Find Your Challenge

SummaryWes Johnson, head coach of the University of Arizona women's triathlon team, shares his journey from elite athlete to successful coach. In just three years, he built a championship program, emphasizing the importance of balance, culture, and teamwork. The conversation explores the evolution of women's triathlon in NCAA, the challenges faced by collegiate athletes, and the critical role of coaching in developing both individual and team success. In this conversation, we explore the intricacies of coaching triathletes, focusing on training dynamics, monitoring athlete performance, and the balance between individual aspirations and team dynamics. The discussion highlights the importance of mental health, family, and personal growth, as well as the challenges of maintaining excellence in a competitive environment. The speaker shares insights on overcoming setbacks, the significance of values, and the future of triathlon in the U.S.TakeawaysWes Johnson built a championship program in three years.The importance of creating a balanced athlete.Coaching is about understanding individual potential.Team culture is crucial for success in triathlon.Recruiting the right athletes is key to building a program.The NCAA women's triathlon is an emerging sport.Athletes need to manage both physical and mental challenges.Creating a supportive environment fosters athlete growth.The balance between individual and team success is essential.Logistics play a significant role in collegiate athletics. Training sessions are tailored to individual needs and conditions.Monitoring athlete load includes both technology and personal observation.The balance between science and art is crucial in coaching.Setbacks are part of the journey; optimism is key.Competition brings external pressures that must be managed.Diversity in athlete backgrounds can enhance team dynamics.Youth engagement in triathlon is essential for growth.Family support plays a vital role in a coach's success.Maintaining personal health is crucial for effective coaching.Values and priorities must remain consistent amidst success.Chapters00:00 Building a Championship Program05:55 The Journey of Wes Johnson12:10 Creating Balanced Athletes17:51 The Evolution of Women's Triathlon23:51 The Importance of Team Culture30:01 Life of a Collegiate Triathlete36:32 Training Dynamics and Individualization38:47 Monitoring Athlete Load and Recovery41:56 The Art and Science of Coaching43:42 Overcoming Setbacks and Maintaining Optimism46:01 Navigating Competition and External Pressures49:38 Balancing Team Dynamics and Individual Aspirations52:59 Growing the Sport of Triathlon in the U.S.56:57 Family, Faith, and Personal Balance01:01:35 Future Goals and Maintaining Values

In this conversation, Shad Martin discusses the mission of Especially 4 Athletes (E4A.org), emphasizing the importance of using the 'sport light'—the privilege athletes have to influence others positively. He outlines key principles such as seeking to bless rather than impress, the significance of resilience, and the need for intentional living. The discussion also touches on the impact of social media on youth sports, mental health awareness, and the importance of competing without contempt. Martin encourages athletes, parents, and coaches to embrace these principles to foster a positive environment in sports and life.TakeawaysThe sport light is a privilege that comes with responsibility.Seeking to bless others can transform the culture of sports.Intentional living is crucial for success in sports and life.Resilience is built through responding positively to failure.Competing without contempt fosters respect and sportsmanship.Mental health is a critical aspect of an athlete's well-being.Embracing the boredom of consistency leads to greatness.Social media can impact youth sports positively and negatively.Parents play a vital role in shaping their children's attitudes towards competition.Just start; taking action is the first step towards achieving goals.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Especially for Athletes03:04 The Sport Light: A Double-Edged Sword05:53 Seeking to Bless, Not Impress08:41 The Impact of Social Media on Youth Sports11:55 Training Young Leaders: The Role of Schools14:46 Core Principles of Especially for Athletes17:12 Eyes Up, Do the Work20:04 Winning the Hour: Intentional Living27:41 Designing a Life of Intentionality31:56 Winning the Hour: Strategies for Daily Success46:46 Building Resilience Through Sports and Adversity52:39 Reflections on Referees and Expectations54:09 Mental Health in Sports: A Growing Concern57:00 The Importance of Connection and Support01:00:32 Competing Without Contempt: A New Perspective01:06:15 Principles for Athletes: Preparing for Success01:08:13 Fear as a Barrier: Carving Your Future with Courage01:11:40 Taking the First Step: Getting Involved and Making a Difference

