Women Empower Active Podcast (2026)

25/03/2026

New episode of Women Empower Active Podcast!

Link in bio!

Moments of Gratitude: Maiki Cofer

Today’s guest knows what it means to push past limits—both physically and mentally. Maiki Cofer is a triathlete who has taken on the grueling challenge of Ironman 70.3 Hawaii multiple times, a race that tests endurance, resilience, and grit at every level.

In this episode, we dive into the mindset behind endurance racing, the journey to the start line, and what it really takes to keep showing up for something this demanding—again and again.

Host: Jacalyn Gross ()

Guest: Maiki Cofer ()

Producer: Jeremy Canaria ()

Editor: Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by Pete Alba

28/01/2026

Link in bio New Women Empower Active Episode

Recalibrate, Not Reinvent with Jacalyn Gross

On this episode of the Women Empower Active Podcast, we’re reframing the idea of a “new year, new you.” This is about recalibration, not reinvention—honoring your growth, grounding into your strength, and moving forward with intention. No pressure. No erasing. Just empowered alignment with who you already are and where you’re headed.

Because your power isn’t new, it’s already within you.

Host: Jacalyn Gross ⁠⁠
Producer: Jeremy Canaria ⁠⁠
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba

19/11/2025

New Women Empower Active Episode!!! Alita Contreras, Warrior in Motion

Link in bio!

In the high mountains of Colombia, seven women step into the unknown—hands on stone, hearts on fire. Their movement is intentional, their stories carved into every crimp and every breath of thin air. Guerreras: Women Warriors isn’t just a climbing film; it’s a portrait of resilience.

These women carry more than ropes and harnesses. They carry grief, recovery, survival. The weight of expectations. The strength of motherhood. The complexity of identity. Their ascents are physical, yes—but they’re also emotional and cultural breakthroughs.

Among them is Alita, whose journey reveals what resilience looks like in motion. Together, they show how pain becomes purpose, solitude becomes self-trust, and mountains become mirrors of inner strength. Because sometimes the most powerful summits aren’t the ones you reach—they’re the ones that rise within you.

Host: Jacalyn Gross ⁠⁠

Guest: Alita

Producer: Jeremy Canaria ⁠⁠

Editor: Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by: Pete Alba

29/10/2025

New Women Empower Active Podcast Episode Live Now! Link in bio!

Kelly Fields and the Ascent of Lemnos in the Clouds

In the vast expanse of the Arctic wilderness—where ice, ocean, and granite meet—four climbers embarked on a 42-day journey that would test every limit, both physical and mental. Among them was Kelly Fields, part of an all-female+ team that traveled across Baffin Island to establish Lemnos in the Clouds, the hardest and longest route ever climbed by a female team in the Canadian Arctic. This expedition was a study in self-reliance, trust, and the strength it takes to navigate both an unforgiving landscape and the complex terrain of identity and belonging. In today’s episode, Kelly shares what it took to lead, suffer, and ultimately succeed on Eglington Tower—and how this climb became a reflection of something far deeper than the summit itself.

Host: Jacalyn Gross ⁠⁠ Guest: Kelly Fields @⁠athenarockclimbing ⁠www.athenarockclimbing.com Producer: Jeremy Canaria ⁠⁠ Editor: Jacalyn Gross Original Music by: Pete Alba

23/04/2025

Intuitive Eating in Midlife: Nourishing Your Body Through Perimenopause & Menopause with Amanda Bullat RD

In this episode, we’re joined by Amanda Bullat, a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Dietitian who specializes in supporting women through the transformative stages of perimenopause and menopause. With years of experience, Amanda combines her expertise in nutrition with a passion for holistic health to help women embrace intuitive eating.

As a past runner now cyclist and hiker she understands the power of fueling your body for strength. Tune in for practical strategies, compassionate guidance, and an empowering perspective on navigating the changes of midlife with confidence and care.

My 5 favorite foods for women + recipes⁠⁠ https://alpinenutrition.kit.com/5foods⁠⁠

Thrive Guide - 5 steps to make intuitive eating easy ⁠⁠https://alpinenutrition.kit.com/thrive-guide⁠

Host: Jacalyn Gross

Guest: Amanda Bullat alpinenutrition.org

Producer: Jeremy Canaria

Editor: Jacalyn Gross

Original Music by: Pete Alba

Photo: Angela Prospert

26/03/2025

Podcast live now! https://bit.ly/Ting-Ting

Believe in the Ascent: Strength, Growth, and Positive Self-Talk with Ting Ting

Ting Ting is an adventurer who discovered climbing at 32 with no athletic background and went all in, driven by the fear of running out of time. After seven years of vanlifing and traveling frugally to pursue climbing, she’s tackled alpine first ascents in Asia and Patagonia, big walls, desert towers, and even a 20-day Winds traverse bagging 33 peaks along the Continental Divide.

Now, at 49, she may be stepping back from expeditions, but performance climbing goals are still alive, driven by the belief that her best day is yet to come. Join us as we explore the mindset of someone who’s redefined what’s possible and continues to push her limits.

