Finding the Glide: Sonny Cruz and the Moloka‘i Hoe - Paddling the World Championships

Defeating CAN’T: CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 7 | Filtering CAN'T in High-Pressure Moments

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2128562/fan_mail/new] Jason: This is where these two ultra-cool guys hang out, talk story, and invite ourselves—with positive vibes only—into your personal journey. Andy: We're excited to share our perspectives, experiences, and the experiences of so many individuals we find inspiring in ways that we trust will bring you hope, motivation, and the inspiration to grow and ultimately thrive. Because, as I say, CAN. Jason is my coach, a cool Jamaican now living on the island of Kauaʻi. He has launched a coaching platform that blends a scientific approach, drawing from his PhD background as a former biomedical researcher and medical communications consultant. Jason is now a highly regarded fitness specialist and coach who focuses on helping clients tap into their sense of strength as they physically and mentally transform and thrive. Jason: It's true—I am Andy's coach. This guy is an entrepreneur and the founder of the Kauaʻi apparel brand CAN., rooted in the principles of positive psychology. He's also a dedicated nonprofit fundraiser, a former elite endurance athlete, and someone who cherishes all the endorphins that come from challenging physical pursuits—usually very cardio-focused ones. He's committed to continually improving in all aspects of his life and, more importantly, helping others discover their own Spirit of CAN. All right, guys, welcome back to the latest episode of the CAN. THRIVE Series. I'm Jason, joined here by Andy. By now, you probably know us pretty well, considering we've recorded six or seven episodes together. Today we're expanding the conversation into those moments when there's simply no time for a CAN'T mindset. That doesn't mean you necessarily understand why those doubts are showing up, but sometimes the stakes are high enough that you have to immediately shift gears and move from CAN'T to CAN. Andy, I don't know if you want to add anything before we dive in. Andy: Yeah, for sure. I suggested this topic after thinking about some recent conversations we've had. I was also rewriting the CAN. brand story and found myself thinking about the exact moment when CAN'T appears. There are different versions of it. If you're lying in bed, you may have plenty of time to process CAN'T. Hopefully you don't marinate in it. Hopefully you get out of bed, grab a cup of coffee, and start thinking about how you're going to address it, tackle it, and move forward. But then there are situations where you don't have that luxury. You're in competition. You're a first responder. You're giving a presentation. You're landing a plane. You're lining up a putt. That's what really got me thinking. At the beginning of the school year, I had the opportunity to speak to the football team at Spring Valley High School. I talked to them about defeating CAN'T at the speed of the game. To me, that means you don't have time to process CAN'T. You only have time to filter it. Next play. Next opportunity. In those moments, you're relying on your training. You're relying on your teammates. You don't have time to dwell on doubt. Sometimes a coach will pull a player out of the game because they can see that player is processing CAN'T, and it's affecting both the individual and the team. That got me thinking about your experience learning to fly and some of the stories you've shared about landing an airplane in a crosswind. Jason: Absolutely. For me, that was a perfect example of a situation where there was simply no space for CAN'T. Visit our store: Spirit of CAN. [https://www.spiritofcan.com/] Social media: Instagram [http://instagram.com/spiritofcan]  Remember, the discussions and concepts discussed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. If the 'can't" in your mind ever becomes too much, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional. CAN. Ask for Help.

A Father, A Son, and the Andes: Defeating Can't One Mile at a Time

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2128562/fan_mail/new] This episode of Defeating Can’t reconnects with Austrian adventurer Stefan Garr, now more than 18 months into a self-supported bicycle journey around the world. Since we last spoke, Stefan has crossed Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand before arriving in Santiago, Chile to begin the next chapter of his adventure across South America. What makes this leg of the journey especially meaningful is that Stefan is no longer riding alone. His father, Klaus, took a one-year sabbatical from his tech career to join him on the road. After reuniting in Chile, the two set out together with fully loaded touring bikes, fresh gear, and a shared desire to experience the world one pedal stroke at a time. Their route has already taken them over rugged Andes passes, through fierce headwinds, and across long stretches of remote dirt roads. Along the way, they share stories of a summit attempt turned back by snow, unexpected radio interviews, friendly dogs in Argentina, and the daily rhythm of covering roughly 65 miles while carrying everything they need to survive. But this conversation is about much more than cycling. It's about family, perspective, resilience, and the powerful reminder that adventure has no age limit. Stefan and Klaus discuss what motivates them to keep moving forward, how endurance changes with experience, and why some of life's greatest memories are found beyond comfort and certainty. As they continue toward Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, the Uyuni Salt Flats, and Machu Picchu, their story serves as a reminder that growth often begins where the easy road ends. Whether you're training for your own adventure, pursuing a dream that feels out of reach, or simply looking for inspiration to keep moving forward, this episode captures what the CAN. mindset is all about. Because CAN'T isn't an option. Father's Day is just around the corner, and this father-son adventure felt like the perfect time to launch our limited-edition DAD CAN. tee. Celebrate the dads, mentors, and father figures who showed us what's possible. Available now at SpiritofCAN.com for a limited time. Visit our store: Spirit of CAN. [https://www.spiritofcan.com/] Social media: Instagram [http://instagram.com/spiritofcan]  Remember, the discussions and concepts discussed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. If the 'can't" in your mind ever becomes too much, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional. CAN. Ask for Help.

