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Freewheeling conversations exploring the courageous act of the bounce forward—forget the comeback. Author, speaker, and mindset/mental endurance coach, Michael Leach, sits down with athletes, activists, adventurers and performers—pushing physical and mental limits, inspiring listeners to bounce forward with resilience and fortitude. Raw, real and vulnerable these intimate conversations are as diverse as the guests, diving deep into what it takes to bounce forward from injury, illness or setback, embracing the remake in pursuit of becoming one’s truest and strongest self.
Cole Tininenko is a sales guru from Allied Cycle Works. He’s also a lifelong athlete who loves to go fast on two wheels.
In this conversation we learn about Cole’s introduction to two wheeled adventures and his love for his hometown, Bentonville, Arkansas. We’ll also explore Cole’s newest adventure—fatherhood and how he’s navigating being a parent and a husband, with a full-time job that he loves and a deep desire for pedaling fast on one of Allied's latest treasures.
A stoic at heart, we’ll discuss how Cole and his wife are moving forward after a tornado ripped through Bentonville and how this experience along with the birth of their child and the complications that followed have provided perspective and a profound shift from a bike centric drive to a family first philosophy.
Cole’s candor, thoughtfulness and self awareness are reminders that being a Joe doesn’t mean we should be living any less intentionally than a pro.
WNbL,
Allied Cycle Works: https://alliedcycleworks.com/
Website: beaudacious.com
Michael’s Instagram: @michaelleachba
Show’s Instagram: @thebounceforward
Michael's Mindset and Mental Endurance Coaching: https://beaudacious.com/coaching/
This episode was powered by The Bicycle Station
We’re couldn’t be more excited to announce a new partnership here at the Bounce Forward and Be Audacious. We’re teaming up with one of the fastest (and baddest) men on two wheels, Cole Paton. The Bounce Forward as you know it isn’t going anywhere, we’ll still do long form, in depth conversations with athletes and performers, but we’re going to add another layer with our new show within the show Roll On, Cole Paton.
In this first episode of Roll On, Cole Paton, we take a deep dive into Cole’s time in Bentonville for the final event of the 2024 Life Time Grand Prix—Big Sugar. We explore the mental challenges Cole had to hurdle, unable to race the final weekend of his season. In true Roll On and Bounce Forward fashion, Cole shares how he worked through being too sick to compete in the last big throw down of 2024 and how he’s embracing the beginning of his off-season.
With the show title, Roll On, we’re giving a nod to Cole’s path as one of the top off-road endurance cyclists in North America, staying true to what it looks like to ‘Bounce Forward,’ while representing where we grew up, the Evergreen State, and the Columbia River watershed, ‘Roll On Columbia roll on,’ if you know, you know.
With Roll On, we’re going to bring you stories from inside the game, inside the mind and inside the season of Cole Paton. We’re going to consistently connect with Cole, checking in, unpacking things after the highs and lows of big events, like Leadville, any and all Life Time Grand Prix races and Marathon Worlds and Nationals, just to name a few.
These conversations will be raw, real and vulnerable—and as a result, we believe, really powerful, adding value and telling some damn good stories.
We’ll also utilize this show as an opportunity for Cole to share any big announcements, or just riff, talk story and share what’s on his mind. Our goal here is to share Cole’s experiences afield with the world—with you, the listener.
If you don’t know Cole, you’re about to, and I can tell you with 100% certainty, he’s the real deal.
We plan to bring some fresh perspective and strong energy—while keeping it light and loose. We’re really passionate about this canvas we’re painting, this connection we’re building and this thing we’re creating.
We hope you’ll join us on this journey.
Cole’s Instagram: @colepaton
Website: beaudacious.com
Michael’s Instagram: @michaelleachba
Show’s Instagram: @thebounceforward
Lauren De Crescenzo is a cycling icon, gravel racing protagonist, winner of the biggest off-road races on the continent, and TBI (traumatic brain injury) survivor, advocate and champion.
In this conversation, on the first official day of her off-season, we explore how LDC became a paragon of off-road endurance cycling, her propensity to shake things up by taking flyers early and often, and how she became a poster child for grit and tenacity. Lauren shares stories from Unbound (triumph and flats), winning The Rad Dirt Fest for the 3rd time, and how she found gravel.
We’ll also discuss her decorated collegiate career, her near fatal crash and traumatic brain injury (the before and after), her Master’s degree of Public Health in Epidemiology and her time working at the Centers for Disease Control. We’ll wrap up this deep dive exploring her latest adventure as a privateer and her advocacy work for the TBI community and the Craig Hospital.
