense of community into the experience. Preferential treatment is not given to front runners at the event, every finisher is given the same award, there is no prize money, and times are recorded by pen and paper. John’s unique approach to his races extends to the approach that he takes to the ultrarunning world at large. He is unafraid to speak his mind openly and honestly, always making sure to support his opinions with evidence. This propensity towards brutal honesty has led John to rub some people the wrong way and for him to become a polarizing figure within the sport. John’s experience in the sport, having run or race directed ultramarathons for the past 15 years, leads him to speak wisely on all things ultrarunning, which is exactly what he does in today’s wide-ranging discussion.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
humanpotentialrunning.com/
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Sometimes a quick reminder that the small things matter too can be the best help. Join me today as I explore why the little things that you do in life, like crossing the street or pushing in your chair after a meal, are what count. Those are the moments when you train your self-discipline and commitment. By paying attention to the little things, you better yourself to be disciplined in the big things, like a daily workout or meditation.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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Having spent the past two weekends camping, in Pinnacles National Park and at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterrey, I have had quite a full plate during the weekdays. I wanted to have a present mindset to best enjoy the beauty and adventure of Pinnacles and the chaos and wildness of Sea Otter but in order to do that, I had to make sure that I took care of all of my responsibilities before Friday each week. If you’ve never heard of Pinnacles National Park, it’s a magnificent place filled with incredible trailrunning amongst massive rock formations and views of soaring condors. If you’ve never heard of the Sea Otter Classic, it is regarded as the largest cycling festival in the world and I attended with friends of mine from here at Cal Poly. For their individual draws, I wanted to be present when I was camping in Pinnacles and hanging out at Sea Otter, which led my weeks to be filled with many things to get done. There were a few moments where I was on the verge of becoming overwhelmed and stressed but by applying mindfulness lessons and the all-important tool of to-do lists I was able to stay focused and accomplish what I needed to get done.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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“Learn about how to look at the quality of the instrument itself with which [you] learn things.”
-Robert Thurman
Robert Thurman is a renowned Buddhist scholar and the father of actress Uma Thurman. He is the founder of Tibet House US, which is a non-profit dedicated to helping preserve Tibetan culture in exile and to be active against China’s control of Tibet, and founder of Menla Mountain Retreat, which is a healing arts center grounded mainly in the Tibetan healing tradition. Thurman’s extensive knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, coupled with his deep study of various other philosophies and traditions, allows him to speak eloquently and intelligently on a wide variety of topics. He is able to take the state of our world and frame it in a Buddhist perspective. That way the listener can better understand how damaged our world currently is and how we can improve it through the lessons that can be learned from Buddhism. He uses logic and reason to expose the flaws in many different aspects of our society, from politics, consumerism, and capitalism to science, philosophy, and understanding knowledge, so that we can better go about healing our society. Today’s conversation is a wonderfully wide-ranging discussion that uses Buddhism as the lens to view what is wrong and what is right with the world that we live in today.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find Robert:
bobthurman.com/
tibethouse.us/
menla.us/
Instagram: @Bob_Thurman instagram.com/bob__thurman/
Twitter: @BobThurman twitter.com/bobthurman
Facebook: Robert Thurman facebook.com/Robert.A.F.Thurman
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Throughout my time here in college, at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I have often felt like I have lost running. Now I don’t mean that I stopped running, I have run a substantial amount while here in SLO. What I mean is that I have been plagued by the recurring feeling that I have lost the running ability that I had during times of my life like the lead up to the Bryce Canyon 100 in June of 2017. That feeling of setting out for a run, knowing that you will enter that pain cave but remaining confident in your fitness to bring you through the discomfort and emerge on the other side better for it. I spent so long tying those two concepts, discomfort and enlightenment, so closely together through running that when I lost that fitness, due to the various challenges I have faced here in college that led running to take a backseat in my life, I felt like I lost running. However, since the New Year I have been training with focus and drive for one goal: the Santa Barbara Nine Trails 35 Mile Endurance Run, which took place a week and a half ago. The race, with the 11,700’ of elevation gain that a runner covers across the 35 miles, is known for its difficulty and I was determined to use the race as a platform to reset my outlook, perspective, and mindset on running and on what I was capable of. Stepping across that finish line was a deeply emotional experience for me because it told me that I could still run far, that I still loved it, that I wanted to do more with it, and that I could still learn from it. Join me today as we explore Nine Trails, my experience with that race, and what it taught me.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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“I’m in pain and I’m suffering here and it’s a wonderful thing.”
-Andy Van Bergen
In all the time that I have spent adventuring in the outdoors, I have always had a fascination with going up. Running, riding, or clawing my way up the most elevation gain that I can find is always my focus. In many senses I don’t particularly even like the flat or downhill sections, to me it’s all about the uphill and the discomfort that it brings. Thankfully there are many other people in the world who share my fascination and cyclist Andy Van Bergen is one of them. Andy is the head of the Hells 500, a cycling group focused on and almost obsessed with epic hill climbing adventures, one of which is Everesting. Andy himself is the creator of Everesting, the concept where over one continuous run or ride activity the athlete does enough hill repeats, on one hill of their choosing, to match their elevation gain to the altitude of Mt. Everest: 29,029’ (8,848 m). This idea has taken the world by storm in the five years since its inception because of its brutal simplicity. Anybody, anywhere on the planet can attempt this challenge, all you need is a mindset that will propel your body up and down a hill enough times to climb Everest. This idea and the straightforward difficulty of it captured my imagination as well and in today’s episode, we explore what it means to go upwards powered only by your own body and mind. We delve into who Andy is, why he continuously seeks to push his limits, and the mindset that it takes to endure seemingly impossible tasks.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
hells500.com/
everesting.cc/
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“It’s amazing to me how little some have and amazing even more that the people that have, don’t do.”
-Christian Isakson
My friend Christian Isakson was the very first guest that I ever had on this show, back on Ep. 8 in early 2016. Only a few weeks before that first conversation Christian had crashed on his bike at Ultraman Hawaii, which practically destroyed his body, breaking bones and puncturing a lung. Now three years later, after a long and arduous recovery journey, Christian has returned to Ultraman, racing Ultraman Florida in February and placing 3rd. I realized after he completed the race that it was about time that I should catch up with Christian. In today’s conversation, we delve not into a recap of the race per se but more into an exploration of the mindset behind Christian Isakson. We explore who he is and what drives him to push his body to its limits and beyond. The importance of finding a deeper meaning for racing beyond a T-shirt or medal is vital and Christian is a firm believer in this idea. Today’s episode is a wide-ranging discussion on everything from how he prepared for and executed Ultraman Florida, to the role that his Christian faith plays in his life, to racing for something more than yourself, and to how to endure.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find Christian:
christianisakson.com
Instagram: @luke920 instagram.com/luke920/
Twitter: @lukeninetwenty twitter.com/lukeninetwenty
Facebook: @luke920 facebook.com/luke920/
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When your body becomes run down you are more likely to get sick. That simple truth is clearly apparent when you are fatigued and stressed because often those are the times when you become sick. The science backs this up, with many studies corroborating the fact that fatigue can weaken your immune system, leading to an increased risk of infection. As I am just overcoming a recent cold I have been thinking a lot about the best practices that one can employ to prevent fatigue and therefore prevent sickness. The key is to listen to your body. During times of tiredness and stress your body sends clear signals that you need to slow down and rest. Often, when you don’t listen to those warning signs, you become sick. The more that you can return to center and stay focused on keeping your body healthy the less likely it will be that you will get sick. Join me today as I explore a few key practices to stay energized and prevent sickness from day to day.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
touchingthetrail.com/writings/2019/2/2/why-you-should-wake-up-early
touchingthetrail.com/resources/#meditation
Sources:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757
webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/immune-system-lack-of-sleep#1
sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150629110803.htm
Janssen, N., et al. "Fatigue as a predictor of sickness absence: results from the Maastricht cohort study on fatigue at work." Occupational and environmental medicine 60.suppl 1 (2003): i71-i76.
