Making Shift Happen
Jen Kates from Making Shift Happen reveals all of her evidence-based strategies for living a healthier and more vibrant life that fits with your busy schedule. Her methods show you how to experience food and fitness freedom, which means you don’t spend endless hours each day in the gym without guidance and clarity or in the kitchen meal prepping your life away. It also means you don’t spend an insane amount of time thinking about food - because, let’s be real: there are a LOT more important things to think about. Through this podcast, you’ll be empowere...
212. Are You Ready, Willing, and Able to Change?
So, you’ve decided you’re ready to change – that’s awesome! But are you WILLING to make the change? (It’ll get uncomfortable and not many people love to be uncomfortable.) Are you ABLE to make the change? Or do you need a little support from someone – like a coach – to make it happen?🤔
Give this episode a listen to learn how your readiness, willingness, and ability come into play when it comes to making lasting change in your life.🙌
Here are some other episodes that you should check out:
88. How to Change Your Environment for...211. How to Get Your Bike Ready to Ride
With the snow melting and the weather cooperating more for some more riding, let’s get your bike ready for some more miles! Give this episode a listen to learn the simple steps you can take to check your bike to make sure it’s ready to shred with you.🎧
Also, if you want to check out my cockpit blooper video that I mention in this episode, tap right HERE for some laughs. 😉
Lastly, if you’re in the Denver area and want to learn more about bike maintenance with some hands-on mechanic’s clinics, then check out...
210. Stop Half-Assing Your Life
Distractions obliterate your focus. By not fully-investing your attention into your work or task at hand, you are doing your brain and body a disservice. So, instead of half-assing your focus and rest, learn to set boundaries in order to limit your distractions, and your focus and health will soar!
You will feel more present in all that you do. You will have more energy, and you will even become a better human along the way. Why not try to half-ass your life less?
To learn more about Steve Magness, who was the inspiration for...
209. Creatine and Women
Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in the world, and it is found to be safe and effective. However, creatine use among women is vastly under-researched (what else is new?). Recent research is including more women (which we desperately need!), and the current research is showing that women store and synthesize less creatine than males. In this episode, I explain the differences between women and men when to comes to creatine supplementation, and how dosage can be adjusted, if at all.
Here’s the study I referenced in this episode if you’d like to nerd...
208. The Downsides and Dangers of Supplements
Despite supplements sometimes being beneficial and having a relatively low-risk profile, there are some downsides and dangers to supplements. In this episode, I share some things to look out for when it comes to supplements, as well as a couple of things you can do to keep your safety and health in check if you decide to supplement.
Some things you can look for on the labels of your supplements are that the supplement company practices Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and you get some bonus points if they are third-party tested for accuracy and quality (this will...
207. My 2025 Non-Money Financial Goals
Financial goals don’t have to be about money – they can be about other things that impact your money and investments.
This also includes how you choose to invest your TIME, which is fleeting, fam. ⏰ How do you want to invest your time and energy in 2025?🤔
Here are other episodes worth checking out:
9. Do You Really Need to Walk 10k Steps Per Day? 6. Inclusivity in Mountain Biking with Brooke GoudyWorking out and trying a new variety of movements is a great way to improve your health. If you want a copy of my FREE w...
206. Using the 3-3-3 Technique for Overwhelm or Anxiety
Overwhelm, stress, and anxiety can feel daunting. The 3-3-3 technique can help ground yourself in the moment and dissolve these feelings so they don’t feel so overwhelming.
In this episode, I outline what the 3-3-3 technique is and how you can use it anywhere and anytime to help yourself overcome these feelings of overwhelm, stress, and anxiety.
Here are other episodes worth checking out:
77. How to Modify Training When Highly Stressed 35. 10 Ways to Handle Stressful WeeksWorking out and trying a new variety of movements is a great way to im...
205. How to Use Heart Rate Recovery as a Performance Metric
Heart rate recovery is an easy metric to use to determine your cardiovascular health.
In this episode, I share what heart rate recovery is and how you can use it as a tool to gauge your heart health and fitness.
