SOMETIMES THE JOURNEY CHANGES (EPISODE 73)

SOMETIMES THE JOURNEY CHANGES (EPISODE 73)

Episode 73 | Sometimes the Journey ChangesWhat happens when you finally reach the mountain you've spent years climbing?After completing her PhD at 58, presenting her dissertation research at an international conference in Geneva, Switzerland, launching The PhD Journey Unplugged podcast, and walking through more than a decade as a caregiver, Dr. Sarah Gordon found herself asking an unexpected question:"Who am I now?"In this deeply personal solo episode, Sarah reflects on a season of transition—one that many people experience but few openly discuss.Sometimes, life isn't asking us to climb another mountain.Sometimes, it is inviting us to pause long enough to discover who we have become along the journey.This episode explores:Finding purpose after major life achievementsNavigating identity during seasons of changeThe transition from caregiving to rediscovering yourselfWhy accomplishment doesn't always answer life's deepest questionsLearning to embrace reflection instead of constant strivingThe difference between achieving more and becoming moreRather than offering easy answers, Sarah invites listeners into a thoughtful conversation about human flourishing, purpose, and the courage to live the questions that shape our lives.If you've ever wondered...Who am I becoming?Where do I go from here?What fills the space after achievement?...this conversation is for you.As Dr. Gordon shares:"Perhaps this season isn't asking me to climb another mountain. Perhaps it's asking me to discover who I am when I stop climbing."At the close of this episode, Sarah introduces a new tradition for her solo episodes:Questions Along the Journey—a series of reflective questions designed not to provide immediate answers, but to accompany you throughout your own journey of growth.Because sometimes the most meaningful questions are not meant to be answered in a single day.They are meant to be carried.Thank you for walking this journey together.🎙️ Hosted by: Dr. Sarah GordonFounder, The PhD Journey Unplugged, LLCStrength for the Journey Within

WAKE UP TO DIE AGAIN – BREAKING WHO YOU BECOME SO YOU CAN BE WHO YOU'RE MEANT TO BE (EPISODE 72)

Episode 72: Wake Up to Die Again – Breaking Who You Became So You Can Be Who You're Meant To Be In this powerful conversation, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with author, Army veteran, Ironman finisher, inventor, business leader, and transformational speaker Scott Lackey to explore what it truly means to become who we are meant to be. Inspired by his new book, Wake Up to Die Again, Scott shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped his understanding of resilience, purpose, identity, and transformation. Together, they discuss the "lightning strike" moments in life that challenge us, break us open, and ultimately reveal what matters most. Scott reflects on the lessons learned through Ironman training, overcoming broken promises made to himself, rebuilding trust, navigating adversity, and discovering the power of self-forgiveness. Throughout the conversation, he offers a compelling reminder that growth often begins when we are willing to let go of old versions of ourselves. Key topics include:• The hidden cost of broken promises to ourselves• Rebuilding trust through small daily actions• Lessons learned through the Ironman journey• The role of pain in personal transformation• Why self-forgiveness is essential for healing• Faith, resilience, and finding purpose through adversity• The "Lily Pad Principle" for creating lasting change• Becoming who you are meant to beOne of the most powerful messages from this conversation is simple yet profound:"If you can heal yourself, then you can be a healing force for everybody else."Whether you are navigating a difficult season, pursuing a meaningful goal, or seeking a deeper sense of fulfillment, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and practical insights for the journey ahead.Connect with Scott Lackey:https://scottlackey.comThank you for listening to The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast.Dr. Sarah GordonFounder, The PhD Journey Unplugged, LLCStrength for the Journey Within#ThePhDJourneyUnplugged #ScottLackey #WakeUpToDieAgain #Resilience #Transformation #PersonalGrowth #Ironman #Purpose #SelfForgiveness #Leadership #GrowthMindset

FORWARD IS A PACE (EPISODE 71)

In Episode 71 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with endurance athlete, coach, author, and founder of Team B*REAL, Adina O'Neill.Adina's story is one of perseverance, inclusion, and the unwavering belief that movement belongs to everyone. After beginning her journey unable to run a single mile, she went on to complete more than 100 endurance events, including marathons, Ironman triathlons, marathon swims, and epic endurance challenges that pushed the limits of what she once believed possible.As the founder and Head Joy Coach of Team B*REAL, Adina has dedicated her life to helping athletes of all sizes, identities, ages, and abilities discover confidence, belonging, and belief through movement. Team B*REAL stands for Realistic, Empowered, Attainable, and Lifestyle—four principles that serve as a roadmap for sustainable growth and success.Together, Sarah and Adina explore the powerful themes behind Adina's book, Forward Is a Pace, discussing how progress is not measured by speed, but by the courage to keep moving forward. They dive into the importance of finding your tribe, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, overcoming self-limiting beliefs, and learning to embrace the journey rather than focusing solely on outcomes.The conversation also highlights Adina's historic Boston Light Swim attempt, scheduled for July 20, 2026. Adina will seek to become the first person to attempt the iconic eight-mile Boston Light Swim entirely on backstroke, reversing the traditional route by swimming from South Boston Harbor to Boston Lighthouse. More than an athletic challenge, the swim represents a powerful message of resilience, possibility, inclusion, and doing things her own way.If you've ever questioned whether you belong, struggled with self-doubt, or wondered if it's too late to pursue a goal, this conversation will remind you that progress comes in many forms—and that sometimes the most important step is simply continuing to move forward.Because forward is a pace.Topics discussed include:• Building confidence through movement• The mission and philosophy behind Team B*REAL• Inclusion and belonging in endurance sports• Finding your tribe and community• The power of self-belief• Lessons from open water swimming• Resilience, mindset, and personal growth• Adina's historic Boston Light Swim attempt• Why movement is for everyoneYou belong here. Movement is for everyone.To learn more about and support Adina O'Neill's historic Boston Light Swim challenge, visit:https://teambreal.com/the-boston-light-swim/To learn more about Team B*REAL and Adina's coaching platform, visit:https://teambreal.com/aboutDisclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.

THE TRIBE: ONE MAN'S LIFELONG SEARCH FOR HIS KIND OF WEIRD BY JERRY DUNN (EPISODE 70)

What if life isn't about finding one tribe—but about discovering the many communities that shape us along the way?In this special episode of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon shares a reading of The Tribe, a thoughtful and deeply personal essay written by Jerry Dunn.Through humor, wisdom, and stories spanning decades of life experience, Jerry reflects on the tribes that have influenced his journey—from the running community and ultrarunning culture to healing, sobriety, friendship, and the ongoing search for belonging.More than a story about running, The Tribe is a reflection on identity, growth, resilience, and the people who walk beside us through life's many seasons. Jerry challenges us to consider that perhaps life isn't about finding where we fit in forever, but about remaining open to growth, new experiences, and new communities that help shape who we become.At its heart, this piece is a reminder that flourishing is found through movement, connection, curiosity, and the courage to continue evolving.As Jerry writes:"Find your people. But don't be afraid to outgrow them."And perhaps most importantly:"The campfire is always somewhere else... waiting for you."Thank you to Jerry Dunn for allowing this piece to be shared with The PhD Journey Unplugged community.

WHO AM I BECOMING? THE IDENTITY SHIFT AND THE COURAGE TO BEGIN AGAIN (Episode 69)

What if the person you are becoming requires you to let go of who you once were?In Episode 69 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon welcomes fitness, performance, and wellness coach, entrepreneur, lifelong athlete, and founder of AE Fitness & Performance Coaching, Arwen Elaine, on the show.Together, Sarah and Arwen explore one of the most profound questions of personal growth:Who am I becoming?From childhood labels and family roles to career identities, athletic pursuits, and life transitions, we often carry stories about ourselves long after they no longer reflect who we truly are. In this thought-provoking conversation, Sarah and Arwen discuss how identity evolves across the lifespan, why some identities must be released to make room for new ones, and how growth often begins with giving ourselves permission to change.In this episode, we explore:• The identities we inherit from family, school, and society• How labels shape our beliefs about ourselves• The difference between assigned identity and authentic identity• Why self-compassion is essential during seasons of change• Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion• Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset and identity development• Imposter syndrome and why it may be evidence of growth rather than inadequacy • Identity theory and performance psychology• The concept of "nascence" — the process of beginning anew• How identity influences performance in sport, leadership, career, and life• The importance of authenticity, alignment, and personal evolution• The transformative question: What would change if I permitted myself?This conversation is for anyone navigating a life transition, redefining themselves after a major accomplishment, exploring a new chapter, or wondering whether the identity they've carried for years still fits who they are becoming. Because sometimes growth is not about becoming someone new. Sometimes growth is about becoming more fully yourself.Subscribe to The PhD Journey Unplugged for conversations at the intersection of human performance, leadership, resilience, healthy aging, motivation, and personal growth.Disclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.