Akerstedt, Torbjorn, et al. "Predicting long‐term sickness absence from sleep and fatigue." Journal of sleep research 16.4 (2007): 341-345.
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This past Friday I turned 20 years old and now I am officially no longer a teenager. As such, I have been thinking deeply about the paths that we take in our lives. I recognize that my path, throughout my teenage years, led me to do and accomplish more than what is expected of the typical teenager. I have consistently subverted what is considered to be “normal” and that has led me to consider how to continue that practice into my 20s. One aspect of that practice, of living my individuality, that I know will be for certain is that the journey will not be easy, it never is. However, I have come to recognize that that challenge, inherent in our trails, is the key because it is the teacher. By enduring through adversity, engaging with it, and learning from it we emerge from the other side of the difficulty better for it. Join me in today’s episode as we explore the mathematical concept of fractals to illustrate the use of difficult situations as tools for personal betterment.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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I particularly enjoy finding new lines of questioning to pursue with the guests that I have on my show, to get a unique perspective. In our conversation on Ep. 161, Thomas Reiss and I explored the relationship that he has with his sons which has been deeply shaped by engaging in transformative adventures in the outdoors, much like the relationship that I have with my father. A unique father-son relationship, often shaped by running or some other endurance sport is always a topic of conversation that I enjoy exploring because it speaks so deeply to my own life. So when Thomas suggested that I get his teenage sons’, Luke and Dylan, side of the story I was intrigued. Luke has trekked with his father all over the world, to Everest Base Camp, Mt. Baker, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Elbrus in Russia, and the area surrounding Cotopaxi in Ecuador. Dylan has adventured with his dad all over the Sierras and Western US. These experiences, coupled with the fact that they are dedicated athletes in their day to day lives, made them perfect guests for me to sit down and chat with. My conversation with Luke and Dylan delves into how running, international travel, having a strong father-son and family dynamic, adventure, and hiking have shaped them. We explore what it means to have a deep connection to getting out of your comfort zone through adventure in the outdoors shapes a young person’s life.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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The relationship between order and chaos has always fascinated me. That dynamic was recently exemplified to me on a train ride from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles. Outside of the train car a storm raged in full force, with sheets of rain beating the windows, but inside the car the passengers and I were peaceful, warm, and relaxed. We watched movies, read, talked, or slept while we exerted no extraneous effort to get from point A to point B. That ride got me thinking about our relationship to chaos and how we can form a more beneficial relationship than the one we typically have. Our typical relationship is marked by being swept up in the tide, becoming overwhelmed or stressed, and letting the chaos control us. However, I have found that, through a shifting of perspective, we can approach chaotic situations as tools to better ourselves. Through an exploration of the scientific idea of entropy, my experiences in the hectic downtown of LA, and the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching I explore the usefulness of chaos as an opportunity to grow.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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I deeply believe that a key aspect of education is repetition. As such, your spiritual education must include that aspect. Today I delve into a reminder that in all cases both the answers and questions are found within. That the path that is your most fulfilling life is found through learning who you truly are. That act of meeting yourself is one that is painful, emotional, and difficult but ultimately worth it. Using parables that examine the virtue of going within from Buddhist and Hindu perspectives I hope to remind you today that this tool has been discussed for thousands of years and it has not lost its usefulness. Indeed, it is probably the most valuable tool for bettering yourself because it allows you to peel back the layers obscuring who you truly are, through such techniques as meditation, getting out of your comfort zone, and broadening your mind, all of which are ways to go within.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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“I motivate myself, I think that’s important. If we don’t motivate ourselves then no external person or thing is going to get us out of bed and get us to do what we need to do.”
-Matthew Grills
For a few years now I have followed Matthew Grills on Instagram and, for some reason, only recently did I realize that this vegan Australian ultrarunner would make for a perfect podcast guest. Matthew was introduced to running by his father, much like me, and the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other has deeply shaped their relationship for the better. Exploring these intersections that Matthew’s life is filled with, father and son, running and daily life, family and work, was a focus of mine in today’s discussion. Matthew has built a unique perspective on the world through his many ultramarathon finishes, building his dream of owning and running a cafe into a reality, raising a family, redefining his relationship with his father, and overall learning each day how to be better. In today’s conversational exploration of who Matthew Grills is we delve into each one of these topics, all the while keeping a focus on the mindset aspect of Matthew’s story and how the spirituality behind his journey has played a role.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find Matt:
thetattoorunner.com
Instagram: @adventures_and_activism instagram.com/adventures_and_activism/
Instagram (cafe): @thejourneybargara instagram.com/thejourneybargara/
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“If you challenge yourself and you do hard things, suddenly the things that you think are hard in regular life are not really that hard.”
-Thomas Reiss
The common thread between all of the conversations that occur on this show is the simple truth that pushing your mind and body in the outdoors, beyond your perceived limits, will positively shape you. This truth is evident to Thomas Reiss and his family, who have a deep bond through adventuring in nature. I am always fascinated with conversations that explore the connection between running and life, in today’s chat Thomas and I delve into how the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other can radically change someone for the better. I met Thomas at his house, a beautifully designed structure in San Luis Obispo, where we hiked and drank coffee before sitting down to chat. Thomas’ unique perspective on the world, shaped by running, growing up in Germany, and traveling to adventure everywhere from the Sierras to Everest Base Camp with his sons, shines through in our wide-ranging conversation today. I truly hope you enjoy listening as we examine Thomas’ story, how international travel shapes a person, what it means to learn from failure, how to endure discomfort, the connection between creativity and running, and the intricacies of being a successful runner while raising a family and running a company.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find Thomas:
thomasreiss.com
kraftwerkdesign.com
Instagram: @thomas.rei55 instagram.com/thomas.rei55/
Facebook: Thomas Reiss facebook.com/thomas.reiss
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An aspect of the health and wellness world that is too often not discussed or explored is honesty, honesty with ourselves and with the world around us. Here on Touching the Trail, I work to present my life, and the ups and downs in it, with an honest voice. I am not perfect, far from it, and as such, I often feel inadequate, insecure, stagnant, or like I have no idea what I am doing. However, I have learned that if I allow myself to become depressed or distracted by such thoughts I am allowing those demons to control me, I am their prisoner. Instead, if I acknowledge their presence and then simply crack on I have found that I can lace up my boots, push through the muck of the challenge, and get to the dry land on the other side of the mud. Instead of becoming mired in the slime I can move forward with a perseverant mindset. We have a responsibility, to ourselves, to better ourselves, but we can only do that if we are strong enough to push through the challenges that arise within.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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“If you remove borders, we’re all the same.”
