Endurance Diaries

EP 100: Special Guests, Moments to Reflect, and the Endurance to Keep Going

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the Endurance Diaries 100th Episode Celebration!If you can, this one is best experienced in the video version, with surprise drop-ins and momen...

EP 99: Curiosity as a Way Back to Yourself | Kelvin Wang on Healing, Identity, and Connection

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode you’ll learn how curiosity can become a compass through pain, healing, and reinvention.Kelvin Wang is a first generation Chinese Ame...

EP 98: How Adding Variation Helps You Perform Better with Dr. Andy Bass, Pittsburgh Pirates Mental Performance Coach

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode you'll learn why adding variation to your life and routines might be one of the most powerful tools you have for performance and s...

EP 97: How to Walk Through Hard Seasons and Build Endurance for the Process with Former MLB Catcher Michael “The Fort” McKenry

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm joined by former MLB catcher and Pittsburgh Pirates fan favorite Michael “The Fort” McKenry for a raw conversation on fai...

EP 96: Dr. Yosi Amram on Spiritual Intelligence and Leading from Abundance

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you’ll learn the meaning of spiritual intelligence (SI), how it complements emotional intelligence (EI), and why leading from abund...

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

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

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

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former attorney Casey Berman, founder of Leave Law Behind, and creator of the Unique Genius Framework, joins the podcast to explore how discernment, c...

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

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, founde...

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

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

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

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode you’ll learn how dance and movement communicate emotion beyond words, why embracing vulnerability builds courage, and the endurance ...

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

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 wo...

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

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Captai...

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

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

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

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 au...

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

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Ashley is joined by Katrina Ghazarian, strategic advisor and the founder of GAMEDAY HR to discuss the challenges of compensation in t...

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

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if confidence isn’t something you have before you begin, but something you build because you began? Christina Unkel is the President & GM o...

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

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

EP 79: Building Bridges and Finding Belonging | Maria Cohen

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do we build bridges that lead to belonging—for ourselves and our communities?In this episode, Ashley is joined by Maria Cohen, Executive Directo...

EP 78: Transforming Adversity into Opportunity | Craig Lucas

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

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

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

EP 76: How I Unlocked a Personal Best Without Wearing a Fitness Watch

11 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Ashley reflects on her recent experience running the Pittsburgh Half Marathon and how not wearing a watch helped her achieve a P...

EP 75: The Art of Dance and the Power of Showing Up | Susan Szantosi

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Susan Szantosi is passionate about uniting people through shared experiences, and dedicated to fostering creativity, connection, and cultural enrichme...

EP 74: Learning to Pivot and Become Unboxable! | Chris Eversley

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Eversley is a former professional basketball player turned business leader, coach and entrepreneur, on a mission to redefine what's possible. In...

EP 73: For the Ladies...Healing Through Self-Embodiment | Jess Tuttle

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jess Tuttle is a Feminine Embodiment Facilitator and Movement Therapist, CEO and founder of MVMT Therapy. She blends the science of PT with the soul o...

EP 72: Life on the Road and the Courage to Keep Going | Jonathan Perera

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jonathan Perara's journey started with a childhood dream of becoming a bus driver, which eventually led him to transform a school bus into an off-grid...

EP 71: Resilience Beyond Limits | Alana Stott, MBE

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alana Stott, MBE is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist, dedicating her life to protecting vulnerable women and children. Former ...

EP 70: How Stepping Outside Can Lead to Unexpected Discoveries | Peyton Relkin

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Peyton Relkin is the Co-Founder & CEO of Nature's Playbook, on a mission to inspire curiosity, encourage mindfulness and foster a community that v...

EP 69: Unlocking Possibilities Through Curiosity, Courage, and Small Steps | Van Lai-DuMone

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lai-DuMone is the Founder and CEO of worksmart Advantage, author of What If Pigs Can Fly?, Keynote and TEDx Speaker, whose work is built on the fo...

EP 68: A Sailboat, a Calling, and a Connection to Hope | Danny Moroney

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Danny Moroney's story is a reminder that one experience can spark a vision powerful enough to change lives, including your own. Danny is the President...

EP 67: Committing to the Vision | Keith Brigham

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keith Brigham is a former Division I football player at the University of Memphis who now is committed to helping young athletes reach their potential...

EP 66: Endurance Sports and the Mental Marathon | Brant Stachel

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brant Stachel is a former pro triathlete, Canadian national team coach, and practices sports psychology for high performers.In our conversation, we di...

EP 65: Giving Yourself Permission to Go For It | Jason Bahamundi

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Bahamundi is an endurance athlete, entrepreneur, and founder of Run Tri Bike, on a mission to amplify the voices of everyday athletes, and help ...

EP 64: Beating Cancer and Defining Your Own Success | Deno Anagnost

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Diagnosed with cancer in his mid-20s, Deno Anagnost shares how this life-altering battle reshaped his mindset, fueled his resilience, and set the foun...

EP 63: Persevering in Power Not Pity | Nancy Gale

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode you’ll learn how to embrace resilience with a power not pity mindset, why perseverance matters more than instant success, and how to...

EP 62: Consistency as the Difference Maker | Read Corley

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I am joined by entrepreneur and podcast producer, Read Corley. Read shares insights from his journey into podcast production, emphasi...

EP 61: Why Running is a Metaphor for Life | Jonathan Levitt

22 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, I am joined by Jonathan Levitt for a conversation on curiosity, community, and embracing discomfort through the sport of running. We ...

EP 60: Lifelong Challenges and the Courage to Stay Curious | Aric Paul

14 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Born with a visual impairment, Aric Paul has been overcoming challenges since before he could even understand the meaning of adversity. On this episod...

EP 59: Own Your Impact | Kyle Smith

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I welcome back Kyle Smith for a conversation on the importance of role players in sport and life.

EP 58: Stepping out in Faith and Starting a Business | Holly Turkovic

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by Holly Turkovic, Franchise Owner and President of EverLine Coatings in Pittsburgh, PA. Holly shares her story of how aft...

EP 57: Staying Committed to your own Unfolding | Amanda Cook

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you know if you're in the right place at the right time? Listen in to this sound bite from a Q&A session with singer, songwriter, Amanda C...

EP 56: Living in the Beauty of the Questioning

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You could spend forever trying to figure this out or you can choose to live in the beauty of the questioning. On this episode I share thoughts on a n...

EP 55: Learning to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why is self-compassion so hard? On this episode I share 3 questions that have helped shift my focus from self-criticism to self-compassion.

EP 54: Life-Altering Adversity and Choosing Your Next Chapter | Millie Smith

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by Millie Smith, who reflects on her journey of endurance and perseverance after facing a life-altering traumatic accident...

EP 53: From Darkness to Light | Kallup McCoy II

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Vulnerability, healing, and leaving a positive legacy On this episode I am joined by Kallup McCoy II who shares his powerful journey from addiction to...

EP 52: Unbecoming to Become | Ally Berdan

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by my cousin Ally, who recently launched (un)explore, an adventure experience traveling to places less traveled, tapping i...

EP 51: Live Your Life Kindly | Carlos Hernandez

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by Carlos Hernandez, founder of CoachKind. In our conversation, we discuss the ripple effect of small acts of kindness, th...

EP 50: SPECIAL GUEST

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's Episode 50 of Endurance Diaries and I'm celebrating alongside my #1 supporter :)

EP 49: Developing Mental Skills for Sport Performance and Beyond | Siobhan Higgins

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, I am joined by Siobhan Higgins, as she discusses her transition from professional soccer player to helping others as a sport and perf...

EP 48: Choosing Hard | Joe Rinaldi

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by Joe Rinaldi, performance coach and founder of Project Endure. At 10 years old, Joe was diagnosed with Best Disease - a ...

EP 47: Fitness and Faith | Jordan Rose

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by Pittsburgh-based fitness trainer, Jordan Rose. Jordan brings a contagious energy to our conversation as he shares his f...

EP 46: New Year, New...??? You're Not Alone!

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy 2024! This is my first episode of the year and it is a SOLO POD!! So if you're with me I hope you'll stay... I jump into the pressures a...

