Talk Gnarly To Me

Would You Rather: Mountain Biking EditionJulia and Steph keep things light in this playful mountain biking conversation, trading trail updates, crash recovery context, and a long run of ridiculous "would you rather" scenarios. It is a casual, funny episode built more for laughs than instruction, with both hosts clearly leaning into the absurdity.In this episode, Julia and Steph also recap recent rides around PMP, Flagstaff, Meteoride, Brookbank, and Full Sail, including a trail closure and helicopter rescue on the trail. They then spend most of the episode debating mountain bike-specific hypotheticals, from braking problems and wet gear to exposure, bike setups, and awkward trailhead situations.Key topicsJulia and Steph recap their recent rides, including a beginner ride at PMP and a Flagstaff day that ended up on Meteoride and Brookbank instead of Full Sail.They discuss the trail closure and helicopter rescue on Full Sail, including how unpredictable search and rescue costs can be.Steph shares that Meteoride felt exposed but went well, while Julia says she was still mentally affected by her earlier crash.They talk about gatekeeper features and how one hard move can shape the rest of a rider's confidence on a trail.The episode shifts into a mountain biking "would you rather" game with increasingly ridiculous scenarios.They compare awful choices like being cold and wet for hours versus climbing forever, or riding downhill with only a front brake versus climbing with only the hardest gear.They debate whether they'd rather shuttle friends for six months with no riding or only climb for a month.They weigh exposure-heavy options like White Line in Sedona versus a Whistler trip with a free dream bike.They get into absurd equipment problems, including farting suspension, a bell that plays John Cena’s theme, wet socks versus wet gloves, and a mystery headset rattle.The episode ends with more style-based hypotheticals, like riding in roadie spandex, thong bikini bottoms, or with ridiculous eyelashes and fake nails.Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.Instagram:TGTMStephJuliaSound Design:Loui StrumOur website:tgtmpod.comOur email:[email protected]

Fear, intuition, and how to tell the difference on the trailSteph and Julia break down how fear shows up in mountain biking, why it changes as your skills grow, and how intuition can feel a lot like fear in the moment. They get specific about the kinds of features that trigger each feeling, from exposure and steep slabs to drops, OTB risk, and night riding. This episode is especially useful for newer riders who assume advanced riders are fearless. Steph and Julia show that fear is normal, useful, and something you can learn to read instead of ignore.In this episode we chat about: How fear in mountain biking evolves rather than disappears, even for experienced riders.Why OTB risk is one of Julia’s biggest fears, especially on steep, slabby, awkward entries.How exposure affects Steph and why trails with serious consequences feel different.The difference between fearing a feature and fearing a situation that feels out of your control.Steph’s scary drop and how fear changes as your skills improve.Why certain steep trails can feel scarier than bigger, more obvious features.How to distinguish fear, intuition, and impulse in the moment.Personal cues that help riders decide whether to push through or back off.How self-talk, visualization, and reframing fear as excitement can reduce panic.Why fear is a normal part of mountain biking—and how to use it for better risk assessment.Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.Instagram:TGTMStephJuliaSound Design:Loui StrumOur website:tgtmpod.comOur email:[email protected]

Motivation, mountain biking, and staying consistentSteph and Julia sit down with archaeologist and postdoc researcher Jayde Hirniak for their first interview episode, and the conversation turns into a real talk on motivation, confidence, and what keeps riders showing up. Jayde shares how mountain biking became the outlet that carried her through graduate school, and how the same mindset that helped her earn a PhD also shows up on the trail.In this episode, we hear from Steph, Julia, and Jayde as they swap origin stories, compare ride notes, and unpack how community, structure, and a little bit of ambition can keep you moving even when you are not feeling it.Key topicsJayde shares how she went from a casual bike rider to mountain biker, starting with a Walmart bike, then a $400 hardtail, and eventually falling in love with the sport.In this episode, Jayde explains that mountain biking became her sanity outlet during her PhD, especially through the fatigue and transition of finishing graduate school and starting postdoc life.We discuss how motivation is not constant, and how low periods are often where growth happens if you keep showing up in some form.Jayde breaks down her personal motivation system into three tiers: dreaming, remembering your why, and setting different scales of goals.Steph and Jayde talk about how tiny wins matter, from just getting on the bike to walking the dogs, doing dishes, or crossing one task off a list.Julia shares that fun is her biggest motivator, especially because biking gives her a physical challenge and a mental reset away from everyday adult responsibilities.The group talks about accountability, especially riding with friends, making plans, and being willing to invite people even when the answer is probably no.Jade explains how her biggest mountain biking accomplishment was conquering the Snotch on  the Whole Enchilada in Moab UT, including the psychological side of committing to a feature that looks far harder than it is.We discuss the value of mentors and role models, from academic guidance to mountain biking inspiration, and how seeing someone skilled and down to earth can change what feels possible.The conversation closes on the idea that ego can block progress, while community, structure, and a playful mindset can keep riding fun and sustainable.Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.Instagram:TGTMStephJuliaSound Design:Loui StrumOur website:tgtmpod.comOur email:[email protected]

Talk Gnarly to Me: What’s in our mountain biking bagsSteph and Julia do a full bag dump of their mountain biking gear, comparing what actually lives in their ride bags, what’s purely emergency backup, and what they keep carrying even though they barely use it. The conversation turns into a practical, funny inventory of trail essentials, desert-specific gear, and the real-world mistakes that shape what goes in a pack. It’s part gear check, part trail-safety chat, and part coaching talk, with a surprise fan-mail unboxing at the end. If you ride in hot, dusty conditions or just want to know what experienced riders actually carry, there’s a lot to steal from this one.Key topicsSteph breaks down her three-bag system: a car duffel, a hip pack, and a coaching bag, each with a different jobJulia compares her simpler setup and explains why she keeps a hand pump, spoons, and cactus tools instead of trusting her tire gadgetBoth hosts talk through hydration habits, including extra water bottles, bladder cleaning, and why water bottles often beat bladdersThey cover desert ride essentials like sunblock, lip balm, eye drops, cooling towels, and backup layers for Arizona’s surprise cold morningsEmergency gear gets a lot of attention: first aid kits, hemostats, gauze, saline, bandages, gloves, and nosebleed suppliesThe hosts share real stories of flats, failed CO2 cartridges, a tire explosion scare, and why hand pumps are a must-have backupSteph explains her coaching kit, including cones, two-by-fours, and how she uses them to build rider confidence on obstaclesThere’s a long detour into trail-specific tools, like tire plugs, chain tools, multi-tools, and the mystery items neither host fully understandsThey talk about what to carry on group rides versus solo rides, especially when riding with newer or unknown ridersThe episode ends with fan mail from Erik Lantz, who sent them Arizona mountain biking guidebooks and sparked ideas for a future history-focused episodeLink to Fat Tire Tales and Trailshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0966476905?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackJust a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.Instagram:TGTMStephJuliaSound Design:Loui StrumOur website:tgtmpod.comOur email:[email protected]

Showdown Bikes for Kids with Shawn StenmarkThis mini episode of Talk Gnarly to Me introduces Shawn Stenmark and the upcoming Showdown Bikes 4 Kids race at Usery Park in Mesa AZ. Shawn explains how the event supports FE Racing and Bikes 4 Kids, with funds going directly toward getting local kids quality bikes, helmets, and safety gear. We also cover what makes this year different: the “I wanna rock” theme, a live band, costume contests, youth involvement, and the community-first spirit that keeps the event grassroots and fun.Key topicsIn this episode: Shawn Stenmark shares the story behind Showdown Bikes for Kids and how the event evolved from its original roots into a fundraiser run by FE Racing and Bikes 4 Kids.The organization’s mission is to help put kids on bikes in the East Valley, with most of the fun funds going to bike purchases, helmets, locks, and support gear.Local schools help identify kids in need, and those students submit essays about what a bike would mean to them before receiving a bike.The giveaway bikes are not cheap entry-level toys - Shawn emphasizes they’re quality mountain bikes meant to last.The Showdown takes place at Usery Park and is built around a full eight-hour race with solo, duo, quad, youth, and shorter one- and two-lap options.This year’s theme is “I wanna rock”, with costumes, a live band, and additional event energy meant to make it more than just a race.Shawn highlights the fun side of the event, including mystery obstacles, random skill games, dance-offs, a kids race, a bacon station, and a costume contest with cash prizes.We hope you’ll come out to the event and have some fun with us!Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.Bikes 4 kidshttps://bikes4kids.net/Instagram:TGTMStephJuliaSound Design:Loui StrumOur website:tgtmpod.comOur email:[email protected] 

Mountain Biking Trip Favorites, Bucket List Destinations, and a Few Geography DetoursJulia Biddle and Steph compare favorite mountain biking trips, the kinds of terrain they love most, and the destinations they still want to ride. They also swap stories from van life, bike parks, and a few memorable crashes that made certain trips unforgettable. In this episode, they talk through the logistics and reality of bike travel, from lift service parks to day trips closer to home. If you like mountain bike destination talk mixed with honest trail ratings, this one covers a lot of ground.Key topicsJulia shares that her favorite trip was a Flagstaff ride with her best friend from Colorado, riding Full Sail and a bike park with their kids nearby.Steph says her favorite all around trip was the summer van life bike tour, even though it came with major logistics, dogs, a cat, and plenty of breakdown moments.They compare the difference between dreamy van life social media and the actual work of living and riding out of a van for months.Steph breaks down favorite bike park stops from the trip, including Trestle, Purgatory, Duluth, and the surprisingly good riding in the Midwest.They revisit the now infamous "you peaked in Colorado" moment, which came after Steph felt like she had been riding stronger in Colorado and Utah than later in Ohio.Both agree that their ideal long term riding home would still be Arizona, because it offers desert tech plus access to trees and more varied terrain nearby.They talk bucket list destinations like Whistler, Switzerland, North Carolina, New Zealand, Tasmania, Oman, and Nepal.The conversation turns into a map check and geography corrections, including Nepal, Tasmania, and a few other places neither speaker was fully confident about.They name favorite closer to home riding spots like Valmont Bike Park, Virginia Canyon, Prescott, Flagstaff, and Salt Lake City area trails.The episode closes with a reminder that bike progress usually comes with some crashes, scars, and a few very weird stories.Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.Instagram:TGTMStephJuliaSound Design:Loui StrumOur website:tgtmpod.comOur email:[email protected]

Things We Wish We Knew When We Started Mountain BikingJulia and Steph look back on their first rides, early crashes, and the hard lessons that shaped how they ride now. This episode is equal parts beginner advice and real talk about mindset, coaching, fueling, gear, and trail etiquette, with plenty of stories from the messy early days that every new rider can learn from this episode:Julia and Steph share their first biking memories, from grassy hills and neighborhood rides to taking an old bike into the woods and getting instantly hooked.Steph talks about her very first mountain bike ride on Josh’s oversized Giant and the immediate crash that launched her over the bike onto a rock.They both reflect on how crashes shaped their early years, with Steph saying the first two to three years counted as a good ride if she did not crash.The conversation breaks down foundational skills that help new riders progress, including level pedals, heavy feet, light hands, eyes up, and using one finger on the brake.They explain why riding your own ride matters more than matching faster riders, especially when ego or peer pressure pushes beginners beyond their skill level.Nutrition gets a big focus, including why proper fueling before, during, and after rides can prevent bonking, improve performance, and keep rides fun.They discuss why trail mix is not always the best ride fuel, and why carbs usually work better during hard efforts.Protective gear comes up as a confidence tool, not a badge of legitimacy, with a strong recommendation to buy a proper mountain bike helmet and wear pads if they help you ride better.They get into trail etiquette and social etiquette, including why unsolicited advice can be frustrating and why asking if someone wants help should come first.Steph shares why coaching can still be valuable even if you ride with better friends, and why learning from coaches with similar body proportions can sometimes make a big difference.Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.Link to our group ride on 8/8/26https://facebook.com/events/s/tgtm-intermediateadvanced-begi/1027489750035383/Instagram:TGTMStephJuliaSound Design:Loui StrumOur website:tgtmpod.comOur email:[email protected]

