The PhD Journey Unplugged

Dr. Sarah L. Gordon
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED DAILY

Dr. Sarah Gordon is the founder and host of The PhD Journey Unplugged, a platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of health, human performance, and the lived experience of pursuing excellence. Through reflective, evidence-informed conversations, her work focuses on sustainable performance, personal growth, and caring for the whole person along the journey toward success. The podcast brings together researchers, clinicians, athletes, coaches, and leaders to share perspectives that bridge science, experience, and meaningful human development.

  1. 1D AGO

    FINDING FAST AGAIN WITH WORLD CHAMPION TRIATHLETE JENNIFER HOBAN (EPISODE 67)

    In Episode 67 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with World Champion endurance athlete, Team USA triathlete, and coach Jennifer Hoban, Founder of Finding Fast Again Coaching.Jennifer’s journey through sport spans more than three decades and reflects a life grounded in discipline, resilience, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Beginning as a competitive swimmer, cyclist, and multisport athlete, Jennifer first entered the world of triathlon in 1993. After stepping away from endurance sport for several years, she returned in 2012 with renewed purpose and determination.Since 2019, Jennifer has represented Team USA multiple times on the international stage at the World Triathlon Championship Series, establishing herself among the top endurance athletes in the world. She has earned All-American status, achieved multiple Top 10 USA rankings, won the Overall Women’s World Championship at Garmin Gravel Worlds in 2022 at age 51, and continues competing at the highest levels of triathlon and gravel cycling.Her performances on the world stage continued to elevate in recent years. In 2024, Jennifer earned 1st place for Team USA and became a World Champion in Aquabike competition. In 2025, she advanced even further, placing 8th overall in the world while once again finishing 1st for Team USA.Yet behind these extraordinary accomplishments lies a story far deeper than podium finishes and rankings.Jennifer openly shares her journey through significant medical setbacks, including injuries and health challenges that forced her to repeatedly rebuild herself physically, mentally, and emotionally. After doctors told her she would never run again, Jennifer chose not to accept limitation as the final chapter of her story. Instead, she forged forward with courage, determination, and belief — ultimately returning not only to running, but to competing successfully on the international stage.This episode moves far beyond sport. It becomes a conversation about resilience, identity, rebuilding confidence, and rediscovering momentum after life slows us down — physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.Dr. Gordon and Jennifer explore what it truly means to “Find Fast Again,” not simply in athletic performance, but in life itself. Together, they discuss perseverance through adversity, sustainable excellence, a growth mindset, and the power of continuing forward even when progress feels invisible.Jennifer also shares her coaching philosophy through Finding Fast Again Coaching, where she works with athletes of all levels — from beginners discovering endurance sports for the first time to national qualifiers and elite-level competitors pursuing world-class performance.Whether you are an athlete, professional, student, leader, or someone navigating your own season of rebuilding, this conversation offers a powerful reminder:Sometimes finding “fast again” is not about becoming who we once were — it is about discovering a stronger, wiser, and more resilient version of ourselves.Episode 67 also marks a deeply meaningful milestone as Dr. Sarah Gordon celebrates the 1st Anniversary of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast. Dr. Gordon shares her gratitude for the guests, listeners, and community that have supported the show throughout its first year. She reflects on how fitting it is to share this milestone episode with Jennifer Hoban — someone who fully embodies the mission of the podcast: living our best lives “from the inside out,” overcoming obstacles, pursuing growth, and embracing the lifelong journey of human performance and resilience.Disclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical, psychological, legal, or performance advice.

    50 min

  2. MAY 14

    HUNGER FOR MORE IN LIFE - USING FAILURE AS FUEL WITH JD TREMBLAY (EPISODE 66)

