Ginger and Chocolate

Lindsay Hiken and Mike Ergo
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Ginger and Chocolate Pod is just two regular people talking about their experiences with mental health challenges, physical health and wellness, and endurance sports training. Co-hosts Lindsay and Mike interview athletes and subject matter experts.

  1. 1D AGO

    Jen Peterson of Thrive PRP

    Shoot us a text. Summary In this conversation, Jen Peterson, founder of Thrive PRP, discusses her journey from acute care nursing to establishing a holistic practice focused on patient-centered care. She emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person rather than just symptoms, integrating various health services, and addressing hormone imbalances through innovative treatments like PRP injections. Jen also highlights the significance of preventative medicine and the need for a supportive healthcare community. *Book a consult with Jen today: https://thriveprpmed.com/ Takeaways Jen Peterson is an acute care nurse with a focus on holistic care. Thrive PRP offers services like menopause care, weight loss, and PRP injections. Holistic care looks at the whole person, not just isolated issues. Preventative medicine can significantly improve long-term health outcomes. Hormone imbalances can manifest in various symptoms, affecting overall well-being. PRP injections promote healing by bringing healthy cells to damaged areas. The healthcare system often lacks the time for in-depth patient interactions. Building a network of trusted referrals is crucial for comprehensive care. Vaginal PRP injections can help with issues like dryness and pain during intercourse. The human body has a remarkable ability to heal itself with the right support. Keywords Thrive PRP, holistic care, hormone therapy, preventative medicine, acute care nursing, patient-centered care, PRP injections, mental health, wellness, women's health *Book a consult with Jen today: https://thriveprpmed.com/ Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app.

    39 min

  2. FEB 6

    Maddie Mau: From Reluctant Runner to Ultra Marathoner

    Shoot us a text. Summary In this conversation, Lindsay S. Hiken interviews ultra runner Maddie Mau, who shares her journey from a reluctant runner to an accomplished ultra marathoner. Maddie discusses her early experiences with running, the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, and the importance of resilience and self-discovery through endurance sports. The conversation also highlights the significance of hiking in training and the lessons learned from limitations and setbacks. Keywords ultra running, marathon, mental resilience, physical challenges, hiking, training, personal growth, endurance sports, running community, injury management Takeaways Maddie grew up around ultra running but initially disliked it. She found her passion for running later in life after becoming a mother. Completing her first marathon ignited her love for running. The mental aspect of ultra running is more significant than the physical. Resilience is key; it's about showing up even after failures. Hiking is an essential part of ultra running training. Learning to navigate limitations is crucial for long-distance runners. Each race offers a unique experience and personal growth. Maddie emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in running. The journey of running parallels life's ups and downs. Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app.

    48 min

  3. JAN 30

    From Trails to Triumph: A 2025 Recap

    Shoot us a text. Summary In this episode of "Ginger and Chocolate," hosts Mike Ergo and Lindsay S. Hiken reflect on their experiences from 2025 and share their aspirations for 2026. Lindsay recounts her recent trail race, where she achieved second place in her age group, highlighting her newfound confidence in downhill running. Mike discusses his transition from a long career with the VA to new opportunities in therapy and insurance, emphasizing the importance of helping others overcome mental hurdles. The conversation flows into a recap of their favorite podcast episodes from the past year, featuring inspiring guests like Patti Lynn and Raul Ponce, who have overcome significant challenges through endurance sports. As they delve deeper into their personal goals, Mike shares his journey of running the Marine Corps Marathon and the challenges he faced, including a recent injury that may require surgery. Lindsay discusses her commitment to strength training and her plans for upcoming trail races, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process rather than just focusing on performance. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the mental health aspects of endurance sports, the balance between pushing limits and self-care, and the community spirit found in trail running. Overall, the episode is a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, resilience, and the joy of running. Keywords trail running, endurance sports, mental health, podcast recap, personal growth, Mike Ergo, Lindsay Hiken, 2026 goals, Marine Corps Marathon, strength training Takeaways 'I figured out how to run downhill.' 'It's time to move on.' 'You can't just sit and talk; you need to move your body.' 'The trail community is great for celebrating being out there.' 'I want to find a balance between pushing myself and enjoying the process.' Sound bites "I bombed down the hill." "Done with that." "Get it out of the way before you're awake." Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app.

