Ageless Athlete — Healthy Aging for a Strong, Capable Life

Latest Episodes:

The Power of Obsession — And the Skill of Letting Go | Jerry Moffatt Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Before climbing was mainstream—before comps, cameras, and careers—Jerry Moffatt was already pushing the edge. He trained with a rare intensity, took real risks, and became one of the most influential climbers of his era.

But the part that makes this conversation last isn’t what he climbed. It’s what happened after: Jerry stepped away while he was still at the top—and had to rebuild a life that wasn’t tethered to performance.

In this episode, we talk about:

The hidden cost of obsession (and why it works—until it doesn’t)
Mental training: visualization, pressure, and preparing for what can go wrong
Identity after achievement: what happens when you stop chasing the next grade
Aging with intention: staying sharp without staying consumed
How to keep ambition… without letting it own you

If you’ve ever chased something hard—sport or not—this is a grounded conversation about drive, risk, and learning when to let go.

📚 Want to Dive Deeper into Jerry’s Story?

Check out his two acclaimed books:

📘 Revelations: Jerry Moffatt – his brutally honest and inspiring autobiography
Buy on Amazon
📗 Mastermind: Mental Training for Climbers – a practical guide to the mindset strategies that helped him excel
Buy on Amazon

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Marek Health: Deeper look at your health with comprehensive bloodwork and personalized guidance. 10% off with code AGELESS at https://agelessathlete.short.gy/marek

Timeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A. Up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE

Support The Show Love the show? Here’s how to support it https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Ageless Athlete is a podcast about healthy aging for people who want to stay strong, active and capable for life. Conversations explore strength, endurance, mobility, recovery, VO2 max, muscle and bone health, and what it takes to keep doing the things you love as you get older.

Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.

How To Train To Win In Your 70s From A World Champion | Ned Overend, 70 Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to stay at the top of your sport for over four decades—and still be competitive at 70?

In this episode, we sit down with Ned Overend, the first-ever UCI Mountain Bike World Champion and six-time national champion, who’s still toeing the line with athletes half his age. But this isn’t just a story about biking—it’s about reinvention, smart training, and building a body and mindset that lasts.

Ned takes us back to the early, chaotic days of mountain biking, shares what it was like to battle doping at the height of his career, and explains why he pivoted to triathlon—and found even more success. We dive into his uncoached training philosophy, his morning olive oil ritual, how he uses Strava (yes, he pays for it), and what recovery really means when you're trying to defy the typical aging curve.

If you're an everyday athlete, a recreational rider, or just someone who’s tired of the “slow decline” narrative—this episode is a masterclass in staying curious, adapting with age, and competing on your own terms.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Why Ned left mountain biking at his peak to compete in XTERRA triathlons
How he trained without a coach and still dominated the world’s best
The difference between training hard and training smart—especially after 50
Why most people underestimate the importance of recovery, hydration, and fueling
Simple mobility and balance drills that improve performance and prevent injury
How growing up in Ethiopia, Iran, and Taiwan shaped his mindset and adaptability
Why aging doesn’t mean decline—and the mindset shift to prove it

🧰 Resources Mentioned:

Joe Friel’s Fast After 50
Strava (yes, Ned pays for it)
XTERRA World Championships in Maui
Specialized Bicycles

Marek Health: Deeper look at your health with comprehensive bloodwork and personalized guidance. 10% off with code AGELESS at https://agelessathlete.short.gy/marek

Timeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A. Up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE

Support The Show Love the show? Here’s how to support it https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.

Your Joints Aren’t Doomed With Age — How to Stay Strong and Keep Moving | Andy McVittie Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Do your knees, hips, shoulders, and other joints inevitably get worse as you age?

Andy McVittie takes a much more optimistic view. He argues that pain, stiffness, and age-related changes don’t automatically mean your body is fragile—or that you need to stop doing the activities you love.

In this conversation, we explore how to stay strong, mobile, and physically capable as you get older, including:

Why pain doesn’t always mean damage
How strength can help protect aging joints
Why knees, shoulders, hips, and elbows often respond better to movement than avoidance
How to rebuild confidence after injury or pain
Why “bulletproofing” the body is the wrong mental model
How to keep training without constantly fearing breakdown
Why it’s never too late to get stronger

Andy’s core message is simple: aging changes the body, but it doesn’t automatically make the body fragile.

Marek Health: Deeper look at your health with comprehensive bloodwork and personalized guidance. 10% off with code AGELESS at https://agelessathlete.short.gy/marek

Timeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A. Up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE

Support The Show Love the show? Here’s how to support it https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.

