Making Shift Happen

Jen Kates with Shift Human Performance

Jen Kates from Making Shift Happen reveals all of her evidence-based strategies for living a healthier and more vibrant life that fits with your busy schedule. Her methods show you how to experience food and fitness freedom, which means you don’t spend endless hours each day in the gym without guidance and clarity or in the kitchen meal prepping your life away. It also means you don’t spend an insane amount of time thinking about food – because, let’s be real: there are a LOT more important things to think about. Through this podcast, you’ll be empowered with the simple steps you can take today in order to create and live your own badass life and make shift happen. Mountain biking and gravel cycling are common topics woven in, so join the ride with Jen.

  1. 4일 전

    265. 47 Years Later: 10 Lessons That Changed My Life

    What if living a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life isn’t about doing more – but about focusing on what matters most? To celebrate my 47th birthday, I’m doing something a little different on Making Shift Happen. Instead of diving into the latest research or interviewing a guest, I’m sharing the ten biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past 47 years – lessons that have shaped not only the coach I am today, but the person I’m still becoming. Some of these lessons came from success, and many came from failure, but all of them came from experience. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, trying to build healthier habits, striving for sustainable high performance, or simply reflecting on your own life, I hope these lessons encourage you to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and focus on what truly matters. 🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why: You don’t need to optimize every aspect of your life to be healthy. Protecting your sleep is one of the greatest investments you can make in your health. Making time for reflection, meditation, or quiet moments can transform how you show up every day. Meaningful relationships deserve your time and attention. Your career shouldn’t become your entire identity. Your hobbies – even the ones you love – should add to your life, not define it. Setting healthy boundaries is an act of self-respect, not selfishness. Rest and recovery are essential for long-term health, happiness, and performance. Eating nourishing, high-quality foods gives you the energy to fully participate in your life. Daily movement doesn’t have to be complicated to make a profound difference. Real growth often comes from doing the hard emotional and mental work. Leading with kindness and love will never go out of style. If This Episode Resonated With You, I’d love to hear from you. What’s one lesson life has taught you that you wish you had learned sooner? Send me a message, leave a review, or share this episode with someone who’s navigating their own season of growth. And thank you – for listening, for supporting Making Shift Happen, and for being part of this incredible community. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it’s only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Learn the signs and how to help yourself – I’m also here to help! Check out these other relevant episodes: 259. How to Stay Consistent When You Don’t Feel Like It 255. Your Brain is Addicted to Being Busy: Why High Achievers Struggle to Slow Down 253. The Nervous System Audit: How to Know if Stress is Sabotaging Your Life Do you have nutrition and fitness goals? I’m your coach!  If you’re tired of feeling scattered, inconsistent, and overwhelmed trying to balance your career and your health, I can help. Inside my 1:1 coaching program, we simplify your training, nutrition, and routines so they actually fit your life – while helping you feel more focused, regulated, and in control. Apply to work with me by clicking here. #ShredStrong: Our Next Month Starts on Monday, August 3, 2026! #ShredStrong is my year-round strength training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists. You can join any time you want, but why not now?! Learn more about the program and sign-up HERE!  Keywords: healthy habits, wellness tips, sustainable health, work-life balance, burnout recovery, stress management, sleep and recovery, healthy lifestyle, personal growth, mindset for success, daily movement, nutrition for energy, boundaries and self-care

