Making Shift Happen

What if strength training had less to do with how your body looks and more to do with what your body allows you to do? We often think about lifting weights in terms of aesthetics, but the benefits of strength training go so much deeper. Building strength supports muscle health, bone health, physical function, confidence, and your ability to keep doing the things you love as you get older.

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re exploring why strength training is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health and physical in...

You can have the perfect training plan, dial in your nutrition, and schedule your recovery days, but if you’re constantly stressed, overwhelmed, and running on fumes, something important might be missing.

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re exploring nervous system capacity and why sustainable performance requires more than just physical training. You’ll learn how everyday stress, mental overload, and insufficient recovery can affect how you feel, train, and show up in your life, and how to start building your capacity to handle life’s demands without constantly pushing yourself to the limit.

We...

You took a day off, so why are you still freaking exhausted? If your rest days are filled with errands, screen time, mental to-do lists, and trying to catch up on life, you might not be getting the recovery you actually need.

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we explore why rest days don’t always feel restorative, how ongoing stress and nervous system demands can leave you feeling tired but wired, and how to make your downtime work for you, not against you. You’ll learn simple ways to reduce mental load, create space for genu...

Do you constantly find yourself dreaming about your next vacation, the weekend, or just getting away from everyone for a little while? There’s nothing wrong with needing rest, but what if you’re not just tired? What if your life feels like it is asking too much of you?

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re talking about how to build a life you don’t constantly need to escape from. We’ll look at boundaries, capacity, rest, relationships, and – perhaps most importantly – communication. Because sometimes what you actually need isn’t another coping strategy, but in...

Are you actually productive – or are you just really, really busy?

You answered the emails, checked the boxes, attended the meetings, made the list. 😂 And yet somehow, at the end of the day, you’re exhausted without feeling like you accomplished the things that actually mattered. There’s a reason for that.

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re talking about why your brain can mistake busy for productive, why checking things off your list feels so satisfying, and how busywork can sometimes become a sneaky form of procrastination or avoidance.

More import...

Does everything on your to-do list feel urgent? Are you constantly jumping from one task, email, responsibility, or tiny emergency to the next – and somehow ending the day feeling exhausted and like you accomplished nothing?

Welcome to overwhelm. 😂

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re talking about why treating everything like it’s equally important can leave you stressed, scattered, and constantly stuck in reaction mode. Because when everything feels urgent, your brain and nervous system don’t get much of a chance to slow the hell down.

You’ll learn how to separa...

Your to-do list is supposed to help you get things done. So why does it sometimes feel like it’s running your entire life?

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re talking about the never-ending to-do list, productivity guilt, and why high-achieving humans can have a surprisingly hard time knowing when they’ve done enough.

Because here’s the thing: there will always be another email, another task, another thing you could optimize. If you’re constantly chasing “done,” you may never actually feel done.

We’re talking about how to prioritize what...

Do you feel guilty when you slow down? If your brain immediately starts making a to-do list the second you sit down to relax, you’re definitely not alone. For many busy, high-achieving people, relaxing can feel strangely uncomfortable especially when you’ve spent years equating productivity with your self worth.

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we talk about why it’s so hard to shut off your brain, how productivity guilt can keep your nervous system stuck in “go mode,” and how to practice genuine rest without turning relaxation into yet another thing to “optimize.” Y...

We talk about rest all the time – but usually, we mean one thing: sleep. Get more sleep. Sleep eight hours. Take a rest day. Recover from your workouts. But what if you’re sleeping well and you’re STILL exhausted?

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re rethinking what rest actually means and talking about the many different ways your body, brain, and nervous system need to recover.

Because sometimes you’re not physically tired – you’re mentally exhausted. Or emotionally drained. Or completely overstimulated from spending all day staring at screens, answering messages, maki...

What if lasting behavior change doesn’t come from fixing your weaknesses – but from building on your strengths? For many of us, self-improvement has become synonymous with self-criticism. We constantly focus on what we’re doing wrong, what needs fixing, and where we fall short. But what if we’ve been approaching personal growth all wrong?

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, I explore how the science of positive psychology offers a refreshing perspective on behavior change. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” positive psychology encourages us to ask a different question:

“What’s already s...

What if living a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life isn't about doing more - but about focusing on what matters most? To celebrate my 47th birthday, I'm doing something a little different on Making Shift Happen. Instead of diving into the latest research or interviewing a guest, I'm sharing the ten biggest lessons I've learned over the past 47 years - lessons that have shaped not only the coach I am today, but the person I'm still becoming. Some of these lessons came from success, and many came from failure, but all of them came from experience. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed...