She Was Told She’d Never Run Again — One Year Later, She Finished a 140-Mile Ultra | Tara Tulley Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Tara Tulley’s story is an ode to the power of resilience, determination, and self-belief. At 45 years old, she stood at the start line of a grueling 140-mile ultra-marathon—not as a runner, but as a spectator. Weighing over 250 pounds, battling the effects of POTS, and having stepped away from running for years, she made a bold promise: One year from now, I will be here, and I will run this race.

What followed was a transformation like no other. In just 12 months, Tara lost 130 pounds, rewired her mindset, and rebuilt her endurance to accomplish something most would call impossible. But this is more than a story of weight loss—it’s about overcoming deep struggles, defying medical diagnoses, and proving that we are far more capable than we think.

In this episode, Tara shares:
✅ How she rebuilt her fitness after years away from running
✅ Overcoming POTS and ignoring the “you’ll never run again” diagnosis
✅ The mental shifts that helped her stay consistent and committed
✅ How she used positive affirmations to rewire her mindset
✅ The power of finding the right mentors and support system
✅ Her experience of being overweight in society and how things changed
✅ The brutal moments of her 140-mile race—and what pushed her to finish

Tara’s journey is proof that no matter where you start, transformation is possible. Whether you’re struggling with motivation, facing a setback, or chasing a seemingly impossible goal, this episode will leave you believing that you can do it too.

Resources & References

📌 Tara’s Race: Route 66 UltraRun – More about the historic race

📌 Marshall Ulrich’s Book (Inspired Tara) – Running on Empty: An Ultramarathoner’s Story of Love, Loss, and a Record-Setting Run Across America – Available here

📌 Lisa Smith-Batchen (Tara’s Coach) – Learn about Lisa’s Coaching & Ultra Running

📌 POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) – Mayo Clinic Overview

📌 Book Recommendation: The Four Agreements (Discussed by Tara) – By Don Miguel Ruiz – Available here

📌 More on Positive Affirmations & The Power of Words – The Power of Decree by Patricia King – Book link

Marek Health: Deeper look at your health with comprehensive bloodwork and personalized guidance. 10% off with code AGELESS at https://agelessathlete.short.gy/marek

Timeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A. Up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE

Support The Show Love the show? Here’s how to support it https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.

He Nearly Died Surfing — Then Rebuilt His Brain and Came Back Stronger | Shawn Dollar Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

“Fear doesn’t have to destroy you—it can become rocket fuel if you learn to harness it. That mindset carried me through big waves and even bigger challenges on land.”

In this episode, we dive deep with Shawn Dollar, a big-wave surfer known for paddling into massive 60-foot waves—twice—earning him two Guinness World Records. As awe-inspiring as those rides were, Shawn opens up about an even more daunting challenge: a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that threatened to derail his life entirely. He shares how he became his own best advocate, seeking out cutting-edge treatments and refusing to accept “standard” medical advice as the only option.

Topics Discussed

Big-Wave Mindset: Why surfing colossal waves is as much a mental feat as a physical one, and how that mindset can help in everyday challenges.
TBI Diagnosis & Recovery: The reality of sustaining a life-altering injury and the critical steps Shawn took to regain full brain function.
Self-Advocacy in Healthcare: How to research, ask tough questions, and stay proactive when you’re not getting all the answers you need.
Resilience & Family: Balancing personal ambition and recovery with the responsibilities of work and fatherhood.
Lifestyle & Longevity: Tips on daily routines, nutrition, and simple habits that can lead to better overall health—physical and mental.

Key Takeaways

Harness Fear as Fuel: Fear doesn’t have to paralyze you; it can become your driving force for growth if you learn to channel it.
Create a Vision for Recovery: Even in the darkest moments, having a clear mental picture of a better future can keep you motivated.
Be Your Own Advocate: Standard medical advice can be limited. Explore options, do your research, and don’t be afraid to push for more.
Small Steps, Big Wins: Significant progress often comes from consistent, incremental changes over time—both in surfing and in healing.
Family Matters: Recognize that your personal health journey affects those around you. Involve loved ones in decision-making for more holistic support.

References

Shawn Dollar's Website
Shawn on Instagram
Shawn Dollar’s Guinness World Records for paddling into the largest wave (twice)

Marek Health: Deeper look at your health with comprehensive bloodwork and personalized guidance. 10% off with code AGELESS at https://agelessathlete.short.gy/marek

Timeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A. Up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE

Support The Show Love the show? Here’s how to support it https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.

