Above the Ashes: Kevin Conley Jr. on Riding Across America

Join me in this heartfelt episode as I dive into the inspiring journey of Kevin Conley Jr., a wildland firefighter turned author and long-distance cyclist. Known online as Backcountry Ninjas, Kevin opens up about his darkest moments, including a suicide attempt, and how the simple act of riding a bike became his path to healing. Kevin’s story is one of deep resilience and courage—riding across the U.S. with his loyal dog Rocky to raise awareness for mental health and support causes like the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. He shares how cycling helped him reconnect with himself and find purpose after trauma, and how he's using his voice to advocate for vulnerability, mental health awareness, and dreaming beyond your limits. Discover the powerful lessons Kevin shares in his memoir, Above the Ashes, and be inspired by his raw honesty, his love for the open road, and the healing strength of community. This episode is a reminder of the strength it takes to keep going—and the hope that can be found in even the toughest moments. --- Follow Kevin Conley Jr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountryninjas/  Above the Ashes Memoir: https://www.kevintheauthor.com/  Kids Book: https://www.barkrangerbooks.com/  --- 🎁 Discounts for Zone2Speak Listeners! Use code ZONE2SPEAK to save on top-tier performance and wellness products: 🚴‍♂️ Cycplus Smart Pump – 10% off (plus 5% off everything else) A compact, powerful pump ideal for cyclists and endurance athletes Shop Cycplus: https://www.cycplus.com/?ref=zone2speak 🌍 Down the Road – 15% off High-performance cycling apparel built for comfort and style Shop Down the Road: https://downtheroad.cc 🧬 OLEUS – 15% off Science-backed supplements focused on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Thoughtfully formulated to support active lifestyles. Shop OLEUS: https://oleus.com/ Use code: ZONE2SPEAK15 🥤 Nuzest – 15% off Clean, plant-based protein designed to support recovery and performance without artificial additives Shop Nuzest: https://www.nuzest.co.uk/zone2speak ☕ Clearly Not Coffee – 10% off A functional blend of cacao, mushrooms, maca, and adaptogens for calm energy and focus Shop Clearly Not Coffee: https://clearly.eu/zone2speak 🍃 Codeage – 10% off A leading supplement brand offering collagen, vitamins, liposomal blends, probiotics, and more Shop Codeage: https://www.codeage.com/ 🎧 Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones – £10 off Designed for situational awareness while training outdoors Shop Shokz: https://uk.shokz.com?sca_ref=8382102.Xbr34XfTZS&utm_source=website&utm_medium=affiliate_program&utm_campaign=ukaffiliate_standard-podcast-commission_juliana-veterano_8382102 🔇 Loop Earplugs – 10% off Earplugs to reduce noise and control sensory overload to help you focus Shop Loops: https://loop-earplugs.sjv.io/zone2speak Use code: AFF_ZONE2SPEAK10 🧴 Fre Skincare – 35% off Skincare designed specifically for active lifestyles and skin that sweats Shop Fre Skincare: https://www.freskincare.com/zone2speak 💪 First Endurance – 20% off Trusted by elite endurance athletes for science-backed nutrition, fueling, and recovery Shop First Endurance: https://firstendurance.com/?avad=407293_a3fef4821 🥣 Huel – Nutritionally complete meals High-protein, plant-based meals packed with essential nutrients—perfect for busy athletes Shop Huel: https://uk.huel.com/pages/loudcrowd-ambassador?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=loudcrowd&lc_ambassador_id=Y3VzdG9tZXI6NTgzNTY3OA Use code: ZONE2SPEAK 🌿 Genki Wellness – 25% off Personalized nutrition and coaching for sustainable wellness Shop Genki Wellness: https://www.bemoregenki.com 🏋️‍♂️ OMRE Supplements – 15% off Premium supplements to support strength, stamina, and recovery Shop OMRE: https://omresupplements.com 💪 Save on top products to elevate your health, performance, and recovery! --- To all of my listeners, thank you for your continued support! Follow Zone2Speak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zone2speak/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zone2speak/videos  Follow Host Juliana V: https://www.instagram.com/this.is.juliana.v/