In Part 2 of Finding Your Why, PSIA-AASI National Team member Melodie Buell sits down again with George Thomas for a raw, heartfelt conversation about what it really takes to trust yourself, stay authentic, and reconnect with purpose—even when doubt creeps in.
From her first tearful ski lesson at age five to racing Division I in college, coaching junior athletes, and eventually finding her calling through adaptive instruction, Melodie shares how every turn on snow led her closer to understanding her “why.” Along the way, she talks about shifting from external validation—pins, titles, and team selections—to internal motivation grounded in impact, service, and inclusion.
This episode digs into the emotional side of professional growth in the ski and ride world—the part we don’t always talk about. Melodie opens up about facing imposter syndrome before national team tryouts, learning to sit with discomfort, and finding the courage to show up as her authentic self. Through vulnerability and grit, she reminds all instructors that living into your purpose isn’t about reaching a pinnacle—it’s about using every opportunity to connect, give back, and elevate the people and communities around you.
Whether you’re just starting your certification journey or decades into teaching, this conversation will hit home. It’s a reminder that your “why” can be the strongest tool in your quiver—and that believing in yourself might just be the most important skill of all.
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In Part 2 of Finding Your Why, PSIA-AASI National Team member Melodie Buell sits down again with George Thomas for a raw, heartfelt conversation about what it really takes to trust yourself, stay authentic, and reconnect with purpose—even when doubt creeps in.
From her first tearful ski lesson at age five to racing Division I in college, coaching junior athletes, and eventually finding her calling through adaptive instruction, Melodie shares how every turn on snow led her closer to understanding her “why.” Along the way, she talks about shifting from external validation—pins, titles, and team selections—to internal motivation grounded in impact, service, and inclusion.
This episode digs into the emotional side of professional growth in the ski and ride world—the part we don’t always talk about. Melodie opens up about facing imposter syndrome before national team tryouts, learning to sit with discomfort, and finding the courage to show up as her authentic self. Through vulnerability and grit, she reminds all instructors that living into your purpose isn’t about reaching a pinnacle—it’s about using every opportunity to connect, give back, and elevate the people and communities around you.
Whether you’re just starting your certification journey or decades into teaching, this conversation will hit home. It’s a reminder that your “why” can be the strongest tool in your quiver—and that believing in yourself might just be the most important skill of all.
Episode 761 | How Teaching Mountain Biking Can Make You a Better Ski or Snowboard Instructor
First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast
25 minutes 10 seconds
3 months ago
Episode 761 | How Teaching Mountain Biking Can Make You a Better Ski or Snowboard Instructor
First Chair catches up with Aspen Snowmass instructor and PSIA-AASI National Team member Kevin Jordan to talk about the growing crossover between skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. Kevin shares how summer bike instruction builds camaraderie among instructors, sharpens teaching skills for winter, and opens doors to new certification opportunities like PMBIA, BICP, and GSMBC. Learn how terrain reading, rider positioning, and effective communication on a bike can translate directly to better lessons on snow — and why mountain biking might be your next great teaching adventure.
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First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast
In Part 2 of Finding Your Why, PSIA-AASI National Team member Melodie Buell sits down again with George Thomas for a raw, heartfelt conversation about what it really takes to trust yourself, stay authentic, and reconnect with purpose—even when doubt creeps in.
From her first tearful ski lesson at age five to racing Division I in college, coaching junior athletes, and eventually finding her calling through adaptive instruction, Melodie shares how every turn on snow led her closer to understanding her “why.” Along the way, she talks about shifting from external validation—pins, titles, and team selections—to internal motivation grounded in impact, service, and inclusion.
This episode digs into the emotional side of professional growth in the ski and ride world—the part we don’t always talk about. Melodie opens up about facing imposter syndrome before national team tryouts, learning to sit with discomfort, and finding the courage to show up as her authentic self. Through vulnerability and grit, she reminds all instructors that living into your purpose isn’t about reaching a pinnacle—it’s about using every opportunity to connect, give back, and elevate the people and communities around you.
Whether you’re just starting your certification journey or decades into teaching, this conversation will hit home. It’s a reminder that your “why” can be the strongest tool in your quiver—and that believing in yourself might just be the most important skill of all.