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, I'm joined by mindset coach, climber, and sport performance psychology graduate student Josie McGee, founder of Mind Athlete Training, to explore the mindset skills that help athletes perform with courage, confidence, and purpose. What does it really mean to be mentally strong? Many athletes assume mental toughness means pushing harder, ignoring fear, or never doubting themselves. But what if true resilience isn't about eliminating fear at all? What if it's about learning to show up anyway? Josie shares her remarkable journey from years of climbing in Yosemite and serving on the Yosemite Search...

Summer is here, the trails are calling, group rides and runs are filling your calendar, and suddenly those strength workouts start slipping. Sound familiar? The truth is, staying consistent with strength training is not about having more motivation or finding extra hours in your day. It's about creating systems that make it easier to show up, even when life gets busy. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, I'm sharing practical strategies that will help you maintain your strength throughout cycling season without feeling like you're adding more to your plate. You'll learn why consistency - not perfection - is...

Do you ever feel like you're "on" all the time? Your phone buzzes, your inbox fills up, Slack notifications pop up, a text comes in, and someone tags you on social media. And before you know it, you're responding to everyone else while your own needs continue to fall to the bottom of the list. Sound familiar? You may not know how to set boundaries at work. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we're exploring one of the biggest contributors to chronic stress that few people talk about: constant accessibility. Being available 24/7 might make you feel productive, but it's...

Do you feel guilty when you rest? Do you find yourself saying things like, "I'll relax after I finish this project." Or, "I'll take a day off once work slows down." Or what about, "I'll rest when I finally get caught up." Hint: You will almost never be caught up. If so, you're not alone. Many high-achievers have unknowingly adopted the belief that rest is something they have to earn. The problem? That mindset often keeps us stuck in a cycle of chronic stress, mental exhaustion, and nervous system dysregulation. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we're unpacking one...

Do you constantly feel too busy to exercise? Are your workouts the first thing to disappear when life gets hectic? If so, in this episode of Making Shift Happen, we discuss why so many busy professionals struggle to prioritize fitness and health, and how to create a realistic schedule that supports long-term consistency. You'll learn why "finding time" doesn't work, how your calendar reflects your priorities, and simple strategies to schedule workouts without guilt, overwhelm, or perfectionism. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it's only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Learn the signs and how to...

How do you stay consistent when you don't feel motivated? In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we're discussing one of the most important skills for long-term success: learning how to show up even when you don't feel like it. Whether you're trying to improve your fitness, build healthier habits, grow your business, or simply become more consistent, relying on motivation alone isn't enough. Sustainable progress comes from taking action despite imperfect circumstances. You'll learn simple, practical strategies to overcome resistance, stop waiting for the perfect moment, and build the kind of self-trust that creates lasting results. Take the FREE...

Do you feel like you're constantly searching for the next supplement, habit, routine, or biohack to improve your health and performance through optimization? In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we explore the hidden stress of optimization culture and why many high-achievers are accidentally making themselves more overwhelmed in the pursuit of self-improvement. You'll learn why the basics still matter most, how over-optimization can contribute to nervous system dysregulation, and the five foundational habits that create sustainable health, energy, and performance. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it's only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Learn the...

You don’t have to be completely burned out or exhausted to have a dysregulated nervous system. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we explore the subtle and often overlooked signs of nervous system overload in high-achieving people like you. From feeling “wired but tired” to constant overstimulation, poor recovery, irritability, and mental exhaustion, this episode breaks down how chronic stress can quietly impact your health and performance. You’ll learn practical ways to improve nervous system regulation, reduce stress stacking, and recognize the signs of overload before complete burnout occurs. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it's only 10...

Feeling constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or unable to relax? In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we explore the hidden stressors impacting your nervous system every day - including digital overload, multitasking, notifications, decision fatigue, and overstimulation. You’ll learn how chronic low-level stress accumulates, why your nervous system may feel stuck in survival mode, and practical ways to reduce stress and improve recovery without overhauling your life. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it's only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Once you submit your answers, you will receive an answer key via email to calculate yo...

Do you struggle to relax, sit still, or truly disconnect from work, training, and constant stimulation? In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we explore why high achievers often become addicted to being busy and how chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation can make slowing down feel uncomfortable. You’ll learn how busyness impacts recovery, performance, energy, and mental health. Plus, you'll learn practical strategies to regulate your nervous system and create more sustainable routines. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it's only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Once you submit your answers, you will receive an...

