#34 Chris Kalous - The Joyful Spirit: Adapt, Find Purpose, and Chase Play, To Stay Young

What does it take to walk away from something you’ve trained for your entire life… and then find your way back — stronger, wiser, and with a whole new purpose?In this two-part conversation, we sit down with world-record-holding swimmer Andy Donaldson. But Part One isn’t about records. It’s about the reset — the season of burnout, career shifts, mental struggle, and the slow, imperfect process of coming home to yourself.Andy was once on the edge of elite swimming. Then he left the sport entirely — went to work as an accountant, burned out, and eventually found himself guiding volcano tours in Nicaragua during the pandemic. Somewhere along the way, he started swimming again —, just for himself.That path led to an unexpected win at the legendary Rottnest Channel Swim… and the beginning of one of the most astonishing comebacks in open water history.🧭 In This Episode (Part I):How burnout pulled Andy away from competitive sportWhat it's like to truly step away — and live life outside the poolHis quiet return to swimming in Perth, and why it felt different this timeThe daily practices and mindset shifts that set the foundation for performanceThe win at Rottnest that changed everythingWhat open water swimming teaches you about control, trust, and identity💬 Stay tuned for Part II next week:We dive deep into Andy’s record-breaking Oceans Seven challenge, a brutal 15-hour swim in Hawaii that nearly ended in disaster, and how he reframed suffering to find meaning, connection, and strength.--- 🎯 Support this podcast and try NutrisensePersonalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at https://nutrisense.io/agelessathlete  🚀 Love the show? Here’s how to support it If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete 📰 Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter ! 1-2x a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

Seb Berthe isn't your average elite climber. He doesn’t just send 5.14s—he sails to them. Literally. When he set his sights on the Dawn Wall—the hardest big wall climb in the world—he refused to fly, instead making three ocean crossings by sailboat, living simply and training creatively along the way.In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, we talk about:Why how you chase a goal matters as much as what the goal isHow living by your values can deepen the meaning of your accomplishmentsWhat it takes to train for a 32-pitch 5.14 big wall on a sailboatThe role of emotional partnership—Seb’s story with Soline is unforgettableHis quiet call for more sustainable choices in the outdoor worldSeb’s journey will inspire you to reflect—not just on your physical goals, but on the way you live your life.💬 Highlights + Takeaways🎯 The Dawn Wall: How Seb chose a route halfway across the world—and refused to compromise his values to get there⛵ Training at Sea: Creative strength training routines on a moving sailboat🧠 Momentum and Mindset: Lessons from ocean sailors that shaped his mental approach❤️ True Partnership: The incredible support of Soline—warming frozen toes, belaying through storms, living side-by-side on a wall for weeks🌱 Living With Less: Why Seb believes small personal choices can ripple into broader cultural shifts🔗 Links + Resources Mentioned📸 Seb Berthe on Instagram:📹 Seb Berthe on Bon Voyage in Annot, FranceCover pic credit: Alex Eggermont--- 🎯 Support this podcast and try NutrisensePersonalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at https://nutrisense.io/agelessathlete! 🚀 Love the show? Here’s how to support it If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete 📰 Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter ! 1-2x a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

What happens when your life as an elite athlete is stripped away—and you’re forced to rebuild, not just your body, but your identity?In this powerful and personal episode, we sit down with Jamie Whitmore—a world-class endurance athlete whose story is less about podiums and more about persistence.Jamie was once one of the most dominant XTERRA racers in the world—winning races across continents, climbing mountains on her bike, and chasing down competitors on foot. But when life shifted, so did her focus. Today, she’s a mother of twins, a coach to high school runners, a deeply intentional athlete, and a reminder that strength comes in many forms.We talk about:What XTERRA racing actually is—and why it’s so brutally beautifulThe moment she lost her athletic identity, and how she found her way backWhy fear on a mountain bike was her way through, not away from, traumaTraining with a paralyzed leg, and what it taught her about compensation, patience, and adaptationHer daily habits: 5:00 AM wakeups, coaching teen athletes, core work, cross-training, and the power of doing less—but doing it wellWhy movement, variety, and play are the keys to longevity—and joyThe mindset shifts that came with motherhood, midlife, and physical changeAnd why being “gutsy” today looks different than it did in her 20s… but might matter even moreWhether you’re in a season of rebuilding, reinvention, or quiet consistency—Jamie’s story will help you rethink what real strength looks like.--- 🎯 Support this podcast and try NutrisensePersonalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense!  Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show.  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

