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WTF: Walking Towards Fear

WTF: Walking Towards Fear

By Christina Spinazola

It started with a choice to leave it all behind and hike 2650 miles from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. Now it’s a lifestyle.

This podcast is my commitment to learn from everyone around me, be curious instead of judgmental, and adventure in the direction of whatever scares me the most.

Connect with me over on IG @christinaspin and meet the guests @walkingtowardsfear
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Currently playing episode

Unclaimed Power

WTF: Walking Towards FearOct 20, 2023

00:00
07:53
Unclaimed Power

Unclaimed Power

Stepping into your brilliance can shift a lot. I've just seen it firsthand, and wanted to share how I got there. Overplaying your weaknesses and underestimating your strengths is a great way to stay where you are. Claiming your unique power can change everything when you're ready for it!

Oct 20, 202307:53
WTF - BNS SRINIVAS

WTF - BNS SRINIVAS

Today's guest is a "constant and never-ending improvement seeker".


BNS Srinivas launched himself into the world of personal transformation after reading a book that cracked him open. Now he has read more than 500 books, lost 60 lbs, and was the first person to be able to interview Steve Hardison.


BNS interviews the best of the best, and I'm honored to hear more about who he is and what's on his mind.


What you think is impossible, BNS thinks is fun. He gained 100K subscribers in 48 days! "Unwaivering commitment can move mountains"


Check out his youtube channels here:

@TeluguSuperhumans

@HEROBNS

Oct 06, 202339:47
WTF - Otto Collins

WTF - Otto Collins

I love love. And I love moving towards things that scare us. This conversation really combines those two things. Moving towards love. Which can sometimes feel scary!


Otto is a master creator in his relationship with his wife Susie. We dive into the details of what it means to "create" what you want in relationship with other people, and how to move closer to love.


If you enjoyed this conversation, check out his recently released book "Big, Fat Love" for even more goodness. Written by Otto and Susie Collins.

Sep 27, 202355:48
WTF - Cody Geib

WTF - Cody Geib

"A game is any voluntary attempt to overcome an unnecessary obstacle". This conversation really helped shift my perspective on how to bring more fun into my own life with the goals I currently have. The idea of turning our goals into a game can be the difference between enjoying our experience, or suffering through it. We touched on topics like regret, comparison, and what it means to 'live the story'.

Sep 20, 202357:41
A Slow Season

A Slow Season

Christina shares about a serious slowing down thats taking place right now.....and what to do when you identify a problem in your world.


Interviews continue next week!

Sep 15, 202309:51
WTF - Celia Binder

WTF - Celia Binder

This episode is for everyone who is currently "in progress". So if you're alive....it's for you. We talk about all things creativity including how to "force the perfect desk". Celia is a master at learning by doing, and really knows how to drive it home for anyone whose wanting to take the next step in their life or business even if they're a bit unsure right now. We also talk about putting it into perspective when you've spent so long WANTING to do something like start your own business, that even the bad days doing what you love is always better than the mundane days doing anything else.


From big goals to big laughs, this episode is one I'll go back to listen to many times over. It's filled with so much wisdom!


Check out her art: @celiafromwork https://www.celiafromwork.com/

Aug 03, 202342:16
WTF - Tiffany Levy Greene

WTF - Tiffany Levy Greene

Can every episode be my favorite episode?? This week we dive into a raaaange of topics. From the nuance of who we think "should" be, navigating the challenges that come with being a deep feeler, how "brutiful" life can be, and the power of choosing your viewing "lenses". We talk about the inevitability of fear, its motivational abilities, and how it can even be mistaken for excitement. She graciously shares her learnings and experience going through deep grief from losing her father. Tiffany's love for being alive has been genetically passed down from her incredible father, and she's doing amazing work to spread his ripple of love through the world.


Interested to learn more about Tiffany? Or if you're interested in her offer to experience a powerful conversation around career or career change, you can check her out here:

https://greenecareercoach.com/

Jul 19, 202359:47
WTF - Michelle Wordeman

WTF - Michelle Wordeman

Michelle puts language so much of the entrepreneurial journey! From the decision to leave a job that she loved to follow a passion, to the moment where she made it and cried after putting her kids on the bus. It's a powerful conversation about choice, redefining success and facing difficult emotions.