What’s Still Possible When Everything Is Slipping Away? | Travis Macy Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

“What do you do when the person who raised you starts slipping away?”

In this episode, I sit down with ultra-endurance athlete and coach Travis Macy—but this isn’t really about racing.

It’s about what happens when the real challenge begins at home.

Travis’s father, Mark Macy, was once his teammate—racing Eco-Challenge together at the highest level. Today, he’s living with Alzheimer’s.

And yet… they’re still pushing.

Still walking. Still getting outside. Still finding moments of connection.

Not because it’s easy.
But because it might be the only thing that keeps something alive.

We talk about:

– What movement actually does for the brain (even late into decline)
– Why identity doesn’t fully disappear—even when memory does
– How far you can push when the goal is no longer performance, but presence
– And what endurance really means when there’s no finish line

This one stayed with me.

Marek Health: Deeper look at your health with comprehensive bloodwork and personalized guidance. 10% off with code AGELESS at https://agelessathlete.short.gy/marek

Timeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A. Up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE

Support The Show Love the show? Here’s how to support it https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.

93 Days Alone at Sea — What It Does to Your Mind | Chris Bertish Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

At 50, Chris Bertish has built his life on pushing the boundaries of human endurance. From conquering Mavericks with no sleep and borrowed gear to paddling 4,600 miles across the Atlantic solo, his story is proof that commitment, mindset, and resilience can rewrite what we think is possible.

In this storytelling episode, Chris takes us inside his biggest challenges—the brutal storms, the mental battles, and the moments of absolute clarity that only come from pushing beyond fear.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:
✅ What it’s really like to paddle across an ocean alone for 93 days—the exhaustion, the fear, and the breakthroughs.
✅ A masterclass on visualization—how Chris mentally “blueprints” success before it happens.
✅ The fine line between courage and recklessness—and how to know when to push forward or step back.
✅ How fear is actually a guidepost, not a roadblock.
✅ The “all in” philosophy—what it means to truly commit to something bigger than yourself.

📚 Learn More About His Journey

Chris has shared his life and lessons through books and films that capture his record-breaking expeditions. The've been a huge inspiration to me!

📖 All In – Chris’s latest book, revealing the mindset, discipline, and commitment that fueled his Atlantic crossing.

🎥 Ocean Driven – A powerful documentary about Chris’s journey to winning Mavericks, overcoming self-doubt, and proving the impossible is possible.

🎥 Last Known Coordinates – A behind-the-scenes look at his solo Atlantic crossing, capturing the grit, solitude, and triumph of one of the most daring expeditions ever attempted.

🎙️ Connect with Chris Bertish

🌎 Website: ChrisBertish.co
📸 Instagram: @ChrisBertish
📘 Facebook: Official Chris Bertish
🎥 YouTube: Chris Bertish Official

If you want to support Chris’s future expeditions or bring his powerful message to your event, visit ChrisBertish.com or reach out directly at chris@chrisbertish.com.

Marek Health: Deeper look at your health with comprehensive bloodwork and personalized guidance. 10% off with code AGELESS at https://agelessathlete.short.gy/marek

Timeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A. Up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE

Support The Show Love the show? Here’s how to support it https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.

Why Some People Get Better With Age | Lisa Smith-Batchen, 64 Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Lisa Smith-Batchen has done things that are hard to even picture.

She completed the Badwater Quad—running from Death Valley to Mount Whitney and back. Twice.

584 miles.

But what stood out to me in this conversation wasn’t just the distance.

It was how she thinks about aging.

Lisa believes she’s stronger now than she was when she was younger—not because she trains harder, but because she’s clearer. More patient. More connected to why she’s doing it.

We talk about:

What actually changes as you age—and what doesn’t
How purpose becomes a driver that outlasts motivation
Why she sees age as an advantage, not a limitation
Her path from being “too slow” in school to taking on extreme endurance challenges
How she’s used these efforts to support causes like clean water and mental health

There’s intensity in what she’s done.

But also a kind of steadiness underneath it.

A sense that longevity isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about understanding yourself better over time.

References:

Lisa’s advocacy for clean water and mental health: AddictToAthlete
Lisa’s coaching services and community: Dreamchasers

Marek Health: Deeper look at your health with comprehensive bloodwork and personalized guidance. 10% off with code AGELESS at https://agelessathlete.short.gy/marek

Timeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A. Up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE

Support The Show Love the show? Here’s how to support it https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.

