The Adrenaline Zone

Sandra Magnus and James "Sandy" Winnefeld
  • 5.0 (28)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Adrenaline Zone

Most people spend their lives avoiding risk. A select few attack it. They dive head first into the zone where physical, intellectual, reputational, and financial risks fuel their actions, test their resolve, and fulfill their dreams. Every week The Adrenaline Zone podcast explores the action-packed lives of people who seek out challenges most wouldn’t consider. Buckle up and hold on as we interview these deep divers, high fliers, and fast drivers to find out how it feels to live life in The Adrenaline Zone.

  1. JAN 23

    Fighting Fentanyl with Mike Sena

    The Adrenaline Zone shines a spotlight today on the deadly fentanyl crisis in the US as Sandy and Sandra interview Mike Sena, Director of Northern California's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Mike reveals the grim realities of the epidemic and the complex battle to combat it, offering a unique perspective from his undercover background and current role. He also highlights the power of a multi-pronged strategy to save lives in this fierce battle against fentanyl poisoning. 🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [0:48:07]: "The one thing, the great success story that I am seeing is that the spark of hope in communities, the community groups getting together and saying, “No more.”" 🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: ⚠️ THE XYLAZINE THREAT [0:35:56] "With a xylazine overdose, the naloxone will not work. And so there is a good likelihood that if we see a huge increase in mixtures of xylazine and fentanyl, all those reversals that we've had, those thousands and hundreds of thousands of people that have been saved because of naloxone, they'll become useless." This changes everything about the opioid crisis because it reveals a terrifying new dimension where our primary life-saving tool, Narcan, could become ineffective, potentially leading to a surge in overdose deaths. ⚡COMMUNICATION [0:45:25] "I think our biggest issue is having that common communications platform. And I have spent the last two years working on a platform that I hope will mitigate some of these issues we've got. But right now our big gap is that - a unified platform." This is crucial because it highlights a critical weakness in our national response to crises – the lack of a unified communication system – and proposes a solution that could significantly improve coordination and save lives, echoing the need for similar systems in combating drug trafficking. ✨ HOPE IN COLLABORATION [0:48:45] "So the success that I'm seeing every day is that level of collaboration, seeing the seizures that are happening and more importantly, seeing people get the treatment they need and seeing, in many cases, courts helping people get the treatment they need as well." This is a game-changer because it demonstrates that a unified, multi-agency approach, involving law enforcement, public health, and community organizations, is proving effective in combating the crisis and offering a path towards recovery. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - The Deadly Toll of Fentanyl 01:13 - Multidimensional Solutions to the Drug Crisis 02:08 - Mike Sena's Unique Career Path 07:29 - Challenges of Undercover Narcotics Work 10:03 - Turning Drug Dealers into Success Stories 16:10 - America’s Greatest Drug Threat 20:06 - Coordinating Intelligence Across Agencies 23:23 - Community Efforts in Combating Overdoses 27:32 - Tackling Cartel-Driven Drug Distribution 30:26 - Drug Trafficking Beyond the Border 34:19 - Tracing Money in the Drug Trade 35:13 - The Rise of Xylazine and Emerging Threats 39:46 - Enhancing Interdiction Efforts and Intelligence Sharing 47:00 - Stories of Success in Combating the Crisis 49:13 - The Importance of Unified Community Action Resources Mentioned: HIDTA: https://www.hidtaprogram.org/ SAFE Project: https://safeproject.us/ Connect with Mike Sena: Mike Sena: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-sena-8548292b/ #FentanylCrisis #DrugTrafficking #HIDTA

    51 min

  2. 07/12/2024

    Working The Mighty Mississippi with Captain Doicus Langley Jr.

