The Discomfort Zone Anna Levesque

In this episode, Adam Edwards, professional paddler and content creator, opens up about mental health, humanizing whitewater kayaking, and his journey from focus on the gnar to prioritizing relationships on the river.
Adam talks about how kayaking, and the Instagram reels he creates using kayaking fails, helps him work through his social anxiety and imposter syndrome.
He shares his strategies for emotional regulation and the importance of seeking support when dealing with difficult emotions, situations and trauma.
This is an unfiltered and raw conversation about the challenges we face when choosing to participate in extreme sports, and also the joy and growth that we experience that has us keep coming back.

In this conversation, Zenovia Stephens, founder of Black Kids Adventures, shares her experiences and strategies for navigating the discomfort zone with her family.
Zenovia shares how she creates supportive relationships, and boundaries with her family members to maintain personal space during moments of discomfort. She also highlights the significance of having conversations with children about facing fears and working through them as a family.
Zenovia addresses misconceptions about adventure sports and encourages individuals to challenge stereotypes and embrace outdoor adventures.
Anna and Zenovia also discuss the importance of having an empowering view of life, and being willing to say yes to opportunities that come your way.

In this conversation, Nick Troutman, accomplished paddler and content creator, explores the distinction between fear and danger when assessing risk versus rewards on and off the water.
Anna and Nick also explore how failing and making mistakes are key to experiencing growth and overcoming self-doubt at the highest levels of achievement and performance.
Nick is a big believer in the power of perseverance and passion in pursuing your goals, and Anna also brings up the concept of sunk cost, and the need to change course when something is not fulfilling.
They share stories about the importance of knowing your why and aligning your actions with your goals. 

In this heartfelt conversation, Anna and her Dad discuss how losing his mother at the age of 10 shaped his view of problem solving, and how that was passed down to Anna as strategy for facing discomfort. 
They talk about the importance of focusing on fundamentals when breaking down problems, what it’s like to feel more vulnerable as you age, the power of family having your back, and how every person must find their own unique strategy for navigating the discomfort zone.
In this episode you’ll gain insights into:
Anna’s early challenges facing her discomfort zone, and how her Dad coached her through them. 
How her Dad’s coping mechanism became a strength for Anna in navigating discomfort.
How showing up for yourself and for each other can change your life’s path.
Growth and learning are lifelong.

In this episode, 14X Green Race Champion, Adriene Levknecht shares her strategies for thriving through chaos on and off the water, and how routines are key for her staying grounded.
She shares how she preps for and overcomes fear in her paddling and racing, including her pre-Green Race rituals.
Learn how stepping into her discomfort zone at an early age has taught Adriene that she can do hard things, and has boosted her confidence in her ability to figure things out on the fly, and when the unexpected happens. After all, life and whitewater kayaking isn’t always about plan A, but about plans B,C,D and even F when plan A doesn’t pan out.
We go into fun kayaking analogies including finding your angles and embracing your power within.
In this episode you’ll learn:
Tips for developing  rituals and routines can help ground and focus the mind in the discomfort zone.
How living in the discomfort zone can lead to personal growth and the ability to take on challenges.
How routines can provide grounding and stability in chaotic situations.
Fun kayaking analogies for life.

Somerville, a licensed professional counselor and somatic experiencing practitioner, discusses how your nervous system works, and how you can grow your stress resiliency to face challenges.
She shares strategies for getting comfortable with discomfort, and offers valuable advice on how to overcome perfectionism and self-judgment.
Anna and Sommerville talk about the power of vulnerability and community in supporting personal growth and the benefits of sharing experiences and struggles with others. Learn how your vulnerability actually makes you strong.
The conversation also delves into the balance between comfort and growth, highlighting the need to find a healthy equilibrium to live to your fullest potential.