Best Whitewater Kayaking Podcasts (2025)

1
I had a Major Heart Attack!? CRAZY RIGHT!? 18:30

4h ago18:30

18:30

On todays Friday Fire I dive into my recent story of having a major heart attack. It was pretty wild for me, as I focus on health, wellness and fitness and at age 36 I thought I would be the last candidate for having a heart attack. What I has was called SCAD, which is Spontaneous coronary artery dissection, which also made it a little hard to unde…

1
Episode 483: What is the Open Canoe Association (OCA); Paddle out against sewage protests; Mountain Equipment Company sold again 58:30

1d ago58:30

58:30

Episode 483 ~ May 22, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics What is the Open Canoe Association (OCA) and what do they do? Thousands of people paddling out to protest against sewage spilling into UK waters The Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) has been sold once more and this time back into Canadian handsBy SR

1
Raw Travel Beyond Instagram with Buster Upton 51:09

1d ago51:09

51:09

What does it really mean to travel authentically in a world dominated by filtered Instagram perfection? Buster Upton, a 26-year-old Australian adventurer, has the honest answer—and it's not what you might expect. From his spontaneous childhood road trips with his adventure-loving mother to finding himself enrolled in a Finnish school at 16 (instead…

1
Part 3, Tijuana River, Solutions 52:03

3d ago52:03

52:03

This is the 3rd and last episode about the Tijuana River. The Tijuana River is a story of trade, immigration and international borders. This is a river that flows across the US Mexico border and carries pollution and sewage. Our guest is Dr Maria-Elana Giner; she served as commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission and upon req…

1
Ep #67 Train Your Brain for Courage with Anna Wagner 59:52

3d ago59:52

59:52

Need a boost of adventure, energy, and motivation? You're going to love this conversation with accomplished whitewater paddler and adventurer Anna Wagner! She’s tackled some of the toughest multi-day expeditions in North America — from the Stikine to the Middle Kings, plus multiple 💦 70+ ft waterfalls in the PNW. But her real superpower? Turning fe…

1
Episode 482: Cape Flattery to Miami paddling trip; Want to paddle the Northwest Passage; Sky View tents 1:19:10

8d ago1:19:10

1:19:10

Episode 482 ~ May 15, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics The season of paddling trips has begun and one man is paddling from the north western tip of the United States to the south eastern tip Do you want to paddle the Northwest Passage? There is a chance you could join West Hansen in 2026 Sky View tents give a great view of the night sky through the mesh …

1
Van Life Across Australia: Breaking Legs and Finding Freedom with Tzara Attwater 54:15

9d ago54:15

54:15

"Our heartbeats are the greatest currency we have." This profound insight comes from Tzara Attwater, who turned personal heartbreak into an epic adventure across Australia's vast wilderness. After walking in on her partner of ten years with another woman, Tzara spent years rebuilding herself before making a bold decision during COVID – converting a…

1
Ep #66 How to Shift Your Fear to Find Your Flow with Anna 14:28

10d ago14:28

14:28

What does it really take to peel out of the eddy with confidence—on the river and in life? In this solo episode, Anna shares insights from a Class IV day on the Cheoah River and a powerful conversation about mindset, trust, and making bold moves. Learn how familiar thought patterns keep us stuck, and how generating the feelings you want—before the …

1
Episode 481: 7 best water shoes and how to choose; Al Faussett waterfall paddler in 1926; Australia’s ‘Paddle Forward 32’ 1:09:40

15d ago1:09:40

1:09:40

Episode 481 ~ May 8, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics There is a lot of factors that go into your choice of water shoes. We talk about 7 of the best ones and how to make your decision Al Faussett was a man way ahead of his time. He was running huge waterfalls with carved out logs way back in 1926 Australia has put forth its ‘Paddle Forward 32’ plan which…

1
Nothing For Us Without Us: Jenna Udenberg's Journey Beyond Limitations 54:01

16d ago54:01

54:01

What does freedom look like when you navigate the world on wheels? For Jenna Udenberg, it arrived in the form of a Firefly - an electric attachment that transformed her manual wheelchair into an adventure vehicle capable of tackling trails she'd only viewed longingly from afar. Diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age seven and using a w…