  2. 7월 17일

    264. Becoming a Brave Athlete: Mental Resilience for Athletes

    In this episode of Making Shift Happen, I’m joined by mindset coach, climber, and sport performance psychology graduate student Josie McGee, founder of Mind Athlete Training, to explore the mindset skills that help athletes perform with courage, confidence, and purpose. What does it really mean to be mentally strong? Many athletes assume mental toughness means pushing harder, ignoring fear, or never doubting themselves. But what if true resilience isn’t about eliminating fear at all? What if it’s about learning to show up anyway? Josie shares her remarkable journey from years of climbing in Yosemite and serving on the Yosemite Search & Rescue team to experiencing a life-changing climbing incident that forever changed her perspective on performance, identity, and resilience. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she used the experience to deepen her understanding of sport psychology and the mental skills that help athletes navigate challenge with intention. Together, we discuss why it’s truly an honor to try hard, how embracing discomfort can unlock growth, and why bravery isn’t the absence of fear – it’s choosing to move forward despite it. Whether you’re a cyclist, climber, runner, or simply someone striving to become more resilient in everyday life, this conversation offers practical insights into developing a healthier relationship with challenge, performance, and personal growth. In This Episode Why “trying hard” is something to be proud of – not something to hide What it means to become a brave athlete How fear and uncertainty can coexist with excellent performance Lessons from Josie’s climbing experiences in Yosemite and working with Yosemite Search & Rescue Why identity and values matter more than outcomes Practical mindset strategies to build confidence, resilience, and self-trust How mental skills can improve both athletic performance and enjoyment About Josie McGee Josie McGee is the founder of Mind Athlete Training, where she helps athletes develop the mental skills needed to perform at their highest level while maintaining a healthy relationship with challenge and competition. With more than two decades of climbing experience, time spent on the Yosemite Search & Rescue team, and graduate studies in Sport & Performance Psychology, Josie combines real-world experience with evidence-based mental performance coaching. Her approach emphasizes awareness, intention, self-regulation, attention, and self-trust as the foundation for sustainable performance. Participate in Josie’s Research As part of her Master’s capstone in Sport & Performance Psychology, Josie is conducting research exploring meaning and performance in athletes. If you’re an athlete and would like to contribute to her research, you can participate here 👉 SURVEY HERE Connect with Josie Learn more about Josie, her coaching, and Mind Athlete Training: https://mindathletetraining.com/ Photo credit: Whitney Clark Check out these other relevant episodes: 259. How to Stay Consistent When You Don’t Feel Like It 255. Your Brain is Addicted to Being Busy: Why High Achievers Struggle to Slow Down 253. The Nervous System Audit: How to Know if Stress is Sabotaging Your Life Do you have nutrition and fitness goals? I’m your coach!  If you’re tired of feeling scattered, inconsistent, and overwhelmed trying to balance your career and your health, I can help. Inside my 1:1 coaching program, we simplify your training, nutrition, and routines so they actually fit your life – while helping you feel more focused, regulated, and in control. Apply to work with me by clicking here. #ShredStrong: Our Next Month Starts on Monday, August 3, 2026! #ShredStrong is my year-round strength training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists. You can join any time you want, but why not now?! Learn more about the program and sign-up HERE!  Keywords: mental resilience for athletes, sport psychology, sport performance psychology, mental toughness, athlete mindset, performance mindset, confidence in sport, mental training for athletes, sports psychology podcast, resilience in sport, overcoming fear in sports, self-trust in athletes

  3. 7월 10일

    263. The Secret to Staying Consistent With Strength Training All Summer

    Summer is here, the trails are calling, group rides and runs are filling your calendar, and suddenly those strength workouts start slipping. Sound familiar? The truth is, staying consistent with strength training is not about having more motivation or finding extra hours in your day. It’s about creating systems that make it easier to show up, even when life gets busy. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, I’m sharing practical strategies that will help you maintain your strength throughout cycling season without feeling like you’re adding more to your plate. You’ll learn why consistency – not perfection – is what leads to stronger rides/runs, fewer injuries, and better performance by the end of the season. Remember, you don’t need “perfect” weeks, you just need consistent ones. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it’s only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Learn the signs and how to help yourself – I’m also here to help! 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why most cyclists and runners stop strength training during the summer How to schedule workouts so they actually happen Why you should treat your workouts like important meetings (with yourself) The Gold, Silver, and Bronze strategy that keeps you moving even on busy days How to eliminate decision fatigue and make consistency easier Why missing one workout isn’t the problem – but missing two can become a habit The power of habit stacking and removing friction from your routine Check out these other relevant episodes: 259. How to Stay Consistent When You Don’t Feel Like It 255. Your Brain is Addicted to Being Busy: Why High Achievers Struggle to Slow Down 253. The Nervous System Audit: How to Know if Stress is Sabotaging Your Life Do you have nutrition and fitness goals? I’m your coach!  If you’re tired of feeling scattered, inconsistent, and overwhelmed trying to balance your career and your health, I can help. Inside my 1:1 coaching program, we simplify your training, nutrition, and routines so they actually fit your life – while helping you feel more focused, regulated, and in control. Apply to work with me by clicking here. #ShredStrong: Our Next Month Starts on Monday, August 3, 2026! #ShredStrong is my year-round strength training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists. You can join any time you want, but why not now?! Learn more about the program and sign-up HERE!  Keywords: consistency, strength training, habit stacking, habit building, habits, staying consistent with strength training

