The Human Reboot Project

middletonjay
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What if one day you found your life upended? Maybe it was a cancer diagnosis, the death of a loved one or an accident that left you without the use of your limbs.  Would you use it as a chance to start fresh? To reboot your life and yourself.  The Human Reboot Project is about ordinary humans who have done just that. Faced with extraordinary circumstances they found a way to reach for new limits, 180 lives or reboot themselves  completely.  Welcome to The Human Reboot Project.

  1. FEB 25

    Choosing a Life of Adventure by Bike with Ryan Van Duzer

    What happens when you choose to experience life from behind the handlebars of a "freedom machine" and never look back? In this episode, I sit down with legendary content creator and cyclist Ryan Van Duzer. We dive deep into his journey from a childhood health scare in Boulder to becoming a global advocate for the "goodness of humanity." Ryan opens up about his mother's influence on his resilience, his "emotional paycheck" of inspiring others, and why he’s tackling the Great Divide again in 2026. It’s a masterclass in living with intention and choosing adventure.   About Ryan Van Duzer   Ryan Van Duzer is a professional adventurer, motivational speaker, and content creator with over 200,000 YouTube subscribers on Duzer TV. A lifelong cyclist who has never owned a car, he uses his global expeditions to advocate for self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and the inherent kindness of strangers.   Duzer TV https://www.duzertv.com   People for Bikes https://www.peopleforbikes.org   Bikepacking Roots https://bikepackingroots.org

    59 min

  2. JAN 28

    The Aloha Episode with Savio P. Clemente

    For Episode 12 of The Human Reboot Project, I sat down with Savio P. Clemente, a man who didn't just hit the reset button—he rewired the whole machine. Savio is a board-certified wellness coach, author, and a two-time cancer survivor who views his recent stem cell transplant not merely as a medical procedure, but as a literal "medical rebirth." We dive deep into his journey from a stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis at age 38 to a brutal relapse ten years later. Savio opens up about the reality of a stem cell transplant—which gave him a second birthday and required him to get all his childhood vaccines again—and how he used that time to develop his philosophy of Adaptive Resilience. Unlike standard resilience (bouncing back after the fact), Savio teaches us how to flex and adapt while we are in the trenches of the crisis. We discuss his transition from the tech world to the wellness stage, his TEDx talk, and the "Aloha Reboot" framework that helps leaders and survivors alike navigate the storm. This episode is a masterclass in turning a health crisis into a catalyst for leadership and post-traumatic growth. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis or just life’s general chaos, Savio’s message of "catch and release" is the tool you need. Tune in to hear how a "medical rebirth" led to a life of purpose, advocacy, and grit.   Savio’s Tedx Talk https://youtu.be/J-DHtD2n0qo?si=Fi3AiDlNsjGNKN7W   Savio’s Website https://www.saviopclemente.com

    1h 9m

  3. JAN 16

    Intentional with Megan Hottman

    Can Being Hit by a Truck Really be one of the Best Things that Ever Happened to a Person? For Episode 11 of The Human Reboot Project, I sat down with a true force of nature: Megan Hottman. Megan is a national champion cyclist, an attorney, an author, and a woman who has redesigned her life around the philosophy of "hell yes or it's a no". We dove deep into the concept of intentional living. Megan shared how she transitioned from the grind of a traditional legal career to a life of "van life" and advocacy, driven by a desire to live on her own terms. We discussed the tragic death of her friend and fellow cyclist, Gwen Inglis, and the emotional weight of securing a record-setting $403 million verdict for Gwen's family—a "mic drop" moment that left Megan questioning what comes next. Megan also opened up about her own near-death experience, where she was struck by a motorist just two days before the criminal sentencing for Gwen's driver. She described this trauma as a "portal" that stripped her life down to the studs, leading her to write her upcoming book, Finding Enough in a World Wired for More. From "awe walks" to creating a legacy with PeopleForBikes, Megan’s story is a masterclass in turning trauma into purpose. Set to an electronic-pop vibe inspired by Big Wild, this episode is a wake-up call to stop following the script and chart your own course. Tune in to hear how getting hit by a truck became one of the best things to ever happen to her. Megan’s Website https://www.meganhottman.com Gwen’s Video https://youtu.be/gmEPzRGF_e4?si=bYNWSoyeaLFntx00 The Engine Inside https://www.engineinsidefilm.com People for Bikes https://foundation.peopleforbikes.org