    What does it truly mean to use failure as fuel? In Episode 66 of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with ultra-endurance triathlete, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and author JD Tremblay for a powerful conversation on resilience, discipline, faith, human performance, and the mindset required to pursue excellence. JD Tremblay is one of only three people in the world to complete the Epic Deca — 10 Ironman-distance triathlons in 10 days across six Hawaiian Islands. A former member of the Canadian military and Director of High Performance and Mental Resilience at Hungry Warrior Academy, JD has built his life around pushing beyond perceived limits while helping others transform their mindset and reclaim purpose. But this episode goes far beyond sport.Together, Sarah and JD explore:- The difference between structure and true discipline.- Why failure is often the closest point to success.- How adversity can become fuel for growth.- The dangers of tying self-worth to outcomes.- The meaning behind the “Hungry Warrior” mentality.- Faith, resilience, and living with intention.- The role of rest, recovery, and balance in sustainable performance.- Why discipline without purpose can become unhealthy.- The importance of serving others and building lasting impact.JD also shares the philosophy behind Hungry Warrior Academy and the organization’s work supporting youth and underserved communities in Africa through mentorship, sport, mindset development, and leadership. Throughout the conversation, listeners are challenged to ask themselves:What is my non-negotiable?What am I truly capable of?And am I living up to my full potential?This episode is not simply about ultra-endurance racing. It is about identity, growth, courage, and learning how to transform struggle into purpose. Guest:JD TremblayUltra-Endurance Triathlete | Philanthropist | Author | EntrepreneurAuthor of Hunger For More in LifeHosted by:Dr. Sarah GordonFounder, The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast #HumanPerformance #Resilience #Mindset #Discipline #FailureAsFuel #UltraEndurance #Triathlon #MentalResilience #Faith #GrowthMindset #ThePhDJourneyUnplugged

    1h 30m

  3. MAY 10

    The Hill Never Lies (Episode 65)

    In this powerful spoken reflection, “America’s Marathon Man,” Jerry Dunn shares a deeply philosophical meditation on endurance, truth, and the lessons learned through long effort. Read by Dr. Sarah Gordon on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast, "The Hill Never Lies" explores the striking parallels between a child racing a gravity car downhill and a distance runner navigating the long road of endurance sport. Through the lens of physics, motion, resistance, and human performance, Jerry challenges us to rethink how we approach struggle, failure, and progress. In a world that often explains away discomfort and negotiates with reality, this piece reminds us that the hill, the road, and the body respond honestly. They do not judge us — they simply reflect our preparation, alignment, and willingness to adapt. At its core, this reflection is not about pushing harder. It is about removing what interferes. Whether in sport, life, leadership, or personal growth, The Hill Never Lies invites listeners to consider that meaningful progress may come less from force and more from awareness, patience, and refinement. This is a moving reflection for runners, triathletes, endurance athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating the long game of human performance and self-discovery. Written by Jerry DunnRead by Dr. Sarah GordonThe PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast

    17 min

  4. MAY 8

    Episode 64: There is Always Another Race! Dr. Steven Jonas on Triathlon, Longevity, and Aging

    At nearly 90 years old, Dr. Steven Jonas continues to embody the principles of lifelong movement, resilience, and healthy aging. In this deeply meaningful episode of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with Dr. Steven Jonas, whose remarkable life journey has carried him through medicine as a physician, academia as a professor emeritus, accomplished author, public health pioneer, ski instructor, triathlete, and triathlon historian. What makes Dr. Jonas’s story especially powerful is that he did not grow up as an athlete. As a child, he struggled with traditional sports and never viewed himself as athletic. Everything changed during medical school when a spontaneous ski trip with two friends introduced him to alpine skiing — a sport that would completely transform his relationship with movement and physical activity. Through skiing, Dr. Jonas discovered confidence, balance, joy, and belonging. His passion for the sport eventually led him to become a certified ski instructor, teaching in Breckenridge, Colorado, and spending decades immersed in a sport he deeply loved. Years later, after recognizing his own declining fitness while working in public health and preventive medicine, Dr. Jonas began running in his 40s. What started as short training runs evolved into local road races, marathons, triathlons, duathlons, and Ironman competitions. Over the next four decades, he completed an astonishing 257 triathlon and duathlon races, in addition to hundreds of road races ranging from 5Ks to marathons. Together, Dr. Gordon and Dr. Jonas explore:- The life-changing power of discovering movement later in life.- Skiing, balance, and finding a sport that fits your abilities.- The origins and early history of triathlon and duathlon.- The evolution of the wellness and health promotion movement.- Why triathlon became “a sport for everybody.”- Exercise as medicine and healthy aging.- Consistency, longevity, and purpose across the lifespan.- The emotional meaning of crossing finish lines.- Lessons from nearly 90 years of living with vitality, resilience, and purpose.Dr. Jonas also reflects on his work with and contributions to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) “Exercise Is Medicine” initiative, the foundational years of the preventive health and wellness movement, and the friendships and identity he built through decades of endurance sport participation. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that human performance is not solely about speed or competition — it is about participation, joy, resilience, community, and continuing to move forward through every season of life. “There’s always another race,” as Dr. Jonas shares with the audience. This is an unforgettable conversation about movement, meaning, longevity, and the enduring spirit of a man who helped shape the modern wellness movement while continuing to live its message every single day.As the host, Dr. Gordon expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Jonas for joining the show, recognizing him as a true pioneer in health promotion and the triathlon community. His contributions across medicine, academia, athletics, and public health have impacted generations and continue to inspire others to pursue healthier, more active, and meaningful lives.It was an absolute honor to welcome Dr. Steven Jonas to The PhD Journey Unplugged. A friend, mentor, visionary, and leader.Disclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical or health advice.

    1h 17m

  5. MAY 5

    Episode 63: From Competition to Connection - Respecting Culture in a Global Sport

    What does it truly mean to compete on a global stage? In this episode of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with professional triathlete Amy Vantassel for a genuine and thought-provoking conversation about the responsibility athletes carry when traveling the world to race. Triathlon is more than performance—it is an opportunity to engage with diverse cultures, communities, and environments. Amy shares her personal experiences competing internationally, including a moment of public backlash that led to reflection, accountability, and growth. Through honesty and humility, she opens up about what it means to make a mistake, take ownership, and learn from it. Together, Sarah and Amy explore: The importance of understanding cultural norms, customs, and expectations before traveling How athletes can show respect to the communities that host global competitions The role of humility, awareness, and education in international sport Ways to give back to underserved and remote communities along the racing journey Why being an athlete is not just about personal achievement—but about the impact we have on others This episode is a powerful reminder that human performance extends beyond the physical. It is about how we show up in the world—with awareness, respect, and intention. 🎧 Whether you are an athlete, coach, or global traveler, this conversation will challenge you to think beyond the finish line. "Go fast. Stay humble. Respect the culture." Disclaimer: All information in The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

    45 min

  6. APR 30

    Episode 62: ENFLYTE - A Mindset for Human Performance

    What does it truly mean to perform—not just in a single moment, but across the span of a lifetime? In Episode 62 of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with endurance athlete and performance coach Christina Candio, founder of ENFLYTE, to explore a powerful mindset for navigating the long game of human performance. Drawing from her background in sports psychology, endurance coaching, and mindful performance, Christina introduces ENFLYTE as more than a coaching service—it’s a philosophy grounded in the idea that performance is not a fixed state, but a dynamic, ever-evolving journey. Using the metaphor of being “in flight,” this conversation reframes how we think about growth, resilience, and success. Just like a plane’s journey includes takeoff, turbulence, cruising, and landing, human performance requires constant adjustment, recalibration, and trust in the process. Together, they explore: The difference between time-based and performance-based goals How to break through the “I can’t do it” mindset and build lasting confidence The foundational role of sleep and recovery in long-term performance Guiding people on their journey and meeting them where they are at - towards optimal performance Strategies towards greater mindfulness and intention Christina’s journey as an 8-time marathoner, Ironman 70.3 finisher, ultrarunner, and full Ironman athlete brings real-world credibility to a conversation that extends far beyond sport. This episode is a powerful reminder that the goal is not just to reach the destination, but to learn how to navigate the flight. Dr. Gordon expresses her gratitude to Christina for joining her on "The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast" and looks forward to continued conversations together. All information on "The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast" is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

