Who's On My Mind Podcast

He Won the Kentucky Derby & Built One of Horse Racing's Most Legendary Careers | Patrick Valenzuela

🏇 Go inside the mind of horse racing legend Patrick "P-Val" Valenzuela. Widely considered one of the most naturally gifted jockeys in history, P-Val joins the podcast for an in-depth conversation about his historic career. He shares the incredible stories behind winning the 1989 Kentucky Derby aboard Sunday Silence, riding the iconic Arazi in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, and competing at the highest levels of thoroughbred racing for over six decades. Patrick opens up about race strategy, instinct, understanding horse behavior, the physical and mental demands of being a jockey, and the emotional highs and lows of life in horse racing. He also reflects on family, resilience, faith, redemption, and returning to racing at 63 years old. This episode is a rare deep dive into the mind of an elite jockey and one of horse racing’s most unforgettable personalities. 👤 Guest: Patrick "P-Val" Valenzuela 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whosonmymind.com] ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ [https://www.whosonmymind.com] Topics Discussed: • Winning the Kentucky Derby with Sunday Silence • The legendary Breeders’ Cup ride on Arazi • How jockeys think during a race • Horse psychology and racing instincts • The physical demands of being a jockey • Race strategy, pacing, and reading horses • Patrick Valenzuela’s comeback to racing at 63 • Family, faith, resilience, and legacy • What it feels like to ride a racehorse at full speed • Inside the world of professional horse racing ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Patrick Valenzuela 00:51 The Journey to Becoming a Jockey 06:44 First Wins and Early Career 12:44 The Thrill of Winning 18:42 Understanding the Horse Racing Industry 23:53 The Importance of Relationships in Racing 25:36 The Athleticism of Jockeys 31:08 What It Feels Like to Ride a Racehorse 34:59 Do Horses Want to Win? 38:28 Understanding Horse Behavior 44:05 The Strategy Behind Winning Races 49:31 Family, Racing, and Emotional Moments 01:04:20 The Art of Jockeying: Strategy and Skill 01:08:23 Winning the Kentucky Derby with Sunday Silence 01:27:14 Returning to Racing at 63 01:31:01 Proud Moments, Family, and Heroism 01:38:58 Legacy, Faith, and Reflection If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in horse racing, jockeys, sports psychology, or elite athletic performance. #PatrickValenzuela #KentuckyDerby #HorseRacing #Jockey #SundaySilence #BreedersCup

1 Breath, 216 Feet: Conquering Ego in the Abyss | Maria Bobela

🌊 How do you dive the height of the Statue of Liberty on a single breath? World Champion Polish freediver Maria Bobela reveals how she went from failing her first dive to descending 66 meters into the abyss by mastering the art of "letting go."   In this episode, Maria shares her journey from a high-pressure graphic design career to becoming one of the top competitive freedivers in the world. We dive deep into the science of the human body underwater, the "Blue Hole" of Dahab, and why relaxation—not lung capacity—is the ultimate superpower.  About Maria Bobela: Maria Bobela is a Polish freediver and 2024 World Champion in Constant Weight No Fins (CNF). She has reached depths of over 90 meters on a single breath and now teaches others how to stay calm, focused, and in control under pressure. 📱 Follow Maria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariabobela 🧠 What You’ll Learn Why most people struggle to relax (and how to fix it) The mental shift that unlocks elite performance How the body adapts to extreme depth (mammalian dive reflex) The role of ego in failure and growth Why focusing on the process beats chasing results 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whosonmymind.com] ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ [https://www.whosonmymind.com] ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Introduction 2:07 Why Her First Freedive Failed 6:29 Pool vs Ocean: What Changed Everything 10:00 The Blue Hole in Dahab 11:28 Freediving vs Scuba Diving 18:32 How She Ended Up Living in Egypt 32:25 Ego, Stress & Letting Go 37:38 The Physiology of Freediving 43:53 What “Free Fall” Feels Like 49:32 Why the Ascent Is the Hardest Part 1:03:42 Breaking Mental Limits 1:07:55 What Freediving Taught Her About Life 🔑 Keywords (for search) freediving, Maria Bobela, breath hold diving, mental performance, ocean depth, diving physiology, ego and mindset, extreme sports, relaxation techniques, human limits 🔥 Hashtags #Freediving #MariaBobela #MentalPerformance #BreathHold #ExtremeSports #dahab