-Daniel Almazán Klinckwort
Three key focuses of my life, indeed of what I do here on Touching the Trail, are nutrition, spirituality, and endurance. As such, I was fascinated when I heard about Aire Libre, a retreat hosting and storytelling company based in Mexico City. Aire Libre host retreats in Mexico, with plans to expand their offerings to other parts of the world soon, that combine running, native spiritual wisdom, whole food, and spirituality. I first heard about Aire Libre through my friend Hakim Tafari. Ironically Daniel, co-founder of Aire Libre, reached out to me. I invited him on the podcast to talk about his story and what he and his friends, as Aire Libre began simply as friends who love to run wanting to share an adventure, have built. Today’s episode delves into what Aire Libre is, how ancient native spiritual wisdom can benefit us today, using running as a tool for personal peace and for political change, engaging with the land around us, learning from our pasts, building community, living truthfully, ritual, reading, and more.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find Daniel:
dklinckwort.com
Instagram: @dklinckwort instagram.com/dklinckwort/
Facebook: Daniel Almazán Klinckwort facebook.com/dklinckwort
Find Aire Libre:
airelibre.com
Instagram: @airelibre.run instagram.com/airelibre.run/
Youtube: Aire Libre Running youtube.com/channel/UC9du0euKdG0LCsgzI5FT9mQ/
Facebook: @airelibre.run facebook.com/airelibre.run
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There are often times in our lives, I definitely know there have been in mine, where we let the stressors and responsibilities that surround us control us. Often that situation stems from losing balance, from putting too much focus on one thing and then, when something unexpected emerges, we become overwhelmed. This simple equation has played a major role in my life over my time in college, so going into this new quarter I have realized the importance of making balance a priority. One way of doing that, I have come to recognize, is by broadening my horizons and exploring the aspects of myself that I have not before. By being unafraid to try new things beyond the horizon of my comfort zone I may very well find something new that provides me supreme happiness. Exploring this complexity is a way to help teach yourself more and more who you truly are and what honestly fulfills you, by doing so you learn where to place your time, energy, and focus. Join me today in examining this technique for finding balance.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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Life rarely, if ever, turns out exactly the way one expects it to. Often the case is that it turns out completely opposite to your expectations. 2018 was a year that, for me, turned out completely opposite to my expectations. This year held the highest of highs and lowest of lows for me, but through it all, I realized two key aspects of personal betterment. The first is to embrace the personal growth that comes with facing the unexpected, which this year held a lot of for me. The second is to embrace the fact that change is a constant which, despite the paradoxical-sounding nature of that statement, means that we are never the person we were a year ago or will be a year from now. Personal change is an important aspect of life, if we steer that change in a positive direction. Learning that has been this year’s journey. Today I delve into the ups and downs of this year to illustrate those points. Happy New Year!
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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“Sometimes the mind limits us, when in reality we can do a whole lot more than we really believe we can.”
-Kristian Morgan
Many times in life various pieces fall together, often by complete surprise, to create something beautiful. As I always try to tell the stories of people from all aspects of society who are bettering themselves, I was intrigued when Kristian Morgan reached out to me suggesting we chat. Kristian will attempt to break the Appalachian Trail FKT (Fastest Known Time), currently held by Karel Sabbe, on July 1st, 2019. Beyond this attempt, he is an accomplished ultrarunner in his own right, having completed the Tor Des Geants, UTMB, Marathon Des Sables, Rhonda Del Cims, and more. Kristian and I sat down over Skype, using the magic of the internet to chat across an ocean and continent because he is located in London. Kristian and I explored his story with running, how long, tough races like Tor De Geants have shaped him, how to learn from failure, how to apply the lessons we learn from endurance to other aspects of our lives, the benefits of being present, keeping your body healthy, goal setting, fear, and much more.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find Kristian:
kristianultra.com
Instagram: @kristianultra instagram.com/kristianultra/
Twitter: @kristianultra twitter.com/KristianUltra
Facebook: @kristianultra facebook.com/kristianultra/
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“Things aren’t as easy as just snapping your fingers, you have to work at it.”
-Jadd Martinez
Often the simplicity of putting one foot in front of the other can seem to magically solve almost all of our problems. However, it takes someone who is deeply connected to that truth of running to remind us of it. That someone is Jadd Martinez, a runner familiar with both the day in, day out rhythm of training and the wonder of grand adventures like the Grand Slam of Ultras (four of the oldest 100 mile trail runs,Old Dominion 100, Western States 100, Vermont 100, Leadville Trail 100, and Wasatch Front 100, ran in a year), which he completed in 2016. Jadd and I met to discuss this truth, and many other topics, at his beautiful property in Arroyo Grande, where we also went for a run and hung out at his house. On today’s episode we delve into his story, the benefits of running consistently, learning from discomfort, working with the voices in our heads that tell us to stop when it hurts, learning from failure, engaging with nature, his life as a homesteader, gardening, staying healthy, and more.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find Jadd:
jaddgottheruns.com/
Instagram: instagram.com/jaddgottheruns/
Twitter: twitter.com/Jaddgottheruns
Facebook: facebook.com/jadd.martinez
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“Humanity evolves not because of physical need, but because of spiritual need.”
-Sanjay Rawal
To tell a truly compelling story is one of the most difficult challenges. To tell a truly compelling story about the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, an up to 52-day race that takes place around a half mile block in Queens, is even more so. Documentarian Sanjay Rawal was not only able to compellingly tell the story of this race, in his film 3100: Run and Become, but to use the race as a canvas to tell the stories of the Kalahari San Bushmen, the Mt. Hei Monks, and the runners of the Navajo Nation. Sanjay is a wise man who can coherently translate the lessons he’s learned from making this film, and becoming an expert on these various cultures, into a tangible perspective on what they hold for our day to day lives. Traveling the world and becoming immersed in these running cultures has provided Sanjay the intimate understanding that running is not strictly for fitness, competition, or punishment, but that running is a prayer. To share the message that running and spirituality are deeply interconnected, since the dawn of our species, was the mission of the film. Combining the simple act of running and the power of spirituality has always been a focus of mine and so learning from Sanjay was an honor. In today’s episode we delve into the connection between running and spirituality, the making of the film, what we can learn from the stories of the cultures Sanjay covered, how to learn from failure, how to apply the lessons of endurance to day to day life, living truthfully, finding a flow state, humility, using running as a tool for change, and more.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
3100: Run and Become Available Now On Digital!
