My Back 40

Steve O'Shaughnessy
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My Back 40

A weekly (hopefully) conversations about bikepacking, training, nutrition and mental health. Subscribe and share to be inspired by conversations with weekend warriors and elite athletes alike.

  1. 4H AGO

    Until Death - A Novelette

    On February 20th, I lost my mom, Betty O’Shaughnessy, to cancer. She fought hard but in the end, cancer won the battle. I was encouraged to write while I was in Ontario with my family to support my mom during her final days, as a way to remain grounded. It was cathartic and despite writing being considered a distraction, it actually helped me to remain even more present and observant to all the tiny moments leading up to her death. I needed time to process my Mom’s passing before publishing this novelette. Still, it was hard to get through as this piece captured moments that, when re-read, whisked me back to the event and the raw emotions shared with my family. I won’t go on too much here as I want the story to speak for itself. Even though I thought I finished writing it, I feel as though I missed some important moments. One such moment was when my sister and I were going through old family photos, organizing them for the memorial service that took place only two days after her passing. This brought so much love and laughter into the space and I’m so grateful to have been able to share that with my family. Though this is a sad account and a chapter of my life that will forever be forged into my heart, I wanted to share it with you. I have never experienced loss like this before and I wasn’t sure how I would cope. Luckily, I have a number of loving and supportive people in my life and a community of My Back 40 listeners to lean on. If I haven’t already thanked you for reaching out with your thoughts, know that every word I received bolstered my strength and enabled me to get through this. Perhaps this is a little outside the box for My Back 40. For those of you who have been with me the last 5 years, you’ll know that part of this project is to not only share stories from amazing people, but to also share a little bit of my life too. Or maybe a lot. My hope is that by being vulnerable here, it will encourage others to do the same. Life is too short to not be our authentic selves. Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 Podcast Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout. Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40 Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout. Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support. Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!

  2. FEB 26

    175. Scott Losse - Uncle, Comedian, Biker, Snowboarder, IT Guy

    These are pretty f****d up times, so what better way to break the tension than with a conversation with Scott Losse. Uncle, Comedian, Biker, Snowboarder, IT guy - After seeing a string of laughable Reels about gravel bikes, anodized parts making you a better rider, and the joys of chihuahua ownership, I had to reach out to connect for a chat to get to know him better. Scott started doing stand-up in 2009 after being motivated by a person you wouldn’t expect, and since then has been featured on Dry Bar Comedy, Laughs on Fox, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. You can also check out his album Popular Doughnuts on Spotify This renaissance man was a blast to talk to and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 Podcast Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout. Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40 Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout. Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support. Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!

  3. 12/24/2024

    174. Andy Ward

    Andy Ward is a ferocious beast with the energy and fervour of a Scottish Red Squirrel. His speed and race results may be the first thing that catch attention, but it is his boundless positivity and joy that everyone remembers. Andy is the first to offer encouragement. He loves nothing more than discussing gear choices and ride strategy, and he is right there to celebrate everyone's victories with equal stoke. Mr Ward single handedly blew the doors off of the Lost Elephant by turning what was once a 2 plus day race into a 35 hour race, many people will never forgive him for this, but we will all respect him for it. The aspect of Andy that may have surprised me the most is his attention to detail and preparedness. He seems to always be tinkering and finding ways to make his setup more efficient. I really admire his grit and determination, his fitness speaks for itself, but most of all I am thankful for his friendship. This bikepacking world is a funny one filled with even funnier individuals and at the outer edges are the extra unique ones. Andy is leading the parade of that fringe group within the fringe. He is one of our fiercest competitors, our most courageous adventurers and our most eager cheerleaders. Thank you Andy for being you. There is no one that could do it better. Hugs and kisses. Nathan Siemens. Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 Podcast Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout. Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40 Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout. Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support. Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!

