The Adventure Paradox

Every conversation has a spark, and this one with Karen Wickerson invites you to lean in and notice the quiet wisdom that animals bring into our lives. Karen is an animal telepath and the author of Listen to Your Animals: They Know More Than You Think. In this short preview, she shares how her intuitive gifts appeared early, why she pushed them aside while working as a clinical counselor, and what finally led her to trust her calling.

Karen also talks about her unexpected journey to Mount Everest base camp and the small half-inch steps...

There is a kind of soul adventure that opens when we sit with someone who carries the lived wisdom of animals and the stories that shaped us. My conversation with Mary Chris Foxworthy felt like stepping into a living archive of horse history, connection, and heart. She joins us from Metamora, Michigan, where her four horses, rich family roots, and deep love for storytelling all come together in the most beautiful way.

Mary Chris has spent years helping people remember our shared history with horses, from ancient chariots to the rise of carriage driving in America. We...

There is a quiet adventure that opens within us when we look to animals and nature for guidance. In this short preview, Mary Chris Foxworthy offers a warm glimpse into the world she shares with her horses in Metamora, Michigan. Her life as an author began through the wisdom of her horses and the influence of her mentor, Gloria Austin, whose museum and library helped preserve equestrian heritage. One of Mary Chris’s horses even became a Briar model, adding another beautiful chapter to her story.

Her love for history, community, and the next generation shines through as...

This is the full conversation I’ve been so excited to share with you. A few days ago you heard the preview, and today you get the complete story with Christopher Hill, founder of Hands Up Holidays and Impact Destinations. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that the adventure is already happening within us, inviting us to show up with more compassion, curiosity, and courage.

Christopher talks about how one trip to South Africa opened his heart to service, community, and deeper connection. He explains the difference between his two travel brands, why eco luxury is about ho...

Here is a little taste of a conversation that opened my heart. This is only a preview, and the full episode with Christopher Hill will be released on Friday, December 5, but I wanted you to hear a piece of what's to come. Christopher leads Hands Up Holidays and Impact Destinations, two eco luxury travel companies that bring purpose, service, and real humanity back into the way we explore the world.

He shares the story that started it all, when helping build a home in a South African township changed the way he saw connection, community...

True purpose reveals itself the moment we are willing to hear what our soul has been trying to say. And in the spirit of the adventure paradox, this conversation is a reminder that the adventure is not waiting somewhere far away. It is happening in the middle of real life, in the choices we make when things fall apart, and in the courage it takes to begin again.

Erica Carrico returns with a story that feels raw, honest, and deeply human. She talks about facing cancer, walking through misalignment, burning down a business that no longer matched...

Sometimes the adventure inside us begins the moment we finally admit something is no longer working. In this short sneak peek, Erica Carrico shares the truth behind burning down the parts of her life that were out of alignment and how choosing change became the turning point that brought her back to her purpose.

Erica is an international award-winning coach, author, and now podcaster who helps people uncover their original medicine and turn it into a soul-aligned business. In this preview, she speaks honestly about rebuilding after shutting down her multimillion-dollar company, walking away from what no...

There is something so grounding about hearing the real story behind how a woman builds a life and business that truly supports her. In this episode, Nicole Magelssen, founder and CEO of Alpine Virtual, shares how being laid off while 38 weeks pregnant became the beginning of a people-centered company that now supports entrepreneurs, VAs, and families in creating more space, more clarity, and more ease.

Nicole opens up about the early days of working from home, the loneliness that can come with entrepreneurship, and the pressure many women feel to do everything perfectly. Together, we talk about...

Sometimes the most powerful chapters in our lives begin in the moments we never expected. In this sneak peek, you’ll meet Nicole Magelssen, the heart and founder behind Alpine Virtual. Nicole opens up about the season that changed everything for her, from being laid off days before giving birth to building a business that helps overwhelmed entrepreneurs reclaim their time and reconnect with what they love.

This short conversation gives you a glimpse into the heart of Nicole’s work and the deeper why behind her leadership. Her story is a reminder that even when life feel...