(iTunes, Google Play, Amazon)
3100film.com
Find Sanjay:
Instagram: instagram.com/mrsanjayr/?hl=en
Twitter: twitter.com/mrsanjayr?lang=en
Facebook: facebook.com/sanjaydrawal
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“Failure is a state of mind.”
-Edwin Ettinghausen
The ability to endure harsh challenges on a consistent basis and the ability to embrace those harsh challenges as not only an opportunity for growth, but also as plain fun, is a rare combination, but Edwin “The Jester” Ettinghausen has it. Ed is a staple of the ultrarunning scene and is well-accustomed to the art of endurance running: he has run 173 100-mile (or longer) races in his lifetime and in 2014 he ran 41 in a calendar year. Beyond his running ability, Edwin is a wise man who can coherently translate the skills he’s learned in running into daily life and talk about how he does that. In today’s episode we take a wide-ranging approach to delve into all aspects of Edwin’s story, his views on the approaches one should take to challenge, how to overcome failure, learning from the past, engaging with others, and the mindset behind living a life where one betters themselves consistently.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Find Edwin:
Instagram: instagram.com/edwin_jester_ettinghausen/?hl=en
Twitter: twitter.com/runjesterrun?lang=en
Facebook: facebook.com/ed.ettinghausen
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The stressors of life are like a wave: you can easily be pummeled and pulled under. However, you have it within your power to break free of the imprisonment that is caused by allowing yourself to be chained to your stressors and distractions. One of the tools you can employ to break free is preparation. I always say ‘prepare for the future, learn from the past, but live in the present’ and practicing to follow this saying is a daily process. Each week you have the opportunity to prepare for what is to come and, therefore, provide yourself a greater peace of mind. That is what preparation does: provide you confidence in your ability to weather the ebb and flow of life. That confidence, in turn, provides a greater degree of happiness. Listen in as I delve into how to be happier through planning better.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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Sometimes when life does not go in the planned direction that change of course can become a gift, instead of a curse. I have spent the majority of my running career using races as the barometer for my success and ability in running far. This year’s busyness and additional responsibilities helped me to realize that not only is racing not always possible, but sometimes it just isn’t smart. After recently having an upcoming race canceled on me I realized that I should take the time given to me to focus on other aspects of running that I haven’t explored before. The idea of engaging in self-powered adventures, employing a bicycle, my running ability, and possibly even my climbing skills, has always fascinated me. Acknowledging that races are not everything I have made it my mission to focus on those human-powered adventures in the months to come. This focus will allow me to broaden my creative skills in exploring the world around me in new and interesting ways, all from my front door and back again. It is vital that we take the unexpectedness of life and do our best to learn from it. Which is exactly what running has taught me: take it one step at a time.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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By building, and committing to, a routine we teach ourselves how to endure challenging times and be present amongst positive times. Along the wild ride that 150 episodes of this podcast has brought me one of the most important lessons that I have learned is to be consistent. Consistency is applicable to all facets of life and it allows you to build not only your skills at the task at hand, but also yourself. By committing each day to accomplishing activities that positively fulfill you, you are bettering yourself. I would never have been able to reach where I am at in life without the practice of consistency. However, life is a process and you will fail and falter. You will not always be consistent with your tasks, but perfection is not the goal. Being better is the goal and that only comes through taking each step along the journey, as I have done on this podcast, with peace, presence, and perseverance.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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Due to all of my talk of paradigm breaking one may think that voting would be an aspect of society that I would also have issues with. However, I have found that voting, in and of itself, is a powerful form of paradigm breaking. To me the act of voting is the opportunity to shape the world around you for the better and what, if not that, is paradigm breaking? The established order does not, indeed must not, constantly remain the same and voting is the mechanism through which we, as citizens of this democracy, forge that change. To vote is to use your voice to shatter the status quo. The greatest rebels in history, the Buddha, Jesus, Paul, MLK, Jr., used only their voices to radically change the world for the better. Voting is your opportunity to do the same. Listen in today as I discuss the power of a vote.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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I have always had a deep fascination with the perimeter of conventional society, the domain of weirdos, rebels, and paradigm breakers. It is not only a fascination, but a lifestyle, because I am very much on the outskirts of “normal” society. The common thread between the various subcultures that I have interacted with on the outskirts, from Comic Con attendees to ultrarunners, is passion. Everyone in these various groups is deeply passionate about their oddity and has surrounded themselves with people who are as well. That support network provides them the platform to let their freak flag fly and, therefore, be themselves. We are complex creatures that cannot, indeed must not, by fit into a singular box by society. Letting our freak flags fly isn’t only life advice, but a social necessity to build a world where we can all work to be our true selves.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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Over the past few weeks, and for a few more weeks to come, I have spent each weekend in places other than San Luis Obispo, where I’m living right now. In other words I have been moving around a lot and in that chaotic environment, coupled with a heavy load of schoolwork, I have been thinking a lot about how I can best find peace in the moment. As a rock climber, cyclist, and runner I have recognized the commonality between the three distinct sports: finding fluidity will make for a much better climb, ride, or run. I realized that that mantra, find fluidity, is not only beneficial to sport, but to daily life as well. It allows us, if we focus on it, to recognize that we must not fight the situation we are in, but work with and learn from it. So listen in today as I discuss the benefits for your personal peace of finding the fluidity in the moment.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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Throughout my entire life I have been fascinated by the act of shocking people out of their automatic modes of living. As such, I was intrigued by Salvador Dalí’s revolutionary perspectives on morality and society. He was a rebel and the genre of art that he worked under, Surrealism, was as well. Surrealism, Futurism, and Avant-garde are all thought provoking movements on the act of breaking the paradigm. To subvert the status quo is always my goal, to help my peers redefined their perception of what is possible, and those movements have evolved into something wholly unique: a New Surrealism that I believe is led by artists like Marilyn Manson and Megadeth, comedians like Key & Peele, and athletes like Anton Krupicka. A disparate bunch, but the one thing that they all have in common is that they break the paradigm. Blazing our own trails is not only an artistic mission, but an actionable tool for positive societal change and so always remember this: stay true to yourself!
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Sources:
Artaud, Antonin. “The Theater of Cruelty (First Manifesto).” The Theater and Its Double. Grove Press, 1958, pp. 89-100.
Marinetti, Filippo Tommaso. “The Futurist Manifesto.”
Dalí, Salvador. “The Moral Position of Surrealism.”
Fronsdal, Gil. The Dhammapada: a New Translation of the Buddhist Classic with Annotations. Shambhala, 2008.
Marilyn Manson. “Disposable Teens.” Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death), Nothing Records & Interscope Records, 2000.
Megadeth. “Peace Sells.” Peace Sells…but Who’s Buying, Capitol Records, Inc., 1986.
