19 episodes

Uncensored and deep conversations with extraordinary rock climbers, runners, surfers, cyclists, kayakers and skiers et al. Tap into their journey to peak performance, revealing stories, hidden strategies, and the mindset that defies aging and other limits. Get educated and inspired to chase your own dreams. Come for the stories, leave with tools, tips, and motivation! Hosted by Kush Khandelwal. 

Ageless Athlete - Fireside Chats with Adventure Sports Icons Kush Khandelwal

    • Sports
    • 5.0 • 12 Ratings

Uncensored and deep conversations with extraordinary rock climbers, runners, surfers, cyclists, kayakers and skiers et al. Tap into their journey to peak performance, revealing stories, hidden strategies, and the mindset that defies aging and other limits. Get educated and inspired to chase your own dreams. Come for the stories, leave with tools, tips, and motivation! Hosted by Kush Khandelwal. 

    #18 Matt Eggleton - Ultra Endurance Mountain Biking Racing, the Power of Habit Stacking, Honoring Ones Gifts, and Safety First!

    #18 Matt Eggleton - Ultra Endurance Mountain Biking Racing, the Power of Habit Stacking, Honoring Ones Gifts, and Safety First!

    "It's not selfish to honor your ability 💪. While I can, I have an obligation to use my gifts and make my mark 🏆. Someday I won't be able to, so I'll make the most of the time I have ⏳."


    Matt Eggleton, a former US Air Force veteran and accomplished endurance athlete, challenges age stereotypes by dominating the world of mountain biking. Despite discovering the sport in his 40s, Matt's dedication and discipline have propelled him to achieve impressive results in competitive races across the country. He's a 2x winner of the Stokesville Stoopid 50 (Smart 40, Master Men 50+) category, a 4th place finisher in the 2019 National Ultra Endurance (NUE) MTB Series Masters Division, and the Overall Winner of the 2019 Tour de Gravelly Masters Division. 


    We cover:


    Training regimens for mountain biking?Power of habit stackingObligation to honor ones giftsSafety….“Only spend on a helmet what your head’s worth” 🤩Is yoga worthless for enduro sports? 🧘🏾 References:


    Matt’s website: https://www.eggleton.net/


    Matt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt.eggleton/


    ▶️ YouTube
    🟢 Spotify
    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram
    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co

    • 1 hr 31 min
    #17 Caroline Paul - From Firefighting to Wing Walking, Redefining Adventure, and Transforming Fear into Awe

    #17 Caroline Paul - From Firefighting to Wing Walking, Redefining Adventure, and Transforming Fear into Awe

    "What nature asks of us when we go outside is to be strong, is to use our cognitive faculties, to be nimble, to be exhilarated, and to be brave. All of that flies in the face of what we're told about our aging ." ⛰️ 💪🏾

    Caroline Paul, a true renaissance woman, has spent her life shattering stereotypes and embracing adventure. 
    In this episode, we journey alongside Caroline as she shares her remarkable experiences, from the remote landscapes of Siberia to the exhilarating waves of the Pacific Ocean. We discuss her latest book, "Tough Broad," and explore the transformative power of outdoor adventures for women (and men) as they age. 
    Takeaways:
    Embrace awe 🧘‍♀️ It can lower inflammation, boost positivity.Assess real risks 🤷‍♂️ We often blow them out of proportion.Find accountability buddies 🫂 They add fun, community, motivation!Expand your comfort zone 💪 Small steps upend expectations.Seek novelty 🏔 It's key for health, happiness and longevity.Time to ditch narratives about "frailty" and get rad! 🚀

    Resources:
    Caroline Paul's Website: https://carolinepaul.com/

    Caroline Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinembpaul/

    Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking, How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age: [online or your favorite bookstore!]

    The Gutsy Girl:  [online or your favorite bookstore!]

    Dacher Keltner's Book on Awe: [Link to purchase book]
    ▶️ YouTube
    🟢 Spotify
    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram
    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co

    • 1 hr 18 min
    #16 Hans Florine - El Capitan’s Speed King on Staying Alive, Gender Representation on Big Walls, and Power of Visualization

    #16 Hans Florine - El Capitan’s Speed King on Staying Alive, Gender Representation on Big Walls, and Power of Visualization

    ⛰️"It's the struggle on those 3,000 feet that matters, the journey IS the climb."🧗‍♀️