    “Both engines died instantly, the hit was so hard. I immediately just kind of lay down on my bed because I knew how bad the impact was going to be. It threw my bed all the way across the room, dresser laid over, refrigerators downstairs on the floor - it was a hard impact.” Captain Doicus Langley Jr. joins Sandy and Sandra on the podcast today to share details of this perilous moment and so much more as he recounts his journey from a water-loving childhood to becoming a seasoned push boat Captain on the Mississippi River. Along the way, he discusses the contrasting experiences of working on rivers versus open water and the unique challenges of river navigation. Reflecting on the evolving technology in tugboat operations, Captain Langley describes the logistics of moving cargo from Minnesota to New Orleans as well as the immense horsepower required for steering and speed. After highlighting the competitive nature of the maritime industry and the collaborative spirit among river captains, this very special guest draws the episode to a conclusion with some valuable advice for aspiring captains, underscoring the dedication needed for a successful career in river navigation. Episode Highlights: Captain Langley Jr.’s upbringing and early love of being on the water His perspective on working on rivers vs. open water Becoming a Captain The evolution of tug operation over the years Tugs and barges The competitive side of the industry Moving a load from Minnesota to New Orleans A tug’s horsepower, steering, and speed Navigating the Mississippi’s hazards Running aground The Captain’s worst incident His crew and its work dynamic His relationship with other Captains Advice for aspiring tug or push boat Captains Key Takeaways: "Not only does a good cook cook good food, they can be the person who kind of holds everything together because they're down there in the center of the whole boat." "Typically, people that start in the river industry stay there.” "Within a five year period, you can be sitting in the wheelhouse running a boat, maybe not as a captain, but as a pilot." "The southbound vessel proposes the place and manner of passing, while the northbound vessel has more control." "You have to, at some point in your career, be able to dedicate yourself to the boat while you're on the boat." “It can be great. I mean, it really is like a family away from home. It can also be as bad as you can imagine like a squabbling family at home, you know, like, you're having issues. So it can go both directions.” “There's definitely a huge need for people out on the river for merchant mariners in general.” Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ X: https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone  Captain Doicus Langley Jr.’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doicus-r-langley-Jr.-24b25b95/

    44 min

  3. 07/04/2024

    Risk Equals Musical Magic with Ángel Gil-Ordóñez

    Spotlight tight, hometown faces fill the hall – a mix of pride and pressure. Baton raised, you begin to lead the revered National Orchestra through a score that explodes into a whirlwind of notes demanding perfect harmony. Suddenly, a discordant note cuts through. The soloist, a celebrated artist in his own right, takes an unscheduled detour into a different Mozart concerto! Stunned, the orchestra looks up as one, eyes filled with bewilderment and fear trained squarely on you - a silent question hanging in the air: What do we do? Welcome to the exhilarating world of contemporary music conducting as maestro Ángel Gil-Ordóñez joins Sandra and Sandy for a thoroughly enlightening episode. Co-founder of Washington D.C.'s PostClassical Ensemble, Ángel and his journey from Madrid to international acclaim shed light on the artistry and complexities of wielding the baton. Together with our hosts, he discusses some surprising parallels between engineering and music, the emotional rollercoaster of leading an orchestra, and his innovative methods for captivating new audiences with classical music. By exploring the significance of audience energy and the magic of spontaneity, this episode offers a captivating look at the conductor's life, including its various trials and triumphs. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of exactly how Ángel Gil-Ordóñez draws upon creativity and passion to bring music to vivid life. Episode Highlights: 0:00 Start 0:33 Introduction 1:52 Where Ángel found his passion for music 5:48 Overlapping themes between engineering and music 6:38 The path to becoming a professional musician and conductor 11:57 The instruments Ángel plays 12:55 Composing music 16:04 Becoming a conductor 18:16 The role of the conductor 22:48 The impact of a conductor’s style 24:30 The process of bringing a piece of music to life 31:00 Composers whose work Ángel enjoys conducting 32:45 Finding humor in the music 34:27 Risks found in conducting 35:55 How Ángel’s approach to music has matured 38:19 His scariest performances 41:42 PostClassical Ensemble Key Takeaways: "Every time music happens, it’s different. It only exists the moment that it happens." "If you play an instrument, you are a musician. I express my musicianship through conducting." "Sound is not music. Sound under specific circumstances can become music." "To me, the process is the most fascinating part about conducting." "The conductor's role is to create tension through sound and bring it back to silence." "The audience plays a crucial role in the performance. Their energy is there." "Leave the opportunity for surprise. This is what makes the music exciting." Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ X:  https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone Ángel Gil-Ordóñez: https://www.gilordonez.com/

