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 @jacalyngross
Guest: Kelly Fields @athenarockclimbing www.athenarockclimbing.com
Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba
On today’s episode, we’re joined by Genevive Walker a climber, guide, writer, and advocate who turned a love for climbing into a mission for change. After years of living out of her car and climbing around the world, she noticed a lack of representation in the outdoor community. That realization became the spark for a much larger purpose. She’s since partnered with brands like National Geographic, The North Face, and Brown Girls Climb to amplify underrepresented voices. Through retreats and international guiding, she helps women and climbers of color build confidence and community in the outdoors. Her platform is about more than just climbing—it’s about access, visibility, and belonging.
Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross
Guest: Genevive Walker @walkergenevive
Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba
Photos Credit: Dori Nix & Brandi Sisson
In this solo episode of Women Empower Active, host Jacalyn reflects on her recent 25K "hard effort" at the Olympic Mountain Trail Races. She takes listeners behind the scenes of her race experience—sharing the highs, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in for an honest breakdown of the effort, her post-race reflections, and the takeaways she’s carrying forward into future adventures.
Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross
Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba
Today, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Anna Chang—a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Licensed Physical Therapist, and Certified Personal Trainer. After graduating from the University of Puget Sound in 2020, Dr. Anna recognized a need for more accessible, inclusive wellness services. In response, she founded Onsight PT LLC in 2021, focusing on injury prevention and strength-building for athletes through personalized, intentional care.
But this conversation isn’t just about her impressive work—it’s about the driven, passionate individual behind it. Let’s dive into her story.
Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross
Guest: Dr. Anna Chang, PT, DPT, CPT @onsightdpt
Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba
We’re excited to speak with Mel Fernandes. A leading force in outdoor advocacy for survivors of violent crimes, marginalized communities, and much more. All areas that have become increasingly crucial to the climbing and outdoor community. In addition to her advocacy work, Mel is a dedicated pet rescuer, showcasing her deep compassion for both animals and people.
She believes that we are all meant to thrive outdoors, and her approach to an active, purposeful lifestyle is truly inspiring. We’re excited to share her wisdom and offer insights that will resonate with anyone who lives for adventure and the outdoors.
Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross
Guest: Mel Fernandes @melinthealpine
Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba
Runner referenced: Caster Semenya 800 meter Olympic Runner
Today, we're pumped to welcome Erin Murray, a powerhouse in the world of Strongwoman competitions. As a World’s Strongest Woman titleholder and record-breaking athlete, Erin has lifted, pressed, and carried her way to the top, proving that strength is just as much about tenacity as it is about muscle. From making history at the Arnold to coaching others in their own strength journeys, she's breaking barriers and raising the bar—literally. Don your war paint as we dig into her journey of grit, growth, and unstoppable power.
Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross
Guest: Erin Murray @e.murray_pro.strongwoman
Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba
In this episode, we sit down with Lenie Gallardo—the powerhouse mom and climber behind the vibrant Gallardo girls, Hunter and Phoenix. Lenie shares how she weaves motherhood into her climbing journey, her approach to bouldering, and how she’s found her own style of climbing. From problem-solving to leading by example, Lenie embodies quiet strength. She has greatly inspired me, and I’m so excited to share her story with you.
This episode is an off-grid episode! I'd like to give a special thanks to MidNite Solar who kindly provided this Little Rosie inverter and Expion battery to power my recording setup.
Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross
Guest: Amanda Bullat @LenieBird
Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba
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 @jacalyngross
Guest: Amanda Bullat @alpinenutrition alpinenutrition.org
Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba
Photo: Angela Prospert @rainydayprosper
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 @jacalyngross
Guest: Ting Ting @szutingyi
Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba
Photo: David Anderson @thewildsights
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: link). 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: link.
For Washington State business information: https://wsbdc.org/
Host: Jacalyn Gross @jacalyngross
Guest: Crystal Rose Hudelson @aroseontherock
Producer: Jeremy Canaria @jeremycanary
Editor: Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by: Pete Alba
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
*@tyler_yezman is the thru-hiker with the daily vlog
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
https://www.instagram.com/aroseontherock/
Melissa Adao 07:20:09
https://www.instagram.com/bgirlmel/
Khai Bhagwandin 13:15:25
https://www.instagram.com/khaiann/
Melissa Pell McQueen 15:32:14
https://www.instagram.com/mel2toes/
Lindsay Williams 18:38:12
https://www.instagram.com/coachlinwilli/
Jacalyn Gross 20:11:26
https://www.instagram.com/jacalyngross/
Lizzi Hoffert 21:05:16
Follow on Strava
Julie Mckelvey 22:42:08
https://www.instagram.com/juliemckelvey27/
Cherilyn Suiter 25:02:02
https://www.instagram.com/dcsuiter/
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by Pete Alba
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
Today, we’re excited to share the empowering journey of Julie McKelvey. Julie caught the mountaineering bug and found herself transformed while summitting Mt. Fuji, sparking a passion that led her to conquer the Seven Summits, including Mt. Everest. But her adventures aren’t just about reaching new heights; through her initiative, Summit for Sound, she’s raised over a quarter million dollars for the Miracle Ear Foundation, helping countless individuals access vital hearing aids. Julie's story is a powerful testament to resilience, purpose, and the belief that every summit—whether a mountain or a personal challenge—is a victory worth celebrating.