    41 min

  4. JAN 9

    From Trauma to Triumph: Julia Minkstein's Story

    Shoot us a text. Summary In this episode of the Ginger and Chocolate podcast, host Lindsay S. Hiken speaks with ultra runner Julia Minkstein about her journey through running, personal challenges, and recovery. Julia shares her experiences with childhood health issues, the impact of COVID on her running, and her journey through trauma and recovery. She discusses the empowering nature of ultra running, the supportive community within the sport, and her aspirations for the future. Julia's story is one of resilience, strength, and the importance of seeking help and support. Takeaways Julia started running as a way to cope with uncertainty. The pandemic allowed Julia to focus on running for herself. Julia faced significant health challenges growing up, including seizures and celiac disease. Her experience with trauma led her to find strength in running. Ultra running became a source of empowerment and community for Julia. Julia's first ultra marathon was a challenging but transformative experience. Support from her mother and friends played a crucial role in her journey. Julia navigated eating disorders and body image issues throughout her life. She achieved sobriety at a young age, which has positively impacted her life. Julia encourages others to seek help and hold on through tough times. Sound bites "I chose this path to go down." "I can run a hundred miles." "There are brighter days ahead." Keywords ultra running, mental health, recovery, empowerment, eating disorders, sobriety, personal growth, resilience, community, challenges Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app.

    41 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    Raul Ponce- Ultra Runner

    Shoot us a text. Summary In this conversation, Raul Ponce shares his journey of rediscovering self-love and purpose. He reflects on his past struggles with identity and the realization that he didn't truly know himself. Through this process of rebuilding, he emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own personality and desires. Takeaways I didn't know how to love myself. I pretended like I did, like most people do. I was full of I didn't really knew my personality. I didn't know much about me. I didn't know what I like. I didn't know what I was fighting for. I didn't have a purpose in life. Now that I'm rebuilding this. I wanted to do love. This new role, to do it again. Keywords self-love, personal growth, purpose, identity, mental health Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app.

    44 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    The Ego in Athletics

    Shoot us a text. Summary In this episode, Mike and Lindsay explore the concept of ego, discussing its role in personal experiences, sports, and competition. They reflect on their holiday experiences, delve into the psychological aspects of ego, and share personal anecdotes about balancing ego with self-awareness and mental health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing ego in various aspects of life, particularly in endurance sports and personal growth. Takeaways -Ego is a natural part of human psychology. -A healthy ego balances primal desires with moral standards. -Personal experiences shape our understanding of ego. -Competition can amplify ego-related pressures. -Self-awareness is key to managing ego effectively. -Ego can drive both positive and negative behaviors. -Endurance sports can be a means of emotional wellness. -It's important to recognize the irrational urges of ego. -Finding balance in sports can enhance longevity and enjoyment. -Humor can help in dealing with ego-related challenges. Keywords ego, personal experiences, balance, sports, competition, mental health, endurance, self-awareness, psychology, self-esteem Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app.

    41 min

  7. 11/21/2025

    Sue Reynolds Part 2

    Shoot us a text. Summary The conversation explores the extreme physical demands placed on athletes, particularly the mindset that equates exhaustion with success. Sue Reynolds shares a personal story of pushing her limits during training, leading to severe consequences, including a hospital visit due to kidney failure. This highlights the dangers of ignoring bodily warning signs in pursuit of athletic goals. Takeaways In training, being utterly exhausted was seen as a good thing.Ignoring warning signs can lead to serious health issues.Pushing physical limits can have dire consequences.Personal experiences can illustrate the risks of extreme training.Athletes often equate exhaustion with success.The importance of listening to one's body during training.Consequences of overexertion can be life-threatening.Awareness of physical limits is crucial for athletes.Training should prioritize health over performance.Stories of personal experiences can raise awareness about athlete health. Keywords exhaustion, training, health, warning signs, consequences, kidney failure, running, physical limits, athlete experience, personal story Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app.

    47 min

  8. 11/14/2025

    Marine Corps Marathon Race Recep

    Shoot us a text. Summary The conversation explores how society categorizes individuals into archetypes, affecting our perception of their identities. It discusses the implications of these stereotypes and the importance of recognizing the complexity of human experiences. Takeaways We categorize people into archetypes like heroes or villains. Stereotypes can limit our understanding of individuals. Recognizing the complexity of identity is crucial. Society often fails to see the actual person behind the label. Different archetypes can lead to different societal expectations. The need for empathy in understanding others is emphasized. Human experiences are often more nuanced than stereotypes suggest. Challenging societal norms can lead to better understanding. The conversation highlights the importance of personal narratives. Understanding identity requires looking beyond surface labels. Keywords society, archetypes, identity, stereotypes, human experience Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Ginger and Chocolate Pod is just two regular people talking about their experiences with mental health challenges, physical health and wellness, and endurance sports training. Co-hosts Lindsay and Mike interview athletes and subject matter experts.

Information

  • Creator
    Lindsay Hiken and Mike Ergo
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ginger and Chocolate
  • Show Website
    Ginger and Chocolate