1
Ep #65 Finding Light After Loss — Nina’s Story of Grief, Healing & Hope 51:45

17d ago51:45

51:45

💔In 2016, Nina Loretto, one of my oldest friends, experienced a life-altering tragedy when she lost her first husband to suicide. In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, she opens up about the deep discomfort of navigating that loss—and the strength it took to begin healing. 🕊️With remarkable honesty, compassion, and even humor, Nina shares ho…

1
Episode 480: Sean’s Sunday paddle; Canoe Museum’s Builders in Residence; Unauthorized test symbols on PFDs 1:09:58

22d ago1:09:58

1:09:58

Episode 480 ~ May 1, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Sean went out for a paddle on his local river to spend an enjoyable morning soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the scenery and picking up trash The Canadian Canoe Museum is launching it’s Builders in Residence program There is a personal flotation company that has put unauthorized UL Solutions test and…

1
From Hollywood to Self-Discovery: Giovanna Silvestre's Transformation Journey 56:00

23d ago56:00

56:00

#158 - What if your moments of greatest confusion were actually doorways to your most authentic self? Giovanna Silvestre's remarkable journey proves exactly that. From the high-pressure halls of Hollywood to the difficult decision of walking away from her family's beloved Italian restaurant, Giovanna's path shows how embracing uncertainty becomes y…

1
Are Public Lands 4 $ale? 44:38

23d ago44:38

44:38

Many of our favorite rivers run through public land, land that is owned and managed by the Federal Government, and so therefore owned by the citizens of the United States. There is renewed chatter in Washington DC suggesting that major sales of public lands can create significant revenue for the Federal Government. This episode hosts experts on thi…

1
Ep #64 Charging Hard & Choosing Wisely with Todd Wells 48:26

24d ago48:26

48:26

Dive into an inspiring conversation with whitewater legend Todd Wells as he joins Anna Levesque to talk all things kayaking, courage, and community. This episode is packed with insight, heart, and a few splashes of river wisdom. 🌊 Here’s what you’ll hear: 🧭 How Todd is shifting his decision making in high-risk environments 💥 The hard-earned lessons…

1
E97: Weightloss, Competition Among Powerful People and Life Reflections Relating it all to Whitewater Paddling 32:27

28d ago32:27

32:27

Apply for the waitlist to work with me 1:1 (opening again on May 1, 2025) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Own Your Shit Resource⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free!!) Get access to every resource I've ever created ($50 until May 1st) Join the Group Chat Experience: (free until May 1st) ---- I'm in a huge expansion right now. I'm so excited you're coming along with me. I've…

1
Episode 479: LA 2028 Olympic paddle sports; 8 must see Boundary Waters waterfalls; Help track wildlife in Indiana 1:08:06

29d ago1:08:06

1:08:06

Episode 479 ~ April 24, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics A decision has been made on which paddle sports are going to be at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles If you are heading to the Boundary Waters, there are at least 8 waterfalls you may want to check out Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources is looking for paddlers to help track wildlife while out…

1
The Joy, Flavor and Affection of Salsa Dancing: David Schafran's Transformational Journey 53:40

30d ago53:40

53:40

When David Schafran felt his life spiraling into depression and emptiness, he discovered an unexpected lifeline – salsa dancing. That first night on the dance floor sparked something profound: "It makes me feel so happy because it's so joyous and flavorful and juicy." This moment of clarity eventually led David from his high-stress tech startup in …

1
Ep #63 Letting Go & Leading with Presence: Brad Burden on Coaching, Parenting & Mental Health 52:01

1M ago52:01

52:01

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Brad Burden — former pro kayaker 🛶, kayak instructor, now basketball coach 🏀 and teacher — as he shares his evolving journey through leadership, parenting, and self-awareness 💬. Brad gets real about what it's like to: 🔄 Recognize when your old ways of coaching and parenting just aren't workin…

1
The Art of Coming Home: Travel, Faith, and Finding Where You Belong with Dr. Douglas Brouwer 38:44

1M ago38:44

38:44

Bonus 8 - Dr. Douglas Brouwer's journey from Western Michigan to the world and back again offers profound insights into how travel shapes our spiritual lives and understanding of home. After spending 40 years serving as a Presbyterian pastor around the globe, Doug's adventures took him from maximum security prisons in Philadelphia to a church in Zu…

1
Episode 478: A new children’s book by Kevin Callan; Mediterranean dugout canoe seafarers; Spring water safety reminder 1:21:51