    1h 39m

  4. JAN 14

    A Skater, a Skier, & a Cyclist - Surviving & Thriving

    For Episode 9 of The Human Reboot Project, I sat down with a trio of survivors who turned a diagnosis into a documentary. Meet Alejandro Daza, Christina Fisher, and Jeff Meskey—the stars of the AbbVie-sponsored film from Encompass Films, Second Winds. We dive deep into the reality of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL). If you’ve ever heard the medical term "watch and wait," you know it feels less like patience and more like holding a live grenade. My guests open up about that psychological burden, the confusion of being told you have the "good cancer," and the rollercoaster of treatments—from clinical trials to breakthrough drugs like Venetoclax. But this isn't just a medical discussion; it's a story of grit. Alejandro, a cyclist and engineer; Christina, a mountain biker and patient advocate; and Jeff, a skateboarding grandfather with a history of heart resilience, prove that a diagnosis doesn't mean the end of adventure. We talk about how they use the outdoors—whether it's shredding trails or just finding the energy to garden—to reclaim their identity and mental health. From bone marrow biopsy war stories to the dark humor required to survive the oncology ward, this episode is a masterclass in resilience. Tune in to hear how these three turned their "second wind" into a gale-force movement for hope and patient advocacy. Topics Covered: Understanding CLL/SLL: Navigating the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. The "Watch and Wait" Phase: The mental toll of monitoring the disease before treatment begins. Movement as Medicine: How cycling, skiing, and skateboarding aid in cancer recovery. Patient Advocacy: Moving from patient to advocate and the importance of second opinions. Second Winds: Behind the scenes of the documentary. Watch the Second Winds documentary to see their full story in action, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuoeKkE7Obg&t=50s Learn more and support those with CLL https://cllsociety.org Blood Cancer United https://bloodcancerunited.org   Encompass Films https://www.encompassfilms.com

    1h 18m

  5. JAN 7

    Movement as Medicine with Steph Lightfoot

    Meet Steph Lightfoot: British expat, mother of twins, trail runner in the French Alps, and a powerful force in the world of exercise oncology.   In this inspiring episode, host Jay Middleton speaks with Steph about her journey through a 2021 breast cancer diagnosis. Steph shares her candid and intense experience with treatment—including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a double mastectomy, and a crash menopause—and how she redefined her recovery.   Steph turned movement into her medicine, committing to a daily walking ritual through the darkest days of chemo and even cycling 100 kilometers just three weeks after her final treatment.   Now a dedicated cancer exercise specialist and coach, Steph discusses: The profound importance of personalized exercise and protein intake during and after cancer treatment. The proven power of coaching for accountability, citing a study that showed a 30% lower cancer recurrence rate for coached patients. Her life in the French Alps, her shift from endurance trail running to competing in a Half Iron Man (and winning her age group!), and her plans for a challenging Hyrox race. Her mission to help others navigate the "new normal," reclaim their strength, and use movement to find control and confidence after a life-altering diagnosis. Whether you're looking for motivation, seeking to understand the role of exercise in recovery, or just need to hear a story of ultimate resilience, this conversation with the unstoppable Steph Lightfoot is one you won't want to miss.   Links Mentioned in the Show   Steph’s Coaching Website https://www.cancercoach.me   Step’s Instagram @cancercoach.me   Mont Blanc Marathon https://www.marathonmontblanc.fr/en