What does it take to climb your hardest route at 50—and then hold the rope while someone else pushes that same line even further?For Neil Gresham, that moment came on Lexicon, a bold and beautiful E11 route he developed and climbed later in life. In this conversation, Neil shares the full story—from discovering the line in the Lake District to the deep personal shift that allowed him to reach a new peak, years after he thought he’d already hit it.We also talk about what it was like to support a rare flash attempt by another world-class climber (whose recent film on Lexicon just dropped), and how that moment made Neil reflect on performance, legacy, and the long game.But this episode goes far beyond a single climb.We explore:Why Neil climbed his hardest routes after 45The nutrition and training strategies that helped him recover faster in his 50s than in his 20sWhat most athletes misunderstand about agingCoaching climbers into their 70s—including how he succeeded working with Rob MathesonThe mindset shift that helped him let go of pressure and finally enjoy the process againWhether you’re a climber or not, Neil’s story is about curiosity, adaptation, and staying sharp—mentally and physically—as the years go by.References & Resources:🎥 Lexicon: The Story of a Climb (Neil’s own film): https://vimeo.com/ondemand/e11lexicon📘 Learn more about Neil’s coaching and training programs: https://www.neilgreshamtraining.com/ --- 🎯 Support this podcast and try NutrisensePersonalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense!  Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show.  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

Wendy Fisher was once one of the fastest women on skis. A U.S. Ski Team racer and 1992 Olympian, she seemed destined for a long career in elite competition. But by her early 20s, she was burned out, struggling with identity and disordered eating, and quietly unraveling inside a system that prized performance over well-being.This could’ve been the end of her story. Instead, it became the beginning of a much more human one.In this episode, Wendy shares how she walked away from ski racing and found her way into big-mountain freeskiing—becoming one of the sport’s pioneering women and starring in iconic ski films like Ski Movie and Global Storming by Matchstick Productions. We talk about her second act in life, how she stayed connected to movement and self-expression, and what she’s learned about letting go, showing up, and staying curious in her 50s.Whether you’re a lifelong athlete or just trying to stay grounded and active as you age, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and a few good powder-day metaphors.🧩 Topics We CoverThe mental toll of elite sport and perfectionismWhy Wendy left ski racing at her peakDisordered eating, burnout, and identity loss in early adulthoodHow one freeskiing contest changed everythingBecoming one of the first women featured in major ski filmsFrom athlete to coach, DJ, and community builderWhat movement looks like now — and how it feels different in midlifeLetting go of guilt, chasing joy, and embracing new chaptersParenting young athletes with honesty and humilityWhat it means to be ageless in a results-obsessed cultureWant to see Wendy ski? Start with Skiing For MyselfMore on Wendy: https://www.wendyfisher.me--- 🎯 Support this podcast and try NutrisensePersonalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense!  Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show.  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

What does it mean to stay bold — not in your 20s or 30s, but in your 70s? What does it take to trust your body, your judgment, and your preparation when the stakes are high — and there’s no one left to impress but yourself?In this episode of Ageless Athlete, we meet Rob Matheson, a climber who recently completed one of the UK’s most legendary and serious routes: The Bells, The Bells!, a bold sea cliff climb in North Wales known for its minimal protection and high consequence.But this episode isn’t just about climbing.It’s about what happens when we keep moving toward challenge — not recklessly, but intentionally. It’s about how our relationship to risk evolves with age. It’s about mastery, aging, and the subtle difference between quitting while you’re ahead… and knowing there’s more to uncover.We talk about: – How composure and clarity become more important than strength with age – What boldness actually looks like after 60 years of experience – The difference between perceived fear and actual danger — and why that matters – Mentorship — and how his father taught him to climb, and how he passed that on to his son – How media pressure affected his decision to try the route again, and what he learned from it – The quieter, more personal reasons we keep pushing ourselves long after we have toThis conversation begins with a difficult climb. But it expands into something much deeper — about growth, trust, identity, and what it means to stay fully alive as we age.Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or simply someone curious about what comes after midlife, there’s something here for you.Check out Rob's fantastic Youtube channel! --- 🎯 Support this podcast and try NutrisensePersonalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense!  Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show.  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