Host: Jacalyn Gross
Guest: Ting Ting
Producer: Jeremy Canaria
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba
Photo: David Anderson

26/02/2025

Listen to the podcast: https://bit.ly/Crystal-Rose-Hudelson

Beyond the Outcome: Crystal Rose Hudelson’s Focus on the Process

In this episode, Jacalyn reconnects with the inspiring Crystal Rose Hudelson, who first shared her remarkable journey in the second episode of the 2024 season (listen to her full story here: ⁠https://youtu.be/kygSiydZq2g?si=DcnDWijPGLrQ5QhL⁠). Together, they reflect on the powerful goals Crystal set for herself and how her perspective has evolved. They explore the climbing routes she aimed to conquer in 2024 and the strides she’s made towards those ambitions. The conversation also delves into Crystal’s evolving views on guiding and the bold new goals she’s setting for herself in that arena. Crystal shares profound lessons of empowerment drawn from her experiences over the past year. Finally, she discusses her exciting new venture, Rock Rose Blog, LLC, and her upcoming Climb Malawi event—get your tickets here: ⁠https://secure.givelively.org/event/climbing-initiative-inc/climb-malawi/malawi-film-night-fundraiser-at-the-mountaineers

Host Jacalyn Gross
Guest Crystal Rose Hudelson
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by Pete Alba

29/01/2025

Podcast live now!!! Listen here: https://bit.ly/lydonkersting

Lydon Kersting’s PCT Journey: Facing Challenges and Finding Growth

In this motivating episode of the Women Empower Active Podcast, we catch up with Lydon Kersting, revisiting our chat before she embarked on her life-changing Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hike. Together, we break down her journey and explore the lessons learned along the way. Lydon’s experience will ignite the spark to pursue your own goals, no matter how daunting they may seem. Prepare to feel empowered to take on your next big challenge!”

Host Jacalyn Gross
Guest Lydon Kersting
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by Pete Alba

* is the thru-hiker with the daily vlog

18/12/2024

2024 Words of Empowerment Podcast live now:https://bit.ly/WordsofEmpowerment2024

This is one of Jacalyn’s favorite episodes! She always loves reflecting on the incredible women she’s had the privilege of speaking with and the empowering insights they’ve shared. Each of them comes from a unique background, facing different struggles and viewing their active lifestyles through different lenses, which shapes what fitness means to them personally.

This year, Jacalyn has faced her own challenges. After her appendix ruptured, she was sidelined for two months—only able to walk, the longest break she’s had from exercise since she was 12. It was a true mental test, impacting not just her physical health, but her sense of self-worth as well. It forced her to reflect on everything she’s learned through this podcast, including the realization that sometimes, fitness itself can be an obstacle to pursuing other passions.

She wants to take a moment to thank each of the incredible women who have shared their stories. Their courage and wisdom continue to inspire her, and she can’t wait to see what the next year brings in terms of new conversations and insights.

Crystal Rose Hudelson 01:44:07

Melissa Adao 07:20:09

Khai Bhagwandin 13:15:25

Melissa Pell McQueen 15:32:14

Lindsay Williams 18:38:12

Jacalyn Gross 20:11:26

Lizzi Hoffert 21:05:16 Follow on Strava

Julie Mckelvey 22:42:08

Cherilyn Suiter 25:02:02

Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by Pete Alba

10/12/2024

Does this happen to anyone else post-50k race?

Listen to the full podcast here: https://bit.ly/Orcas50k

In this episode of Women Empower Active Jacalyn recounts her most recent race the Orcas Island 50K She discusses her training leading up to her race, her pre-race rituals, and the race itself. She also shares what she learned from this specific course and what she would like to work on moving forward. She ends with Words of Empowerment and goals for the year. If you're training for a big adventure you won't want to miss it!

Host Jacalyn Gross
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Photos

27/11/2024

Women Empower Active Cherilyn Suiter!! Listen now:https://bit.ly/cherilynsuiter

Today’s guest is Cherilyn Suiter, a living testament to the power of reinvention and grit. After stepping away from Triathlons in the 90s and battling years of health challenges, Cherilyn made a bold, life-altering decision in 2022 to put her well-being front and center. Embracing the journey one step at a time, she transformed her life through small, deliberate shifts in her diet, exercise, and mindset. But her comeback didn’t stop there—Cherilyn defied fears, shattered limitations, and returned to racing with a fierce determination. In this episode, she reveals her extraordinary story to inspire anyone who feels stuck, showing that with relentless perseverance, an unwavering mindset, and the courage to start over, anything is within reach.

Host Jacalyn Gross

Guest Cherilyn Suiter
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by Pete Alba

25/11/2024

Women Empower Active Words of Empowerment 2023

Listen to the Podcast: https://bit.ly/WEA_2023

In this episode, we take all of the Words of Empowerment from the year and put them into one powerful episode. We are so thankful to all of our guests from the year for helping to push us to try new adventures. Thank you also to all of our listeners please like, subscribe, and review.

Host Jacalyn Gross

Guests
00:55:01 Sarah Histand
04:19:01 Kriste Peoples
07:12:28 Irene Yee
11:04:24 Patty Peoples
15:29:12 Brenna Anderst .anderst
17:41:22 Jacalyn Gross (Race Report)
19:21:18 Jennifer Gross (Rebroadcast)
23:21:00 Alesha Zappitella
24:22:19 Amna Khan
30:49:22 Yvette Valery
32:48:02 Sarah McCormack (Rebroadcast)

Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross

Women Empower Active Podcast