EP 196: The Chaos with Erika Tvedten

On this episode of The Project Endure Podcast, Joe Rinaldi sits down with Erika Tvedten — dermatology resident, ultrarunner, and relentless pursuer of growth — for a raw and wide-ranging conversation about balancing ambition, anxiety, and the pursuit of meaning. Erika shares the reality behind her busy life, from training for a 100-mile race to navigating the pressures of residency and learning to manage stress, doubt, and mindset along the way. Joe and Erika explore how running serves as healing, strengthens resilience, and connects to overall health — including the impact of stress on skin, processing disappointment, and how unexpected detours can lead to meaningful growth. Together, Joe and Erika talk about the power of words, community, and the narratives we choose to live by — from the meaning of "abracadabra" ("I create as I speak") to the true definition of "compete" ("to strive together"). Erika opens up about the difficult decisions that shaped her, including stepping away from a long-term relationship and learning to trust herself through seasons of solitude and change. This episode is an honest, uplifting reminder that growth is often found in controlled chaos, that endurance extends far beyond sport, and that we're all capable of creating a life aligned with who we want to become. Give this episode a listen as we explore Erika's journey and what persistence, perspective, and endurance mean to her.   If you found value in this episode and would like to help us grow, please leave the podcast a review on your platform of choice and share it with a friend(s). We appreciate your support!   Follow Erika (here)   Follow Project Endure (here) Project Endure Coaching (here) Join The Hard Things Club (here) Shop Project Endure (here)   Follow Joe (here) Read Joe's Blog (here)