“I call my age group the 70 to death—and we show up early, because we still can. If you want to feel young, hang out with people chasing PRs, not prescriptions.”Bob Babbitt has raced more than 300 triathlons, co-founded Competitor magazine, helped popularize the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series, and has spent decades spotlighting athletes of all abilities through storytelling.At 73, he’s still training, still racing, and still waking up at 5:30 a.m. for his morning cold plunge.But this episode isn’t just about endurance sports. It’s about how movement, community, and a willingness to reinvent yourself can keep you young—physically, mentally, and emotionally.We dive into:The chaotic, hilarious origins of Ironman (including Big Macs and boomboxes)How triathlon went from fringe to global by aligning with city economicsDaily habits Bob swears by for recovery, clarity, and energyWhat the “70 to death” age group can teach us about aging wellThe work of the Challenged Athletes Foundation and how sport empowers identityWhether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone thinking about how to age on your own terms—this one will stay with you.🔑 Key TakeawaysLongevity is built through reinvention. Bob’s career spans media, sport, and philanthropy—and each chapter began with curiosity, not certainty.Movement fuels mindset. His fitness routine isn’t performance-driven—it’s how he stays clear, focused, and in motion.Community is everything. Surrounding yourself with people who “refuse to act old” is one of his core longevity strategies.Sport = transformation. Whether you’re a first-time triathlete or a challenged athlete rebuilding after injury, crossing that finish line changes everything.🗣️ Notable Quotes“I call my age group the 70 to death. And we show up early—because we still can.” “Sport is what makes us whole. As long as there’s air in your lungs, you should be moving.” “If you want to feel young, hang out with people chasing PRs, not prescriptions.”--- 🎯 Support this podcast and try NutrisensePersonalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense!  Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show.  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

At midnight, Sarah Thomas stepped off the coast of England into darkness—swimming into history as the first person to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel, nonstop. That alone would be astonishing. But what makes her story unforgettable is what came before: a breast cancer diagnosis, grueling treatment, and the slow, painful journey of rebuilding trust in a body that no longer felt like hers.In this powerful episode, Sarah opens up about more than just world-record swims. She reflects on how to start over after loss, how movement can become a form of healing, and what it really means to “still float”—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether you're an athlete, a survivor, or simply navigating your own midlife turning point, her story is a quiet masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and grace.🔑 Key Themes & TakeawaysRebuilding After Crisis: Why Sarah’s swim wasn’t about proving strength—it was about rediscovering identity in a different body.Grit ≠ Perfection: How embracing her limits post-cancer helped her redefine success, and why being “less than 100%” doesn’t mean giving up.Movement as Healing: The power of returning to the water—emotionally and physically—as a space of control, anonymity, and joy.Longevity Lessons: What Sarah’s approach to endurance can teach us about aging well, training smart, and honoring the long arc of performance.The English Channel as a Metaphor: How a swim so steeped in history became her proving ground for something deeper: presence, surrender, and quiet strength.Start Small, Stay Present: Why big goals demand micro-focus—and how thinking one stroke at a time can carry you through life’s hardest miles.🔗 References & Resources🌐 Sarah Thomas’s Website: sarahthomasswims.com📺 TEDx Talk – “Go Big”: Watch on YouTube📚 Ocean’s Seven Challenge (Wikipedia): Learn More📰 TIME Magazine – “Sarah Thomas Swims English Channel Four Times Nonstop After Surviving Cancer”: Read Article🎖️ WOWSA Hall of Fame Inductee: World Open Water Swimming Association Profile📍 Lake Champlain 104-Mile Record Swim: Coverage by Marathon Swimmers Federation--- 🎯 Support this podcast and try NutrisensePersonalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense!  Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show.  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