    48 min

  4. 06/27/2024

    So Others May Live with Mike Romano

    While it’s true that everyone has rough days at work, few people have ones where they find themselves dropped into the middle of a fishing boat mutiny, tasked with getting the bleeding Captain to safety. Today’s guest is one of those precious few - and, in fact, that day wasn’t even close to his most difficult assignment! 20-year U.S. Coast Guard veteran and Aviation Survival Technician (AST)/elite Rescue Swimmer, Mike Romano, joins Sandra and Sandy today to share his incredible journey from collegiate athlete to Search and Rescue specialist where he routinely performs daring rescues in the most perilous conditions. Highlighting the resilience, responsibility, and rigorous training required for his role, Mike discusses the intense physical and mental demands of his training, the crucial teamwork and communication needed during missions, and the importance of adapting to unpredictable situations. Mike's firsthand accounts of high-stakes rescues, specialized equipment, and valuable advice for aspiring ASTs underscore the bravery and dedication of Coast Guard rescue swimmers, and will undoubtedly leave listeners both amazed and inspired by their unwavering commitment to saving lives. Episode Highlights: Mike’s journey to rescue swimming Rescue swimmer training Mike’s team and its structure Planning ahead and improvising Transporting rescuees in the helicopter CRM and ORM training Mike’s medical training His law enforcement role The equipment and technology he uses Some of Mike’s more perilous experiences The feeling after a successful mission Contact with rescuees after the mission Dealing with the unpredictability of the job Mike’s career rescue stats His advice for those considering entering the field Key Takeaways: "Don't have a backup plan. Have this be your one and only goal. Work hard. Just know as physically exhausted as you think you are, you can do more." "Coast Guard rescue swimmers are some of the most elite yet unsung heroes in our military." "They physically drain you as much as possible to make you try to think and just have that mental toughness." "When we get on scene, a lot of times it's very different. You’ve kind of got to be very flexible and roll with all the punches." "You just kind of put yourself in the mindset of 'so others may live' and stick with that motto." "The pridefulness of it, the, like, 'Hey, I did a great thing.' It's an incredible feeling to pull somebody out of their most difficult situation." Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ X:  https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrromano/

    43 min

  5. 06/20/2024

    Keeping the Pedal to the Metal with Bud Moeller

    “Braking at 180 something, I literally saw the left front wheel twist off with the entire suspension assembly; twist off, take a bounce and go flying a hundred yards. At that point, I've got three wheels, no front brakes, and again, pretty much riding a missile. I just was able to get the car turned at about 45 degrees, and that at least kept it from being head on.” Welcome to Bud Moeller’s thrilling world of vintage Formula One racing as he joins Sandra and Sandy to share his journey from an adventurous upbringing abroad to a career in chemical engineering and consulting, and a passion for racing and flying. Today, Bud delves into the intricacies of vintage F1 racing, discussing the challenges of maintaining these classic cars and the importance of safety and precision in high-speed competitions. His experiences highlight the camaraderie among racers, the balancing act between fearlessness and risk management, and the significant impact of his engineering knowledge on his racing performance. To top it all off, Bud's parallel passion for flying adds yet another layer of excitement to his extraordinary life, rendering this episode a must-listen for racing enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers alike. Episode Highlights: The start of Bud’s interest in racing and flying His adventurous upbringing Bud’s attraction to muscle cars Going into chemical engineering Vintage F1 Racing His favorite cars How vintage races work Vintage race car maintenance  Front and rear brake calibration Bud’s support team Women in the sport Race preparation Balancing fearlessness with risk management Crashes and how they affect Bud’s approach to racing How his engineering knowledge impacts his racing ability Comparing IndyCar and F1 Bud’s flying career Key Takeaways: "The camaraderie in our sport between us as participants is good because we want to have respect and good friendship with our competitors." "When you're going into a corner, wheel to wheel, and the machines are very expensive, you don't want to wreck your friend’s or your own." "Growing up overseas and having exposure to different cultures opens your world up quite a bit." "Vintage racing involves driving cars that were interesting, exciting, and performed well back in the day." "In vintage F1 racing, we're cornering at four G's. Modern F1 cars will touch on five." "With vintage cars, we can't upgrade to more modern materials. We have to fabricate every suspension component." "The mental side of racing is absolutely huge. Visualization helps you prepare and improve your performance." "Understanding the dynamics and mechanics of the car makes you a better driver and helps in communicating with the crew." "In Formula One, every team must design their own unique car. In IndyCar, all cars are identical." "If you're going to let every little thing make you slow down, then you're not made for the sport." Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ X:  https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone Bud Moeller: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBudMoellerFanPage/

