Talk Gnarly To Me

Julia Biddle & Steph McMillan
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Hobbies

Welcome to Talk Gnarly To Me. We're Julia and Steph, two Arizona desert riders who willingly spend our free time bouncing through rock gardens, debating bike setups, and making questionable decisions in the name of progression. This podcast is for anyone who loves mountain biking, technical terrain, and the stories that come with it. We'll be talking trail wins, trail fails, gear, confidence, fear, crashes, line choices, desert riding, and whatever mountain bike rabbit hole we're currently obsessed with. No pro tips from elite racers. No pretending we've got it all figured out. Just two women who love riding tech, love talking about it, and somehow always have something to say. So grab a post-ride beverage, clean the dust off your shins, and join us. This is Talk Gnarly To Me.

  1. 5d ago

    EP12: Would You Rather (MTB Edition)

    Would You Rather: Mountain Biking Edition Julia and Steph keep things light in this playful mountain biking conversation, trading trail updates, crash recovery context, and a long run of ridiculous "would you rather" scenarios. It is a casual, funny episode built more for laughs than instruction, with both hosts clearly leaning into the absurdity. In this episode, Julia and Steph also recap recent rides around PMP, Flagstaff, Meteoride, Brookbank, and Full Sail, including a trail closure and helicopter rescue on the trail. They then spend most of the episode debating mountain bike-specific hypotheticals, from braking problems and wet gear to exposure, bike setups, and awkward trailhead situations. Key topics Julia and Steph recap their recent rides, including a beginner ride at PMP and a Flagstaff day that ended up on Meteoride and Brookbank instead of Full Sail. They discuss the trail closure and helicopter rescue on Full Sail, including how unpredictable search and rescue costs can be. Steph shares that Meteoride felt exposed but went well, while Julia says she was still mentally affected by her earlier crash. They talk about gatekeeper features and how one hard move can shape the rest of a rider's confidence on a trail. The episode shifts into a mountain biking "would you rather" game with increasingly ridiculous scenarios. They compare awful choices like being cold and wet for hours versus climbing forever, or riding downhill with only a front brake versus climbing with only the hardest gear. They debate whether they'd rather shuttle friends for six months with no riding or only climb for a month. They weigh exposure-heavy options like White Line in Sedona versus a Whistler trip with a free dream bike. They get into absurd equipment problems, including farting suspension, a bell that plays John Cena’s theme, wet socks versus wet gloves, and a mystery headset rattle. The episode ends with more style-based hypotheticals, like riding in roadie spandex, thong bikini bottoms, or with ridiculous eyelashes and fake nails. Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors. Instagram: TGTM Steph Julia Sound Design: Loui Strum Our website: tgtmpod.com Our email: tgtmpod@gmail.com

  2. Sep 4

    Ep11: Fear vs. Intuition

    Fear, intuition, and how to tell the difference on the trail Steph and Julia break down how fear shows up in mountain biking, why it changes as your skills grow, and how intuition can feel a lot like fear in the moment. They get specific about the kinds of features that trigger each feeling, from exposure and steep slabs to drops, OTB risk, and night riding. This episode is especially useful for newer riders who assume advanced riders are fearless. Steph and Julia show that fear is normal, useful, and something you can learn to read instead of ignore. In this episode we chat about: How fear in mountain biking evolves rather than disappears, even for experienced riders. Why OTB risk is one of Julia’s biggest fears, especially on steep, slabby, awkward entries. How exposure affects Steph and why trails with serious consequences feel different. The difference between fearing a feature and fearing a situation that feels out of your control. Steph’s scary drop and how fear changes as your skills improve. Why certain steep trails can feel scarier than bigger, more obvious features. How to distinguish fear, intuition, and impulse in the moment. Personal cues that help riders decide whether to push through or back off. How self-talk, visualization, and reframing fear as excitement can reduce panic. Why fear is a normal part of mountain biking—and how to use it for better risk assessment. Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors. Instagram: TGTM Steph Julia Sound Design: Loui Strum Our website: tgtmpod.com Our email: tgtmpod@gmail.com

  3. Aug 28

    EP10: Motivation w/ Jayde Hirniak

    Motivation, mountain biking, and staying consistent Steph and Julia sit down with archaeologist and postdoc researcher Jayde Hirniak for their first interview episode, and the conversation turns into a real talk on motivation, confidence, and what keeps riders showing up. Jayde shares how mountain biking became the outlet that carried her through graduate school, and how the same mindset that helped her earn a PhD also shows up on the trail. In this episode, we hear from Steph, Julia, and Jayde as they swap origin stories, compare ride notes, and unpack how community, structure, and a little bit of ambition can keep you moving even when you are not feeling it. Key topics Jayde shares how she went from a casual bike rider to mountain biker, starting with a Walmart bike, then a $400 hardtail, and eventually falling in love with the sport.In this episode, Jayde explains that mountain biking became her sanity outlet during her PhD, especially through the fatigue and transition of finishing graduate school and starting postdoc life.We discuss how motivation is not constant, and how low periods are often where growth happens if you keep showing up in some form.Jayde breaks down her personal motivation system into three tiers: dreaming, remembering your why, and setting different scales of goals.Steph and Jayde talk about how tiny wins matter, from just getting on the bike to walking the dogs, doing dishes, or crossing one task off a list.Julia shares that fun is her biggest motivator, especially because biking gives her a physical challenge and a mental reset away from everyday adult responsibilities.The group talks about accountability, especially riding with friends, making plans, and being willing to invite people even when the answer is probably no.Jade explains how her biggest mountain biking accomplishment was conquering the Snotch on  the Whole Enchilada in Moab UT, including the psychological side of committing to a feature that looks far harder than it is.We discuss the value of mentors and role models, from academic guidance to mountain biking inspiration, and how seeing someone skilled and down to earth can change what feels possible.The conversation closes on the idea that ego can block progress, while community, structure, and a playful mindset can keep riding fun and sustainable. Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors. Instagram: TGTM Steph Julia Sound Design: Loui Strum Our website: tgtmpod.com Our email: tgtmpod@gmail.com

  4. Aug 21

    EP9: What's In All These Bags?!

    Talk Gnarly to Me: What’s in our mountain biking bags Steph and Julia do a full bag dump of their mountain biking gear, comparing what actually lives in their ride bags, what’s purely emergency backup, and what they keep carrying even though they barely use it. The conversation turns into a practical, funny inventory of trail essentials, desert-specific gear, and the real-world mistakes that shape what goes in a pack. It’s part gear check, part trail-safety chat, and part coaching talk, with a surprise fan-mail unboxing at the end. If you ride in hot, dusty conditions or just want to know what experienced riders actually carry, there’s a lot to steal from this one. Key topics Steph breaks down her three-bag system: a car duffel, a hip pack, and a coaching bag, each with a different job Julia compares her simpler setup and explains why she keeps a hand pump, spoons, and cactus tools instead of trusting her tire gadget Both hosts talk through hydration habits, including extra water bottles, bladder cleaning, and why water bottles often beat bladders They cover desert ride essentials like sunblock, lip balm, eye drops, cooling towels, and backup layers for Arizona’s surprise cold mornings Emergency gear gets a lot of attention: first aid kits, hemostats, gauze, saline, bandages, gloves, and nosebleed supplies The hosts share real stories of flats, failed CO2 cartridges, a tire explosion scare, and why hand pumps are a must-have backup Steph explains her coaching kit, including cones, two-by-fours, and how she uses them to build rider confidence on obstacles There’s a long detour into trail-specific tools, like tire plugs, chain tools, multi-tools, and the mystery items neither host fully understands They talk about what to carry on group rides versus solo rides, especially when riding with newer or unknown riders The episode ends with fan mail from Erik Lantz, who sent them Arizona mountain biking guidebooks and sparked ideas for a future history-focused episode Link to Fat Tire Tales and Trails https://www.amazon.com/dp/0966476905?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors. Instagram: TGTM Steph Julia Sound Design: Loui Strum Our website: tgtmpod.com Our email: tgtmpod@gmail.com

  5. Aug 18 ·  Bonus

    *BONUS* Mini-Episode with Shawn Stenmark

    Showdown Bikes for Kids with Shawn Stenmark This mini episode of Talk Gnarly to Me introduces Shawn Stenmark and the upcoming Showdown Bikes 4 Kids race at Usery Park in Mesa AZ. Shawn explains how the event supports FE Racing and Bikes 4 Kids, with funds going directly toward getting local kids quality bikes, helmets, and safety gear. We also cover what makes this year different: the “I wanna rock” theme, a live band, costume contests, youth involvement, and the community-first spirit that keeps the event grassroots and fun. Key topics In this episode: Shawn Stenmark shares the story behind Showdown Bikes for Kids and how the event evolved from its original roots into a fundraiser run by FE Racing and Bikes 4 Kids.The organization’s mission is to help put kids on bikes in the East Valley, with most of the fun funds going to bike purchases, helmets, locks, and support gear.Local schools help identify kids in need, and those students submit essays about what a bike would mean to them before receiving a bike.The giveaway bikes are not cheap entry-level toys - Shawn emphasizes they’re quality mountain bikes meant to last.The Showdown takes place at Usery Park and is built around a full eight-hour race with solo, duo, quad, youth, and shorter one- and two-lap options.This year’s theme is “I wanna rock”, with costumes, a live band, and additional event energy meant to make it more than just a race.Shawn highlights the fun side of the event, including mystery obstacles, random skill games, dance-offs, a kids race, a bacon station, and a costume contest with cash prizes. We hope you’ll come out to the event and have some fun with us! Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors. Bikes 4 kids https://bikes4kids.net/ Instagram: TGTM Steph Julia Sound Design: Loui Strum Our website: tgtmpod.com Our email: tgtmpod@gmail.com

  6. Aug 14

    EP8: MTB Trips (we suck at geography)

    Mountain Biking Trip Favorites, Bucket List Destinations, and a Few Geography Detours Julia Biddle and Steph compare favorite mountain biking trips, the kinds of terrain they love most, and the destinations they still want to ride. They also swap stories from van life, bike parks, and a few memorable crashes that made certain trips unforgettable. In this episode, they talk through the logistics and reality of bike travel, from lift service parks to day trips closer to home. If you like mountain bike destination talk mixed with honest trail ratings, this one covers a lot of ground. Key topics Julia shares that her favorite trip was a Flagstaff ride with her best friend from Colorado, riding Full Sail and a bike park with their kids nearby.Steph says her favorite all around trip was the summer van life bike tour, even though it came with major logistics, dogs, a cat, and plenty of breakdown moments.They compare the difference between dreamy van life social media and the actual work of living and riding out of a van for months.Steph breaks down favorite bike park stops from the trip, including Trestle, Purgatory, Duluth, and the surprisingly good riding in the Midwest.They revisit the now infamous "you peaked in Colorado" moment, which came after Steph felt like she had been riding stronger in Colorado and Utah than later in Ohio.Both agree that their ideal long term riding home would still be Arizona, because it offers desert tech plus access to trees and more varied terrain nearby.They talk bucket list destinations like Whistler, Switzerland, North Carolina, New Zealand, Tasmania, Oman, and Nepal.The conversation turns into a map check and geography corrections, including Nepal, Tasmania, and a few other places neither speaker was fully confident about.They name favorite closer to home riding spots like Valmont Bike Park, Virginia Canyon, Prescott, Flagstaff, and Salt Lake City area trails.The episode closes with a reminder that bike progress usually comes with some crashes, scars, and a few very weird stories. Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors. Instagram: TGTM Steph Julia Sound Design: Loui Strum Our website: tgtmpod.com Our email: tgtmpod@gmail.com

  7. Aug 7

    EP7: What We Wish We Knew When We Started MTB

    Things We Wish We Knew When We Started Mountain Biking Julia and Steph look back on their first rides, early crashes, and the hard lessons that shaped how they ride now. This episode is equal parts beginner advice and real talk about mindset, coaching, fueling, gear, and trail etiquette, with plenty of stories from the messy early days that every new rider can learn from this episode: Julia and Steph share their first biking memories, from grassy hills and neighborhood rides to taking an old bike into the woods and getting instantly hooked. Steph talks about her very first mountain bike ride on Josh’s oversized Giant and the immediate crash that launched her over the bike onto a rock. They both reflect on how crashes shaped their early years, with Steph saying the first two to three years counted as a good ride if she did not crash. The conversation breaks down foundational skills that help new riders progress, including level pedals, heavy feet, light hands, eyes up, and using one finger on the brake. They explain why riding your own ride matters more than matching faster riders, especially when ego or peer pressure pushes beginners beyond their skill level. Nutrition gets a big focus, including why proper fueling before, during, and after rides can prevent bonking, improve performance, and keep rides fun. They discuss why trail mix is not always the best ride fuel, and why carbs usually work better during hard efforts. Protective gear comes up as a confidence tool, not a badge of legitimacy, with a strong recommendation to buy a proper mountain bike helmet and wear pads if they help you ride better. They get into trail etiquette and social etiquette, including why unsolicited advice can be frustrating and why asking if someone wants help should come first. Steph shares why coaching can still be valuable even if you ride with better friends, and why learning from coaches with similar body proportions can sometimes make a big difference. Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors. Link to our group ride on 8/8/26 https://facebook.com/events/s/tgtm-intermediateadvanced-begi/1027489750035383/ Instagram: TGTM Steph Julia Sound Design: Loui Strum Our website: tgtmpod.com Our email: tgtmpod@gmail.com

  8. Jul 31

    EP6: Balancing Real Life and MTB

    Starting NEXT WEEK, all of our episodes will be recorded with our brand new, super fancy (and kind of hard to figure out how to use) microphones!! 🎙️ Thank you for being patient with us as we learn how to make sound work! Your continues support means more to us than you know. Balancing Mountain Biking and Real Life: Tips for Juggling a Busy Schedule In this episode, we explore practical strategies for fitting mountain biking into a hectic lifestyle. From managing multiple jobs and family commitments to staying organized and prioritizing self-care, we share insights that can help you make room for riding without feeling overwhelmed. Key topics - 5-10 bullets The importance of structured planning and calendar management for fitting rides into busy weeks How living close to trails can save time and increase riding frequency The role of meal prep and organization in freeing up time for mountain biking Strategies for involving family and communicating your riding schedule to reduce guilt The physical and mental benefits of strength training for mountain bikers Balancing workout routines with riding days to maximize performance and recovery Seasonal and life changes that impact riding frequency, with tips for adaptation The value of community support and celebrating small riding wins Tips for managing mental health and emotional well-being when life gets stressful The importance of rest days and listening to your body's needs Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors. Instagram: TGTM Steph Julia Sound Design: Loui Strum Our website: tgtmpod.com Our email: tgtmpod@gmail.com

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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to Talk Gnarly To Me. We're Julia and Steph, two Arizona desert riders who willingly spend our free time bouncing through rock gardens, debating bike setups, and making questionable decisions in the name of progression. This podcast is for anyone who loves mountain biking, technical terrain, and the stories that come with it. We'll be talking trail wins, trail fails, gear, confidence, fear, crashes, line choices, desert riding, and whatever mountain bike rabbit hole we're currently obsessed with. No pro tips from elite racers. No pretending we've got it all figured out. Just two women who love riding tech, love talking about it, and somehow always have something to say. So grab a post-ride beverage, clean the dust off your shins, and join us. This is Talk Gnarly To Me.

Information

  • Creator
    Julia Biddle & Steph McMillan
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Julia Biddle & Steph McMillan
  • Show Website
    Talk Gnarly To Me

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