Here are other episodes worth checking out:
201. 8 Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy 153. Should You Use Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) or Heart Rate?Working out and trying a new variety of movements is a great way to improve your heart health and focus on your own wellness. If you want a copy o...
204. Progress is Not Linear
Progress is not linear, friend. Progress is more like a rollercoaster.
Tune into this episode to hear how you can tame the mental monster of thinking that progress needs to happen EVERY time you show up at the gym, on the bike, or on the body weight scale if you’re chasing weight loss.
Here are other episodes worth checking out:
105. 3 Reasons You’re Not Seeing Progress 18. Focus on Progress Not ExpectationsWorking out and trying a new variety of movements is a great way to live la pura vida and focus on your...
203. How to Live la Pura Vida
After spending our vacation in Costa Rica for the past 9 days, Erin and I returned home inspired to live “la pura vida” in Denver. In Costa Rica, la pura vida is a way of life. La pura vida is a way to live life to the fullest.
In this episode, I offer the seven ways we are working to live la pura vida back at home in Denver, so our vacation vibe can continue into a way of living and being.
Here are other episodes worth checking out:
199. Does Social Media Scrolling Impact Your Perf...202. F*ck the Scale
I am digging up this episode from the archives! This episode was originally published as episode 16, which was released on May 3, 2021 (which is wild to me). Even if you listened to the original episode, I'd love for you to listen to it again, because the scale and how much you weigh is the least important or interesting thing about you. F*ck the scale as the ONLY source of information regarding your progress. There are so many other things you can use to determine your progress. Give this episode a listen as I dive in and get quite heated (no apol...
201. 8 Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy
February is Heart Health Month, so let's talk about how you can keep your heart health as a focus. With these 8 straightforward tips, you can keep your attention on your heart health without being bogged down by the gimmicks and supplements that are so prevalent today. This is especially important if cardiovascular issues run in your family or if you’re genetically predisposed for certain chronic diseases. Here are other episodes worth checking out: 186. Breast Cancer Awareness with Stephanie Villavicencio 157. Let's Make Fiber Sexy Again Working out and trying a new variety of movements is a great way to keep yo...
200. How to Get Out of a Funk
Your motivation may be low right now when it comes to your workouts, meals, or anything that may make you focus on your overall health and wellness. Winter can be a funk-filled time of year, so how do you get out of a funk? Give this episode a listen to learn about a handful of ways you can get out of a workout or food and health funk with less overwhelm. Here are other episodes worth checking out: 192. Are You Experiencing Burnout? 16. F*ck the Scale Working out and trying a new variety of movements is a great way to g...
199. Does Social Media Scrolling Impact Your Performance?
In episode 198 last week, I talked about the ways you can stay informed without doomscrolling. In this episode, I talk about how scrolling on social media may impact your performance in the gym and in sport. It is my hope that this episode will help you consider the impact that scrolling (even beforehand and not during) can have on your training overall. As always, I also give tips and tricks for other things you can do besides scrolling before or during your training. Here are the studies I reference in this episode so you can nerd-out as well: https://pubmed...
198. How to Stay Informed Without Overwhelm
2025 is kicking ass and taking names when it comes to the news cycle, and this can feel very overwhelming. So, how do you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed? Let me share some tips to help prevent you from staring at your screen endlessly and scrolling until your find the end of the Internet. Interested in finding your U.S Representative? Look here. Want to find your U.S. Senator? Go here. Here are other episodes worth checking out: 192. Are You Experiencing Burnout? 189. How to Manage the Heaviness of Current Events 188. Election Week De-Stressor Tips Working out is a great way to...
197. The Surprising Side Effect of Strength Training
Strength training has many positive attributes to it including improved aesthetics, strength, resilience, power, and the 'usual' things you expect. But, there is one other positive side effect of strength training that you shouldn't underestimate or take for granted. So, give this episode a listen to hear about this positive side effect, and yet another reason to get into strength training! Here are other episodes worth checking out: 191. How to Create a Strength Workout 170. 7 Things to do to Reduce Soreness from Biking + Strength Training 162. What to do if You Struggle to Maintain Strength While Biking If you want a copy...
