EPISODE · Feb 16, 2026 · 45 MIN
Episode 154: From Brain Tumor to Breakthrough: Riding 1,800 Miles Toward an Unscripted Life
from Everything & Anything...and a bit gay Podcast · host zach randles-friedman
In This Episode, We Discuss: Risa’s seven-year journey to finally being diagnosed with acromegaly Undergoing brain surgery and the emotional aftermath Grieving an old identity as an Ironman athlete and high-achiever Naming her brain tumor “Bubba” — and why it changed everything The dissolution of her 18-year marriage Falling in love with a woman and redefining her identity Choosing to ride 1,800 miles from Canada to Mexico Camping, rainstorms, and unexpected roadside magic (including Duchess Donuts 🍩) Learning that “life isn’t that big a deal” Letting go of perfectionism — one pair of socks at a time Why her story isn’t about the bike ride… it’s about taking action in your own life About Risa August: Risa is the author of The Road Unpaved, a memoir chronicling her journey through illness, identity, divorce, and reinvention. Through candid storytelling, she inspires readers to take bold steps toward living life on their own terms.Visit Risa's website: https://www.risaaugust.com/Follow Risa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risaunleashed Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
What happens when the life you carefully planned completely falls apart? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Zach sits down with Risa August, author of The Road Unpaved, whose world was upended by a rare pituitary disease, brain surgery, the end of her 18-year marriage, and a profound shift in identity. Instead of retreating, Risa chose something radical: she got on her bike and rode 1,800 miles from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Coast. What followed wasn’t just a physical journey—it was a reckoning. With perfectionism. With identity. With grief. With love. And with the question: Who am I now? Risa opens up about living seven years undiagnosed, naming her brain tumor “Bubba,” falling in love with a woman while her marriage was dissolving, and learning that life doesn’t have to be so tightly controlled to be meaningful. This episode is about resilience, reinvention, and discovering that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is let go.
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Episode 154: From Brain Tumor to Breakthrough: Riding 1,800 Miles Toward an Unscripted Life
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