    Hans Florine has a lifelong love affair with Yosemite's El Capitan, setting and breaking speed records on its iconic face, having climbed it almost 200 times. We talked about his climbing philosophy, staying safe on big walls, and what makes an ideal climbing partner.  Hans opened up about why he loves partnering with new people up El Cap and his passion for making climbing more accessible to everyone. 🧗‍♂️🧗‍♀️


    We’ve great giveaways from Coros, Physivantage, and Hans Florine himself. Tune into the podcast for deets! 🎙️


    ⛰️Power of visualization🧗 Do Hard Things (DHT) and TNT…what the heck??🤝 Hans’ tips for lifelong safety on the walls 🤪 Hans’ favorite and worst climbing partners LOL🥶Cryotherapy for Outdoor AthletesReferences:


    Hans’ Instagram @hansflorineHans’ website https://www.hansflorine.com/DHT Challenge https://www.dhtchallenge.com/ Hans Florine 100 ascents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHktkAx9SFE&ab_channel=OutsideWatchOn The Nose (co-authored with Jayme Moye @jaymemoye) https://www.hansflorine.com/?page_id=252Coros Smartwatches https://us.coros.com/watchesPhysivantage Nutrition https://physivantage.com▶️ YouTube
    🟢 Spotify
    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram
    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co

    • 1 hr 31 min
    #15 Wayne Willoughby - From Severe Disability, To Big Wall Summits, an Adaptive Rock Climber's Transformative Story

    #15 Wayne Willoughby - From Severe Disability, To Big Wall Summits, an Adaptive Rock Climber's Transformative Story

    "Anything worth doing, is worth doing well"

    Meet Wayne Willoughby- an adaptive rock climber who defied incredible odds and has climbed El Cap, not once, or twice, but a mind-boggling 26 times. 🧗‍♂️🏔️ From battling polio and disabilities since infancy, to suffering terrible injuries, Wayne overcame obstacle after obstacle. 99% of us will never climb El Cap. Wayne has done it not once, or twice, but a record 26 times. 💪

    He also became the first adaptive climber to reach the summits of famous, grueling climbs like El Capitan and The Diamond in under 24 hours. ⚡

    In this wondrous conversation, and with his infectious yet humble demeanor, Wayne opens up about how he developed the grit, creative problem-solving, and deep gratitude for life's simple gifts that empowered him to defy limitations. 💎

    His stoke for the outdoors and sheer refusal to be held back, despite the punishing toll on his body, is straight-up inspiring. 🔥 Whether you're a crusty trad dad or just someone looking for an awesome story of perseverance to get pumped on, buckle up!

     🚀 This convo with a real-life superhero still defying the odds well into his 70s will challenge your perspective on what it means to be an elite athlete. 


    More about Wayne:


       The Indomitable Spirit of Wayne Willoughby    Wayne Willoughby, Adaptive Climber, Continues to Defy Odds   The Humble Badass: Wayne Willoughby
    Credits extended to:

    1. Paradox Sports: https://paradoxsports.org/
    2. Blue Water Ropes: https://www.bluewaterropes.com/




    ▶️ YouTube
    🟢 Spotify
    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram
    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co

    • 1 hr 22 min
    #14 Dr Natasha Barnes - Teen Bouldering Star to Elite Powerlifting, Injury Truths, and, Gender Dynamics in Strength Sports

    #14 Dr Natasha Barnes - Teen Bouldering Star to Elite Powerlifting, Injury Truths, and, Gender Dynamics in Strength Sports

    "Strength training is healthcare." 💪🏋️‍♀️


    With that powerful statement, teen climbing prodigy, turned climbing and fitness savant, Dr. Natasha Barnes cuts through the confusion around exercise, fitness, and longevity in climbing and quality of life.


    From a former winner of bouldering US Nationals, who "didn't think I would even be climbing at a high level, let alone competing in powerlifting or doing the profession that I do now," to overcoming burnout and major injuries by turning around her training, Natasha's story is as inspiring as her insights are practical.


    We cover -


    Why strength training may be the closest thing to a silver bullet for athletes and humans of all agesSurprising truths about injuries, rehab, and MRIs that will change how you view physical setbacksLongevity secrets from an elite who's still crushing at 40: "I feel better than I ever have."Straight talk on nutrition, menstrual cycles, and other make-or-break factors for consistent performance. Finally, my favorite,The joy of of being a beginner and a learner.If you want to move better, get stronger, and keep progressing in your passions for decades to come, this conversation with the talented Dr. Natasha Barnes is recommended.