1M ago1:21:51

1:21:51

Episode 478 ~ April 17, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Kevin Callan chats about his new children’s book ‘A Spark of Courage‘ Evidence shows that Hunter-Gatherers were crossing the Mediterranean in dugout canoes 8,500 years ago It is spring time and we need to thing about cold water safety when heading out on the water…

1
Mississippi to Mug: A Riverboat Pilot's Unexpected Path with Chris Nance 1:12:31

1M ago1:12:31

1:12:31

#156 - Chris Nance's life reads like an adventure novel where dropping out of school at 13 somehow leads to piloting massive ships down the Mississippi River and co-founding a successful coffee company. Growing up just south of New Orleans in a family of riverboat pilots and commercial fishermen, Chris's education took an unexpected turn after Hurr…

1
Ep #62 Lean Into the Hard: River Wisdom for Real Life 12:24

1M ago12:24

12:24

In this solo episode, Anna shares one of the most powerful lessons from whitewater kayaking: lean into the rock. What does that mean? When things get hard—on the river or in life—our instinct is to pull away. But that resistance can make things worse. Anna breaks down how leaning into discomfort can actually help you move through it with more ease,…

1
E96: My Deepest Darkest Secret and How to Shed Shame with Shania Kuipers 52:44

1M ago52:44

52:44

Apply for the Full on Femme in Flow Program Join the Group Chat Experience: Ditch the Doubt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Own Your Shit Resource⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (also free) ---- "Our shame is the source of our power." - Shoshanna Raven. When we share our shame publicly, we release the curse of "being found out". But how do we get to that point where we feel …

1
Episode 477: Paddling surging in China; Bronze Age Scandinavian sea canoes; Kayaks for turkey hunting; Surface Water & Ocean Tech satellite 1:10:01

1M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Episode 477 ~ April 10, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Paddling sports are taking off in China Bronze Age Scandinavians may have traversed the open seas in large canoes If you are into turkey hunting, a kayak may give you an edge Using the Surface Water and Ocean Technologies satellite (SWOT) to study water bodies and measure flow…

1
From Burnout to Itinerary Boss: Ross Alcorn's Travel Evolution 53:13

1M ago53:13

53:13

Most of us dream of adventures in far-off places, but between demanding jobs, packed schedules, and the sheer overwhelm of planning, those dreams often remain just that—dreams. Enter Ross Alcorn, the mastermind behind Itinerary Boss, who's made it his mission to turn travel aspirations into reality for busy professionals. Ross's journey didn't begi…

1
Bots & River Permits 1:02:38

2M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

Do you ever wonder if bots are being used to acquire river permits during the annual cancellation lotteries each year? So do we. So we built a bot to see if it works to secure permits. And we tried talking with rec dot gov to get their input. Check out this episode for a tour of bots, permits, bureaucracy and access to public rivers. SURVEY ABOUT T…

1
Ep #61 Jessie Stone on Paddling with Purpose 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

This week, I sit down with the amazing Jessie Stone — medical doctor, pro kayaker, and founder of Soft Power Health, a nonprofit making a real difference in Uganda 🇺🇬✨ 💥 In this inspiring convo, we dive into: 🚣‍♀️ The power of hard moves in easy water — in paddling and in life 🧘‍♀️ How visualization and meditation support physical healing and menta…

1
E95: Feral Leadership and Leading vs. Guiding with Linda Clark 47:56

2M ago47:56

47:56

Apply for the Full on Femme in Flow Program Join the Group Chat Experience: Ditch the Doubt (free for now!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Own Your Shit Resource⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (also free) ---- What's the difference between guiding and leading? What does feral leadership mean? How can we utilize our uniqueness as a strength? And what it looks like to be bada…

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Episode 476: Outdoor Odysseys’ Analog Adventure; ICF Paddle Summit; Adirondack Paddling Symposium; Rafting after Helene 1:13:26

2M ago1:13:26

1:13:26

Episode 476~ April 3, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Outdoor Odysseys Sea Kayaking is offering an incentive to disconnect from technology The International Canoe Federation (ICF) just held its inaugural Paddle Summit in Hangzhou, China Are you heading to the Adirondack Paddling Symposium for 4 days of fun and education? There are a lot of changes to ra…