  4. 7월 3일

    262. The Cost of Always Being Available – Why Constant Accessibility is Keeping You Stressed, Exhausted, and Distracted

    Do you ever feel like you’re “on” all the time? Your phone buzzes, your inbox fills up, Slack notifications pop up, a text comes in, and someone tags you on social media. And before you know it, you’re responding to everyone else while your own needs continue to fall to the bottom of the list. Sound familiar? You may not know how to set boundaries at work. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re exploring one of the biggest contributors to chronic stress that few people talk about: constant accessibility. Being available 24/7 might make you feel productive, but it’s often keeping your nervous system in a state of heightened alert. When your brain never gets a true break, your focus, recovery, creativity, relationships, and overall well-being all begin to suffer. If you’re a busy professional, business owner, parent, athlete, or simply someone who feels like everyone has access to your time except you, this episode is for you. We’ll talk about why setting healthy boundaries isn’t selfish, why your nervous system needs periods of true “off” time, and simple strategies to help you reclaim your attention without sacrificing your goals. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it’s only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Learn the signs and how to help yourself – I’m also here to help! 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why constant accessibility keeps your nervous system activated How notifications, emails, texts, and social media contribute to chronic stress Why being responsive isn’t the same thing as being productive The hidden costs of always being available Five practical ways to create healthier boundaries around your time and attention Why recovery starts with protecting your focus – not just taking time off Check out these other relevant episodes: 259. How to Stay Consistent When You Don’t Feel Like It 255. Your Brain is Addicted to Being Busy: Why High Achievers Struggle to Slow Down 253. The Nervous System Audit: How to Know if Stress is Sabotaging Your Life Do you have nutrition and fitness goals? I’m your coach!  If you’re tired of feeling scattered, inconsistent, and overwhelmed trying to balance your career and your health, I can help. Inside my 1:1 coaching program, we simplify your training, nutrition, and routines so they actually fit your life – while helping you feel more focused, regulated, and in control. Apply to work with me by clicking here. #ShredStrong: Our Next Month Starts on Monday, July 6, 2026 and August 3! #ShredStrong is my year-round strength training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists. You can join any time you want, but why not now?! Learn more about the program and sign-up HERE!  Keywords: work-life balance, how to set boundaries at work, stress management, nervous system regulation, chronic stress, burnout prevention, overwhelmed professionals, digital overwhelm, constant notifications, decision fatigue, productivity and burnout, work boundaries, mental exhaustion, healthy habits for busy professionals