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“A lot of the work is giving enough to get them curious and willing to look inside and see.”
-Jessica Morey
Youth is a nebulous and intimidating concept to some, especially the farther one moves away from it. However, this week’s guest, Jessica Morey, embraces youth, despite the fact she is not one herself anymore, and works to give back. Jessica has spent a lifetime meditating, she began when she was 14, and now spends her days teaching teenagers how to meditate. That fact, coupled with her passion for the task, fascinated me and so I asked her on the show. Teenagers, and young people in general, are a unique group, I know seeing as how I am one, and a group that society typically misunderstands. However, today Jessica and I sit down to go deep into her story, how she found meditation, how teens aren’t as confusing or mysterious as one might think, and that teens too can and do benefit deeply from meditation. I hope our conversation today provides you perspective on what meditation can do for you.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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How do an art & literature Bible class, Robert Browning’s 1842 poem “Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister,” and building a steel frame fixie bike with gravel geometry from scratch all relate? Through research, is how. Research is the key component in understanding, interpreting, and/or executing all of these projects and topics. Research for your personal edification is not an intellectual’s pastime, but a vital activity for everyone to become conscientious media consumers. In our world of passionate opinion making, “alternative facts,” and lies from the highest office, it is important to process this onslaught of information using the sieve of your own knowledge. But, that knowledge can only be helpful if it is fueled by multiple perspectives, has a strong foundation, and helps you to become more well-rounded. Listen today as I delve into the process and topic of doing you own research.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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The stories we tell ourselves and each other are reminders on how to be better. That is what I try to achieve each week in this podcast. As I worked this weekend on my various endeavors I slowly, but surely checked off items on the to-do list that I had made for myself. However, that got me to thinking about the near constant reinforcement of the idea that the more you get done the better you are that I see in the media. Our culture is obsessed with productivity and people, too often, invest their happiness in judging how much they have gotten done that day. The more the better, right? Wrong. Happiness does not come from productivity and productivity must not be your prison. When accomplishing tasks, whatever they may be, you must stay present, stay focused, and remember to take a step back from what you do to gain a better perspective. Fall in love with the process, as I always say.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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While I may talk a big talk on this podcast week to week, in reality I am human and I am not perfect. The truth of the matter is that I often allow myself to be controlled by stress and distractions, leading to sometimes calamitous results. On the small and large scale I allow myself to be prisoner to stress, it shaped my emotional wellbeing last year, and it is rare that I have the complete self-awareness to recognize it. I may talk, but I don’t always act. That imperfection is where I can learn, however. It provides me an opportunity to grow, something I will need to do to best enjoy this new school year. Going forward I hope to reshape my perspective into something that supports me, instead of tears me down. Listen in today as I discuss the consequences of my flaws and the perspectives that I must take to learn from and better them.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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There are countless people throughout, and currently in, each of our lives who positively influence us. Those mentors hold a powerful sway on your path and your betterment, but no one is perfect. When those mentors go astray you must realize that their past message, that at one point positively influenced you, still can. Their current mistakes or negativity does not cancel out their past influence. However, the current mistakes or negativity should cause you to let them go and move on, all the while holding dear their message that does influence you to be better.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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Too often we speed through our lives without taking the time to recognize the multitude of opportunities we have available to us to find personal peace. The practice of cooking is one of those opportunities and yet our society has forgotten the importance of cooking at home. Today's episode is a simple reminder of the importance of cooking and eating at home, because it is not only an opportunity for mindful peace and presence, but also an opportunity to fuel your body right. For me, cooking is a metaphor for life, because it allows you to be present amongst each step while workings towards the whole. Let's all remember that.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Sources:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3639863/
washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/03/05/the-slow-death-of-the-home-cooked-meal/?utm_term=.1fc0601eb846
Tao Te Ching, trans. Stephen Mitchell
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In each moment of our lives we each blaze our own personal trail and that trail must be crewed by those who truly have an enlightening influence on you and challenge you to be better. Whether they are friends or family those that surround you must be positive influences on you and your path. If those that surround you are negative influences who hold you back you must make the committed decision to let them go, with compassion, so that you can be better. It will be a difficult process, but one that will, ultimately, free you to live a life even more true, happy, and fulfilled. Today we delve into stories of the benefits of letting go those negative influences and how to embrace the people that truly support you.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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Let's talk about tea, because while the US may still be a coffee culture, tea is becoming more popular and is a staple of many people's daily lives. I am an avid tea drinker and have been so for probably longer than I have been a coffee drinker. For me, tea is a much gentler experience and one that provides more overall benefits than coffee. One of the main attributes of tea that I love is the fact that it can so easily be a positive personal ritual, an active meditation, that benefits me each time I take the time to focus on the process. Today I make the case that tea can and should be an active meditation for all of us to center us in the moment. Join me as I delve into tea's vibrant history and its numerous positive and negative health effects. I hope we can all be better from this discussion.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
Sources:
tea.co.uk/tea-a-brief-history
mightyleaf.com/history-of-tea
nam.ac.uk/explore/opium-war-1839-1842
nytimes.com/2015/10/06/upshot/what-the-evidence-tells-us-about-tea.html
livestrong.com/article/414169-the-health-dangers-of-tea/
Music: purple-planet.com
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Let's talk about coffee. The wonder drug of our society and a staple of most our daily rituals. To me it seems that coffee is so readily available and commonly used that we don't think much about it, at least I don't. After many years of coffee consumption I've recently done some thinking on my, and society's, relationship with coffee. As I look around me day to day I see so many people who live in a state of fatigue and use coffee to temporarily drag themselves out of it. However, I believe that coffee must be used as an added bonus to our day, for its flavor and energetic properties, but not as a crutch. To combat our state of fatigue, and shift into living in a state of energy, we must learn to listen to our bodies and respond intelligently. That intelligence only comes by equipping ourselves with the right knowledge of how to treat our bodies as machines and temples. So listen in to today's episode as I delve into the lush history of coffee, its scientific benefits and drawbacks, and how we can all redefine our relationship with coffee to learn to listen our bodies.
Gracias,
Jarod Contreras
Sources:
ncausa.org/About-Coffee/History-of-Coffee
historyextra.com/period/medieval/history-coffee-facts-discovery-use-drink-social-revolution/
africaresource.com/house/news/our-announcements/21-the-history-of-coffee
etymonline.com/word/coffee
healthline.com/health/caffeine-effects-on-body#1
medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271707.php
Music: purple-planet.com
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As humans we constantly have ups and downs. Whether those ups and downs are emotional or physical, we feel them each day. Over the past few weeks I have, quite honestly, been feeling down. It is not constant nor overwhelming, but I have noticed a distinct shift in my mental wellbeing towards the negative. The main reason I believe that shift has occurred is because I feel like my business and sport endeavors have come to a sort of stand still. That perception of staleness is only a matter of perspective, I know, but it is still difficult to walk the walk, instead of just talking the talk of betterment. I have realized that one of the key ways I can work through and with these feelings is through not beating myself up about how I feel. Instead, I must listen to my body, work with it, and learn from it. As such, I hope that you can learn from these musings that I share today.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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There are many aspects of our day to day lives that we take for granted or simply don't think about. Over the past few weeks, as I have been working to manage my fatigue and injuries, I have been doing a lot of thinking about how I spend my time each day. For any of us, what we do with our time each day must be things that are positive and fulfilling, that better us. One of those things, something I have refocused on recently, are hobbies. Having a hobby may seem childish, pointless, or just not possible to some, but I posit in today's episode that hobbies are vital aspects of building a peaceful mental headspace and a truly fulfilling life. Hobbies have a multitude of benefits that contribute to becoming a more well-rounded human being. They can become part of our process of personal betterment and presence, if we let them. Listen today as I delve into hobbies and how you can find and focus on yours.
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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"That's the ticket: putting energy into it, even when no one else can see it."
-Lynsey Dyer
Humans have an uncanny ability to connect and converse with people of wildly different backgrounds, because when it comes down to it we all share a common experience. Today's guest is many things, mainly known as a big mountain skier and filmmaker, and while I may not do those two things Lynsey Dyer and I still connected and conversed. I believe that whatever sport, focus, or job that we do, if we do it with intent, good will come of it. Lynsey is a prime example of that sentiment and coupled with the fact that she has lived her life breaking paradigms, she was a perfect guest for the show. Our conversation is barely concerned with the mountains or even storytelling, instead we explore the mindset and spiritual side of things. Today we delve into growing up, finding purpose, finding yourself, and staying true to yourself. All topics not often discussed, on this show nor in life, so it was a special treat to have Lynsey share her thoughts on them. Enjoy!
AUM,
Jarod Contreras
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We all deal with it, but we rarely take the time to step back and focus on it: fatigue…
“It doesn’t matter what happens to us, it only matters what you do about it.”
-Charlie Engle
Welcome to the shantytown, to the freak show, to the extravaganza, to the world of the Born to Run Ultramarathons…
In our society, specifically American society and culture, we treat death as something that should be kept behind closed doors. Yet…
“I have to make a change, you have to make a change, we all have to do something to be role models for the young people in our world."
-Anna Frost
For quite awhile now, a little over a year, I have admired the food blog and social media presence of Vegan Yack Attack...
"You're only taking one lap and then that's that, so you might as well have fun."
-Luis Escobar
"The government has been blocking information like this [a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle], it's been controlled. We're all guinea pigs! The dietary guidelines have been framed by the industry and that's disgusting. They don't want radical change like this!"
-Dr. T. Colin Campbell
As the year is close to ending, despite the fact that we may not want to be thinking about a new year, it is important to reflect...
"The Buddha asked the sitar player, 'How do you tune your sitar?' The player told him, 'Not to tight and not to loose.' The Buddha said, 'Do the same with your practice.'"
-Hakim Tafari
"You're putting your mind in an aspect where it is your copilot to make the right moves."
-Hakim Tafari
"No man is an island, that is why you have to have the support of the people around you and let the ego go."
-Hakim Tafari
There is not quite anything like meeting someone and instantly connecting with them on a deeply emotional and intellectual level. This happened between Hakim Tafari and I. I did not know much about Hakim going into this interview, but I knew that I wanted him on the show after finding his fascinating Instagram through Noah Levine (who I also want to have on the show). Noah is someone who has deeply shaped both my life and my father's, so I figured that if Noah was friends with Hakim then that would make for a wonderful conversation.
I was not disappointed, because right from the beginning of our conversation I knew that I would be life long friends with Hakim. His insight into what it means to overcome challenges in our lives, how to learn from them, and how to follow your truest path after those challenges is an insight quite unparalleled. He delivers this insight in a relatable and straightforward way, which is what I love. Sadly I was not able to finish the interview with Hakim due to time constraints so this is only Part 1 of our conversation, we will pick back up where we left off soon. Nevertheless this conversation explores black culture and its relationship with spirituality, the vitality of family, admitting fault, and realizing and learning from failure. We discuss Hakim's story and how the many metamorphoses that we undergo throughout our lives, the radical change that might occur, are opportunities for growth and wisdom.
Namaste,
Jarod Contreras
instagram.com/hakstao
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"The truth is this: pain, emotion, and failure are your teachers; use peace, presence, and perseverance to best learn from them."
-Jarod Contreras
Our journeys are chock full of new experiences, or at least they should be, and last week I experienced one wholly unfamiliar and strange, yet deeply moving. I gave my first talk. This has been something that I have hoped to do for a long while and thankfully my friends at Cal Poly's Yoga Club gave me the opportunity to do so. To speak in front of an audience, not into a mic or in theater, was quite foreign to me, yet excited me.
Throughout the talk my own insecurities and judgments crept in, but what I realized is that while you can judge yourself, most times the audience has no idea that you made a mistake or went on a tangent. I gave it my all, I poured my heart into it, and afterwards I knew that it was worth it. So many people from the audience came up to me to tell me how eloquently I spoke, how effortless it seemed, how great of a storyteller I was, how important it was for them to hear this at that time in their life, how much it put into perspective certain things for them, and more. My hope is that you will feel, at the very least, some of what my audience felt at my very first talk and I hope that it can help you too, in a small or big way.
Gratefully, Jarod Contreras
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"People can copy you, but nobody can think like you."
-Elena Shifrina
Recently I dreamed that I was balancing on top of a skyscraper tall ladder, barely balancing and holding on to the skyscraper next to me, yet not falling to my death. I think this speaks to the fact that over the past month and a half I have had to balance many things, familiar and new. That this has been a grand adventure where I am being tested everyday, but I am learning so much and having a fascinating experience.
I think in our busy lives it is always good to hear a new perspective, to hear about someone else's fascinating experiences. This week's episode provides a new perspective on balance and on culture. Elena Shifrina is Russian which made for a captivating discussion. Elena is a former Russian model, former oil company executive, and now a successful vegan entrepreneur. She founded the first and premier healthy (and vegan) snack bar option in Russia, Bio Food Lab's Bite bars. I took the opportunity today to discuss our dichotomous cultures, why she has been vegan since she was a teenager, entrepreneurship in Russia, and veganism in Russia. We also delve into the vanity and pretentiousness inherent in modeling, the competition inherent in the corporate world, making balance, the importance of family, and more. I hope you enjoy.
Gratefully, Jarod Contreras
VegNews Article: vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=10215&catId=5
takeabite.ru/en
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"We've lost so much of ourselves, we've lost track. In nature, if you are in balance, then nature will give you what you need, we need to be better."
-Constantin Le Fou
At the time of the recording of this episode (early-September) I was in a very different place in life. I recorded this episode with Vegan Club founder Constantin Le Fou a few days before I left for college, fear filled my heart. I did not know what college would be like and I could not imagine leaving my family. My family and I are a tribe, but I had to leave them to go study something I wasn't even excited about. I was lost.