On 11/11, I recorded this minisode and streamed it live to Facebook.

I was sick, but not that sick (probably Covid), and doing my best to hold it all together with a sick kiddo and soon to be sick husband and all the things.

So, Luckily, I DID get a livestream out to my audience... and I even published this minisode within the week that I channeled it.

Unluckily, my dear teammates in the Phillipines are dealing with a Typhoon, no water or electricity, and thank God all are okay now, but this caused...

Every once in a while, I meet someone whose words feel like a deep exhale, and Sneha Villalva is one of those souls. In this heartfelt conversation, we talk about what it really means to cut to the essence in life, in love, and in how we show up in the world.

Sneha is an award-winning storyteller, author, and one of MSN’s Top 10 Leading Speakers to Follow in 2025. Her upcoming book Cut to the Essence is all about living with intention and grace by Clarifying your values, Uncovering your essence, and Treasuring your time. I love th...

I love when a conversation leaves me both inspired and calm at the same time, and this sneak peek with Sneha Villalva does exactly that. Before her full interview airs on Friday, November 7, I wanted to share this short and powerful moment with you.

Sneha is a storyteller, speechwriter, and award-winning author who has spent over twenty years helping people find their voice and share it with confidence. Named one of MSN’s Top 10 Leading Speakers to Follow in 2025, she carries a deep understanding of how words can connect, heal, and inspire.

In this preview, Sn...

What if the wildest adventure isn’t in a faraway forest or on a mountaintop, but right outside your door?

In this episode, I talk with Susie Spikol, an award-winning naturalist, author, and environmental educator who has spent over thirty-five years helping people rediscover their sense of wonder. From exploring the sidewalks of Brooklyn to teaching families in rural New Hampshire, Susie reminds us that connection begins with curiosity.

Her book The Animal Adventurer’s Guide invites families to explore the world of “everyday animals” like ladybugs, crickets, worms, and frogs. She believes that hol...

Stop scrolling. Step outside. What if the adventure you’ve been seeking has been right beneath your feet all along?

In this mini episode, I share a playful and heartfelt conversation with Susie Spikol, a naturalist, author, and lifelong environmental educator who reminds us that wonder is waiting for us in the ordinary. From searching for spiders with schoolchildren to rescuing an owl from her chicken coop, Susie’s stories remind us that magic exists everywhere if we simply slow down enough to notice.

Sometimes, we forget how to play. We fill our days...

What if your current reality is just yesterday’s burrito, a reflection of the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs you digested long before today?

The good news: you get to choose what you’re cooking up next.

In this episode, I sat down with Iena SpiritWalker, a psychic healer, author, and spiritual business mentor who helps women turn their gifts into freedom and flow.

Iena’s story is both surprising and deeply human. From a moment of skepticism in a naming ceremony to legally becoming SpiritWalker, she shares how learning to trust her intuition change...

Sometimes we take life a little too seriously. In this minisode, I invite you to play, to explore, and to try something new. I decided to put on a bright green wig today, and what began as a bit of fun turned into a deeper reflection about how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. It is amazing how quickly our energy can shift when we give ourselves permission to be curious, bold, and a little silly.

As I looked at myself in the mirror, I started to think about the ways we all present...

I met Arwen Becker by accident in the Aspen airport. Her red hat caught my eye with a mysterious number, 29029, the height of Mount Everest in feet. That number captures something I believe deeply: we are capable of more than we think when we show up for the adventure that is seeking us right now.

Arwen is a six-time finisher of the 29029 x Aspen endurance challenge, where participants hike a mountain repeatedly for 36 hours to reach the vertical height of Everest. She's also spent 23 years as a financial advisor empowering women to take control of their retirement...

Sometimes life invites us to climb mountains we never expected. Not to conquer them, but to discover who we become along the way.

Today’s episode is a sneak peek into my conversation with Arwen Becker, a woman whose journey reminds us that the adventure is happening right now, wherever our feet are planted. The full episode airs this Friday, and trust me, you’ll want to hear the rest of her incredible story.

Arwen spent 23 years running a thriving retirement planning firm where she helped women take charge of t...