In this conversation, Shawn Stringham discusses the journey of training their golden retriever, Mitty, with expert Maddie Meacham from Cornerstone Dog Training. They explore the differences between good and well-trained dogs, emphasizing the importance of composure over mere obedience. The discussion highlights the psychological aspects of dog training, the significance of socialization, and the role of owners in the training process. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they illustrate how effective training can lead to a harmonious relationship between dogs and their families. This conversation delves into the transformative journey of dog training, highlighting success stories, the importance of leadership, and the investment required for a well-trained dog. The speakers discuss the emotional and behavioral challenges faced by both dogs and their owners, emphasizing the need for advocacy and understanding in training. They also explore the philosophy behind Cornerstone Dog Training, which focuses on family-centric approaches and building partnerships between dogs and their owners. The discussion concludes with practical steps for dog owners looking to improve their dog's behavior and training.TakeawaysThere's a massive difference between a good enough dog and a dog you can trust completely.Composure is more important than commands in dog training.Dogs thrive on structure and understanding their role in the family.Socialization should include composure training, not just exposure to new experiences.Training transforms both the dog and the owner, fostering a deeper connection.Dogs react to their environment in four ways: fight, flight, avoidance, or acceptance.Impulse control is essential for a well-behaved dog.Training is a family affair; everyone needs to be on the same page.Dogs can sense their owner's emotions and respond accordingly.Effective training methods can turn chaotic dogs into calm companions. Every dog has the potential to be trained, regardless of age.Establishing boundaries is crucial for a dog's development.Leadership in dog training alleviates stress for both the dog and owner.Training is an investment that pays off in the long run.Understanding a dog's anxiety can improve training outcomes.Advocating for your dog is essential in social situations.Crate training is foundational for new dogs.Training should be integrated into daily life, not just formal sessions.The Cornerstone philosophy emphasizes family involvement in training.Building a partnership with your dog enhances the training experience.Chapters00:00 The Journey to a Well-Trained Dog05:09 Understanding Good vs. Well-Trained Dogs09:50 The Importance of Composure in Training14:01 The Psychology of Dog Training18:30 Socialization and Early Experiences20:26 Chaos to Calm: The Training Process25:12 Building Blocks of Effective Training27:45 The Role of Owners in Dog Training30:36 Transformative Dog Training Success Stories33:41 The Importance of Leadership in Dog Training35:51 The Investment of Training: ROI on a Great Dog36:16 Understanding Anxiety and Dog Behavior40:12 Advocating for Your Dog: A Mind Shift43:27 Steps to Tame a Chaotic Dog46:16 Next Steps for Continued Dog Training48:27 The Cornerstone Philosophy: Family-Centric Training52:05 Building a Partnership Through Training

In this conversation, Clay Partain discusses his journey with Visit Salt Lake and the establishment of Sports Salt Lake. He highlights the growth of Salt Lake as a sports destination, the importance of participatory sports events, and his personal strategies for managing growth and vision in the organization. The discussion emphasizes the community impact of sports tourism and the evolving landscape of Salt Lake City as a vibrant hub for sports and events.TakeawaysClay Partain has been with Visit Salt Lake for over a decade.Sports Salt Lake was launched in January 2021 after a strategic review.The growth of Salt Lake as a sports destination is significant.Participatory sports events have a larger economic impact than spectator events.Salt Lake's infrastructure and community have evolved dramatically in recent years.The city is preparing for future major sports events, including the Olympics.Sports Salt Lake is focused on building relationships within the sports tourism industry.The local community benefits greatly from hosting various sports events.Salt Lake City is becoming a desirable location for major league sports.Clay emphasizes the importance of personal growth and strategic vision in his role.Chapters00:00 The Evolution of Sports Salt Lake05:15 Salt Lake's Rise as a Sports Destination09:58 The Impact of Participatory Sports Events14:19 Personal Growth and Strategic Vision

Chad Dunford and Shawn Stringham discuss the importance of connection and adventure in men's lives, sharing personal stories and insights from their Moab trip. They explore themes of family, friendship, and personal growth, emphasizing the value of stepping out of comfort zones to build meaningful relationships.TakeawaysChad Dunford emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones.The Moab trip was about creating real connections, not just off-roading.Chad shares insights on balancing family and personal passions.The trip provided life-changing experiences for many participants.Chad discusses the challenges men face in forming deep friendships.The importance of doing what you love to avoid hating work.Chad's philosophy on overcoming mediocrity and seeking growth.The role of risk in creating joy and meaningful experiences.Chad's personal journey of growth and learning through challenges.The power of shared experiences in building lasting memories.Chapters00:00:02 Introduction and Welcome00:00:55 The Inspiration Behind Moab Trip00:02:58 Challenges in Men's Lives00:06:34 Organizing the Adventure00:14:59 The Impact of Shared Experiences00:24:09 Men's Struggles with Connection00:33:16 Finding Passion and Purpose00:41:42 Creating Inclusive Communities