Starting NEXT WEEK, all of our episodes will be recorded with our brand new, super fancy (and kind of hard to figure out how to use) microphones!! 🎙️ Thank you for being patient with us as we learn how to make sound work! Your continues support means more to us than you know.Balancing Mountain Biking and Real Life: Tips for Juggling a Busy ScheduleIn this episode, we explore practical strategies for fitting mountain biking into a hectic lifestyle. From managing multiple jobs and family commitments to staying organized and prioritizing self-care, we share insights that can help you make room for riding without feeling overwhelmed.Key topics - 5-10 bulletsThe importance of structured planning and calendar management for fitting rides into busy weeksHow living close to trails can save time and increase riding frequencyThe role of meal prep and organization in freeing up time for mountain bikingStrategies for involving family and communicating your riding schedule to reduce guiltThe physical and mental benefits of strength training for mountain bikersBalancing workout routines with riding days to maximize performance and recoverySeasonal and life changes that impact riding frequency, with tips for adaptationThe value of community support and celebrating small riding winsTips for managing mental health and emotional well-being when life gets stressfulThe importance of rest days and listening to your body's needsJust a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.Instagram:TGTMStephJuliaSound Design:Loui StrumOur website:tgtmpod.comOur email:[email protected]

*We want to thank everyone that has supported our show so far, it means more to us than you know! And we want you to know that we have heard your kind and constructive feedback about our sound, and we officially have new microphones! We are still getting them dialed in, so this episode and the episode we're releasing next Friday will still have our old mics, since they were recorded before we got the new ones, but after that we will have a much clearer and louder sound! Thank you for your patience as we continue to learn how to do this well and strive to improve with every episode we record!*In this episode of Talk Gnarly to Me, Julia and Steph dive into the ups and downs of mountain biking, including why failure is a necessary part of progress, how to set realistic goals, and what it takes to break out of a riding slump. They also explore how social media can distort the reality of improvement, and why patience, repetition, and smart decision-making matter just as much as raw talent.Embracing failure is part of improving and progressing in mountain bikingGetting out of a riding slump starts with resetting expectations and mindsetSetting realistic goals helps keep motivation high and progress achievableSocial media can make progress look cleaner and faster than it really isBody position, trail reading, and gear choice all affect riding performanceStrava can be fun, but competition metrics can also be misleadingSmall milestones like PRs and segment wins build long-term confidencePracticing tricky features repeatedly helps simulate race conditions and improve skillsTrail knowledge and smart gear shifting can make climbing more efficientSuccess in mountain biking comes from patience, repetition, and learning from mistakesInstagram:TGTMStephJuliaSound Design:Loui StrumOur website:tgtmpod.comOur email:[email protected]

Discover how group rides foster growth, camaraderie, and discovery in mountain biking. Join Julia and Steph as they share personal stories, safety tips, and insights into building a vibrant biking community.In this episode:🚵 The significance of group rides for skill development and community building📋 Differences between formal and informal group rides, including leadership and safety considerations🤝 Personal anecdotes on how group riding contributed to riding confidence and friendships🌱 Tips for organizing inclusive rides for all skill levels🗺️ How trail naming and local knowledge enhance ride experience⛑️ Safety essentials: gear, hydration, communication, and trail awareness👋 Opportunities for newcomers: making group rides approachable and welcoming📱 The role of social media and local bike shops in organizing ridesLeave a Review & Subscribe:If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and subscribe for more insights into mountain biking and community stories. Don't forget to set your downloads to auto for new episodes released every Friday! Join the Community:Follow us on Instagram for polls, upcoming rides, and community updates. Your participation helps us create more exciting, fun, and safe riding experiences for everyone! Enjoy your next ride, and remember, community is the heart of mountain biking!Instagram:TGTMStephJuliaSound Design:Loui Strum

In this episode, Julia and Steph share practical insights and funny stories about trail etiquette, emphasizing the importance of respectful riding to preserve access and harmony among trail users. Whether you're new or experienced, understanding these principles helps foster community and protects the trails we love.Key topics:🌲 The significance of trail etiquette in maintaining access and positive relationships with other trail users🐴 Priority rules: horses always yield first, mountain bikers yield to hikers uphill, and proper passing protocols♻️ Leave No Trace principles adapted for mountain biking, including staying on the trail and avoiding rock cairns🚦 Managing trail conditions and closures due to weather, heat, or maintenance😅 Different types of trail users: courteous vs. rude, cheery vs. panicked, and supportive vs. dismissive🩹 Safety tips: keeping headphones out, being prepared with water and first aid supplies🤝 The importance of helping fellow riders in emergencies and supporting a respectful community🚴 Group riding etiquette: punctuality, attitude, lead and sweep roles, and respecting pace variabilityIf you loved this episode we hope you'll leave us a review, share our show with your MTB bestie, and follow us on Instagram!Instagram:TGTMStephJuliaSound Design:Loui Strum