Some conversations stay with you long after they end, and my talk with Michelle Kuei is one of them.

Michelle is a confidence coach, author, and international speaker who has an incredible story of resilience and transformation. After being involved in a car accident at the age of eleven, Michelle turned her pain into purpose and has made it her mission to empower others to rise above self-doubt and show up confidently as who they are.

This conversation was originally part of the Speak Truth to Live Summit, a 21-day event that brought together inspiring...

Sometimes the smallest moments carry the biggest transformations. A smile at the post office, a kind word at the coffee shop, or even a pause to savor the beauty of right now can shift the way we experience life.

In this minisode I share a heartwarming conversation with Jackie Woodside, TEDx speaker, USA Today bestselling author, and host of the Conscious Living Podcast. Jackie’s favorite response when you ask her how she is doing is “happy and blessed” and she explains why those words matter so much. She also gives us a simple ten second practice that c...

What if happiness is not something you chase, but something you choose every day? In this conversation from the Speak Truth to Live Summit with Jackie Woodside, one of our most celebrated speakers, you will hear from a woman who embodies what it means to live “happy and blessed.” Jackie is a USA Today and international bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and the creator of the Money Vibe book and film. She brings a rare, electrifying voice that blends consciousness, leadership, and abundance in ways that call you up and bring you home to yourself.

Fr...

Sometimes life gives us a surprise that turns out to be a gift in disguise. What we thought was a setback can actually become the very thing that opens the door to something even better.

In today's minisode, I share a story about a pony who reminded me how powerful it is to trust the journey. What looked uncertain at first became a chance to witness connection, and the beauty of finding the right fit at the right time. It is a heartwarming reminder that when we allow life to unfold, the outcome can be a true...

Every adventure begins with a wholehearted Yes.

In this conversation, I sit down with Dana Hunter Fradella, a transformational success coach, founder of Girls Who Recover, podcast host, speaker, and mom of three. Dana embodies possibility, guiding women into lives filled with freedom, confidence, and joy.

We talk about saying yes to life’s invitations, living from worthiness, and how recovery is really about remembering our wholeness. Dana’s message is clear and contagious: when you honor your deepest desires, you light the way for others.

This episode is for...

There is something magical that happens when we spend time with horses. They remind us to slow down, to listen with more than our ears, and to feel the invisible conversations happening all around us. Horses aren’t just here to carry us or compete with us, they are here to guide us back to ourselves and to the Earth.

In this episode, I get to sit down with Kathy Pike, a woman I have admired for years. Kathy is a teacher, author, and the founder of the Academy for Coaching with Horses. She has trained people in...

This minisode is straight from my heart and from one of the clearest downloads I ever received in my recovery journey: You are ready when you say you are.

I had spent so much of my life waiting. Waiting for the right time. Waiting for permission. Waiting until I felt perfect or prepared enough. But the truth is, readiness doesn’t come from the outside. It is an inside job. And when you decide, things start to shift.

In this episode, I share how this mantra carried me through moments of doubt, through perfectionism, and th...

There is a wild, untamed energy within each of us, the same kind of spirit you see in a herd of horses when they pivot together in perfect harmony. It’s the essence of who we are before the noise of life layers over it. In this conversation with my guest, Mielle Fox, we explore what it means to return to that Wild Heart energy, how horses mirror back our truth, and the science that proves their role as teachers and healers.

Mielle is a multidimensional creative: an advanced numerologist, energy strategist, and lifelong horse lo...

What really makes you come alive? Is it the house you live in, the title on your resume, or the milestones you have worked so hard to reach? Or is it something much more simple, like the moment you find your voice, join in song with others, or allow yourself to be seen just as you are? In this episode, I sit down with fellow TEDx Spokane speaker, Barron Peper. Barron is an architect, singer, and movement artist who designs spaces that bring us back to what matters most: connection, belonging, and our shared humanity.

Barron’s jo...

In this bite-sized episode of The Adventure Paradox Podcast, Cat dives into the paradoxes of life, nature, and the human experience. Through the lens of predator and prey, focus and awareness, desire and action, Cat explores how duality shapes our lives—and how embracing both sides of the coin leads us to wholeness.