196. 5 Nutrition and Fitness Tips for Winter
Let's make winter better! In this episode, I share my top 5 nutrition and fitness tips for winter, to help you not just get through the season, but thrive in the season as best as you are able to. Here's the link to the insulated shaker bottle I mentioned in this episode - this bottle is perfect to have a cold or warm beverage waiting for you in your car after your ride or ski! Blender Bottle - it's only $20. Here are other episodes worth checking out: 106. Why Zone 2 Endurance is Crucial in Your Training 109. Q+A on Zone 2 Endurance Training ...
195. How to Fail Better
Failing isn't always a bad thing, especially if you know how to fail better. New Year's Resolutions are popular this time of year, and maybe you've already failed at your attempt to make some changes (whether in the new year or another time). Listen to this episode to learn how you can learn from your mistakes or lackluster attempts and fail better. By learning to fail better, you can turn every failure into a success. If you want a copy of my FREE workout guide to help you manage any stress and feel better, then get it here. It can...
194. Tired of New Year’s Resolutions? Try These Two Things!
I get it - New Year's Resolutions are... tiresome. Annoying. Not ideal for everyone. Maybe you detest New Year's Resolutions. If so, then listen to this episode to learn of two other things you can do instead of setting resolutions or a goal you will may not keep. If you want a copy of my FREE workout guide to help you manage any stress and feel better, then get it here. It can help you put together some workouts on-the-fly if you're traveling this holiday season - enjoy! Here are other episodes worth checking out: 150. Using Your Core Values to...
193. 9 of the Biggest Training Mistakes Cyclists Make
We all make mistakes in our training - but we need to use them as learning experiences. In this episode, I outline 9 of the biggest training mistakes I see cyclists make. I also discuss what to do instead and how to correct many of these mistakes. Be sure to check out the episodes below for more info. Also, join my #ShredStrong program that starts on January 6th! Joining #ShredStrong is an excellent way to avoid making training mistakes. (wink, wink) If you want a copy of my FREE workout guide to help you manage any stress and feel better, then...
192. Are You Experiencing Burnout?
Burnout happens gradually, not overnight. You can feel burnout in your work, training, and life in a variety of different ways. In this episode, I talk about the signs of burnout, because being aware of what's going on is the first step. Lastly, I cover some initial steps you can take to help manage the burnout and get you feeling a bit better. If you want a copy of my FREE workout guide to help you manage any stress and feel better, then get it here. It can help you put together some workouts on-the-fly if you're traveling this holiday...
191. How to Create a Strength Workout
Strength workouts don't have to be elusive or confusing! In this episode, I outline the steps you can take to create a strength workout simply and efficiently on your own. If you want a copy of my FREE workout guide, then sign up here (I promise I won't spam ya or sell your info - there is a special place in hell for people who do that). As I mentioned in my last episode (check out episode 190 here!), here are two workouts that I created for the Women's MTB Network that you can use any time: https://womensmtbnetwork.com/offseason-mtb-workouts...
190. Off-Season Mountain Bike Workouts
The off-season is a great time to work on your strength and power (but I also argue that ALL year is the best time to work on it!). In this episode, I share a couple of mountain bike workouts that you can do in the off-season if the trails aren't accessible to you because of weather or whatever reason. Check out my blog and the two workouts I share with Women's MTB Network here: https://womensmtbnetwork.com/offseason-mtb-workouts/. That link also included demo videos so you can see how to do the exercises, so check it out! A million thanks...
188. Election Week De-Stressor Tips
It's Election Day in the United States, which will inevitably turn into election WEEK until the results are tallied. How are you caring for yourself? De-stressor tips and methods can help you manage acute stress with greater ease. Listen in to learn about a grounding method and a breathwork technique that can help you manage your stress this week, or any week. These methods can act as de-stressors for you any time you need to lean on them. Here are some other episodes about stress management to check out: 77. How to Modify Training When Highly Stressed 36. What are Your Non-Negotiables...