She Quit Being a CEO then Biked Across Africa...Then an Elephant Charged Her | Alice Morrison

🐫 I sit down with explorer, author, and adventurer Alice Morrison—often called “The Indiana Jones for Girls.” After leaving her career as a CEO and BBC journalist, Alice completely reinvented her life and went on extraordinary expeditions across Africa and the Middle East. She shares what it was like cycling 8,000 miles from Cairo to Cape Town, being charged by a wild elephant, surviving extreme conditions, walking across Saudi Arabia, living in Morocco, learning Arabic, and why she believes the meaning of life is simply to be. This conversation explores adventure, resilience, fear, purpose, cultural understanding, travel, and what it means to truly feel alive. In this episode we discuss: Why Alice left her CEO career for adventure Cycling from Cairo to Cape Town Being charged by a wild elephant Walking the length of Saudi Arabia Living in Morocco and learning Arabic Adventure, resilience, and fear Why she says the meaning of life is “to be” How to start pursuing your own adventures If you enjoy conversations about adventure, exploration, personal growth, resilience, and extraordinary lives—subscribe for more interviews. Follow Alice Morrison: Website: https://alicemorrison.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AliceOutThere1 X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AliceOutThere1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aliceoutthere1 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@AliceOutThere1 Books: Search “Alice Morrison books” on Amazon Podcast: Alice in Wanderland 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whosonmymind.com] ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ [https://www.whosonmymind.com] Timestamps: 00:00 Charged by a Wild Elephant 01:05 Meet Alice Morrison 02:57 Why She Left Her CEO Career 06:32 Cycling Across Africa 10:42 The Elephant Attack Story 15:45 Why She Studied Arabic 18:58 Cultural Lessons From Living in Morocco 24:56 Why She Keeps Chasing Adventure 29:35 Future Expeditions 32:32 Traveling With Camel Guides 37:15 Stop Caring What People Think 39:46 Hardest Adventure of Her Life 43:25 Advice to Her Younger Self 46:54 What Makes Life Meaningful? 49:04 Where to Find Alice Subscribe for more interviews with adventurers, entrepreneurs, explorers, athletes, and people who have lived extraordinary lives. #AliceMorrison #AdventurePodcast #TravelPodcast #Explorer #Podcast #AdventureTravel

