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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
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In this episode of Meredyth with a Why, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Risa August—author, coach, and truly one of the most courageous women I’ve met.
After being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Risa didn’t shrink from life—she expanded. She got on a bike and rode 1,845 miles from Canada to Mexico—solo. But what really blew me away is that the ride was just the beginning.
This conversation is so much more than a story of an epic cycling trip. It’s about reinvention, resilience, and how we reclaim our lives—especially as our bodies change and our priorities shift.
In this episode, Risa and I dive into: - How her brain tumor became a turning point, not a stopping point
- The raw and real experience of biking down the entire U.S. West Coast alone
- Why saying “I think I’m ready to be pampered now” can be just as bold as doing 1,800 miles solo
- What “1845” means—and how it might change how you look at rest
- The impact of her book The Road Unpaved (which has now won 6 awards!)
- And yep—her journey to turning it all into a screenplay
We also talk about the pressure so many of us (especially women) feel to earn our rest and always be doing. This episode is a beautiful reminder that you don’t need an excuse to pause. You’re allowed to just be.
If you’ve ever felt like your life needs a reset, or you’re navigating a big change and wondering what’s next, I promise you—this conversation is for you.
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00:00 Introducing Risa August
05:14 The Diagnosis and Aftermath
07:39 Life After Surgery
11:33 Transformation and New Perspectives
17:15 The Decision to Bike Coast to Coast
24:57 Training and Preparation
27:27 The Cycling Journey Begins
29:05 Embracing Vulnerability
33:31 The Gift of Authenticity
43:07 Living Life Fully
50:52 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
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Ready to dive even deeper? I’m handing you the keys to the castle! If you loved this episode and want more, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss out! Let’s stay connected—find me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
🔗 Connect with Risa:
Visit her website: risaaugust.com
Grab her book: The Road Unpaved - https://www.risaaugust.com/my-book.html
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