From publishing a book to starting a podcast, from parenting choices to social media opportunities, Cat reminds us that the paradox is always present: two truths can exist at the same time. By holding space for both, we unlock clarity, growth, and authenticity.

...

There comes a time when you realize the very thing you built no longer feels right, and it takes courage to pivot into what truly lights you up. Michelle Thames knows this journey well. She went from being fired from her healthcare job to becoming a visibility strategist, award-winning podcaster, and CEO helping women get seen and paid for their gifts.

Michelle has a gift for keeping it real. She talks about the paradox of social media, how to use it as a tool without letting it take over your life, and what it looks like to...

Some days it feels like the world is coming at us faster than we can breathe. The screens, the noise, the pressure to keep up. It can leave us overwhelmed and disconnected from what really matters. What if the discomfort we try so hard to avoid is actually where the healing begins?

That is exactly what I explored with Yarona Boster. She is an advanced certified life coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor whose story of loss and resilience has shaped her life’s work. Yarona does not shy away from th...

Episode Summary:

We’ve reached a huge milestone — over 200 episodes of the podcast! In this special celebratory episode, we take a heartfelt look back at the journey so far, from the very first recording to the countless inspiring conversations that shaped this space.

I share behind-the-scenes reflections, lessons learned along the way, and the impact these stories have had on our community. This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about connection, growth, and the joy of building something that lasts forever in place.

Whether you’ve been listening since day on...

What happens when your travel plans get flipped upside down by a very determined little cat?

In this episode, I sat down with Beth Mills and Robey NeJame, a sweet and adventurous couple I first connected with through our Teton Valley community. What started as a two-year road trip with their cats turned into an unforgettable story filled with love, loss, and the incredible kindness of strangers.

Just days before they were scheduled to leave Idaho, their cat Angel slipped out and disappeared into the night. What followed was ten days of late-night stakeouts, twelve...

There’s a reason horses keep showing up in my life. And if you are listening to this conversation, maybe you have felt that call too. There is a deep wisdom they carry. One that does not need words to be felt. When I met Gloria Lybecker, I knew instantly she was someone who had walked with that wisdom for a long time. Now, she helps others remember it for themselves.

Gloria is a transformational facilitator, trauma-informed coach, and founder of Healing You Sanctuary. She guides spiritually curious women through somatic healing, energy work, and constellation practices in...

It’s full-on summer… and there’s some FUNK in the air. Not the groovy, bass-heavy kind—but the kind that settles into your mood after something beautiful ends or when life’s demands hit hard. In this episode, we explore what “funk” really is, how to name it, sing it, own it, and move through it with humor, grace, and soulful tools.

Cat shares her own post-anniversary-trip funk story, complete with homemade blues lyrics, wisdom from Uncle Ned, and a fresh take on the Serenity Prayer. Whether you're coming down from a high or stuck in a low, this ep...

There was a point in my journey when I realized the process I was following didn’t feel good anymore. It felt heavy and disconnected from the life I wanted. That’s when I came across Kimberly Severson’s message, and I knew her voice needed to be heard.

She is a mom, a coach, and the host of Weight Loss Doesn’t Have to Suck. After trying every diet under the sun and still feeling disconnected from her body, she found another path, one that centers around listening to your hunger, regulating your nervous system, feeling your emo...

Sometimes the simplest shift in your daily rhythm can unlock the clarity and momentum you’ve been waiting for. In this energizing episode, I reconnect with book writing mentor Joshua Sprague, who joined us during the Speak Truth to Live Summit. Joshua has helped over 13,000 people start and finish their books, and his approach to creativity is as practical as it is powerful.

In this conversation, Joshua shares what it means to begin your day by creating instead of consuming, how he structures his business around deep focus, and why imposter syndrome is a sign that you're on...

Some conversations open a door inside us that we didn’t even know was waiting. This episode is one of those sacred moments. I had the honor of speaking with Sandra Kobsar, a VIP guest from the Speak Truth to Live Summit, whose honest and emotional journey moved me deeply. Sandra is a licensed professional counselor and behavioral mental health specialist who supports children through resilience-building. But in this conversation, she allows herself to be seen. She shares her truth in real time and invites us into her process of reclaiming her voice and choosing her own authority.

...

A Tribute to Love, Marriage, and Growing Together

Thirteen years ago, I said “yes” to a life of adventure — not just in wild places, but in partnership. In this special anniversary minisode, I’m reflecting on what marriage has taught me: the beauty, the challenges, and the unexpected ways we grow into new versions of ourselves alongside the ones we love.

This is a love letter, a story of becoming not just a bride, but a wife, a mother, and a true partner in life. I share a few stories and memories that remind m...

Sometimes the most profound teachers are the ones who never speak a word. Horses have a way of showing us what we most need to see in ourselves, if only we’re willing to listen.

In this episode, I welcome back the deeply gifted Kim McElroy, a visionary artist, author, and intuitive who has inspired me for years through her devotion to the soul of the horse. Kim has a unique ability to listen beyond words, to tune into the messages animals carry, and to translate their wisdom through her art and storytelling.

We revisit he...

What does it really mean to be the best parent you can be? For me, it’s not about perfection — it’s about presence, flexibility, and listening. In this minisode, I’m recording from our dream horse trailer after a beautiful weekend of horse camping, before heading off on a family vacation. Because showing up for my kids means giving them my full attention when it matters most — and carving out time beforehand to speak from the heart.

This episode is for the parents, the seekers, the ones who are walking (or riding) the path of doing things dif...

Some conversations remind you why you do the work, and this is one of them. Wendy Snyder is a parenting educator, family life coach, and founder of Fresh Start Family. She’s also a mom of two teens and someone I’ve long admired for her honesty, grace, and commitment to helping families break generational cycles with compassion. Wendy teaches parents how to go from stressed and reactive to peaceful and empowered using a firm and kind, connection-based model. Her work is rooted in powerful parenting, not permissive, not authoritarian, but grounded in dignity, respect, and real tools for real...

Some moments stick with you — not because you planned for them, but because they show up right when your soul is ready.

In this minisode, I share a story from the trail that caught me by surprise. I came across a photo of a Navajo woman named Effie, riding her white horse, Rhythm, against the red canyon walls of Monument Valley. What started as admiration for a beautiful image turned into something much deeper after I met her in person and heard about the nonprofit work she’s part of — and the realities of life on the reserv...

Sometimes, it’s not the biggest accomplishments that change us the most, but the quiet moments in the barn, the breath of a horse on your hand, the deep knowing that we’re here to serve and be served by the animals who walk this life with us.

In this episode, I’m so excited to welcome back MJ Evans, also known as Margi. MJ is a bestselling author, lifelong horsewoman, and someone I deeply admire for her wisdom, grace, and heart-led stories. Her love for horses runs deep and so does her passion for sharing their healin...

It’s summertime in the Tetons, and with it comes the beauty, the chaos, and the paradoxes of this season of horses, children, wildflowers, and yes, laundry.

In this solo minisode, I’m bringing you behind the scenes of our summer rhythm here at The Adventure Paradox. From the joy of wildflowers to the unexpected grit of “Barrel Club” with my daughters, I’m reflecting on what it really means to show up, for ourselves, our families, and the work we feel called to do.

You’ll hear about our very real rodeo moments (yes, actual falls...

I recorded this episode on a summer walk—with the wind in my hair, the dogs off-leash, and my heart cracked wide open.

In this final roundup from the Speak Truth to Live Summit, I’m bringing you seven more powerful conversations that have shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. These guests showed up with courage, creativity, deep healing, and big truth—and I’m so honored to share a taste of each of them with you here.

Whether you're walking into summer with a full agenda or no plan at all, my hope is th...

This summit has changed me deeply, and these stories will do the same for you. Today I’m bringing you the second batch of powerhouse voices from our Speak Truth to Live Summit—seven more heart-bursting, truth-sharing, trail-blazing humans who cracked me wide open in the best way. This is your invitation to breathe in their medicine, their stories, their hard-won wisdom.