EP 45: The Stories That Shape Us | Kyle Smith

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Kyle shares a story from 1997 to express how Cleveland baseball has been a major connector in his most meaningful relationships. In ...

EP 44: Cultivating Team Culture and Collective Impact in Business and Life | Kevin Rutherford

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by the Chief Eternal Optimist himself, Kevin Rutherford. Kevin is an Executive Leader, Board Member, Keynote Speaker, and ...

EP 43: Learn to Manage Anxiety, Embrace Spontaneity, and Connect Deeper in Communication | Matt Abrahams

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you’ll learn how to manage anxiety when speaking under pressure, reframe fear as excitement, and communicate with more confidence a...

EP 42: 5 Things That 100 Hours of Learning a New Language Taught Me

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What if the value of learning a foreign language lies not in the new words you can speak, but in the new world of possibilities it opens you up to? I ...

EP 41: Open Dialogue on Expansion, Awareness and a Global Vision | Kelli Wasylik

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, I am joined by my friend Kelli for open dialogue around stepping outside of our comfort zones and the importance of learning with an ...

EP 40: How our judgements keep us from learning and why the questions we ask can help bridge the gap

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What do you think?

EP 39: Building Self-Confidence in a Society of Changing Ideals | Abbey Hilton

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by my long-time friend Abbey Hilton. In our conversation, Abbey shares challenging parts of her health and wellness journe...

EP 38: What Will You Do Next?

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I respond to a question that often comes up when I'm feeling stuck...What to do next when you don't know what to do next?

EP 37: Goal Setting and the Power of Support Systems | Olivia Marconi

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back Olivia! If you've been following this podcast, you know my cousin Olivia has been a huge inspiration and source of encouragement and I'm...

EP 36: What Motivates You to Push and How to Show Yourself Grace When You Can't

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Just my thoughts around this question…Thanks for listening, would love to hear what you think!!

EP 35: Betting on Yourself | Kaliyah Nicole

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by Kaliyah Nicole, founder of The Kingdom Press (TKP) and author of Freshman Year Bucket List. In our conversation, she ta...

EP 34: Showing Up for your Younger Self | Courtney Felke

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is there freedom in failing if it hasn’t been engaged with a higher truth? Let's talk about it :)  On this episode I am joined (IRL!!) by my friend...

EP 33: Anxiety and the Strength of a Willow Tree | Sarah Toellner

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy new year everyone :) I'm so excited to kick off 2023 with my long-time friend Sarah Toellner!  On this episode, Sarah and I dive into a topic t...

EP 32: If there's only one episode you listen to on this podcast...

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So I had a little creative fun over here (thanks to all those who joined me in conversation on this podcast!!) On this episode, I go back to the heart...

EP 31: What's New? Endless Possibilities

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I read a little from my journal, share some thoughts, ask some questions, and challenge us both to intentionally choose the NEW :)

EP 30: Wonder and Shift in Perspective | Hailey Harward

08 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, I am joined by 2X National Champion from USC and Professional Beach Volleyball player, Hailey Harward. In our conversation, Hailey sh...

EP 29: What Really Matters | Tess Bilbrey

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, I am joined by my friend and former teammate, Tess Bilbrey.  Join us right in middle of our conversation where Tess shares testimoni...

EP 28: Be You or What's the Point? | Sam Green

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by my very inspiring friend Sam Green :) Sam shares her backstory of how she got to where she is today, why she's always o...

EP 27: But What if You Can? | Kelsey Evancho

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by former University of Delaware Track and Field athlete, Kelsey Evancho. In our conversation, Kelsey shares stories aroun...

EP 26: Olympian Rachael Adams on Self-Talk, Reframing Failure, and Finding Strength in the Journey

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll discover how one small decision can change the entire course of your life and how to find strength in the process, not jus...

EP 25: The Hidden Opponent | Leeann Passaro

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by Leeann Passaro, COO of the Hidden Opponent, a non-profit and advocacy group addressing the stigma of mental health in s...

EP 24: More Than The Score | Jayme Katis

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by Jayme Katis, founder of More Than The Score, a peer based collective for female athletes during athletics and beyond. ...