187. Do This One Thing for More Motivation
Motivation can feel fleeting this time of year. The darker mornings, the colder temps, and the shorter days with sunlight. Who the hell wants to workout when it is o'dark thirty? (Former military folks, you know what is up! 😆) Motivation is a tough thing to conjure in order to keep your progress going. In this episode, I recap a few of the things you can do to inspire motivation, but there is ONE thing that you can do to help spark that fire under your arse! Here are some other episodes about motivation to check out: 145. Motivation, Goal Setting, and Thr...
186. Breast Cancer Awareness with Stephanie Villavicencio
October is breast cancer awareness month, and Stephanie Villavicencio joins me for this episode. Steph is the Founder and Executive Director of Tits Deep for Breast Cancer, a Colorado-based non-profit organization supporting young women seeking breast cancer treatment. Tits Deep For Breast Cancer is on a mission to spread breast cancer awareness, advocate, educate, and provide outreach to young women on the importance of breast health. They fundraise for women without access to early detection treatment as well as support young women currently in breast cancer treatment. Accessibility to healthcare is needed. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer...
185. Roam Fest Recap!
Roam Fest is the world's first and largest bike festival for women and femmes. It's called a festival but it feels more like a party, where you can arrive solo but you end up making friends. The vibes are high, the inclusiveness is stellar, and the atmosphere is so welcoming and full of love. Plus, there are BIKES! Lastly, it's held in Fruita, Colorado, which is a beautiful desert. There are a variety of trails to choose from, all catering to any skill level. There are not only the event vendors, but there is a chance to demo mountain bikes...
184. How You Can Help Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene has left many of my friends in western North Carolina experiencing extreme physical and emotional loss that’s on an unimaginable scale. It still feels like many of them are living a real life nightmare as they dig themselves out from this mess. Listen to this episode to learn how you can help, as well as what’s REALLY going on there and with the government response to this disaster. Stop listening to the lies, and let’s start being there for our fellow humans, neighbors, and Americans. Please, fam, if you’re able to donate any of your tim...
183. How to do a Race or Event Reflection
Race or event reflections are key in growing and learning from the experience, which can only make the next event or race even better! By following these simple steps (and using my bonus tip at the end of the episode), you will walk away from your race or event empowered for the next one. Here are some other episodes to check out: 64. How to Have a Growth vs Fixed Mindset 178. How to Manage Race or Event Stress 171. Should You Race or Join a Bike Event? Do You Want a Coach to Help Make Training or Nutrition Easier and Simpler for Y...
182. My Leadville MTB Race Recap
While my race season didn't end the way that I anticipated or even expected, it was still such an incredible race season and experience overall! In this episode, I dive in about my race experience at the Silver Rush 50 and Leadville Trail 100 MTB races, and my love affair with Leadville. Give this episode a listen to learn how you can show up for your races with that fire that can feel so incredible. A million thanks to my friends and partner who kept showing up for me with every glimmer of hope and support for my dream - you all a...
181. From Pregnancy to Perimenopause with Holly Sato, MD
I had the honor to sit down with Board certified OBGYN Holly Sato, MD for this episode about a topic so many of you have asked about over the years! Dr. Sato and I talk about everything from pregnancy to perimenopause for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists - including how saddles may even impact your experience on the bike (you may need to make some adjustments!). This insight is applicable to many of us, whether children are a part of our lives or not. Dr. Sato not only shares what you can do to empower yourself through the many seasons o...
180. Why You Need Rest or Active Recovery Days
Rest or active recovery days are when your body gets a chance to recover from all of the effort you are putting into your training. These are the days when you actually get stronger and come back even more recovered and ready to slay it!💪🔥 They not only give you a chance to physically recover, but they also allow you to mentally recover as well, while preventing burnout in your training. Give this episode a listen to see why you need to include a rest or active recovery day regularly in your training every week or so.🗓️ Also, be sure to join my...