  4. 11/20/2024

    173. Solo

    In this episode I chat about winter riding, politics, motivation and mental health. This can be a hard time for many folks dealing with S.A.D.D. Thanks to the earth's tilt, we're seeing colder temperatures and less light. Just keep in mind that as if December 21st days are going to start to get longer again, so hang in there. Another significant date that is coming up is Blue Monday which happen on January 20th, 2025. Here's a Wiki about it. Deemed the saddest day of the year based on a multitude of factors, it's a time of higher than normal suicide levels. With this in mind, keep an eye on your loved ones. My advice? Try to find beauty in all things this winter. Layer up and get outside, especially on those blue bird sunny days. I guarantee it will give you a lift. Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 Podcast Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout. Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40 Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout. Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support. Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!

  5. 10/30/2024

    172. Have a Good Ride - Connecting the Adventure Cycling Community

    In this episode I speak with Nathan Siemens and Dean Dahl about their winter ultra ride called Cold Ride happening February 1st, 2025 with two options.FREEZIE 55km. 870m. Roll through beautiful single-track trails and quiet backroads for a fun adventure with amazing people. You got this! THE BIG CHILL 130km. 1700m. Take winter adventure to the next level riding epic backroads and trails showcasing postcard views of sweeping East Kootenay vistas. This route will challenge your limits in one of your most unique cycling adventures! Race for podium cash, or take your time to savour this unforgettable day out. We all know Nathan and his crew who develop the lost elephant ultra series so we don't need to go on about him haha. Dean is the founder of Have a Good Ride haveagoodride.com. They build experiences that connect great people, and beautiful places and help you accomplish good things in the world by doing something you love. All Goodride events support local charities who serve their community. Proceeds from your event registration will contribute to the good work of local volunteers who you will meet at the event! Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 Podcast Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout. Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40 Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout. Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support. Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling.

  6. 10/02/2024

    171. Lakeside Musings

    Well, it's been a summer of adventure and change. I haven't been around much taking a much needed sabbatical as I evaluate the next chapter of my life. There were many balls in the air the last few months; Unemployment, kid's being off for the summer, parenting schedule, coparenting challenges, potential re-education, travel and adventure. For those of you continuing to support me here on Patreon, I appreciate you. My hope is that this podcast is somewhat coherent and enjoyable. Thanks again Sponsored by Rollingdale Cycle Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout. Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40 Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout. Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support. Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support. Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!

  7. 08/21/2024

    170. Graham Mann - Taking the Helm of RollingDale Cycles

    In this episode, I bring you a conversation with Graham Mann the new man at the helm of RollingDale Cycles. It all started with a titanium hammer. This purchase led to Graham living his dream of building thoughtfully designed, high performance titanium bicycles for the discerning cyclist. Founded in 2016, Dale Marchand wanted to bring the world of custom bikes to the people who understood the importance of, not only the fit of the bike, but also the detail with which it is built. Every customer has a hand in the design so that the end product is one of the highest quality and performance possible. Graham's intention is continue this ethos as the new helmsman. You will hear in the conversation that Graham is passionate about what he does and can't wait to continue the legacy of RollingDale Cycles. I wanted to thank everyone for their continued support over the summer while I try to figure out life. I'll tell you more in my monologue what has been going on and what my future plans are. Again, thank you for your continued support. I love you all. Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout. Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40 Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout. Visit Rollingdale Cycle Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support. Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support. Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!

  8. 07/22/2024

    169. Nick Pollard on People Pleasing and Personal Growth

    In this episode I bring you a conversation with Nick Pollard. @thepeopledispleaser. Nick focuses on setting boundaries, people pleasing, and personal growth. Nick has been in the coaching space since around 2010. In those days, he was a dating coach helping men build confidence. Now he's about helping men to show up better. This is a part 1 so if you have any feedback about this podcast and want to send me questions to ask Nick when we connect for a part 2, send them my way. Nick is very direct and honest with his opinions. He pushes back on a couple of the things I say which always makes for a great conversation. I hope you enjoy this one and find some takeaways. Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout. Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40 Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout. Visit Rollingdale Cycle Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support. Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support. Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!

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About

A weekly (hopefully) conversations about bikepacking, training, nutrition and mental health. Subscribe and share to be inspired by conversations with weekend warriors and elite athletes alike.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve O'Shaughnessy
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    177
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    My Back 40

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