Join us for another Episode of Talk Gnarly to Me, today we are talking about all things confidence related. We hope you love listening to this episode, if so please leave us a rating and a review!🎙️ Confidence grows through intentional skill practice, not just time on the bike.💪 Practicing specific moves in controlled settings builds real trust in your abilities.🧠 Overcoming fear creates a mental blueprint that makes future challenges feel more possible.🚧 Treating failure as part of progress helps turn setbacks into lessons.👏 Support from your riding community can amplify self-belief fast.🪞 Recalling past wins is a powerful way to reset your mindset before a tough feature.🚵 Mountain biking can shift how you see yourself beyond just technical skill.🔥 Progress on the bike can boost confidence in everyday life too.🌟 Small victories, like nailing one feature, can change your whole outlook.🚀 The biggest gains come from pushing through discomfort with consistency.Follow us on Instagram:Talkgnarlytome.podStephJuliaSound Design:Loui Strum Music

In this episode, Julia and Steph explore how mountain biking fosters a vibrant sense of community, supports confidence, and bridges social gaps. They share personal stories, practical tips, and insights into the supportive mountain biking culture that extends beyond the trails.How mountain biking shapes friendship networks, especially in new environments like Phoenix and Indiana.The balancing act of maintaining mountain biking friendships and non-mountain biking relationships.The unique social dynamic of riding in groups, including the roles of sweepers and the supportive community.The advantages of riding as a woman and the importance of allies, including supportive men in the sport.Navigating fear, safety, and the unspoken support system on the trails.How mountain biking contributes to personal confidence and self-acceptance.The social aspect of mountain biking, including off-trail activities like dance shows and gatherings.Challenges of non-mountain biking events: how riders share their passion and relate to non-mountain biking friends.The importance of community online: Facebook groups, local ride events, and social media as tools for connection.Encouragement that mountain biking is inclusive and accessible, even for beginners or those curious to try.H Bro Facebook Group — Phoenix-area mountain biking communityInstagram: talkgnarlytome.podOur website: tgtmpod.com

Talk Gnarly to Me: Intro Episode- Welcome to the Mountain Biking CommunityKick off with us as we introduce ourselves, share our mountain biking journeys, and discuss what makes mountain biking such a gnarly and community-driven sport. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just curious, this episode sets the tone for authentic conversations about bikes, trails, and the lifestyle.Main Topics:Personal mountain biking stories from Julia and StephThe evolution of mountain biking from curiosity to passionThe role of community and how to get involvedFavorite local trails and riding spotsThe challenges and barriers to entry in the sportOur motivation for starting this podcastIn this episode:Julia's transition from Colorado to Phoenix and her mountain biking originsSteph's journey from Indiana to becoming a mountain biker and coachThe impact of watching Red Bull Rampage and riding with friendsHow mountain biking built confidence and provided mental challengeOur insights on local trails like 24th Street and Dragon's SpineThe importance of community events and encouraging more women to rideBikes we ride: Pivot Mach 6 and Yeti SV 140 and how we chose themBehind-the-scenes fun and the dogs' cameoTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and podcast introduction00:43 - Setting up for the debut episode01:05 - Discussing camera angles and technical setup01:58 - Our personal mountain biking stories and backgrounds03:01 - Why we love mountain biking and how we started04:00 - Julia’s journey from Colorado, Moab, and downhill biking05:54 - Steph's early experiences and transitioning into mountain biking07:21 - The influence of Rampage and riding with friends08:50 - How mountain biking changed our perspectives on injuries and confidence10:15 - The thrill of races, jumps, and pushing limits11:40 - Motivational moments and mental resilience in biking12:33 - The joy of downhill riding and exploring bike parks13:31 - How mountain biking helps build confidence and mental strength14:48 - The mindset shift: climbing to enjoy the descent16:14 - First ride memories together: local trails and heat17:43 - Favorite trails in Phoenix and trail diversity19:46 - Community and events to keep the sport alive20:41 - The unique social and cultural aspects of mountain biking23:12 - Future episodes focusing on MTB life and community stories24:40 - Bike setups: Pivot Mach 6 and Yeti SV 14027:33 - Wrapping up and dog’s signals to endThanks for tuning in! Join us next week as we dive into what MTB life really looks like—be prepared for honest stories, tips, and maybe a few epic fails. Until then, stay gnarly and get out there on your bike!