    References:

    Natasha's Website: https://natashabarnesrehab.com/
    Natasha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashabarnes/


    ▶️ YouTube
    🟢 Spotify
    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram
    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co

    • 1 hr 23 min
    #13 Katrin Tomanek - Deep Alaska Kayaking, Dodging Grizzlies, Relentless Preparation, and, Lessons from Cheating Death

    #13 Katrin Tomanek - Deep Alaska Kayaking, Dodging Grizzlies, Relentless Preparation, and, Lessons from Cheating Death

    🌊"I ate 28 cals of chocolate for each mile paddled" 🌊

    Katrin Tomanek is a true multi sport athlete who blends her career as a topnotch data scientist, with a passion for pushing physical and mental boundaries through uncommon solo adventures in wild and beautiful places. 


    Born in Germany, and a former rock climber, the 44-year-old has quickly made a name with some remarkable accomplishments in kayaking and bicycling. Last year she finished a solo kayak trip that spanned over 52 days and with paddling 1,200 miles through the remote Alaskan Inside Passage. She also regularly undertakes bicycling quests such as self-supported bikepacking across the Andes, and also to Burning Man :) 


    To me what makes Katrin’s feats remarkable are her thoughtful planning, her ability to learn from prior experiences, and the clutch one, to meticulously plan for any / all contingencies. 


    Katrin's adventures are defined by foresight, spunk, endurance, and the ability to thrive in solo wilderness environments for weeks at a time. How do you avoid getting marooned during king tides, and dodge grizzlies in bear infested landings, listen on!

    References:

    Katrin's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katrintomanek/

    Katrin's blog https://k2ak23.medium.com/


    ▶️ YouTube
    🟢 Spotify
    🎵Apple Music

    Oh yes, on social media:

    📸Instagram
    🔵Facebook

    Blogroll

    💧Substack Blog

    Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co

    • 1 hr 1 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
12 Ratings

12 Ratings

Arnold Former Athlete ,

A must listen!!

In the crowded world of sports podcasts, "Ageless Athlete" stands out, largely thanks to its host, Kush Khandelwal. What sets this podcast apart is the fascinating guests from adventure sports and Kush's remarkable storytelling and interviewing skills. His approach is thoughtful, engaging, and, most notably, effective in drawing out the essence of each guest's journey and insights.

Kush's ability to weave a narrative around each guest's adventures and philosophies turns each episode into a compelling story rather than a mere interview. This storytelling prowess ensures that listeners are not just informed but are also entertained and inspired. It's a rare skill, and Kush possesses it in spades.

Moreover, Kush's empathy and cultural awareness add layers of depth to conversations seldom found in similar podcasts. He has a unique way of connecting with his guests on a human level, allowing the audience to understand each guest's cultural nuances and personal challenges. This empathy enriches the listener's experience and fosters a sense of inclusivity and understanding, making "Ageless Athlete" a podcast that resonates on a universal level. It's a testament to the power of good conversation and the universal appeal of sports and adventure.

norcalclimber ,

Dkemdidjxnana

In my 20s, I could do whatever I wanted, life was limitless. In my 30s, I am matured, found peak performance and kept growing in my 40s now, I am injured, distracted and unsure if I will meet my goals with climbing and life.

I just discovered this podcast and am thrilled to hear of these conversations of athletes peaking way past what is considered prime. The host knows his subject matter. is well prepared with engaging questions, and mixes in light moments with serious insights. There are all these incredible adventure athletes out there, quietly pushing the age barrier.

Kush, thank you for shining the light on them!

Halfhagsibd ,

Worth listening to…

Kush! The conversations and interviews of the athletes are inspirational and fun! I like the ideas, preparations and open mindedness of these ageless athletes focus on life and happiness- looking forward to new episodes! I’m in the age where ligaments and joints start to break down…and listening to these conversations made me think on how to be in your best performance while aging… It gave me some chuckle and giggle on the storytelling and interviews. The best part of the conversation is the unique engagement between the host and the athletes- ideas about nutrition and training gave me opportunity to think about how to strengthen my weaknesses….highly recommended!

Top Podcasts In Sports

New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce
Wave Sports + Entertainment
Pardon My Take
Barstool Sports
The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Ringer
Andy Staples On3
On3
Club Shay Shay
iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Dan Le Batard, Stugotz

You Might Also Like

The TrainingBeta Podcast: A Climbing Training Podcast
Neely Quinn
The Struggle Climbing Show
Ryan Devlin
Lattice Training Podcast
Lattice Training
The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast
Sam Prior & Aidan Roberts
The Nugget Climbing Podcast
Steven Dimmitt
The Enormocast: a climbing podcast
Chris Kalous