Each one of these guests spoke a truth I didn’t know I needed. They’ve lived big lives. Faced big questions. And now? They’re showing up—unfiltered, generous, and fully lit fr...

You know that feeling when you're doing something for the very first time? Maybe it’s hosting your first summit or picking up the mic for your first podcast interview, or even saddling up for your actual first rodeo. There’s something sacred about beginner’s mind—the humbling, exhilarating truth that we’re always growing, always learning.

In this episode, I’m bringing you behind the scenes of our Speak Truth to Live Summit with a sneak peek at the first seven of 21 incredible guests who said “yes” to showing up, sharing their truth, and helping you...

"When you speak your truth to live, you step into the life you were always meant to live."

This solo episode is a special one—recorded straight from my dream horse trailer (yes, the one I manifested). I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes story of the Speak Truth to Live Summit—how it came to life, what it’s taught me already, and how speaking my truth has opened doors I didn’t even know were waiting for me (including a TEDx callback!).

This summit features 21 incredible speakers—authors, coaches, and podcaste...

A Mother’s Day walk full of giggles, farting rainbows, wild kid rumors (lightning strikes?! flipped cars?!), bathroom humor, marshmallows, and lollipops. Just a silly, semi-professional stroll & horse-ride with Mom, Dad & the chaos crew 💓😍.

Motherhood is beautiful, messy, and full of moments that stretch us, especially when fur babies are part of the family, too. 💛

This is your gentle reminder: you matter!

Self-care isn’t selfish - it’s what keeps your heart full, your spirit grounded, and your love flowing.

From late-night feedings to muddy paw prints, you're doing sacred work!

...

In this special minisode, Cat honors National Teacher Appreciation Day and Mother’s Day by sharing heartfelt reflections on the impact teachers and students have on our personal growth. 🌱📚

From her experiences teaching at a Montessori school to the lessons learned from her students, Cat reminds us that learning and teaching help us discover our voice. 🎤✨ She encourages everyone to take a moment to appreciate the mentors who have shaped their journey.

🌟 Plus, exciting news! Registration is now open for Cat’s upcoming event, the "Speak Truth to Live" Summit — an inspiring experience dedicated to finding your truth a...

In this episode of the podcast, Cat dives into the importance of truly listening — not just to the outside world, but to our own thoughts and beliefs. She explains how our brains operate in seasons and how recognizing these patterns can help us navigate personal growth more gracefully. Using the example of political discussions, Cat illustrates that it's often our underlying beliefs, not pure facts, that drive emotional reactions and conflicts. By becoming aware of these beliefs, we can better understand ourselves and others.

Cat also stresses the importance of tuning into our bodies, paying attention to wh...

This episode dives into how we speak to ourselves, especially when negative self-talk arises, and how humor can be a powerful tool to shift our mindset, build compassion, and reconnect with others. Our guest, Bryan Lee (aka Bullseye the Clown), shares how his life transformed from one marked by bullying and trauma to a purpose-driven mission of spreading joy through clowning.

Bryan begins each day with the question, “How can I bless someone today?”—a mindset practice that keeps him centered in a chaotic world. He shares how clowning helped him move from invisibility and pain to connec...

In this minisode, I talk about how we can shift negative self-talk by learning to "talk to our brains" with kindness and humor. I share a story I saw online about someone who named her brain "Becky" and tells it, “We’re not doing this today,” when negativity creeps in. It reminded me how we can reset our thoughts at any time.

I explore the idea that thoughts often aren't based in the present moment, unlike real experiences—like the feeling of snow and sun on your face. I also touch on the importance of speaking...

In this episode, I reflect on the power of humor—especially in the messiness of parenting and real life. I kick things off with a live stream moment when I discovered toothpaste on my hairbrush during a team meeting… courtesy of my kids’ April Fool's prank. That launched me into a bigger conversation: when do we know the joke is over?

I share some personal stories—like a cringey-but-funny moment from my river guiding days involving a Boy Scout joke that definitely did not land with every audience. It was a reminder that context matters. Humor...