If you’ve taken my Nervous System Audit and realized you’re more stressed, overwhelmed, or dysregulated than you thought, then this episode is for you. 😉 In this episode of Making Shift Happen, I break down what to actually DO after recognizing signs of nervous system overload. Awareness is great, but action is better. You’ll learn practical strategies to improve nervous system regulation, reduce stress stacking, improve recovery, and build sustainable energy without overhauling your entire life. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it's only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Once you submit your answers, you will...

Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or inconsistent in your life or your training? It might not be your training plan or one thing you're doing wrong - instead, it might be your nervous system. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we break down how to assess your stress levels using a simple Nervous System Audit and how chronic stress impacts performance, recovery, and energy. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it's only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Once you submit your answers, you will receive an answer key via email to calculate your results and to get...

If you’ve been wondering why everything feels harder lately - your workouts, your work, your energy - you’re not alone. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we break down how chronic stress and nervous system overload impact performance, recovery, and energy levels for high-achieving professionals and endurance athletes. You’ll learn how to recognize the signs of being over capacity and how to improve recovery, reduce stress, and build sustainable performance without doing more. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What “capacity” means in training and performance Signs your nervous system is overloaded Why high-achievers hit a performance w...

Do you ever feel completely exhausted, but the moment you try to relax, your brain won’t turn off? You’re not alone! And you’re not doing anything wrong.nIn this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re diving into the common “tired but wired” state that many high-achieving professionals and endurance athletes experience. This is often a sign of nervous system dysregulation, where the body remains stuck in a heightened stress response even when it needs rest. For mountain bikers, gravel cyclists, endurance athletes, and busy professionals trying to balance training, work, and life, this constant state of activation c...

If you’re a high-achieving professional or endurance athlete feeling constantly tired, overwhelmed, or inconsistent in your training, the issue may not be your program or plan, it may be your nervous system. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we explore how chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation impact performance, recovery, and consistency. You’ll learn how to recognize when your system is overloaded and how to implement simple strategies to improve recovery and build sustainable performance. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What nervous system dysregulation is How chronic stress impacts training performance Why high-achievers struggle to down-regu...

If you feel inconsistent with your training, constantly tired, or like you “just can’t stay on track," it might not be a motivation problem. It might be your mental load. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re breaking down how cognitive overload and decision fatigue are silently sabotaging your training, nutrition, and performance. This is especially true for busy, high-achieving professionals balancing careers, life, and endurance sports like mountain biking and gravel cycling. You’ll learn how to reduce mental load, simplify your routines, and build systems that make consistency easier, without relying on more discipline or willpowe...

Are you actually unmotivated, or just overstimulated? If you’re a high-achieving, career-driven person trying to balance work, training, and your health - but constantly feel distracted, tired, or inconsistent - this episode is for you. In today’s modern, always-connected world, your brain is under constant stimulation from social media, notifications, work demands, and endless information. The result? Burnout, decision fatigue, and the feeling that you “just can’t get it together.” But I am here to assure you that you don’t have a motivation problem, you have an overstimulation problem. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we break dow...

Many endurance athletes swing between two extremes when it comes to nutrition: ignoring hunger signals until they're ravenous or obsessing over every calorie and macro. But, there’s a smarter middle ground. In this Mindful March episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re talking about how mindful eating can help athletes fuel better, manage hunger, and support performance without turning nutrition into a full-time job. Mountain bikers, gravel cyclists, and endurance athletes often experience suppressed hunger after hard rides or efforts, which can lead to under-fueling early in the day and then overeating later at night. Learning how to recognize thes...

Can you really build stress resilience, improve focus, and support recovery in just one minute a day? Yes! And no, you don’t need a meditation cushion to do it. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, Coach Jen breaks down simple mindfulness practices for busy professionals, gravel cyclists, and mountain bikers who want better performance on and off the bike. If you’ve ever thought: "I’m bad at meditation," "My mind won’t stop racing," or "I don’t have time for mindfulness," then this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to incorporate one-minute mindfulness practices, breathing ex...

Many cyclists adopt bodybuilding-style strength training in the gym, assuming it will improve power and endurance on the bike. However, research shows that heavy, low-volume strength training - and not high-rep hypertrophy training - improves cycling economy, maximal power output, and time trial performance. In this episode, Coach Jen explains why bodybuilding workouts may interfere with cycling performance and outlines evidence-based strength training principles for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists. In This Episode: The difference between hypertrophy and performance training Why excessive fatigue compromises endurance performance How heavy strength training improves cycling economy Proper rep ranges for cyclists The importance...