1
Waterfall Plunge: Jon Cheney's Journey Through Whitewater Kayaking and Life 1:08:58

2M ago1:08:58

1:08:58

#154 - Imagine plunging down a 35-foot waterfall strapped inside a kayak, or trying to compose a stunning piano piece that captures the serenity of nature. These are just fragments of Jon Cheney's extraordinary journey as a creator, adventurer, entrepreneur, and man of faith. From his early years in a musical household where his parents prioritized…

1
Ep #60 Sending It with Style: Heidi Walsh on Running 92-Footers & Learning from Beatdowns 40:28

2M ago40:28

40:28

In this epic episode, I sit down with Heidi Walsh—one of the top all-around female kayakers on the planet—to talk about the mental and technical game behind hucking 92-ft waterfalls, throwing down in freestyle comps, and charging Class V creeks. We dive into the wild story behind her recent switch freewheel off Spirit Falls—a jaw-dropping downriver…

1
E94: Regressing your Roll and What it actually looks like to be advancing as a paddler with Sasha Miller 49:47

2M ago49:47

49:47

Apply for the Worn to Wild Program Join the Group Chat Experience: Ditch the Doubt (free for now!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Own Your Shit Resource⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (also free) ---- Paddling progression (and any progression) is NOT LINEAR. This episode really goes into what it's actually like to progress in the sport and how to "move up" in the paddling w…

1
Episode 475: Hot air balloon and kayaks; Old Towns 5 new watercraft; Intermittently open/closed lakes and lagoons 1:06:05

2M ago1:06:05

1:06:05

Episode 475~ March 27, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics A hot air balloon + kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards = fun in Canberra Old Town has launched 5 new watercraft What are intermittently open and closed lakes and lagoons?By SR

1
Breaking Free: From 80-Hour Workweeks to Digital Nomad Life with Ryan Mellon 52:35

2M ago52:35

52:35

#153 - Meet Ryan Mellon, a man who completely transformed his life by breaking free from the grind of 80-hour workweeks to embrace a life of global adventure. For over a decade, Ryan worked grueling 14-hour days, splitting time between fixing deep fryers and sorting packages at UPS, until a transformative two-week trip to Costa Rica ignited a visio…

1
Ep #59 Paddle Like a Boss: Lessons in Confidence, Consistency, and SUP Power with Seychelle 48:51

2M ago48:51

48:51

In this week’s episode, I sit down with world champion SUP athlete and coach, Seychelle, for a conversation packed with game-changing insights on paddling, business, and life. 🎯 From valuing your worth and asking for what you want, to leveraging your ego and practicing self-accountability, Seychelle shares the strategies that have fueled her succes…

1
E93: Designing a Sustainable Adventure Lifestyle with Sandra 42:58

2M ago42:58

42:58

Apply for the Worn to Wild Program Join the Group Chat Experience: newly announced as Ditch the Doubt (free for now!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Own Your Shit Resource⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (also free) ---- Are you a sustainably conscious paddler or curious how you can become more sustainably aware? On this episode, Sandra and I discuss ways we can offset all t…

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Episode 474: QAS Episode 3: Trapper Haskins on the Mississippi; Kevin Callan’s QAS thoughts; Jerry Vandiver & Caitlin Evanson 1:17:26

2M ago1:17:26

1:17:26

Episode 474~ March 20, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Trapper Haskins talks about his book Crooked Old River and the many parts of the Mississippi River journey that inspired it Kevin Callan gives his thoughts on the Quiet Adventures Symposium and answers a few questions As per tradition, Jerry Vandiver and Caitlin Evanson close out our Quiet Adventure…

1
Exploring Remote Worlds with Jorge Salas Guevara 55:33

2M ago55:33

55:33

The untold story of how a young Peruvian boy's fascination with National Geographic magazines transformed into a life dedicated to global exploration unfolds in my conversation with Jorge Salas Guevara. As founder of New Paths Expeditions, Jorge has crafted extraordinary journeys to 58 destinations across our planet's most remote corners while pers…

1
Part 2, Tijuana River, Source of the Pollution 1:00:54

2M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

The Tijuana Rivers courses through the City of Tijuana Mexico where 2 million people live. Several hundred thousand homes in Tijuana are not connected to the city sewage system and this leads to significant pollution of the Tijuana River. And because the city of Tijuana butts right up to the US Mexico border, the path of the river sewage and the re…

