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. 23h ago

    Episode 76: "LIMITLESS: TRAINING FOR THE PERSON YOU'RE BECOMING" GUEST: KERI MANDELL

    Limitless: Training for the Person You're Becoming | Episode 76 with Keri Mandell, "The Iron Yogi" What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want...is the story you've been telling yourself? In Episode 76 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon welcomes endurance athlete, coach, author, and motivational speaker Keri Mandell, known to many as "The Iron Yogi." Keri has dedicated her life to discovering what is possible when we move beyond perceived limitations. From running extraordinary endurance events in some of the world's most challenging environments to helping others transform their own lives through movement, mindfulness, and purpose, her journey reminds us that our greatest barriers are often the ones we place on ourselves. In this inspiring conversation, Keri shares the lessons that shaped her life, what she learned while literally running around the world in seven days, and why true growth begins long before we ever cross a finish line. Together, Sarah and Keri explore what it means to train—not simply for an event—but for the person we are becoming.Whether you're an endurance athlete, entrepreneur, leader, student, or simply someone striving to become the best version of yourself, this episode will challenge you to rethink your own potential. In this episode, they discuss:• Developing a limitless mindset • Training for personal growth, not just performance • Resilience through adversity • The relationship between physical endurance and mental strength • Yoga, mindfulness, and self-discovery • Breaking through self-imposed limitations • Finding purpose through challenge • Lessons from elite endurance racing • Building confidence one decision at a time • Living intentionally Featured Guest Keri Mandell Endurance Athlete"The Iron Yogi" Author of Limitless: What I Learned Running the World in Seven Days (Release Date: October 1st, 2026) - Sign up here for pre-release: https://www.empowertrainingandretreats.com/limitlessVisit Keri:https://www.empowertrainingandretreats.com Subscribe to The PhD Journey UnpluggedIf you enjoy conversations exploring resilience, leadership, health, motivation, successful aging, endurance sports, and living a life of purpose, be sure to subscribe and join our growing community.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePhDJourneyUnplugged Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts (and additional free RSS feeds).Connect with Dr. Sarah GordonFounder & HostThe PhD Journey UnpluggedWhere education meets inspiration through authentic conversations that empower people to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and purposefully.All information on The PhD Journey Unplugged is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed professional advice.

  2. 4d ago

    Episode 75: STRENGTH. LONGEVITY. PURPOSE. Guest: Leading Fitness Expert, Chris Ryan, CSCS, NSCA-CPT

    In Episode 75 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with Leading Fitness Expert, Chris Ryan, for a thoughtful conversation about what it really means to train for life. This episode explores the connection between physical fitness, longevity, healthy aging, strength, mindset, discipline, resilience, and purpose. Chris shares insights from his personal and professional journey, offering a broader perspective on training that extends far beyond performance, appearance, or competition. At the center of the conversation is an important question: “What are we training for?” In Chris Ryan’s words: “We are training for life.” Together, Chris and Sarah discuss how intentional training can help us build the physical capacity, mental resilience, confidence, and discipline needed to live with greater purpose across the lifespan. This conversation invites us to reconsider exercise not simply as something we do to improve fitness, but as a way to prepare ourselves for the demands, opportunities, challenges, and experiences of life. Topics explored in this episode include: Strength training and functional fitness Longevity and healthy aging Exercise motivation and purpose Mental resilience and discipline Building confidence through movement Training for real life The role of fitness in long-term well-being Personal growth through physical challenge Creating purpose through training Episode 75 is a powerful reminder that the goal of training is not only to become stronger in the gym. It is to become stronger for life. Learn more about Chris Ryan:chrisryanfitness.com Connect with Chris:chris@chrisryanfitness.com Subscribe to The PhD Journey Unplugged for conversations exploring human performance, motivation, resilience, healthy aging, personal growth, and the strength we build along the journey. The PhD Journey Unplugged Hosted by Dr. Sarah Gordon Inspiration. Growth. Purpose. #ChrisRyan #TrainingForLife #Longevity #HealthyAging #StrengthTraining #FunctionalFitness #FitnessMotivation #Resilience #ExerciseMotivation #HumanPerformance #PersonalGrowth #Wellness #Podcast #ThePhDJourneyUnplugged All information on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general informational purposes and should not be deemed as professional advice.

  3. Jul 18

    Episode 74: WHAT ARE WE TRAINING FOR? TRAINING TO FLOURISH: THE JOURNEY OF HEALTHY AGING

    Episode 74: What Are We Training For? | Training to Flourish: The Journey of Healthy Aging with the Founder of The Endurance Edge, Chris Newport, MS, RDN What are we really training for? A faster race? A longer life? Better health? Or something much deeper? In Episode 74 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon welcomes Chris Newport, MS, RDN, Founder of The Endurance Edge, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Exercise Physiologist, Certified Sports Nutritionist, and Endurance Coach, for a thoughtful conversation exploring the intersection of performance, longevity, motivation, and healthy aging. Together, they move beyond traditional conversations about nutrition and endurance performance to ask a larger question: What does it truly mean to flourish throughout an entire lifetime? Drawing upon decades of experience helping athletes and active adults optimize their health, Chris shares practical insights into personalized nutrition, recovery, lifelong fitness, and the science of healthy aging. The conversation explores how understanding our unique physiology empowers us to make informed decisions that support not only today's goals but the life we hope to live for years to come. As someone who recently presented her doctoral research at the 9th International Self-Determination Theory Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. Gordon also reflects on how our motivations evolve over time. Through the lens of Self-Determination Theory, they discuss how autonomy, competence, and meaningful relationships help us build sustainable habits that extend far beyond the finish line. This episode invites listeners to consider a different perspective on success—not simply measured by performance, but by our capacity to continue growing, contributing, connecting, and flourishing throughout life. Whether you are an endurance athlete, health professional, coach, researcher, or simply someone striving to live your healthiest life, this conversation offers practical wisdom and thoughtful reflection on the journey of healthy aging.As you listen, consider one question: What are YOU training for? Topics Discussed • Healthy aging and longevity • Personalized nutrition and exercise science • Sustainable health habits • Performance versus purpose • Self-Determination Theory (Autonomy, Competence & Relatedness) • Lifelong movement and flourishing • Endurance athletics and wellness • Building a meaningful life through health If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to The PhD Journey Unplugged, where we explore authentic conversations that inspire growth, connection, purpose, and human flourishing. Strength for the Journey Within. All information shared 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.

  4. Jul 16

    Episode 73: SOMETIMES THE JOURNEY CHANGES

    Episode 73: Sometimes the Journey Changes What happens when you finally reach the mountain you've spent years climbing? After completing her PhD at 58, presenting her dissertation research at an international conference in Geneva, Switzerland, launching The PhD Journey Unplugged podcast, and walking through more than a decade as a caregiver, Dr. Sarah Gordon found herself asking an unexpected question: "Who am I now?" In this deeply personal solo episode, Sarah reflects on a season of transition—one that many people experience but few openly discuss. Sometimes, life isn't asking us to climb another mountain. Sometimes, it is inviting us to pause long enough to discover who we have become along the journey. This episode explores: Finding purpose after major life achievements Navigating identity during seasons of change The transition from caregiving to rediscovering yourself Why accomplishment doesn't always answer life's deepest questions Learning to embrace reflection instead of constant striving The difference between achieving more and becoming more Rather than offering easy answers, Sarah invites listeners into a thoughtful conversation about human flourishing, purpose, and the courage to live the questions that shape our lives. If you've ever wondered... Who am I becoming? Where do I go from here? What fills the space after achievement? ...this conversation is for you. As Dr. Gordon shares: "Perhaps this season isn't asking me to climb another mountain. Perhaps it's asking me to discover who I am when I stop climbing." At the close of this episode, Sarah introduces a new tradition for her solo episodes: Questions Along the Journey—a series of reflective questions designed not to provide immediate answers, but to accompany you throughout your own journey of growth. Because sometimes the most meaningful questions are not meant to be answered in a single day. They are meant to be carried. Thank you for walking this journey together. Hosted by: Dr. Sarah Gordon Founder, The PhD Journey Unplugged, LLC Strength for the Journey Within All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

  5. Jun 21

    Episode 72: WAKE UP TO DIE AGAIN – BREAKING WHO YOU BECOME SO YOU CAN BE WHO YOU'RE MEANT TO BE

    Episode 72: Wake Up to Die Again – Breaking Who You Became So You Can Be Who You're Meant To Be In this powerful conversation, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with author, Army veteran, Ironman finisher, inventor, business leader, and transformational speaker Scott Lackey to explore what it truly means to become who we are meant to be. Inspired by his new book, Wake Up to Die Again, Scott shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped his understanding of resilience, purpose, identity, and transformation. Together, they discuss the "lightning strike" moments in life that challenge us, break us open, and ultimately reveal what matters most. Scott reflects on the lessons learned through Ironman training, overcoming broken promises made to himself, rebuilding trust, navigating adversity, and discovering the power of self-forgiveness. Throughout the conversation, he offers a compelling reminder that growth often begins when we are willing to let go of old versions of ourselves. Key topics include:• The hidden cost of broken promises to ourselves• Rebuilding trust through small daily actions• Lessons learned through the Ironman journey• The role of pain in personal transformation• Why self-forgiveness is essential for healing• Faith, resilience, and finding purpose through adversity• The "Lily Pad Principle" for creating lasting change• Becoming who you are meant to beOne of the most powerful messages from this conversation is simple yet profound:"If you can heal yourself, then you can be a healing force for everybody else."Whether you are navigating a difficult season, pursuing a meaningful goal, or seeking a deeper sense of fulfillment, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and practical insights for the journey ahead.Connect with Scott Lackey:https://scottlackey.comThank you for listening to The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast.Dr. Sarah GordonFounder, The PhD Journey Unplugged, LLCStrength for the Journey Within#ThePhDJourneyUnplugged #ScottLackey #WakeUpToDieAgain #Resilience #Transformation #PersonalGrowth #Ironman #Purpose #SelfForgiveness #Leadership #GrowthMindset

  6. Jun 13

    Episode 71: FORWARD IS A PACE

    Episode 71: In Episode 71 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with endurance athlete, coach, author, and founder of Team B*REAL, Adina O'Neill. Adina's story is one of perseverance, inclusion, and the unwavering belief that movement belongs to everyone. After beginning her journey unable to run a single mile, she went on to complete more than 100 endurance events, including marathons, Ironman triathlons, marathon swims, and epic endurance challenges that pushed the limits of what she once believed possible. As the founder and Head Joy Coach of Team B*REAL, Adina has dedicated her life to helping athletes of all sizes, identities, ages, and abilities discover confidence, belonging, and belief through movement. Team B*REAL stands for Realistic, Empowered, Attainable, and Lifestyle—four principles that serve as a roadmap for sustainable growth and success. Together, Sarah and Adina explore the powerful themes behind Adina's book, Forward Is a Pace, discussing how progress is not measured by speed, but by the courage to keep moving forward. They dive into the importance of finding your tribe, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, overcoming self-limiting beliefs, and learning to embrace the journey rather than focusing solely on outcomes. The conversation also highlights Adina's historic Boston Light Swim attempt, scheduled for July 20, 2026. Adina will seek to become the first person to attempt the iconic eight-mile Boston Light Swim entirely on backstroke, reversing the traditional route by swimming from South Boston Harbor to Boston Lighthouse. More than an athletic challenge, the swim represents a powerful message of resilience, possibility, inclusion, and doing things her own way. If you've ever questioned whether you belong, struggled with self-doubt, or wondered if it's too late to pursue a goal, this conversation will remind you that progress comes in many forms—and that sometimes the most important step is simply continuing to move forward. Because forward is a pace. Topics discussed include: • Building confidence through movement • The mission and philosophy behind Team B*REAL • Inclusion and belonging in endurance sports • Finding your tribe and community • The power of self-belief • Lessons from open water swimming • Resilience, mindset, and personal growth • Adina's historic Boston Light Swim attempt • Why movement is for everyone You belong here. Movement is for everyone. To learn more about and support Adina O'Neill's historic Boston Light Swim challenge, visit:https://teambreal.com/the-boston-light-swim/To learn more about Team B*REAL and Adina's coaching platform, visit:https://teambreal.com/about 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 advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.

  7. Jun 7

    Episode 70: THE TRIBE: ONE MAN'S LIFELONG SEARCH FOR HIS KIND OF WEIRD BY JERRY DUNN

    Episode 70: What if life isn't about finding one tribe—but about discovering the many communities that shape us along the way? In this special episode of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon shares a reading of The Tribe, a thoughtful and deeply personal essay written by Jerry Dunn. Through humor, wisdom, and stories spanning decades of life experience, Jerry reflects on the tribes that have influenced his journey—from the running community and ultrarunning culture to healing, sobriety, friendship, and the ongoing search for belonging. More than a story about running, The Tribe is a reflection on identity, growth, resilience, and the people who walk beside us through life's many seasons. Jerry challenges us to consider that perhaps life isn't about finding where we fit in forever, but about remaining open to growth, new experiences, and new communities that help shape who we become. At its heart, this piece is a reminder that flourishing is found through movement, connection, curiosity, and the courage to continue evolving. As Jerry writes: "Find your people. But don't be afraid to outgrow them. And perhaps most importantly: The campfire is always somewhere else... waiting for you." Thank you to Jerry Dunn for allowing this piece to be shared with The PhD Journey Unplugged community.

  8. Jun 4

    Episode 69: WHO AM I BECOMING? THE IDENTITY SHIFT AND THE COURAGE TO BEGIN AGAIN

    Episode 69: What if the person you are becoming requires you to let go of who you once were? In Episode 69 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon welcomes fitness, performance, and wellness coach, entrepreneur, lifelong athlete, and founder of AE Fitness & Performance Coaching, Arwen Elaine, on the show. Together, Sarah and Arwen explore one of the most profound questions of personal growth: Who am I becoming? From childhood labels and family roles to career identities, athletic pursuits, and life transitions, we often carry stories about ourselves long after they no longer reflect who we truly are. In this thought-provoking conversation, Sarah and Arwen discuss how identity evolves across the lifespan, why some identities must be released to make room for new ones, and how growth often begins with permitting ourselves to change. In this episode, we explore: • The identities we inherit from family, school, and society • How labels shape our beliefs about ourselves • The difference between assigned identity and authentic identity • Why self-compassion is essential during seasons of change • Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion • Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset and identity development • Imposter syndrome and why it may be evidence of growth rather than inadequacy • Identity theory and performance psychology • The concept of "nascence" — the process of beginning anew • How identity influences performance in sport, leadership, career, and life • The importance of authenticity, alignment, and personal evolution • The transformative question: What would change if I permitted myself? This conversation is for anyone navigating a life transition, redefining themselves after a major accomplishment, exploring a new chapter, or wondering whether the identity they've carried for years still fits who they are becoming. Because sometimes growth is not about becoming someone new. Sometimes growth is about becoming more fully yourself. Subscribe to The PhD Journey Unplugged for conversations at the intersection of human performance, leadership, resilience, healthy aging, motivation, and personal growth. Disclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

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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
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Sarah L. Gordon
  • Show Website
    The PhD Journey Unplugged