Now more than a month later I am again in a very different place. I have begun the process of changing my major to Journalism, something that I am passionate about. In addition, I have fallen in love with the process and built my own routine of peace and adventure. While there is a dichotomy between now and then, this conversation in the heart of Downtown LA gave me a peaceful respite during those weeks of nerves.
I have seen Constantin's work all around Los Angeles, but never knew who was behind Vegan Club, until now. His ability to utilize famous vegans and influencers to begin a conversation on what it means to be vegan is unique. Through street art, apparel, stickers, and more Constantin's graphic designs have shaped the face of Los Angeles and the world. Today's conversation is about conversation. About what it takes to begin conversations that enact lasting, positive change. We delve deep into Constantin's story, his thoughts on meditation, on art, on creativity, and on how we can shape ourselves and those around us for our betters.
Gratefully, Jarod Contreras
VegNews Article: vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=10103&catId=5
veganclub.co
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The ramblings of thought can sometimes seem interconnected and yet random. Over the past few weeks, beginning my journey here in college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I have had many forms of thoughts and musings. I have thought a lot about my past and a lot about my future, but I have realized that to truly make the most of this adventure I must live in the moment. I have been sad and I have been happy. Inherent in this adventure is an emotional roller coaster of everything from tearfully missing my family to roaringly loving a run. One theme constant throughout this beginning is that I have taken my life, my routine, and my journey into my own hands. I have been and am building a life centered on truth to who I am. We are all on a journey and I am grateful for mine.
Gratefully, Jarod Contreras
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"Even in the darkest of times you've just got to take a step back and be really, really grateful for where you are and what you're doing."
-Lucy Bartholomew
When we look out at our world we can see so many things. We can see death and destruction; we can see laughter and life. Our view of the world is shaped by our own life, whatever that story may be. With so many violent events that have happened recently we wrongfully resort to the exclamation of, "This world is terrible, because it is that persons fault or that persons fault." We get to caught up in pointing fingers that we fail to point the finger at the biggest culprit of all, ourselves.
Lucy Bartholomew has embodied the message that to truly change our world we must positively change ourselves. She is following her truest path. A path that she realized at a very young age, at only 14. I feel a deep camaraderie and connection with Lucy and her story, because there are many parallels. She found running through her dad and he has greatly shaped her life, she began running very young, she is vegan, and she is living truthfully. I hope that you can enjoy this conversation between two very connected souls. In today's we discuss Lucy's story, from feeling lost with an eating disorder to living intentionally through ultrarunning and veganism. We also discuss her relationship with her father, what her training looks like, how we can apply the lessons learned on the trails to everyday life (whether you are a runner or not), living the vegan lifestyle, and more. So whether you have run forever or have never run a foot, this conversation is for everyone, because we are all on our own trail.
Graciously,
Jarod Contreras
lucybartholomew.info
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"People tend to look at compassion as something very weak, but compassion is very strong. In fact, violence is weak. Real compassion is very powerful, it is like the mountains, it is that solid."
-Brother Phap Luu
We are all on a journey, each and every one of us. We are on our own journeys. A journey that begins from the moment we are born to the moment we die. This is a journey that we can either ignore or follow. It is the journey of our truest, most fulfilling paths. Today's guest is a wonderful wealth of knowledge on the in's and out's of how we can follow our paths. Brother Phap Luu (alternatively Brother Stream) is a Buddhist monk trained by Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) in Plum Village, France. I was connected with Brother Phap Luu through Plum Village, but he was not my original goal. Originally I wanted Thay to sit down and have a conversation with me, but I found out that due to his 2014 stroke he still has not recovered his ability to speak. I truly hope that he can recover soon and was honored that the people at Plum Village took the extra time to connect me with Brother Phap Luu.
Brother Phap Luu comes from an interesting, Ivy-League, yet suffering struck background that provides an excellent platform for our conversation today. A conversation on life. Today's discussion is wide ranging and covers many different aspects of the process. Today please sit back to enjoy a conversation on suffering, desire, the current political climate, how we can peacefully make change, the positive and negative aspects of the current university/college scene, how we can get young people to meditate, practicing compassion, commitment, and of course Brother Phap Luu's story.
Graciously,
Jarod Contreras
plumvillage.org
wakeupschools.org
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For so long my life has been ruled by the act of throwing emotions into a pit and slamming a lid on top of that pit. I have always been known as the "serious" person, the person who smiles a little and frowns a little. In elementary school I was quiet and largely solitary, in middle school I built up a wall of seriousness to combat bullying, and I carried over that serious attitude into high school. Throughout my whole life I have always done my best to keep an even keel on my emotions, believing that that was a positive thing. Up until very recently.
Due to the multitude of emotions that I have had to accept over the past few weeks during the lead up to and execution of my move to college, I have come to a revelation: that emotion is a tool. That similar to how failure is a wise teacher, so to is emotion. That is today's exploration. Enjoy.
Graciously,
Jarod Contreras
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"Is there anything that I can do more to better myself today?" -Jared Simons
This past weekend my family drove up to San Luis Obispo Cal Poly, which is where I will be attending college, and I felt a rush of emotions. At dinner I broke down and cried, not for the first time in the past few weeks either, realizing yet again that I have no idea how I am going to do this. My family makes me so happy that I could easily live with them forever. I am scared of what's to come and what I am leaving behind. However, my family helped me to understand that this is a grand new adventure where I can find my independence, grow as a person, and learn. Also they are not that far away. With that confidence and knowledge I hope to better manage the next few weeks.
Speaking of managing I think this week's guest is a perfect compliment. Jared Simons is the chef at No Name, founder of Whitechapel Soap Co., is vegan, and is an Ironman athlete. My dad found Jared on Instagram and we both thought that he would be a great guest on the show. Sadly I couldn't meet Jared in person for dinner before I left, so we had to do the show on Skype so please excuse any weird sounds or glitches. Now Jared is someone who is deeply dedicated to what he does, whether that is cooking, training, or making soap. That is what so intrigues me about him. Today we discuss Ironman, training, how coaching is beneficial, balancing training and cooking, his story, how he failed at putting health as a priority when beginning his career as a chef, how he became vegan, meal recommendations, John Joseph's Positive Mental Attitude, and more. Please enjoy this episode of intrigue into the life of Jared Simons.
Graciously, Jarod Contreras
Jared Simons: whitechapelsoapco.com Instagram: @jaredsimons_chef instagram.com/jaredsimons_chef
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"I very much read to have that experience of identifying across different perspectives and different cultures, which generally happens through literature. The characters could be people that you would never meet in normal life, but they could be having the same emotions or experiences that I have internally. It reaffirms the universality of the human condition."