Host Jacalyn Gross
Guest Julie McKelvey
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
In this episode of Women Empower Active, Jacalyn gives an update on her ruptured appendix and having her drains removed. Then she dives into the challenges of running and navigating the often tricky "in-between" phase of fitness. Jacalyn also discusses how we tend to quantify exercise and place value on our workouts. Finally, she goes into what this period of lower activity has taught her.
In the second half of the episode, Jacalyn welcomes Emily Johnston to the conversation. Emily shares her insights on supporting athletes as they recover from injuries and opens up about her journey of returning to fitness after a C-section. Plus, she updates us on her recent racing experiences. We hope you can connect with this episode, it is a very open and honest discussion.
Women Empower Active Emily Johnston
https://youtu.be/3eyKX0On64s?si=Toi7EA94iRQxjptT
Host Jacalyn Gross
Guest Emily Johnston
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Lizzi Hoffert is a remarkable rower whose story is nothing short of inspiring. After facing significant hurdles and navigating through a difficult coaching environment at the University of Wisconsin, Lizzi has made a bold move to the University of Santa Barbara.
With a fresh perspective and an open mind, she’s exploring new possibilities, including the exciting world of cycling. Lizzi embodies resilience, adaptability, and the courage to embrace change.
Host Jacalyn Gross
Amazing Guest Lizzi Hoffert
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by Pete Alba
@ursportswear
In this episode of Women Empower Active Jacalyn processes her recent health issues that changed how her training will look for a while. From her not-a-health professional perspective Jacalyn goes over what happened and how being an endurance athlete sort of made things worse. She shares shifting her expectations from a race and goal perspective to a get better perspective. As well as the real disappointment in not even being able to attempt to the goals she set for herself canceling her 50k race in September.
Dealing with setbacks are hard and comes with a lot of baggage, if you're going though something similar please share.
Host Jacalyn Gross
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by Pete Alba
@ursportswear
We're thrilled to introduce Lindsay Williams, a trailblazer in the world of cross-country skiing whose journey is as exhilarating as a downhill descent. I've admired and looked up to Lindsay since our time together as teammates at Northern Michigan University. Around that same time marked the 2006 Winter Olympics, where Lindsay was part of the Olympic team—a testament to her unwavering dedication and unmatched work ethic. Lindsay has carved her path to success, leaving behind tracks of inspiration in the snow to follow. From the snow-adorned starting line on the Olympic stage to whipping up culinary masterpieces as a chef, and a promising return to the world of ski racing. Join us as we glide through Lindsay's extraordinary journey, navigating the peaks and valleys of her career, and uncovering the true meaning of resilience in the face of icy challenges.
Host Jacalyn Gross
Guest Lindsay Williams
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by Pete Alba
@ursportswear
We're excited to introduce Melissa McQueen, a dynamic presence in the world of Parkour. As an event coordinator for the US Parkour Association and a skilled athlete herself, Melissa's journey in parkour is as exhilarating as it is empowering. From conquering heights to overcoming challenges and reconnecting with her body through this unique style of movement, Melissa embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. Join us as we delve into Melissa's world of flips, twists, and leaps, and uncover the stories behind her remarkable journey.
Host Jacalyn Gross
Guest Melissa McQueen
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Original Music by Pete Alba
We're thrilled to introduce Khai Bhagwandin. With a background in holistic health and wellness medicine, paired with her passion for outdoor action sports, Khai seamlessly integrates her expertise to offer a distinctive experience for her clients. She not only advocates for health but also champions the BIPOC community. Khai is creating fresh tracks in the Snowboarding and Skiing space, shredding stereotypes, and carving out space for inclusivity and empowerment on the slopes. Join us as we strap up and drop into Khai's journey, her innovative approaches to wellness, and her efforts to create a more diverse and equitable outdoor sports community.
Host Jacalyn Gross
Guest Khai Bhagwandin
Producer Jeremy Canaria
Editor Jacalyn Gross
Photo by Scott Rinckenberger