Stefan Gaar, Pt. 2 — 220-Day Check-In: Cycling Across Asia

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2128562/fan_mail/new] This is the 220-day check-in with Austrian adventurer Stefan Gaar (aka Freak of Nature), who is cycling solo and self-supported around the world. In Part 1, we followed Stefan’s launch from Austria through Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Jordan, and Nepal. Now, host Andy Bestwick reconnects with him as he pedals through South Korea after a month in China—fresh off mountain passes, border challenges, and the quiet rhythm of 7–8 hours a day in the saddle. In this episode we cover: * Visa pivots that forced unexpected detours. * Gear breakdowns and fixes that kept him rolling. * The kindness of strangers along the way. * The mental side of managing loneliness and embracing quiet miles. * What’s next: a Korea loop, 90 days in Japan, and South America with his dad Klaus. It’s a grounded, inspiring check-in from a cyclist who proves that progress comes one consistent pedal stroke at a time. Follow Stefan’s Journey Track Stefan’s adventure across the world here: * Komoot: Stefan Gaar * Strava: Stefan Gaar * Instagram: @freak.of.nature [https://instagram.com/freak.of.nature] Visit our store: Spirit of CAN. [https://www.spiritofcan.com/] Social media: Instagram [http://instagram.com/spiritofcan]  Remember, the discussions and concepts discussed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. If the 'can't" in your mind ever becomes too much, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional. CAN. Ask for Help.

Finding the Glide: Sonny Cruz and the Moloka‘i Hoe - Paddling the World Championships

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2128562/fan_mail/new] This episode of Defeating Can’t takes you into the heart of outrigger canoe paddling and one of the most iconic endurance events in the world — the Moloka‘i Hoe World Championships. My guest is Sonny Cruz, paddler, community leader, and friend, who will be racing with his club, Hui o Mana Ka Pu‘uwai. Founded in 1990 on Kaua‘i’s Wailua River by Jeff Ano and Uncle Joe Rapozo, the club has become a cornerstone of the paddling community. This year, they’re sending an Open Men’s crew to represent Kaua‘i — a remarkable mix of young athletes as young as 16 and seasoned paddlers in their 50s, all united by a shared kuleana (responsibility) to honor their island and their hui wa‘a. The Moloka‘i Hoe is more than a 42-mile channel crossing. It’s a test of endurance, teamwork, and cultural tradition that connects modern athletes to the voyaging heritage of Hawai‘i and Polynesia. In this episode, Sonny shares what it means to paddle at this level — from the structure of the canoe, to the unity it takes to find rhythm, to the deep cultural weight of representing Kaua‘i on a global stage. I’m especially proud that Spirit of CAN. is sponsoring Sonny and his crew in this year’s race. They embody resilience, humility, and the CAN. mindset — qualities you’ll hear in Sonny’s voice as he talks about his team, the sport, and the stoke that fuels their journey. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to glide across open ocean with perfect timing, or what it takes to prepare a team for one of the world’s most demanding endurance challenges, this conversation will take you there. 2025 Molokai Hoe Canoe Race [https://www.molokaihoe.com/]                 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2025 Visit our store: Spirit of CAN. [https://www.spiritofcan.com/] Social media: Instagram [http://instagram.com/spiritofcan]  Remember, the discussions and concepts discussed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. If the 'can't" in your mind ever becomes too much, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional. CAN. Ask for Help.

Defeating CAN’T: CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 6 | Staying Positive When Others Aren’t: Mindset, Energy & Workplace Culture

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2128562/fan_mail/new]  In this episode of the CAN. THRIVE Series, Andy Bestwick and Coach Jason Carnagie dive deep into one of the most relatable topics yet: How do you stay positive when you're surrounded by negativity?  Whether it’s a workplace filled with complaining, a team lacking energy, or a social circle stuck in a cycle of discouragement—maintaining your own mindset is no easy task. Drawing from coaching insights, personal stories, and real-life examples, Andy and Jason explore what it means to own your energy, how to build resilience in tough environments, and what to do when others around you don’t share your growth-oriented outlook.  In this episode, they unpack:  * How to identify your role in shaping the emotional climate around you * Why one negative voice can change the vibe—and how to shift it back * The power of gratitude, reflection, and the “what went well” question * Strategies to avoid internalizing others’ negativity * The role of team captains, leaders without titles, and “quiet culture shapers” * The science behind how positive language actually boosts team outcomes With examples from sports teams, nonprofit settings, and personal coaching journeys—including Andy’s take on processing “CAN’T” in real time—this episode offers practical, heartfelt advice for anyone looking to grow and thrive in environments that can sometimes pull you down.   🎧 Tune in for tools, mindset shifts, and the reminder that positivity is a practice—and it starts with you.   Connect with Coach Jason Carnagie 📧 Email: jason@jasoncarnegiefitness.com 📸 Instagram: @jasoncarnegie_IF 💼 LinkedIn: Jason Carnagie Visit our store: Spirit of CAN. [https://www.spiritofcan.com/] Social media: Instagram [http://instagram.com/spiritofcan]  Remember, the discussions and concepts discussed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. If the 'can't" in your mind ever becomes too much, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional. CAN. Ask for Help.