    1h 7m

  6. 12/22/2025

    Brewing Resilience with Karen Hertz of Holidaily Brewing

    We usually talk to endurance athletes on The Human Reboot Project, but today we are bucking that trend to sit down with a different kind of champion: Karen Hertz, Founder and Chief Brewista of Holidaily Brewing. After surviving back-to-back diagnoses of melanoma and thyroid cancer in her 30s, Karen was given a strict recommendation to adopt a gluten-free diet. Unwilling to give up the camaraderie of a cold beer, she decided to create her own solution. Today, Holidaily is one of only 17 dedicated gluten-free breweries in the U.S. and fresh off a Gold Medal win at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival. In this episode, Karen shares her journey from working at Molson Coors to launching the only woman-owned dedicated gluten-free brewery in the country. We discuss how she turned a health crisis into a thriving business, why Holidaily is defying the odds in the craft beer industry, and her philosophy on making every day a holiday. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, positivity, and brewing world-class beer.   Links Mentioned in the Podcast   Holidaily Brewery https://holidailybrewing.com   Holidaily on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/holidailybrew/   Grouse Malt House https://grousemalthouse.com   The Celiac Cruise https://celiaccruise.com   Fat Randy’s Wipeout https://youtu.be/MX_Xrx4vwAQ?si=z0zw0EyAvLrDC67W

    51 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    Radiation & Chemo Can’t Stop this PCT Thru-Hiker, Dean Gay

    Already an accomplished long distance hiker, Dean found his plans to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) upended when he was diagnosed with head & neck cancer.  It would take more than six weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy to slow him down. In fact Dean’s diagnosis provided him with additional purposed as he chose to use the hike to help raise awareness of head and neck cancer and SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral and Head Cancer) Take a listen as we dive into not only the challenges of hiking the PCT, but also the added burden of hiking just a few months out of cancer treatment, the gear and fueling for walking thousands of miles and the joy that comes with finishing a challenge after battling a life threatening disease.   SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral and Head Cancer) https://www.spohnc.org Additional SPOHNC resources   Dean’s YouTube Channel, DEAN’S LIST https://www.youtube.com/@deanslist4458/featured   HPV Vaccine Information from the Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/in-depth/hpv-vaccine/art-20047292   Dean’s PCT Gear Review Post Hike https://youtu.be/ZwuZWgh4mb0?si=0yqrgM5VL3mKiGZ8   Melanzana - Home to the World’s Greatest (in my opinion) Hoody https://melanzana.com

    1h 4m

  8. 12/10/2025

    Garth Prosser - Part 2 An OG Legend of the Leadville 100 MTB and Ultra-Mountain Biking

    One episodes is not enough to contain all that is Garth Prosser. Sit back and enjoy round two of my interview with Garth In this episode, we dig deeper into Garth's cancer diagnosis. This interview is a must for anyone who is faced with their own diagnosis. Garth talks about confronting his own fears and moving through them. To finish the Leadville 100 MTB Trail Race once is an accomplishment unto itself but what about finishing it twenty three times? In today’s episode of The Human Reboot Project I sit down with former Specialized and Cannondale athlete Garth Prosser for a two part interview to talk about what it takes to complete the Leadville 100 MTB Trail Race twenty three times, dealing with and coming back from colon cancer and how one goes about becoming a legend of ultra-mountain bike and gravel racing.  A shout out to Garth for being so willing to speak frankly and honestly about his cancer diagnosis and how he rebooted and bounced back after a year long cancer journey.    Below is a list of resources for anyone who has more questions or needs more information about some of what Garth and I discussed. Colon Cancer Coalition -The Colon Cancer Coalition is dedicated to encouraging screening and raising awareness for colon cancer, funding local prevention, and supporting treatment efforts. https://coloncancercoalition.org Should you get the HPV vaccine? Who needs it and how does it works? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/in-depth/hpv-vaccine/art-20047292 Leadville, CO - useful since Garth and I both got lots of fact about Leadville wrong. https://leadville.com/leadville-a-small-city-with-a-big-history/ Leadville 100 MTB Trail Race https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/ National Ultra Endurance Series https://nuemtb.com

    1h 14m
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About

What if one day you found your life upended? Maybe it was a cancer diagnosis, the death of a loved one or an accident that left you without the use of your limbs.  Would you use it as a chance to start fresh? To reboot your life and yourself.  The Human Reboot Project is about ordinary humans who have done just that. Faced with extraordinary circumstances they found a way to reach for new limits, 180 lives or reboot themselves  completely.  Welcome to The Human Reboot Project.

Information

  • Creator
    middletonjay
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Human Reboot Project