Lauren’s candor, courage, compassion and witty sense of humor are on full display throughout this conversation—as is her high intelligence and charismatic nature. She’s got the best laugh in the game and races with her heart. The Queen of the comeback, or better put, the epitome of the bounce forward, LDC’s maturity, wisdom and perspective will offer aspiring athletes a glimpse into the mind of one of the baddest and fastest women on two wheels.
WNbL,
Lauren’s Instagram: @laurenissima
LDC Merch: https://e9aece-3.myshopify.com/collections/all
Website: beaudacious.com
Michael’s Instagram: @michaelleachba
Show’s Instagram: @thebounceforward
Michael's Mindset and Mental Endurance Coaching: https://beaudacious.com/coaching/
This episode was powered by The Bicycle Station
In today’s episode I sit down for a conversation with Devon Dabney from DR Performance. Devon wears a lot of hats, working for Wahoo Fitness, leading DR Fitness with her partner Robert, all while pushing the limits as a strong, bold and fearless racer, leaning into triathlons of all distances.
From Kona to 70.3, the indoor training studio to the community and team that DR Performance is building, from navigating injury to breaking long standing swim records at LSU, we’ll dive into the deep end with Devon.
I walked away from my conversation with Devon, inspired by her grit, grace, tenacity, dedication and unwavering drive to not only become the best version of herself, but to foster a team that provides a positive space for her athletes to do the same.
Whether you’re parent of a young swimmer, navigating your own swim dreams, thinking of jumping into a bold and daring endeavor, or just want to see what you can absorb from a highly successful athlete and coach, I’m confident that you’ll find something worthwhile in today’s listen.
WNbL,
DR Performance: https://www.instagram.com/devonandrobert_tri/
Website: beaudacious.com
Michael’s Instagram: @michaelleachba
Show’s Instagram: @thebounceforward
Michael's Mindset and Mental Endurance Coaching: https://beaudacious.com/coaching/
This episode was powered by The Bicycle Station
In today’s episode I sit down with husband, dad, rider and strong man, David Curtis. David is featured in my favorite Leadville short documentary, Chase The Storm chronicling CrossFit Legend, Rich Fronning as he and David raced for Mayhem Madness. The man, David Curtis just keeps digging deeper and getting faster at the highest, hardest mountain bike race in North America.
But David Curtis is far more than a rider and racer. He’s a committed father, a dedicated husband, a fearless leader and a deep thinker. In today’s conversation we explore parenting, faith, leadership, being a person of color in the ultra marathon world, training for long endurance events in harsh winter climates, motivation and how we can consistently keep our bodies moving for the long haul.
This one is raw and real. David is determined to keep showing up each day for the people and pursuits that most matter to him. I’m confident that you’ll all find David to be thoughtful, authentic, reflective and committed to leaving this world a better place. Talk about a good human, David Curtis is just that.
WNbL,
Chase The Storm: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=chase+the+storm
Website: beaudacious.com
Michael’s Instagram: @michaelleachba
Show’s Instagram: @thebounceforward
Michael's Mindset and Mental Endurance Coaching: https://beaudacious.com/coaching/
This episode was powered by The Bicycle Station
In today’s episode I have the pleasure of sitting down with Brianne Kwasny. Brianne is a former collegiate soccer player and current endurance athlete. After winning her age group at the Breck Epic in 2023, she competed in the pro division at the Breck in 2024, holding her own, and racing her race.
In this conversation we’ll explore how Brianne balances her demanding professional work life while staying consistent in her training, why sleep is her superpower, the mindset she embraces when the going gets tough, and how loss has inspired her to be the best version of herself on and off the bike.
You’re going to find Brianne to be humble, thoughtful, articulate and highly intelligent. I’m confident that Brianne’s approach to life, training and work will be both inspiring and uplifting.
WNbL,
Brianne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bkwasny
Website: beaudacious.com
Michael’s Instagram: @michaelleachba
Show’s Instagram: @thebounceforward
Michael's Mindset and Mental Endurance Coaching: https://beaudacious.com/coaching/
This episode was powered by The Bicycle Station
In today’s episode I sit down with Bikes Change Lives co-founder, CJ Wiggins. We’ll to learn about the Bikes Change Lives mission and how they advocate for using bikes as a vehicle to navigate mental health challenges. We’ll also dive deep into CJ’s horrific bike accident just six weeks before the 2024 Leadville 100 and his audacious comeback to complete the biggest, baddest, highest and hardest mountain bike race in North America for the third straight year.
In true Bounce Forward fashion, we’ll go old-school with a real bounce back story. This one is for any young athletes out there looking for inspiration, athletes in transition—thinking about moving from one sport to another, parents on the lookout for stories and to inspire your teens, or anyone that just enjoys a good old comeback story.