179. Finding Community + Adventure with VNTRbirds’ Founders Kelley + Leanne Wren
I am overjoyed to have the chance to sit down with Kelley and Leanne Wren with VNTRbirds. These folks are making shift happen in the mountain biking and snow sports communities by getting more women and femme-identifying folks outside. They not only empower folks with more knowledge, but more confidence as well in the process. Give this episode a listen to learn more about what inspired Kelley and Leanne Wren, and how VNTRbirds makes a difference in our community. You can learn more and join their clinics or subscribe to their newsletter using the links below: Website: https://vntrbirds.com/ I...
178. How to Manage Race or Event Stress
Your event or race is coming up, and you find yourself STRESSED. Well, friend, pre-race or event nerves are a common thing to expect! But they don't have to be overwhelming. In this episode, I give you some tips and tricks to help you manage your race or event stress more effectively. Finally, be sure to join my mailing list below to get a FREE copy of my nutrition and race day planning spreadsheet that I am releasing in the coming weeks. it is a great way to plan your race day with greater ease and focus - and less...
177. How to Fuel Effectively on Race Day – Part 2
This is part 2 to how to fuel effectively on race day, without the complexity. In this episode, I share a few more tips and tricks on how to ensure you are fueling enough for your race or event. Also, I discuss how to make sure what you are eating or drinking is working for you and your stomach and digestion. No one wants a sour stomach on race day! Finally, be sure to join my mailing list below to get a FREE copy of my nutrition and race day planning spreadsheet in the coming weeks. Other related episodes you will w...
176. How to Fuel Effectively on Race Day
Your race or event is coming up, and you may be wondering how the hell you should fuel for it. Knowing how to fuel effectively on race day doesn't have to be complex. In this episode, I share the six steps you can take to get the baseline nutritional needs dialed for race day and put a plan together. (Next week, I’ll go over some more details a bit further, but start with this episode). So, how do YOU manage your race fueling strategy? Let us know!👇 Be sure to join my mailing list (see below) to get a FREE...
175. 10 Tips to Help New Mountain Bikers
When you’re new to mountain biking, it can feel overwhelming between what bike to ride, what gear to get, and figuring out how the hell to safely ride down a mountain on two wheels! 😬 I’m here to tell you that, no, you don’t need to wear the latest gear or ride the newest and most expensive bike.🙅♀️ In this episode, I offer up my top ten tips to help new mountain bikers to get into the sport more easily and successfully, without the noise. What tip is your favorite?🤔 Are there any tips you’d add to or drop from the list...
174. What if You’re Not Motivated to Workout or Ride?
Motivation is fleeting. Action surpasses motivation every time, though. In this episode, I outline a few ways you can get moving closer towards your goals, with a little less mental effort when you're not motivated to workout. Listen to this episode to see what you can do when motivation just isn't there for you, and your sofa is calling you instead of the gym or the bike! Here are other related episodes you will want to check out: 145. Motivation, Goal Setting, and Thriving with Sabrena Jo, PhD 92. Finding Your Morning Motivation 148. Why You Lack Consistency Do You Want a Coach...
173. What Can You Get Out of a Morning Routine?
Your morning is how you set your entire day, so setting up a solid morning routine will help you win the day with greater ease. Having a morning routine that work for you can allow you to set the tone for the rest of your day, and give you a sense of purpose and direction. Without some sort of routine, you are setting yourself up for the possibility of reduced focus and energy levels. Listen to this episode to learn my favorite tips for kicking off a morning routine and discovering what works well for you! Here are other related...
172. What is Your Sweat Rate?
Sweating is necessary in order to cool the body, among other things, but it can also cause water, electrolyte, and vitamin loss. Knowing your sweat rate (the amount you sweat per hour) is a helpful tool to help you manage your hydration levels and performance, whether you are racing or not. In this episode, I explain how you can calculate your sweat rate, as well as what you do with the data. Check this link to see one of the ways I learned how to calculate sweat rate, from Asker Jeukendrup on mysportscience.com: https://www.mysportscience.com/post/2017/07/14/how-much-do-you-sweat ...