  5. 6월 26일

    261. You Don’t Need to Earn Rest: The Productivity Lie That’s Keeping You Exhausted

    Do you feel guilty when you rest? Do you find yourself saying things like, “I’ll relax after I finish this project.” Or, “I’ll take a day off once work slows down.” Or what about, “I’ll rest when I finally get caught up.” Hint: You will almost never be caught up. If so, you’re not alone. Many high-achievers have unknowingly adopted the belief that rest is something they have to earn. The problem? That mindset often keeps us stuck in a cycle of chronic stress, mental exhaustion, and nervous system dysregulation. In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re unpacking one of the biggest productivity myths out there: that your worth is tied to your output. The truth is that recovery isn’t a reward for hard work – it’s a requirement for sustainable performance. Whether you’re trying to improve your health, become more consistent with exercise, perform better at work, or simply feel like yourself again, learning how to rest without guilt may be one of the most important skills you develop. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it’s only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Learn the signs and how to help yourself – I’m also here to help! 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why so many high-achievers believe they have to “earn” rest The hidden cost of constantly pushing through How chronic stress impacts your nervous system and performance Why recovery is one of the most productive things you can do Five “permission slips” to help you redefine your relationship with rest Practical ways to create recovery before burnout happens Check out these other relevant episodes: 259. How to Stay Consistent When You Don’t Feel Like It 255. Your Brain is Addicted to Being Busy: Why High Achievers Struggle to Slow Down 253. The Nervous System Audit: How to Know if Stress is Sabotaging Your Life Do you have nutrition and fitness goals? I’m your coach!  If you’re tired of feeling scattered, inconsistent, and overwhelmed trying to balance your career and your health, I can help. Inside my 1:1 coaching program, we simplify your training, nutrition, and routines so they actually fit your life – while helping you feel more focused, regulated, and in control. Apply to work with me by clicking here. #ShredStrong: Our Next Month Starts on Monday, July 6, 2026! #ShredStrong is my year-round strength training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists. You can join any time you want, but why not now?! Learn more about the program and sign-up HERE!  Keywords: nervous system regulation, chronic stress recovery, productivity and burnout, why rest is important, recovery for high achievers, stress management, overwhelmed professionals, work-life balance, mental exhaustion, nervous system health

  6. 6월 19일

    260. Why You Can’t Find Time to Workout

    Do you constantly feel too busy to exercise? Are your workouts the first thing to disappear when life gets hectic? If so, in this episode of Making Shift Happen, we discuss why so many busy professionals struggle to prioritize fitness and health, and how to create a realistic schedule that supports long-term consistency. You’ll learn why “finding time” doesn’t work, how your calendar reflects your priorities, and simple strategies to schedule workouts without guilt, overwhelm, or perfectionism. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it’s only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Learn the signs and how to help yourself – I’m also here to help! 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why busy professionals struggle to make time for exercise The biggest scheduling mistakes people make How to prioritize health when life feels overwhelming The minimum effective dose of exercise for health and longevity Why consistency matters more than perfection How to schedule workouts around energy, not motivation Building realistic habits that fit a busy life Check out these other relevant episodes: 259. How to Stay Consistent When You Don’t Feel Like It 258. The Optimization Trap: Why Doing More Isn’t Helping 255. Your Brain is Addicted to Being Busy: Why High Achievers Struggle to Slow Down 253. The Nervous System Audit: How to Know if Stress is Sabotaging Your Life Do you have nutrition and fitness goals? I’m your coach!  If you’re tired of feeling scattered, inconsistent, and overwhelmed trying to balance your career and your health, I can help. Inside my 1:1 coaching program, we simplify your training, nutrition, and routines so they actually fit your life – while helping you feel more focused, regulated, and in control. Apply to work with me by clicking here. #ShredStrong: Our Next Month Starts on Monday, July 6, 2026! #ShredStrong is my year-round strength training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists. You can join any time you want, but why not now?! Learn more about the program and sign-up HERE!  Keywords: how to make time for exercise, busy professional fitness, how to stay consistent with workouts, exercise for busy people, health and fitness habits, work life balance and exercise, scheduling workouts, fitness for professionals, healthy habits for busy adults