I’m sure you’ll all find CJ to be likable, thoughtful, relatable and inspiring. He’s a young man that’s on a mission to make a difference, to lift people up and to be an example of how to endure hard things.
WNbL,
CJ’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjwiggins7/
Bikes Change Lives IG: https://www.instagram.com/bikeschangelives_/
Bikes Change Lives website: https://bikeschangelives.com/
Leadville 100 Fundraiser: firstdescents.org/fundraiser/
Website: beaudacious.com
Michael’s Instagram: @michaelleachba
Show’s Instagram: @thebounceforward
Michael's Mindset and Mental Endurance Coaching: https://beaudacious.com/coaching/
This episode was powered by The Bicycle Station
I’m excited to bring you this long form conversation with friend of the show, friend of the family and Bounce Forward fan favorite, Roger Thompson. The ironman himself is back to share his experience with the highest, hardest mountain bike race in North America, the Leadville 100.
In this episode, Roger and I will take a deep dive, sharing our Leadville stories. Whether you’re thinking about doing Leadville, or some other big, long endurance event like Leadville, or you feel like reliving Leadville through the perspective of someone else’s saddle, or you just feel like listing to the wise words and soothing voice of endurance athlete, coach, teacher, husband, father and friend, Roger Thompson, we hope you’ll enjoy the listen.
You can also journey through my Leadville story through my freshest piece on the Be Audacious blog.
Roger's Instagram: roger_thompson
Leadville 100 Fundraiser: firstdescents.org/fundraiser/
Website: beaudacious.com
Michael’s Instagram: @michaelleachba
Show’s Instagram: @thebounceforward
This episode was powered by The Bicycle Station
Cole Paton is a professional off-road racer and one of the fastest men on two wheels—hailing from Cashmere, Washington. He’s a heavy hitter in the Life Time Grand Prix Series and recently went big at the Leadville 100.
You’re going to find that Cole is far more than a bike racer—yes, he’s a fighter and tenacious competitor but he’s also a humble, high character, real and thoughtful individual, putting a lot of good energy into the world. In this conversation we’ll dive deep into his process and mindset.
Cole’s mental game is on full display during this conversation as we explore how he’s become such a strong and resilient athlete on and off the bike. We’ll talk about how Cole paced his race at Leadville, stepping up on the podium with a third place finish at the biggest, baddest mountain bike race in North America, using power as his governor as he metered out his effort.
We’ll also dive into pre-race breakfasts and some of the routines and rituals that ground Cole during training and on race day. I’m confident that he’ll become a Bounce Forward Podcast fan favorite—as Cole is a lovable human who radiates kindness and goodness.
Lastly, we’ll explore what happiness looks like to Cole and how he goes about fostering joy in life, on the bike and in his most important relationship.
Hold onto your seats folks, we’ve got a good one coming your way.
WNbL,
Cole’s Instagram: @colepaton
Leadville 100 Fundraiser: firstdescents.org/fundraiser/
Website: beaudacious.com
Michael’s Instagram: @michaelleachba
Show’s Instagram: @thebounceforward
This episode was powered by The Bicycle Station
Anna Yamauchi is a professional off-road bike racer and competitor in the Life Time Grand Prix Series. But Anna is so much more than a bike racer and athlete. Humble grace, quiet confidence and easy speed are what comes to mind after spending ninety+ minutes in conversation with this exceptional young human—who just so happens to be really strong and good on the bike.
In this episode we explore a wide range of topics from relationships to mindset, routines to flexibility, training to mental health. We’ll also discuss how Anna's finding the warrior within, her headspace following a frustrating Unbound, her grit and determination in the face of health challenges, and her meteoric rise and breakout in the most competitive field of off-road cycling North America has to offer.
Full of grace, grit and courage, Anna Yamauchi is a standout athlete and special human; she’s thoughtful, resilient, intelligent and witty. Fresh off a trip from Paris, we’ll talk about her journey to observe the 2024 Olympics and the steps she’s taking to bounce forward stronger than ever.
Present, grounded and fully here—Anna’s likability, authenticity and big heartedness are on full display. Anna is someone showing up, rising above her challenges and circumstances and she's sure to inspire. I’m really excited to bring you this conversation today.
WNbL, mwl
Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yamaggucci/
Leadville 100 Fundraiser: firstdescents.org/fundraiser/
Website: beaudacious.com
Michael’s Instagram: @michaelleachba
Show’s Instagram: @thebounceforward
This episode was powered by The Bicycle Station
Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