    1h 18m

  7. APR 27

    Episode 61: Energy, Healing & Longevity Through the Foods We Eat

    What if the trajectory of our health is not something we passively accept—but something we actively shape? In Episode 61 of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with Axay Shah—67-year-young marathoner, entrepreneur, and author of "In Nature We Trust: A Raw Food Manifesto for Energy, Healing & Longevity" to explore the transformative potential of nutrition in reclaiming energy, restoring health, and redefining what aging can look like. After more than 16 years living a 100% plant-based raw food lifestyle, Axay shares his personal health journey. On his 67th birthday, he completed his 8th marathon—an achievement that reflects not only physical endurance, but a complete shift in how he approaches food, lifestyle, and longevity. In this conversation, we explore: The role of nutrition in energy, healing, and long-term health. Axay’s philosophy: “Life is Energy & Energy is Life.”Axay’s story is rooted in both personal transformation and a broader mission—to challenge how we think about chronic disease, prevention, and human potential. His work combines philosophy, lived experience, and documented health markers to present a perspective that is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Axay is also a poet, artist, gardener, and beekeeper—bringing a multidimensional approach to what it means to live well. A devoted husband and father, he blends the wisdom of his Indian roots with over four decades of entrepreneurial experience, offering a unique lens on discipline, curiosity, and lifelong growth. While this conversation explores bold ideas around health and healing, it also invites critical thinking—reminding us that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness, but there is value in becoming more intentional, informed, and engaged in the choices we make each day. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered:Is it too late to change? NO!Is transformation always within reach? YES!To find more information about Mr. Axay Shah, please find the links below:Axay Shah - Author: "IN NATURE WE TRUST" Official Website: https://rawfoodiest.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahaxay/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RawFoodiest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawfoodiestFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RawFoodiestGuru Twitter: https://twitter.com/RawFoodiest Dr. Gordon expresses immense gratitude towards Mr. Shah for coming on "The PhD Journey Unplugged" podcast and sharing his story with the community of listeners on this platform. The PhD Journey Unplugged will always be a platform to educate and motivate within health and human performance. Disclaimer: All information on The PhD Journey Unplugged podcast by Dr. Sarah Gordon and her guests is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed professional advice.

    1h 25m

  8. APR 22

    Episode 60: Cultivating a Continuous Growth Mindset in "Pushing Boundaries of Excellence"

    What does it mean to pursue excellence—not just for a moment, but across an entire lifetime? In Episode 60 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon welcomes distinguished guest Kurt Madden ("Coach K")—legendary coach, IRONMAN triathlete, CEO of KM Coaching & Consulting, and Director of Coaching Development at TriDot. Fresh off an extraordinary performance at Ironman Texas—a race consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run—Kurt not only competed, but won his age group at 70 years old. His achievement stands as a powerful example of what is possible when a continuous growth mindset is applied across the lifespan. With over 40 years in endurance sport, Kurt’s journey began in Oahu in the 1980 and has evolved into a life dedicated to performance, leadership, the pursuit of excellence, and athlete-centered coaching. In this conversation, he shares lessons not only from racing but from decades of guiding others toward their highest potential. At the heart of this episode is a central question:What separates those who reach extraordinary levels of performance from those who do not? Together, Dr. Gordon and "Coach K" explore:- How a growth mindset evolves over time.- The role of belief, identity, and mental resilience in achieving excellence- How data and metrics complement intuition in high-performance training- Why grit, passion, and perseverance must be developed through experience- The importance of staying committed through adversity and discomfort- How to balance elite performance with a sustainable, healthy lifestyle- What it means to succeed while still enjoying the journey- How we can continue pushing boundaries in different seasons of lifeThrough Kurt’s athlete-centered and relationship-driven philosophy, this episode also highlights the importance of human connection, mentorship, and the lasting impact of coaching beyond sport. At The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Gordon brings forward conversations with what she calls “resilience warriors”—individuals who demonstrate what it truly means to push beyond perceived limits. Kurt Madden embodies this spirit through his longevity, leadership, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Whether you are an athlete, coach, or someone striving to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally, this episode will challenge you to rethink your limits—and inspire you to keep moving forward. 🎧 Tune in and discover how cultivating a continuous growth mindset can transform not only how you perform—but how you live. Disclaimer: All information on The PhD Journey Unplugged podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Dr. Sarah Gordon is the founder and host of The PhD Journey Unplugged, a platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of health, human performance, and the lived experience of pursuing excellence. Through reflective, evidence-informed conversations, her work focuses on sustainable performance, personal growth, and caring for the whole person along the journey toward success. The podcast brings together researchers, clinicians, athletes, coaches, and leaders to share perspectives that bridge science, experience, and meaningful human development.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Sarah L. Gordon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Sarah L. Gordon
  • Show Website
    The PhD Journey Unplugged

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