EP 23: Hoops x Mental Health | Alex Coyne

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by my longtime friend and former AAU teammate, Alex Coyne. Alex shares her journey of being uprooted from Pittsburgh durin...

EP 22: Hoops x Mental Health | Courtney Felke

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, I am joined by former University of Evansville guard, Courtney Felke. In our conversation, Courtney describes the challenges of her j...

EP 21: Hoops x Mental Health | Gabby Baldasare

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're kicking off a series to discuss sports as it relates to performance pressure and mental health. On this episode, I'm joined by my day one ...

EP 20: Live Journals (No Context)

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Conversations without context!

EP 19: Have A Strong Day | Lloyd Sarte

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I am joined by Lloyd Sarte, founder of the mental health awareness brand HAVE A STRONG DAY.  In our conversation, LLoyd opens up abo...

EP 18: Jessie Pegula on Resilience: Injury Recovery, Mindset, and Life Beyond Tennis

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tennis star Jessie Pegula shares the mindset and daily habits that carried her from multiple surgeries to a Top-20 WTA ranking, and what it takes to g...

EP 17: Learning to Pause and Press in

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Ashley Ljesevic reflects on the power of pausing, pressing in, and trusting the process when life feels uncertain. Ashley shares her own journey ...

EP 16: Proverbs 18:21

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wherever you're at...just keep going. Because you CAN!! For real :) 

EP 15: Conquering Limiting Beliefs | Olivia Marconi

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What does progress really look like when you are starting from scratch? In this episode, Olivia Marconi shares her honest fitness journey, from body i...

EP 14: How Race Results Expanded my Capacity to go Beyond Outcome Goals

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I share a story of how two different race results helped me learn to go beyond the surface of goals. My hope is in whatever goal you'r...

EP 13: Living in Victory | Gigi Meyer Pruett

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's true that the battles will still come but it's TRUTH that the battle is already won. On this episode I am joined by someone who inspires me in fi...

EP 12: Fighting Battles with a Strong Mind and Grateful Heart | Julia Rezende

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, I'm joined by my beautiful friend I call my little sister, Julia Rezende who shares with us how her strong mindset helped her get thr...

EP 11: Climbing Your Self-Discipline Tree | Zach Mathews

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Self-discipline means something different to each of us but it's integral to all of us on the pursuit of our goals... On today's episode I am joined b...

EP 10: Don't Forget to Smile

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Because there's always an invitation, and awareness is our yes into endless discovery of Truth!!

EP 9: The Power of Storytelling and Vulnerability | Liz Pastina

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Vulnerability is a risk, but the possibility of connection makes it a risk worth taking... On today's episode, I am joined by my friend and licensed s...

EP 8: In Every Season...

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Something on my heart for today - It's OK to be where you are

EP 7: Failing Forward | Troy Witt

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What if we were more for each other vs being for what someone else can do for us? ⁣⁣This week I am joined by one of my former colleagues and frien...

EP 6: Never Alone, Never Give Up | WYLDE

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Music has the power to healIn this episode, Ashley is joined by singer-songwriter WYLDE for a deep and inspiring conversation on turning pain into pur...

EP 5: No Tengas Pena! | Ally Bartoszewicz

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when we let go of the stories we have about ourselves, each other, our world? What if it’s not about “being good” but accepting tha...

EP 4: When Lightning Strikes | Sean Ferguson

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when lightning strikes in life? You have a choice — to give up or keep going. ⁣ ⁣ On this episode, I am joined by a lightning strik...

EP 3: Trent Shelton on Discovering Purpose and Trusting the Process

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you’ll learn why progress matters more than perfection, how to silence outside opinions, and what it means to root your identity in...

EP 2: What if the Goal Isn’t the Goal? | Colette White

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What if the goal isn't the goal?In this episode, Ashley sits down with her friend and coach, Colette White, for an honest conversation about the t...

EP 1: The Beginning of Endless Discovery

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the very first episode of the Endurance Diaries podcast! Host Ashley Ljesevic shares the heart behind launching this podcast - a space to g...