Best of 2024 Part II Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

🎙️ Ageless Athlete Podcast is back with Part 2 of our Best of 2024 series! In this special episode, we revisit some of the most powerful, thought-provoking, and inspiring conversations from the past year.

If Part 1 was about pushing limits and redefining aging through adventure, Part 2 dives deeper into the mindset shifts, personal transformations, and philosophies that keep athletes and adventurers thriving. From harnessing awe and overcoming fear to resilience, longevity, and second chances, these stories are filled with lessons that go beyond sport.

🌌 Caroline Paul – The Power of Awe in Adventure and Aging

•Best-selling author and adventurer Caroline Paul shares how experiencing awe—whether through big adventures or everyday moments—can reset the brain, reduce stress, and improve physical health.

⛰️ Thomas Huber – Lessons from Near-Death Experiences and the Beauty of the Valley

•Legendary climber Thomas Huber (of the Huber Brothers) reflects on overcoming injuries, setbacks, and life-threatening falls—and why true resilience is about learning to appreciate the journey, not just the summit.

🏄 Gary Linden – Surfing as a Lifelong Practice for Health and Longevity

•Big wave surf legend and shaper Gary Linden talks about staying in the water well into his 60s and beyond, the mindset needed for longevity in sport, and why passion keeps you young.

🏃 Diana & Team – Running as Redemption: The San Quentin Marathon Program

•Inside the inspiring San Quentin Marathon Program, where incarcerated runners find purpose, discipline, and transformation through running—despite being behind bars.

🧗 Hazel Findlay – Overcoming Fear and Mental Blocks in Sport and Life

•Pro climber and mental performance coach Hazel Findlay shares how to manage fear, train the mind, and break through self-limiting beliefs—especially as we age.

🎸 Timmy O’Neill – Replacing a ‘Death Wish’ with a ‘Life Wish’

•Pro climber, slackliner, and humanitarian Timmy O’Neill explains why extreme athletes don’t have a death wish—they have a life wish. Learn how to bring that same mindset into everyday life.

🌊 Yuri Soledade – Balancing Big Wave Surfing, Entrepreneurship, and Family

•Big wave surfer and restaurant entrepreneur Yuri Soledade reveals how staying fully present—whether in the water, in business, or with family—has been his key to success.

🏔️ Katherine Hayes – Pioneering Adaptive Sports and Breaking Barriers

•A pioneer in adaptive sports, Katherine Hayes discusses the fight for accessibility, the early struggles of getting ski areas to accept disabled athletes, and how perseverance changed the industry.

🌄 Marshall Ulrich – The Surreal, Out-of-Body Experience of Running Badwater

•Ultra-running legend Marshall Ulrich shares his otherworldly experience at Badwater Ultramarathon, where he felt completely detached from his body while running.

🧗‍♀️ Lynn Hill – How Sport Climbing Changed Everything

•Climbing icon Lynn Hill recounts her groundbreaking free ascent of The Nose on El Capitan, the early days of sport climbing, and how she changed the game forever.

Marek Health: Deeper look at your health with comprehensive bloodwork and personalized guidance. 10% off with code AGELESS at https://agelessathlete.short.gy/marek

Timeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A. Up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE

Support The Show Love the show? Here’s how to support it https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.

How to Actually Improve in Your 50s — Not Just Maintain | Steve McClure, 54 Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Can you actually keep getting stronger and improving after 50—or is the goal simply to slow the decline?

Elite climber Steve McClure believes improvement is still possible, but the way you train has to evolve.

In this conversation, Steve explains how he has adapted his training as he’s gotten older—identifying physical qualities that are starting to decline, training them deliberately, and continuing to pursue harder goals rather than settling for maintenance.

We cover:

Why strength and power tend to decline with age
How training needs to change after 50
Why older athletes shouldn’t simply keep doing more of the same
How Steve targets weaknesses with specific strength work
Why recovery becomes an increasingly important part of performance
How he uses finger training, bouldering, weights, and structured rest
Why having something you still want to improve may matter as much as the training itself

The bigger lesson: getting older may change the methods, but it doesn’t mean improvement has to stop.

Marek Health: Deeper look at your health with comprehensive bloodwork and personalized guidance. 10% off with code AGELESS at https://agelessathlete.short.gy/marek

Timeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A. Up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE

Support The Show Love the show? Here’s how to support it https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.

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