From Ironman to Self-Worth: She Finally Stopped Chasing Approval | Jen Rulon

What happens when you stop chasing approval—and start redefining who you are? In this episode of Who’s On My Mind, I sit down with Jen Rulon — 15-time Ironman finisher, former marine animal trainer, TEDx speaker, and now a life coach helping women reinvent themselves in midlife. Jen spent years pushing her limits — completing Ironman races, building a career at SeaWorld, and striving for validation. But it wasn’t until she stepped away from it all in her late 40s that she began to truly understand self-worth, identity, and what it means to start over. Now living in Costa Rica, she helps women navigate change, rebuild confidence, and create a life rooted in purpose. This conversation is about letting go of external validation, finding your voice, and having the courage to reinvent your life — no matter your age. 🎯 What You’ll Learn * Why external validation can quietly drive your life * What it takes to complete 15 Ironmans — and why it’s not enough * How to rebuild your identity after major life transitions * The mindset behind resilience and reinvention * How to find your voice and stop people-pleasing * Why it’s never too late to start over 🌐 Connect with Jen Rulon Website: https://jenrulon.com [https://jenrulon.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenrulon [https://www.instagram.com/coachjenrulon] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coachjenrulon [https://www.tiktok.com/@coachjenrulon] Book: Self-Motivation Strategies for Women https://www.amazon.com/Self-Motivation-Strategies-Women-Transform/dp/1648766234 [https://www.amazon.com/Self-Motivation-Strategies-Women-Transform/dp/1648766234] 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whosonmymind.com] ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ [https://www.whosonmymind.com] ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Who Is Jen Rulon 03:38 The Decision to Pursue Ironman 06:18 Where the Drive Came From 08:59 Chasing a Father’s Approval 11:36 Her First Ironman Experience 15:21 Realizing Self-Worth 17:05 The Meaning Behind the Butterflies 24:51 Struggles with Purpose 25:37 Walking Away from Ironman 28:29 Marriage and Identity 31:48 Lessons from SeaWorld 36:45 Trust and Communication with Animals 45:04 The Breaking Point 52:21 Quitting Alcohol 52:22 Moving to Costa Rica 53:52 Finding Her Voice 55:13 Coaching and Transformation 59:15 Daily Life in Costa Rica 01:01:53 Family Reflections 01:05:17 Courage to Start Over 🔍 Keywords self worth, midlife reinvention, personal growth podcast, finding purpose, identity crisis, life transition, resilience mindset, confidence building, stop people pleasing, women empowerment, life coach, mindset shift 📢 Hashtags #SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeReinvention #Mindset #Resilience #Podcast

14 Months in the Sewers: How 1 Jewish Father Saved His Family During the Holocaust | Doron Keren

This is the extraordinary story of Ignacy Chiger, a Holocaust survivor who hid in a complex sewer labyrinth in Lvov for 14 months, with his family, during Nazi occupation. This deeply moving conversation explores resilience, moral courage, and survival strategies in the face of unimaginable evil. Doron Keren, his grandson, highlights his grandfather's story and the heroism of sewer worker Leopold Socha and the human choices that defined life and death during the Holocaust. We also discuss related works, including the film In Darkness and the memoir The Girl in the Green Sweater, which provide additional context on survival, heroism, and moral courage. Resources & Guest Links (Connect with Doron) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneaththelightlesssky/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GGfhrPQbJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Lightless-Sky-Surviving-Holocaust/dp/949341857X In Darkness movie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Darkness_(2011_film) Girl in the Green Sweater book: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Green-Sweater-Holocausts-Shadow/dp/1250018986Key Topics Covered Ignacy Chiger's 14-month survival in Lvov sewers The role of moral courage and resilience in extreme situations Nazi and Soviet occupation impacts on Lvov The heroism of sewer worker Leopold Socha Moral and human choices during the Holocaust Reflection on trauma, survival, and the importance of personal stories Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Doron Keren and his grandfather 05:20 Doron recalls his grandfather's decision to write his memoir 07:51 Life before the war in Lvov and Ignacy's aspirations 10:51 The impact of Soviet occupation on Lvov and Ignacy 25:45 The German invasion and the shift in survival tactics 31:47 Adapting to new threats and building hiding places4 9:25 Meeting Josef Grzimek and his brutality 57:25 The brutal execution of Ignacy by Grzimek 58:43 The psychological torment and resilience of the family 01:01:33 The inhumane treatment of Jews and acts of kindness 01:07:51 Life in the sewer: daily routines and challenges 01:15:00 The relationship with sewer worker Leopold Socha 01:22:30 The death of Ignacy's brother-in-law and other tragedies 01:31:04 The escape from the sewer and liberation 01:40:17 Recognition of Leopold Socha as Righteous Among the Nations 01:49:50 Post-war life and the publication of the memoir 01:56:18 Reflections on survival, luck, and divine intervention 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whosonmymind.com] ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ [https://www.whosonmymind.com] Keywords / Hashtags #Holocaust #JewishSurvivor #SurvivorStories #MoralCourage #WWIIHistory #podcast