What if your best climbing wasn’t behind you—even at 65?This episode is a masterclass in longevity, discipline, and duality. Our guest is a rare figure who has spent decades pushing hard at the edge of two very different worlds: as a tenured philosophy professor and a lifelong climber still sending 5.14s.Bill Ramsey started climbing before sport climbing existed. He trained on treadwalls before they were popular. And today, he still maps out meticulous 8-hour training days—designed not to get stronger, but to stay sharp, adaptive, and resilient.This isn’t about avoiding aging. It’s about rewriting the rules.🧗‍♂️ In This Episode, We Cover:Balancing the cerebral and the physical: how philosophy and climbing feed each other—and why he believes doing both makes him better at eachThe “Pain Box”: his metaphor for rethinking discipline, suffering, and the tradeoffs behind fulfillmentWhat changes (and what doesn’t): honest insight into how the body, mind, and motivation evolve from your 30s to your 60sHow to train in your 60s: → self-coached 8-hour training days → projecting with purpose → the importance of fingerboarding on send days → ice-cold hand tricks to climb harder in the cold → why he avoids certain types of dynamic board problems to prevent injuryRedefining success: why mastery isn’t about grades or PRs—but about curiosity, adaptability, and the joy of still tryingThe inner life of a veteran athlete: what 50 years of climbing has taught him about loss, community, and legacyBeing a mentor, not a martyr: how he shares wisdom without needing the spotlightAging without apology: why aches and recovery delays are just part of the deal—and how to climb through them with grace and fire🧠 Why It Matters:Whether you're a dedicated athlete, a desk-bound dreamer, or someone wondering how to keep chasing meaning as the years stack up—this episode offers more than inspiration. It offers a roadmap.You’ll walk away with:A mindset for long-term performanceTools to stay physically and mentally engagedA fresh way to think about identity, reinvention, and the decades ahead--- 🎯 Support this podcast and try NutrisensePersonalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense!  Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show.  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

In this episode of Ageless Athlete, we dive into the metabolic engine room with Dr. Brianna Stubbs—world-class endurance athlete and leading researcher at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Brianna bridges the worlds of elite performance and cutting-edge science, specializing in how ketones, fasting, and metabolic flexibility can shape our ability to recover, sustain energy, and age well.This isn’t about dieting fads or silver bullets—it’s about understanding how your body fuels itself, and how those energy pathways evolve over time. Whether you’re an endurance athlete or someone simply trying to stay strong into your 40s, 50s, and beyond, Brianna’s insights will give you a fresh way to think about performance and longevity.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What metabolic flexibility actually is—and why it matters more as we ageThe role of exogenous ketones vs. endogenous ketones (and how they’re used differently)Why elite athletes may be “canaries in the coal mine” for agingHow fasting can impact energy regulation, muscle retention, and cognitive performanceSurprising myths and truths about the ketogenic dietWhat separates “TOPe’s” (Top Older Performers) from “NOPe’s” in the Buck Institute’s MOVE StudyHow Brianna personally trains, fuels, and recovers today—backed by both experience and data🔬 References Mentioned:Buck Institute for Research on Aging: https://www.buckinstitute.orgMOVE Study (Molecular Optimization Via Exercise): Recruiting older athletes for metabolic and molecular profilingKetone Ester Research: Stubbs et al. (2017), Cell Metabolism – PMID: 28399454TOPe’s vs. NOPe’s framework: conceptual model comparing high-performing vs. low-performing older athletesHVMN Ketone Ester studies – Commercial application and early human performance trials👤 About Dr. Brianna Stubbs: Brianna is a former world champion rower for Team GB and currently serves as Director of Translational Science at the Buck Institute. She holds a PhD from Oxford in Metabolic Physiology and has spent the last decade studying how ketones and metabolic regulation affect performance and aging. She’s also competed in Ironman Kona and multi-day ultra-endurance events, making her both subject and scientist.--- 🎯 Support this podcast and try NutrisensePersonalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense!  Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show.  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show