    50 min

  6. 06/13/2024

    Mastering The Masters with Stewart Hagestad

    Stepping up to the first tee, you are enveloped by an electric yet serene atmosphere. The soft grass under your feet and the crisp sound of your golf club making contact with the ball resonate deeply, as meticulously manicured fairways stretch out before you. Surrounded by vibrant azaleas and the deep green backdrop of one of golf's greatest stages, you sense the soft whispers and excited cheers of spectators; their anticipation fuelling your drive. In this moment, at this tournament, you’re not just participating, you’re living a dream - an amateur golfer pushing your limits amidst the majesty and tradition of The Masters at Augusta National.  Stewart Hagestad, the investment banker and outstanding amateur golfer who has been fortunate enough to live out this dream three times already in his life, joins Sandra and Sandy on the podcast this week. Together, they explore Stewart's early beginnings in golf, his experiences at Augusta National, and how he juggles a demanding career in investment banking with his passion for golf. The episode highlights the critical strategies for managing risk and maintaining mental focus which are essential in high-level amateur golf. Our talented guest also discusses the psychological benefits of golf, sharing tips on managing anxiety through mindfulness and the supportive role of relationships in pursuing excellence. As you will quickly learn, Stewart Hagestad’s insights shared here today not only shed light on the complexities of competitive golf but also drive home the discipline and passion needed to excel both on and off the green. Episode Highlights: Stewart’s golf journey Competing with yourself and others The difference between amateur and professional golfers Bobby Jones Staying proficient at golf while working full time Stewart’s golfing style Golf course elements that affect difficulty levels What makes Augusta special for Stewart Preparing to play Augusta Risk calculations in golf The greens at Augusta Stewart’s most interesting holes at Augusta How amateurs get invited to major tournaments Lessons learned from playing the Masters Dealing with adrenaline at the 2024 Masters Stewart’s most intimidating 2024 Masters’ moment Performing in front of a large crowd The shots he’s most proud of from the 2024 Masters Advice for handling a ‘Masters-like’ environment Key Takeaways: "You are given a really unique opportunity. You've earned the right to be there. Go and try to do something special." "The Masters is beyond the experience even of many pro golfers." "Golf is almost therapeutic. There's a gravitational force that brings you back." "Augusta National is the pinnacle. It's everything: the music, the green jacket ceremony, Jim Nance's silky voice." "If you drive it great at Augusta, that's really helpful. It's a second shot golf course." "At Augusta, the ability to switch speeds and adjust to the course is crucial." "Of anything in the world you could be doing, there's literally nothing else you'd rather be doing than that." "Go in there and try to do something great. The golf ball doesn't know who you are. Play to win." Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ X:  https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone Stewart on X: https://x.com/s_hagestad?lang=en

    51 min

  7. 06/06/2024

    Trailblazer On Fire with Kathy Jarvis

    The thunderous growl of the engine as the car accelerates is quickly followed by the acrid scent of burning rubber with tires screeching against the pavement. The world spins into a blur as the car flips through the air, glass shattering and metal crunching in a symphony of destruction. With adrenaline pumping and every sense heightened to the extreme through each flip and turn, intricate precision and extensive training take over, as today’s guest once again turns what seems like chaos into a meticulously orchestrated performance. This week, Sandy and Sandra are beyond excited to welcome Kathy Jarvis, a veteran stunt professional and “all around thrill seeker” with over 90 credits in films, TV shows, and commercials to the podcast to share details of her inspiring journey from a sports enthusiast in Breckenridge, CO, to a trailblazer in the stunt industry. Delving into the physical prowess and meticulous attention to detail required in this high-risk profession, Kathy goes on to highlight the evolving role of women in stunts, the increasing use of CGI, and the paramount importance of safety and mental preparedness. She also shares tales from her experiences outside the stunt world in ski racing, pro truck racing in the Baja 1000, and running a youth ski program. This woman is truly blazing trails wherever she goes - tune in today and find yourself equal parts amazed and inspired by her story! Episode Highlights: Kathy’s road to the world of stunts Learning on the job Stunt performer skills and traits Some of the stunts Kathy has performed ‘Specifically tailored’ stunt people The stunt coordinator role and what led her to it Offering suggestions to improve scenes The process of preparing for stunts Kathy’s most complex stunts Managing safety Sequencing stunts Accident and injury precautions CGI’s impact on stunt work Actors doing their own stunts Kathy’s ski racing career Her vehicle racing career Kathy’s work with inner engineering Key Takeaways: "Attention to detail is one of the skills or traits that make someone well suited to be a stunt performer." "To be a very good double, you really have to just watch your actor and become that person." “In stunts, it’s all about making it happen on ‘action’, with the equipment and props given to you.” "We want to ensure that we create some really beautiful action that just makes it seamless with the story." "The CGI has always enhanced stunts so that we could use the same three blocks and make it look like different cities." "Safety is utterly important in everything we do." "Inner engineering yourself is crucial so that you are never the problem in your life." "Learning to appreciate yourself and others can be more gratifying than any stunt." Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone Kathy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-jarvis-66632bb/