-Anton Krupicka
We choose how we interpret the world, as such we can interpret positive things as negative or vice versa. Today I am honored to sit down and converse with Anton Krupicka. A name that holds many stereotypes and preconceptions associated with it. Arrogance might be a strong word to even associate with this name, but Anton is someone who is confident in his abilities. The adventures he pursues through that confidence can be perceived as arrogant or dancing to far to one side on a knife's edge of safety and caution. Over the years people have perceived and been, either negatively or positively, shaped by Anton's actions. However, if Anton is anything, he is nothing but truthful. That truthfulness combined with his adventures has been the basis for many an assumption and opinion of Anton Krupicka.
In today's episode I sought to transcend the stereotype, preconceptions, and associations related to Anton Krupicka. This conversation is more than just about running or even the mountains. Today Anton and I delve into a subject that has been rarely discussed with him, reading. We explore his motivations for his voracious reading, how he has been shaped by books, the importance of reading, how reading connects you with our world, and much more. The mountains may fuel Anton's day, but he begins each of those days with a book. The simplicity in routine and dedication are beautiful things, so let's explore those and more today with Anton Krupicka.
Graciously,
Jarod Contreras
antonkrupicka.com
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"It doesn't take a lot to open a person's heart to these facts."
-Dr. Neal Barnard
Increasing our knowledge is a potent way to increase our ability to follow our truest path. Part of following our paths, whoever we may be, is to not poison our bodies. The way to not poison our bodies is to live and eat vegan. Today I am honored to sit down and speak with Dr. Neal Barnard about everything vegan. Today we are not only increasing our knowledge, but also following our path.
Dr. Barnard has led numerous studies on the relation between diet and health/sickness and is president of the nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. At the PCRM he leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research. Dr. Barnard has shared his extensive knowledge through numerous books and articles. Today he shares even more of his knowledge as we discuss how to adopt a vegan lifestyle, why it is a lifestyle and not simply a diet, and about his new book, The Cheese Trap. We delve into how much this movement has spread, but also how we can reach more people, especially those who are vehemently against this way of live. We also discuss the health benefits of eating vegan and how it can revolutionize the athletic ability of any athlete.
So whether you are vegan or not, be open. I strongly believe that today's episode will greatly benefit you to optimize and revolutionize the way that you live your life. Enjoy.
Gratefully,
Jarod Contreras
pcrm.org
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"We're all just trying to make sense of everything in the larger context than the simple act of doing it, but I'm coming back to wanting those moments to simply be the moment that it is."
-Rickey Gates
Over the past few weeks I have been putting a targeted focus on enjoying the simple routine of being at home with my family, because I know that that routine will be turned upside down when I head to college soon. Part of this relaxation has been interviewing some incredible people, one of those people is Rickey Gates. Rickey is truly an adventurer at heart, someone who desires to better understand himself and our world. He recently completed a journey of his own design, TransAmericana, where he ran across America. Yes, all 3,657 miles of it and in 152 days.
I am honored to have been able to have sat down with Rickey and have a wonderful discussion. Today's discussion is about more than just TransAmericana. We of course discuss the before, during, and after of that journey, but we also delve deep into his life and evolution as an athlete. Discussing how he tells stories and the importance of storytelling. We also examine his journey into meditation, its impact on his day to day life, and the importance of staying present. One common theme amongst our discussion is the value and importance of connecting with our world, the cultures, the countries, and the people within it. I truly hope you enjoy today's discussion and that we can all learn something from Rickey's words.
Graciously,
Jarod Contreras
rickeygates.com
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"I approached it the exact same way that I do a climbing objective, I started at the bottom."
-Tommy Caldwell
Whether you know only a little about rock climbing, have just barely dipped your toe into its world, or are a dedicated climber then you have heard of Tommy Caldwell. Tommy has been heralded as one of the best rock climbers in the world with impressive first ascents and first free ascents all across the world. He has built a life around climbing since he was a young kid in Colorado and has transformed himself into a machine able to conquer the hardest routes.
Everyone wants to know about Tommy's life 'chapters' like being taken captive by rebels in Kyrgyzstan, losing his left index finger in a table saw accident, or free climbing the Dawn Wall with Kevin Jorgeson in 2015. These are topics that everyone covers with Tommy, along with his life story, if you want to learn more about those topics then buy his book. Today, however, Tommy and I delve deep into his headspace and his drive. We discuss how suffering can shape and teach us, how choosing a life of adventure is supremely fulfilling, how pushing to the edge of what's possible and beyond gives you a deep sense of awe. Today we converse on the importance of family and how living your truest life can be made possible. Specifically today we chat about the father/son relationship. On how that relationship, when forged by discomfort in the outdoors, is forged into one of the strongest and enduring bonds. Both of our fathers have played a vital role in our evolutions as adventurers, so we delve into the father and son's dynamic of spirit. Enjoy.
Graciously,
Jarod Contreras
tommycaldwell.com
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"My soul was getting antsy again, I had to make a change."
-Chris 'Tarzan' Clemens
Whether it's waking up in his 1985 VW Westfalia camper or along the Appalachian Trail Chris 'Tarzan' Clemens knows how to find adventure. Chris is someone that I have been following for awhile now and have always been fascinated by his ability to seemingly live so simply and yet have so many awesome adventures. Chris lives out of his camper van, he is an ultrarunner, a thru-hiker, an adventurer, a world traveler, a freelancer and someone who has forged their truest life. Chris has driven all around the US and Canada, bike toured through Chile and Argentina, backpacked in Ecuador and Peru, ran ultras, hiked the AT, and so much more.
But, regardless of how much I regale you with his exploits you need to hear about them from the man himself. That very same man gets out into our world and understands that if you go through life completely comfortable you're never going to grow, which breeds his idea of AntiComfortable. This episode is about getting rid of the junk, of simplifying, of seeing the beauty in the basics. Everyday Chris lives the basics in his camper and lives in the present, not hindered by superfluous possessions. Listen in as we discuss how to be minimal, how to live truly, how to endure, how to get out of your comfort zone, and how to find yourself. Enjoy.
Graciously,
Jarod Contreras
christarzanclemens.com
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"I don't know, I just enjoyed doing it, it was something to do. I mean it's a little bit different, a little bit out of the ordinary."
-Ted Winters
When we look back on our lives we should look back with a smile and a twinkle in our eyes. Life is the adventure we make it and Ted Winters understands this. Now you might be wondering who Ted is, well Ted is someone that I hold very near and dear to my heart. Ted is my neighbor and he is an ultrarunner. He ran ultras when they were in their infancy and has witnessed their evolution. From Angeles Crest to Western States, Ted knows what it means to suffer and what it means to overcome.
Ted is someone who allows us all to see what a life truly lived is. This episode of the podcast is one for the history books and an honor to hear. Today we are privileged to listen to Ted's life story. His ups and downs, his successes and failures, his time in the army during the Cuban Missile Crisis and his rock 'n roll days, and of course his tales of trails. Please allow your ears to work around the not optimal audio (I did my best) and absorb this story, for it is truly one told from love. Let us all sit back, relax, and enjoy the story of how Ted forged a life that truly fulfilled him.
Graciously,
Jarod Contreras
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