February is Heart Health Month, and in this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re breaking down how busy gravel cyclists and mountain bikers can build a stronger heart, without adding more stress to your schedule. Backed by research from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this episode covers practical, science-supported habits that improve cardiovascular health and cycling performance. You’ll learn how to: Improve heart health through smart training and daily movement Fuel your body with simple, heart-healthy meals Use sleep and recovery to boost endurance and power Manage stress for...

In this episode, Liz Sampey (she/her), a Doctor of Physical Therapy and concussion specialist, shares her journey as an athlete and her experiences with concussion. Liz covers the basics of concussions and effective management strategies for recovery. Liz emphasizes the need for education and support in concussion care, highlighting the complexities of rehabilitation and the significance of addressing multiple systems affected by concussions. Lastly, Liz aims to empower athletes with knowledge to navigate recovery and promote a culture of safety in sports. Give Dr. Liz Sampey a follow on Instagram here and find out more info on her programs...

Many cyclists notice an increase in hunger during winter training, even when riding fewer miles. This episode of Making Shift Happen explains why cold weather increases energy demands and how to fuel appropriately without fear of fat gain. Coach Jen breaks down the physiology of cold exposure, nervous system stress, and strength training, while offering simple, practical fueling strategies for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists training through winter. In this episode, we talk about Why cold temperatures increase calorie needs How winter training stress affects appetite Common fueling mistakes cyclists make in winter How to eat enough without over-tracking or...

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, Jen Kates interviews Karen Jarchow, a professional cyclist and coach, about her journey from professional racing to embracing a holistic approach to life and coaching. They discuss the importance of emotional and spiritual health, the power of breathwork, and Karen's personal experiences with transformation and connection. Karen shares insights into her coaching philosophy and the development of her program, Where Spirit Meets Sport, which integrates mindfulness and holistic wellness into athletic training. Give Karen a follow on Instagram @karenjarchow.coaching and find out more info on her programs and coaching on her website k...

Winter training doesn’t fail because cyclists are lazy - it fails because expectations are unrealistic. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, Coach Jen Kates explores how identity-based habits can help cyclists stay consistent, strong, and motivated through the winter months without burning out. Instead of chasing perfection, this episode reframes winter training as a season for durability, strength, and habit-building. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why all-or-nothing thinking shows up during winter How identity-based habits improve consistency What “showing up” really looks like in winter training Why winter is the foundation for spring fitness How small habits compound...

January is here, and so are the goals. But if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, paralyzed, or burned out by goal setting before February even hits, then this episode is for you. In this episode, Coach Jen breaks down a simple, sustainable approach to goal setting inspired by identity-based habits popularized by James Clear, without the pressure, perfectionism, or overplanning. Instead of asking “What do I want to achieve?”We ask the better question: “Who do I need to become, and what does that person do daily?” In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why most New Year’s goals fail by February ...

The holidays can feel like a minefield for athletes trying to balance fitness goals, family time, and food freedom. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, coach Jen Kates breaks down how to navigate holiday eating and training with confidence using the “memories over macros” mindset. Instead of tracking every bite or throwing structure out the window, you’ll learn how to practice mindful eating, recognize hunger cues, choose foods you truly enjoy, and maintain fitness with simple, realistic non-negotiables. This episode is perfect for cyclists and active adults who want to enjoy the holidays and feel strong heading into the ne...

Just finished a hard training block (like the Rapha Festive 500) and feel completely wrecked? In this episode, Coach Jen breaks down how cyclists should recover after intense training blocks so you can absorb your fitness gains instead of burning out. Whether you’re a gravel cyclist, mountain biker, or endurance athlete stacking big winter miles, this episode covers science-backed recovery strategies including sleep, nutrition, nervous system regulation, parasympathetic breathwork, mobility, and how to safely return to training intensity. Learn how to calm your central nervous system, speed up recovery, prevent injury, and maintain motivation after demanding bike challenges, without losing th...

Struggling to stay motivated in the winter as daylight disappears and winter temperatures drop? You’re not alone. In this episode, Coach Jen dives into the REAL reasons winter zaps cyclist motivation - from circadian rhythm shifts to seasonal mood changes - AND gives you the tools to stay consistent, energized, and strong all winter long. Learn how to fight the winter training slump, build cozy training rituals, stay accountable, adjust your workouts for winter success, and keep your cycling fitness sharp until spring. If you’re feeling sluggish, unmotivated, or out of sync with your routines, this episode will help...