1
Ep #58 The Art of River Leadership: Lessons in Teaching and Growth with Anne Sontheimer and Jordan Taylor 50:27

2M ago50:27

50:27

🚣‍♂️ Want to elevate your river leadership and paddling instruction skills? This episode is a must-listen! Join me as I sit down with two powerhouse paddlesports educators, Anne Sontheimer and Jordan Taylor, for a deep dive into the art and science of leadership on the water. With a combined 80+ years of experience in whitewater kayaking, we unpack…

1
How Devan Gonzalez Transformed Challenges into Fitness Success 45:20

2M ago45:20

45:20

Bonus 7 - Unlock your motivation in our latest episode featuring Devan Gonzalez, a dynamic entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast whose journey inspires countless individuals. From a young age, Devan was pushed to explore different sports, leading him to become a martial arts instructor at just 13. This early exposure laid the groundwork for his lifel…

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E92: Safety Conciousness AND Confidence with Kelsey Holmes 1:00:19

2M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

(Trigger warning - talk about injuries at the beginning, rated PG-13) Apply for the Worn to Wild Program Join the Group Chat Experience (free for now!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Own Your Shit Resource⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (also free) ---- Are you generally a conservative paddler who's maybe even a bit risk averse? This episode was made with you in mind. Kelse…

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Episode 473: Quiet Adventures Symposium Episode 2, Solo kayaking the Maine Island Trail 1:04:49

2M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Episode 473~ March 13, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Tim Gallaway sat down with Sean at the Quiet Adventures Symposium to talk about solo kayaking the Maine Island TrailBy SR

1
Jacob Lemanski's Inspiring Journey: 999 Days Biking Across the Globe and Embracing Life's Unknowns 41:09

2M ago41:09

41:09

#151 - What could inspire someone to leave a stable engineering career and venture into the unknown on a bicycle? Meet Jacob Lemanski, whose incredible journey of 999 days biking across the globe defies expectations and challenges societal norms. In this episode, Jacob shares his odyssey from rural Pennsylvania to the world stage, driven by a passi…

1
Ep #57 From Fear to Joy: Isaac Levinson’s Journey Through Adversity & Adventure 47:11

2M ago47:11

47:11

What does it take to push past fear, redefine your limits, and keep chasing adventure—no matter what life throws your way? In this episode, I sit down with Isaac Levinson, a multi-sport athlete and former US National Slalom Team member, as he opens up about his incredible journey through adventure sports, the life-altering back injury that changed …

1
E91: 3 Step Process to Calm Your Body on the River 28:16

3M ago28:16

28:16

Apply for the Worn to Wild Program Join the Group Chat Experience (free for now!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Own Your Shit Resource⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (also free) ---- This episode is a blurb from my Wet Wild and Worth It Challenge hosted in the group chat experience. Imagine, you're in a 5 day challenge with me posting 2-5 short audio clips per day. That's …

1
Episode 472: Quiet Adventures Symposium; Wolf Moose Foundation; Michigan Waterways Stewards 1:22:23

3M ago1:22:23

1:22:23

Episode 472~ March 6, 2025 Podcast Info / Topics Cynthia Donovan talks about the Quiet Adventures Symposium Michael George talks about the Wolf Moose Foundation and the research they are doing on Isle Royale Mike Stout of the Michigan Waterways Stewards talks about their efforts in cleaning up Michigan’s waterways…

1
Chase Hampton's Inspiring Journey: From The Mickey Mouse Club to Mentorship and Onward 1:01:29

3M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

Ever wondered how an introverted boy from Oklahoma City ended up as a star of the all-new Mickey Mouse Club? Join me as I sit down with Chase Hampton—a cherished figure from the '90s entertainment scene—to explore his remarkable journey to the stage. Through candid personal stories, Chase shares the serendipitous moments that shaped his path, from …

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Ep #56 the Power of Human-Centered Leadership With Jennifer McClanahan 59:03

3M ago59:03

59:03

Want to uplevel your leadership game? This episode is a must-listen! Jennifer McClanahan, a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders, sits down with me for a powerful conversation about human-centered leadership. We dive deep into the real challenges of leadership—taking risks, building strong relationships, practicing vulnerability, and communicating wi…

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Whitewater Kayaking Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen