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Endurance Diaries
Ashley Ljesevic
97 episodes
5 days ago
Endurance Diaries brings together athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, CEOs, thought-leaders, and everyday changemakers to share stories of resilience, pivotal moments, and lessons learned along the journey. Authentic and inspiring, these conversations remind us that while our paths look different, the endurance to keep going lives within all of us. Whether through lived experience or topic-focused reflection, each episode invites curiosity, connection, and personal growth while highlighting the strength we carry to persevere.
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Health & Fitness
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All content for Endurance Diaries is the property of Ashley Ljesevic and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Endurance Diaries brings together athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, CEOs, thought-leaders, and everyday changemakers to share stories of resilience, pivotal moments, and lessons learned along the journey. Authentic and inspiring, these conversations remind us that while our paths look different, the endurance to keep going lives within all of us. Whether through lived experience or topic-focused reflection, each episode invites curiosity, connection, and personal growth while highlighting the strength we carry to persevere.
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Health & Fitness
Episodes (20/97)
Endurance Diaries
EP 96: Dr. Yosi Amram on Spiritual Intelligence and Leading from Abundance

In this episode, you’ll learn the meaning of spiritual intelligence (SI), how it complements emotional intelligence (EI), and why leading from abundance creates more clarity, connection, and fulfillment.

Dr. Yosi Amram’s story spans war-torn Israel, the heights of tech entrepreneurship, and the depths of personal transformation. After leading two companies to successful IPOs, a spiritual awakening shifted his path from ambition and burnout to meaning and alignment.

In this conversation, we discuss how clarity emerges from self-awareness, the power of connection in leadership, and how surrender can open us to new possibilities.

Yosi is a licensed clinical psychologist, CEO leadership coach, and award-winning author of Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired. Featured in Psychology Today, USA Today, and Forbes, he brings a rare blend of science, leadership, and soul to his work.

Today, he helps leaders awaken deeper self-awareness and lead from wholeness, authenticity, and love.

Learn more at https://yosiamram.net/

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5 days ago
39 minutes 22 seconds

Endurance Diaries
EP 95: Going from Bitter to Better and the Neuroscience of Not Giving Up | Emily Kile, MHS

In this episode you’ll learn what it looks like to move through bitterness, uncertainty, and change with compassion and endurance to keep going.


Emily Kile is a human behavior expert, founder of Workzbe and author of Bitter to Better. Emily’s work blends faith, neuroscience, and lived experience to help people understand what’s happening inside their own minds when life gets hard.


Together we explore the emotional tension that arises in seasons of transition, how bitterness can sneak up on us, and why awareness is foundational to growth. Emily also shares the stories that shaped her book, including navigating divorce, raising her children with intention, and redefining success after burnout.

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1 week ago
1 hour 1 minute 58 seconds

Endurance Diaries
EP 94: Listening to the Nudge and Leaning Into Your Unique Genius | Casey Berman

Former attorney Casey Berman, founder of Leave Law Behind, and creator of the Unique Genius Framework, joins the podcast to explore how discernment, curiosity, and courage guide us through times of change.

Casey shares his own story of leaving law and finding clarity on the other side of uncertainty, offering perspective and tools that anyone can apply in their career and life. Together we unpack how to recognize when it's time to pivot and take small, confident steps toward what’s next.

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2 weeks ago
44 minutes 1 second

Endurance Diaries
EP 93: What's It Take to Run 340 Miles from LA to Vegas? Connie Blumenthal's Experience of Blind Ambition

What happens when you say yes to something you’re not fully prepared for, but step into the unknown anyway?

In this episode, endurance athlete Connie Blumenthal shares her once-in-a-lifetime experience running 340 miles from Los Angeles to Las Vegas as part of The Speed Project, one of the most extreme unsanctioned endurance races in the world.

Throughout our conversation, Connie reflects on what it means to find peace in discomfort, take the pressure off performance, and reconnect with yourself through movement.

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4 weeks ago
27 minutes 30 seconds

Endurance Diaries
EP 92: How Curiosity Helps You Connect Deeper and Evolve Your Goals | Jason Bahamundi

If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, this episode will remind you that curiosity is how we evolve. It’s what invites us to keep asking, keep learning, and keep showing up even when the path looks different than we expected.


Jason Bahamundi, founder of Run Tri Bike and host of The Everyday Athlete Podcast Network is back on Endurance Diaries for a conversation about curiosity, connection and giving ourselves permission to change our goals.


Jason first joined me on Episode 65, where they explored the role of failure, storytelling, and vulnerability in building meaningful community. In this follow-up, they go even deeper talking about how curiosity helps us not only connect with others but also better understand ourselves, navigate fear, and evolve through changing seasons of life.

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1 month ago
53 minutes 36 seconds

Endurance Diaries
EP 91: How Kara Sanford Built a Global Coaching Community From One Bold Leap

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your love of sport into meaningful work and real-world impact, this conversation is for you.

Kara Sanford, founder of Women’s Lax Drills, shares how a step of courage turned a one-year coaching job in Germany into a 12-year journey across Europe, a thriving platform serving thousands of lacrosse coaches, and a reminder that confidence comes by doing.


Throughout our conversation, we discuss:

  • -How ripping the bandaid off can lead to opportunities you never imagined

  • -Using your sport or passion as a vehicle to design the life you want

    -The power of community and collaboration over competition

  • -Redefining success in each season and staying connected to your why

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    1 month ago
    40 minutes 24 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 90: Toronto Blue Jays Director of Player Development on What It Takes to Make it Big and Staying Anchored in Your Why | Joe Sclafani

    In this episode you’ll hear from Joe Sclafani, Director of Player Development at the Toronto Blue Jays, who shares what it takes to make it to the big leagues and achieve at the highest level on and off the field.

    Through his journey from Dartmouth to being drafted by the Houston Astros, to now his current role in player development, Joe discusses the journey including the mental toughness, grit, and commitment it takes to make it.

    He shares the journeys of Blue Jays players Davis Schneider and Nathan Lukes as examples of perseverance and daily consistency, and how stories like theirs fuel belief across the whole organization.

    His perspective extends far beyond baseball, emphasizing the power of resilience, determination, and importance of being anchored in your why.

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    1 month ago
    30 minutes 24 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 89: Dance and Movement as the Language of Connection, Courage and Perseverance | Heather Cagle

    In this episode you’ll learn how dance and movement communicate emotion beyond words, why embracing vulnerability builds courage, and the endurance it takes to persevere through life’s challenges.


    Heather Cagle is a professional dancer and fitness coach based in Chicago. From teaching herself ballet in her kitchen in Toledo to performing on the biggest stages, Heather’s journey shows how courage, connection, and perseverance can turn obstacles into growth. She opens up about how movement became her language of expression, how mentors shaped her path, and why showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable, leads to transformation.


    Heather also leads Sweat and Sizzle, a fitness movement built on community, confidence and connection.

    Shop TYIK x Sweat and Sizzle Collection

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    1 month ago
    42 minutes 24 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 88: Special Olympics Athlete Marlynne Stutzman on Defying Limits and The Power of Belief

    Her story is one of resilience, courage, and a relentless drive to take on the next challenge.
    Nicknamed “The Fish,” Marlynne Stutzman is a Special Olympics USA Games gold medalist and Florida Hall of Famer who recently conquered the legendary Escape from Alcatraz open water swim. She also made history as the first person with autism to complete the IRONMAN® World Championship in Kona and run the Boston Marathon.

    Beyond her incredible athletic achievements, Marlynne is an Athlete Leader, using her voice to inspire communities and encourage fellow athletes to believe in themselves and push beyond limits.

    Show more...
    1 month ago
    20 minutes 23 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 87: Olympic Champion Rosie Popa on Being Unconditionally on Your Own Side

    In this episode you’ll learn how to shift from fear to curiosity, build self-trust, and translate elite sport lessons into everyday leadership at work and in life.

    Australian Olympic Gold Medalist rower Rosie Popa joins Ashley to share the 15-year journey to becoming a Champion at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Rosie opens up about performance anxiety, identity beyond sport, and her idea of mental efficiency, learning to get out of your own way so you can unlock your best. She explains how world-class team cultures are built on clear roles, honest feedback, and unconditional support, and how those same principles can help us navigate work, relationships, and life transitions.

    You’ll also discover the power of showing up for yourself, being on your own team, and learning to surrender the outcome and step into unfamiliar spaces as opportunities for growth.

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    2 months ago
    50 minutes 57 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 86: CEO of SPIRE Academy on Hard Work, Resilience, and Developing the Next Generation of Athletes and Leaders | Steve Sanders

    Steve Sanders is the CEO of SPIRE Academy, one of the nation’s top training and education centers for student-athletes. As a former U.S. Army Captain, he shares his journey from military service to executive leadership and the lessons that shaped his approach to building the next generation of athletes and leaders.

    In this conversation, Steve reflects on the role of hard work, resilience, mental skills, and the importance of holistic athlete development. He also shares practical strategies for overcoming fear, adapting to change, and leading with endurance both on and off the field.

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    2 months ago
    35 minutes 9 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 85: How Reframing Your Story and Embracing Uncertainty Can Open the Door to a Fuller, Freer Life | Oleg Lougheed

    In this episode, you’ll learn how to reframe your story, why embracing uncertainty opens new possibilities, and the power of expressing what people mean to you while you still can.


    Oleg Lougheed’s story began in Russia, marked by adversity at home and the uncertainty of his childhood. At just nine years old, he relinquished his parents’ rights and entered a local orphanage, beginning a journey defined by resilience, courageous choices, and a commitment to rewriting his narrative.


    Oleg is the founder of Overcoming Odds and Moments Worth Remembering, where he reminds us that our stories, and the people in them, are worth honoring while we are still here.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Oleg's Journey

    01:38 Reflections on Childhood Decisions

    07:42 Embracing Uncertainty in Decision-Making

    12:52 The Power of Storytelling and Meaning

    19:08 Reframing Life's Cards

    24:17 The Importance of Journaling

    28:34 Understanding Internal Conflicts

    34:55 Experiencing Life and Learning

    38:33 Moments Worth Remembering

    46:20 The Power of Encouragement

    48:32 Valuing Relationships and Vulnerability

    54:52 Defining Endurance

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    3 months ago
    57 minutes 32 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 84: When Life Doesn’t Make Sense: Biblical Wisdom for Enduring Suffering | Daryl Potter

    What can the ancient wisdom of Job and Ecclesiastes teach us about living in the tension of joy and suffering? In this episode, Ashley is joined by author Daryl Potter for a raw conversation on faith, self-awareness and the search for meaning when life doesn’t make sense.


    Daryl shares his personal story of raising a daughter with a degenerative medical condition, the crisis of faith it sparked, and the 10-year journey of studying the Book of Job and the Book of Ecclesiastes that shaped his perspective and inspired his writing behind Even the Monsters and Something More. He offers practical and spiritual wisdom for anyone wrestling with unanswered questions, loss, or uncertainty.


    Learn more about Daryl: https://www.darylpotter.com/


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Grief and Meaning

    04:40 Daryl's Journey: From Banking to Writing

    09:40 Exploring 'Even the Monsters': A Deep Dive into Suffering

    18:54 The Shift from 'Why' to 'What': Understanding Life's Challenges

    24:43 The Burden of Prophecy: Jeremiah's Journey

    26:40 Finding Purpose in Suffering

    28:43 Ecclesiastes: The Search for Meaning

    33:29 Living in the Moment: Embracing Life's Breath

    37:45 The Role of Self-Awareness in Healing

    42:33 Faith and Endurance: The Unfolding Story

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    3 months ago
    44 minutes 57 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 83: If Not You, Then Who? Going for GOALS | Caroline Fitzgerald

    Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is believe in yourself and go for it.

    Caroline Fitzgerald is the founder and CEO of GOALS, an independent media platform dedicated to women's sports. In this episode, she shares how her childhood experiences in sport fueled a lifelong passion, and why she left a thriving career to follow her purpose. She also discusses persistence in entrepreneurship, encouraging others to take risks and pursue their dreams.

    Caroline is also the host of the Business Case for Women's Sports Pocast, where she interviews business executives, thought leaders, athletes, and change makers who are driving the growth and visibility of women’s sports across the globe.

    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Caroline Fitzgerald and GOALS

    02:50 The Journey to Starting GOALS

    07:43 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Purpose

    13:10 Surprising Moments and Community Support

    15:52 The Future of Women's Sports

    20:12 Reframing Women's Sports as a Business

    25:17 Building Confidence and Taking Risks

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    3 months ago
    29 minutes 54 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 82: Undercompensation in the Sports Industry for Non-Athletes: A Conversation on Culture, Impact, and Learning to Trust Yourself | Katrina Ghazarian

    In this episode, Ashley is joined by Katrina Ghazarian, strategic advisor and the founder of GAMEDAY HR to discuss the challenges of compensation in the sports industry, particularly how underpayment affects culture, retention, and overall profitability.


    They also dive into a conversation on personal growth, decision making, and learning to trust yourself in the process.


    Katrina is creator of Kat Walks Audio Series where she shares her best ideas, perspectives and moments of bliss. Subscribe to her Substack here.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction and Background

    01:53 The Impact of Compensation in Sports

    07:52 Navigating Career Dynamics in Sports

    14:30 Advice for Aspiring Sports Professionals

    19:43 The Business Model of Professional Sports

    22:05 Fair Compensation in Sports

    23:19 The Complexity of NIL and College Athletes

    25:35 The Impact of Remakes in Hollywood

    26:07 Personal Growth and Decision Making

    28:10 Trusting Yourself in The Process

    30:07 The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation

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    4 months ago
    45 minutes 44 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 81: Stuck in Perfectionism? Just Start | Christina Unkel

    What if confidence isn’t something you have before you begin, but something you build because you began?

    Christina Unkel is the President & GM of the Tampa Bay Sun, attorney, former FIFA referee, and trailblazer across sports and media. In this episode, she shares what it means take risks, lean in to self-trust and build for impact.

    She discusses her journey in leading the Tampa Bay Sun to its inaugural USL Super League Championship title, the power of choice in personal and professional life, and how endurance evolves through different life stages.

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    4 months ago
    33 minutes 13 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 80: How to Move Beyond the 'What Ifs' and Trust Yourself in the Unknown | Hallie Peilet Young

    What if the risk isn't failure, but staying stuck in fear?


    In this episode, Emmy-nominated journalist and entrepreneur Hallie Peilet Young shares what it took to walk away from her dream career, challenge fear-based thinking, and follow a path built on purpose.


    This is a conversation about trusting yourself, releasing control, and learning to leap before the net appears. If you’ve ever felt afraid to pivot, outgrow a dream, or redefine success, this episode is for you.


    Connect with Hallie:

    From the Heart Fundraising

    TEDx Talk: Leap and the net will appear

    No Blues News


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Hallie Pilot Young

    02:16 The Journey of a Storyteller

    06:40 Comfort Land and the Fear of Change

    10:06 Taking the Leap: Embracing Change

    14:12 The Fear Fairy: Overcoming Doubts

    17:41 The Power of Trust and Intuition

    20:54 Finding Joy in the Journey

    25:40 The Impact of Timing and Expectations

    30:22 Defining Success for Yourself

    Show more...
    4 months ago
    45 minutes 5 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 79: Building Bridges and Finding Belonging | Maria Cohen

    How do we build bridges that lead to belonging—for ourselves and our communities?

    In this episode, Ashley is joined by Maria Cohen, Executive Director of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition, for a thoughtful conversation on leading with purpose while staying grounded and intentional.


    Maria shares insights from her journey in community leadership, why global perspective matters in local work, and the importance of showing up for yourself in the process.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Maria Cohen and Her Impact

    01:37 The Power of Community and Purpose

    06:57 Stepping into Local Leadership

    08:39 International Experiences and Local Impact

    14:17 Balancing Community Work and Personal Wellness

    20:19 Finding Belonging and Community Engagement

    26:27 Endurance: Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated


    Show more...
    5 months ago
    40 minutes 16 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 78: Transforming Adversity into Opportunity | Craig Lucas

    In this episode, you’ll learn how to release attachment to specific outcomes, why comparison is a fool’s game, and the power of living fully in the present moment.

    CEO of Authenica, Craig Lucas joins Ashley to share wisdom from decades of building trusted relationships, navigating disruption, and ultimately finding purpose through his work with Authenica, an experiential learning organization for human potential activation. His perspective on truth, resilience, and possibility will leave you rethinking how you show up for yourself and others.


    Throughout our conversation we explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of life experiences in shaping one's path.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Craig Lucas

    02:39 Craig's Journey: From Disney to Financial Success

    05:36 The Disruption: Losing Everything

    08:40 Emotional Resilience and Personal Growth

    11:33 Identity and Self-Discovery Through Adversity

    14:37 The Birth of Authentica and Its Mission

    19:08 Experiential Learning: The No Agenda Approach

    23:24 Navigating Change and Embracing the Unknown

    27:04 The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability

    30:44 Lessons on Comparison and Personal Growth

    33:29 Closing Thoughts: Embracing the All

    Show more...
    6 months ago
    40 minutes 9 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    EP 77: From Undercover to the NBA and the Journey of Trauma Recovery | Bob Delaney

    In this episode, you'll learn how to navigate stress and trauma with resilience, why sharing your story can create healing for others, and the simple tools you can use to find inner peace even in high-pressure moments.

    Ashley is joined by Bob Delaney, former NBA referee, undercover state trooper, and now a powerful voice for trauma awareness and leadership. Bob takes us courtside with legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, back to his undercover work with the Mafia, and into the lessons that shaped his 30-year career. Together we explore how endurance shows up in the everyday moments where we choose to keep going.

    Now a leading voice in trauma recovery, Bob's work supporting military personnel, first responders, and trauma survivors has been recognized at the highest levels—including honors from President Barack Obama, the U.S. Army, and the NCAA.


    WATCH: Bob Delaney USF Resilience / Self-Care Video Series


    Chapters


    00:00 From Undercover to the NBA: A Unique Journey

    04:35 The Impact of Trauma and Resilience

    19:33 Reclaiming Identity After Trauma

    24:34 Mindset Shifts for Healing and Resilience

    31:24 The Power of Sharing Stories and Community Support

    Show more...
    6 months ago
    34 minutes 39 seconds

    Endurance Diaries
    Endurance Diaries brings together athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, CEOs, thought-leaders, and everyday changemakers to share stories of resilience, pivotal moments, and lessons learned along the journey. Authentic and inspiring, these conversations remind us that while our paths look different, the endurance to keep going lives within all of us. Whether through lived experience or topic-focused reflection, each episode invites curiosity, connection, and personal growth while highlighting the strength we carry to persevere.