In this inaugural episode of the Find Your Challenge podcast, hosts Shawn and Melissa Stringham discuss their journey through challenges in both their personal and professional lives. They reflect on their 31 years of marriage, the evolution of their parenting styles, and the importance of fostering literacy in their children. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology and social media on parenting, as well as their pride in their children's achievements and the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, the speakers explore various themes related to health, wellness, education, and family dynamics. They discuss the importance of structured routines in training, the significance of a long-term health plan, and the value of lifelong learning. The dialogue also touches on personal achievements, the role of exercise in extending health span, and the importance of maintaining strong family connections. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for relationships and support systems in achieving personal and collective goals.TakeawaysThe podcast aims to explore challenges in life and business.Overcoming challenges is a constant theme in both personal and professional realms.Proud moments often come from completing significant events or milestones.Parenting is both rewarding and challenging, requiring constant adaptation.Grades are important, but they do not define a child's worth.Encouraging a love for reading is crucial for children's development.Technology and social media present new challenges for parents today.AI in schools raises concerns about students' ability to think independently.Maintaining a balance with social media is essential for mental health.Reflecting on family achievements fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment.  Training provides structure and healing.Health and wellness are lifelong focuses.Education can be pursued at any age.Maintaining exercise routines is challenging but essential.Building muscle is crucial for longevity.Planning for the future enhances motivation.Lifelong learning keeps the mind engaged.Family connections foster daily communication.Relationships are paramount in life.Gratitude strengthens personal bonds.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:01 Challenges in Business and Personal Life04:55 Proud Moments in Parenting and Business09:00 Parenting Styles and Lessons Learned12:01 The Importance of Reading and Literacy16:08 Navigating Technology and Social Media in Parenting20:06 Reflections on Family and Achievements26:16 Understanding Behavioral Patterns in Training27:12 The 55-Year Health and Wellness Plan29:13 Pursuing Education and Personal Growth32:41 Building Effective Exercise Routines34:24 Extending Health Span for Longevity39:10 The Importance of Lifelong Learning41:01 Fostering Family Connections46:47 Valuing Relationships Above All

In this episode of the Find Your Challenge podcast, Dan Allen @hikewazowski69 shares his transformative journey of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a 2,650-mile trek from Mexico to Canada. Dan discusses the physical and mental challenges he faced, the support from his family, and the profound self-discovery he experienced along the way. He also reflects on the importance of finding personal challenges and how they shape our lives.KeywordsPacific Crest Trail, Dan Allen, hiking, self-discovery, mental challenges, physical endurance, family support, personal growth, thru-hiking, adventureTakeaways2,653 miles, five months, one step at a time.The real story behind the summit photos: breakdowns and breakthroughs.The mental math of 2,400 miles still ahead.Why am I doing this? The question every thru-hiker faces.The importance of a support system: family and friends.The Pacific Crest Trail as a rite of passage and self-discovery.The balance between physical and mental challenges on the trail.The beauty of the Sierras and Northern Cascades.The community and camaraderie among thru-hikers.Finding personal challenges and their impact on life.Chapters00:00:05 Introduction to Dan's Journey00:00:35 The Real Story Behind the Photos00:01:43 Early Challenges and Breakthroughs00:03:33 The Decision to Hike the PCT00:05:06 Mental and Physical Challenges00:06:27 Logistics and Support System00:08:31 The Thru-Hiking Community00:11:12 Training and Preparation00:17:12 Navigating the Trail00:25:05 Reflections and Self-Discovery00:30:09 Technology and Communication on the Trail00:35:37 Moments of Self-Discovery00:41:21 Overcoming Adversity00:50:13 Summiting Mount Whitney00:56:00 Reentry and New Ventures

What if the thing holding you back isn’t lack of opportunity—it’s too much comfort?Welcome to Find Your Challenge, a podcast hosted by Shawn Stringham, founder of Game On Live Studio (GOLS), father of five, and an entrepreneur in the biggest challenge of his career: scaling a fast-growing media company while protecting what matters most—family, health, and purpose.This trailer introduces the mission of the show: to explore the defining challenges that shape extraordinary people. Not just their victories, but the messy middle—the doubts, pressures, and turning points that force growth.Each episode features:Elite athletes, coaches, and pioneers from hockey, water polo, rugby, and underserved sportsEntrepreneurs and builders navigating scaling, leadership, and balanceBook breakdowns with tactical takeaways from Comfort Crisis, Buy Back Your Time, Good to Great, and moreReal stories from listeners facing and conquering their own challengesNo fluff. No shortcuts. Just honest conversations and proven strategies from people in the arena.You’ll learn how high performers:Stay focused under pressureBuild success without sacrificing familyOptimize health and mindset while juggling life’s demandsUse structure, discipline, and community to keep moving forwardYour challenge is the doorway to your potential. Whether you're building a business, raising a family, chasing fitness goals, or reinventing yourself, this podcast will help you name your challenge—and rise to it.Subscribe now and join the Find Your Challenge community.