  7. 6월 12일

    259. How to Stay Consistent When You Don’t Feel Like It

    How do you stay consistent when you don’t feel motivated? In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re discussing one of the most important skills for long-term success: learning how to show up even when you don’t feel like it. Whether you’re trying to improve your fitness, build healthier habits, grow your business, or simply become more consistent, relying on motivation alone isn’t enough. Sustainable progress comes from taking action despite imperfect circumstances. You’ll learn simple, practical strategies to overcome resistance, stop waiting for the perfect moment, and build the kind of self-trust that creates lasting results. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it’s only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Learn the signs and how to help yourself – I’m also here to help! 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why motivation is unreliable The difference between motivation and consistency How to build self-trust through action Why lowering the bar can improve habit adherence The Five-Minute Rule for overcoming procrastination How to stop negotiating with yourself Why progress is messy (and why that’s okay!) Simple ways to stay consistent during stressful seasons of life Check out these other relevant episodes: 258. The Optimization Trap: Why Doing More Isn’t Helping 255. Your Brain is Addicted to Being Busy: Why High Achievers Struggle to Slow Down 253. The Nervous System Audit: How to Know if Stress is Sabotaging Your Life Do you have nutrition and fitness goals? I’m your coach!  If you’re tired of feeling scattered, inconsistent, and overwhelmed trying to balance your career and your health, I can help. Inside my 1:1 coaching program, we simplify your training, nutrition, and routines so they actually fit your life – while helping you feel more focused, regulated, and in control. Apply to work with me by clicking here. #ShredStrong: Our Next Month Starts on Monday, July 6, 2026! #ShredStrong is my year-round strength training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists. You can join any time you want, but why not now?! Learn more about the program and sign-up HERE!  Keywords: how to stay consistent, motivation vs discipline, habit formation, overcoming procrastination, self discipline, consistency tips, mindset for success, healthy habits, personal growth, behavior change

  8. 6월 5일

    258. The Optimization Trap: Why Doing More Isn’t Helping

    Do you feel like you’re constantly searching for the next supplement, habit, routine, or biohack to improve your health and performance through optimization? In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we explore the hidden stress of optimization culture and why many high-achievers are accidentally making themselves more overwhelmed in the pursuit of self-improvement. You’ll learn why the basics still matter most, how over-optimization can contribute to nervous system dysregulation, and the five foundational habits that create sustainable health, energy, and performance. Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it’s only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Learn the signs and how to help yourself – I’m also here to help! 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why optimization culture creates more stress The difference between fundamentals and biohacks How overthinking health can contribute to nervous system dysregulation The 5 foundational habits that matter most Why simplicity often outperforms complexity Check out these other relevant episodes: 257. Are You High Functioning but Actually Exhausted? Nervous System Signs You’re Ignoring 255. Your Brain is Addicted to Being Busy: Why High Achievers Struggle to Slow Down 253. The Nervous System Audit: How to Know if Stress is Sabotaging Your Life Do you have nutrition and fitness goals? I’m your coach!  If you’re tired of feeling scattered, inconsistent, and overwhelmed trying to balance your career and your health, I can help. Inside my 1:1 coaching program, we simplify your training, nutrition, and routines so they actually fit your life – while helping you feel more focused, regulated, and in control. Apply to work with me by clicking here. #ShredStrong: Our Next Month Starts on Monday, July 6, 2026! #ShredStrong is my year-round strength training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists. You can join any time you want, but why not now?! Learn more about the program and sign-up HERE!  Keywords: nervous system regulation, stress management for high achievers, biohacking burnout, wellness overwhelm, optimization culture, healthy habits for busy professionals, chronic stress recovery, simplify your health, nervous system audit, self-improvement burnout

소개

Jen Kates from Making Shift Happen reveals all of her evidence-based strategies for living a healthier and more vibrant life that fits with your busy schedule. Her methods show you how to experience food and fitness freedom, which means you don’t spend endless hours each day in the gym without guidance and clarity or in the kitchen meal prepping your life away. It also means you don’t spend an insane amount of time thinking about food – because, let’s be real: there are a LOT more important things to think about. Through this podcast, you’ll be empowered with the simple steps you can take today in order to create and live your own badass life and make shift happen. Mountain biking and gravel cycling are common topics woven in, so join the ride with Jen.