    51 min

  8. 05/30/2024

    Going Deep with Mark Teixeira

    The roar of the crowd fills your ears as the electric atmosphere of World Series Game 2 Yankee Stadium crackles all around you. Stepping up to the plate, the ever dangerous Pedro Martinez stares you down from the mound just before rocketing the ball towards you. The tension is palpable as you make the split-second decision to swing with all your might, the crack of the bat echoing through the stadium as the ball soars to right-center. Time seems to stand still as it clears the fence for a home run. Rounding the bases, heart pounding, you think to yourself, "Wow, I just hit a home run in the World Series!" Mark Teixeira, celebrated Georgia Tech alumnus, MLB legend, and the man who actually lived that dream scenario, joins Sandy and Sandra on today's thrilling episode of The Adrenaline Zone. Teixeira unpacks his journey from a backyard wiffle ball player in Maryland to a professional powerhouse, covering his early baseball inspirations, pivotal career decisions, and rise from high school prospect to first-round draft pick. They explore his affiliation with Georgia Tech, his refusal to sign with the Red Sox, and key moments in his professional path. Listeners gain an unparalleled view into major league sports as they discuss Mark’s minor league experiences, cherished major league moments, Gold Glove Awards, and the challenges of playing different positions. Mark also shares insights on becoming a switch hitter, the impact of technology on the game, the pressures of playing for the Yankees, and offers advice for aspiring professional baseball players. Episode Highlights: Mark’s start in baseball Playing at Georgia Tech and getting drafted His time in the minors Cherished moments from his time in the majors Winning 5 Gold Glove Awards Playing first base vs third base Starting a new position in the majors The toughest pitchers Mark faced Becoming a switch hitter The process of hitting in the majors How data, technology, and analytics are impacting the game The pressure of playing for the Yankees Dealing with injuries Visitors’ locker rooms Georgia Tech and its impact on his life Mark’s current work with Georgia Tech and his thoughts on NCAA’s NIL policy His advice for aspiring professional baseball players Quotes: "I feel like everything that happens to you in life, you either make an excuse, you make it a crutch, or you make yourself better from it." "When you face guys in the majors, you're not just facing pitchers, you're facing experience and intelligence.” "Develop a love for the game, because if you don't, you're not going to practice enough or play enough to build your skills. If you have the talent and passion, everything else will follow." "If you want to learn how to hit a baseball, go outside with a little skinny yellow bat when you're three or four years old and have your dad or your friends throw you wiffle balls in the wind." "I learned the business of baseball at 18 years old, and I learned to not take it personally.” "From a team perspective, bar none, winning the World Series with the 2009 Yankees is my most cherished memory.” Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone Mark on X: https://x.com/teixeiramark25?lang=en

    45 min
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About

Most people spend their lives avoiding risk. A select few attack it. They dive head first into the zone where physical, intellectual, reputational, and financial risks fuel their actions, test their resolve, and fulfill their dreams. Every week The Adrenaline Zone podcast explores the action-packed lives of people who seek out challenges most wouldn’t consider. Buckle up and hold on as we interview these deep divers, high fliers, and fast drivers to find out how it feels to live life in The Adrenaline Zone.

Information

  • Creator
    Sandra Magnus and James "Sandy" Winnefeld
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Sandra Magnus and James "Sandy" Winnefeld
  • Show Website
    The Adrenaline Zone

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