Jun 28, 202351:09
The Journey

The Journey

Coming at you today to talk about how judgment is my favorite teacher. I won't ever pretend to have it all figured out, and to me that is far more powerful than anyone who tries to tell you they know best and that they've "arrived". Using new insight to judge past versions of ourselves can be tempting, but is disempowering. I'm all for powerful and new perspective shifts that bring MORE love, not less❤️

walkingtowardsfear@gmail.com

@walkingtowardsfear

@christinaspin

Jun 25, 202311:05
WTF - Amanda Burton

WTF - Amanda Burton

This episode is such a gem. Amanda beautifully shares her own winding path, one that's still an ongoing evolution. We cover her learnings through her experience of the corporate cargo net, and also what she learned while taking her biggest and most unreasonable leap into Montessori teaching. Amanda is an advocate of mindful leadership, experiential learning, and really being in charge of the story you tell. Her view on living from the inside out will change anyone who takes the time to listen deeply to the truth in this episode.
Jun 21, 202348:46
WTF - Melissa Sherry

WTF - Melissa Sherry

I heard the quote years ago.... "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans". You don't have to be religious to get the idea here. Things rarely go exactly as we plan them (or want them) to go. Melissa is the poster-child for taking the non-linear path and arriving EXACTLY where she needed to be. We talk about her journey of arriving at her passion and what it looks like to really pave your own path.


If you're a leader of a team or an organization, you would be MISSING OUT if you didn't check out her podcast: Works Well with Melissa Sherry.

She can be found on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-sherry-coaching/

Jun 14, 202345:58
WTF -Ash Czarnota
Jun 09, 202355:50
All Progress Starts With The Truth

All Progress Starts With The Truth

Oooooof. Wowie. I spontaneously recorded this one the other day because it was wanting to come through me. Honesty isn’t easy. It’s odd that we’re so good at deceiving ourselves with so little conscious awareness that’s it’s happening. Being truthful has so many layers to it, and I’m really encouraging you to ask yourself where you can get more honest in your own life, because every time we do, more becomes available to us. 🔥🔥
Jun 05, 202312:13
WTF - Katie Bustos

WTF - Katie Bustos

Katie is a total rockstar and inspiration for anyone who feels like they have to choose between having a family and traveling. She has BOTH!! We talk about all things travel, dreaming, navigating fears and her newest ideas. Come listen in for some serious inspiration and busting of your own self-imposed limitations 🔥🔥
Jun 01, 202347:26
WTF- Anastasia Allison
May 09, 202301:07:02
WTF - Layne Gneiting

WTF - Layne Gneiting

Put your helmets on to prepare for this one! If you have all your "reasons" that you aren't following your dreams right now, Layne has news for YOU. It doesn't matter your percevied justifications for staying where you are...when you want something, you can create it. We talk about Layne's initiating adventure cycling 4300 miles across the United States with his wife and SEVEN kids following along in a camper van.


From figuring out what really pulls us as a calling and sharing that dream with others, to navigating judgment and committing before it's comfortable...this episode is filled with wisdom. Listen in and share in the fun!


If you want to check more of Layne's adventurous work, head over to https://wayofthehero.com/ 🎉

May 01, 202356:60
Waiting to Creating
Apr 29, 202309:21
WTF - Ava Haag

WTF - Ava Haag

If you've been feeling the itch to get out there and start traveling...you HAVE to listen to this episode. Why wait for other people to join your adventures when you can go out and travel solo?! This week's guest talks to us about all things international solo-traveling and the confidence it creates in you. From how to stay safe, and how to communicate with a language barrier, I learned a LOT. Cheers to creating your own self-concept to be able to do anything, be anyone, and go anywhere🎉🎉
Apr 24, 202347:43
The Creative Power of Language

The Creative Power of Language

You've heard it before...."words matter". But why? And how much do they matter?


They matter the MOST because the language we use creates the lens we experience the world through.


Today's episode is special for me. Because I share with you who I am and who I'm creating myself to be....with the power of language.


If this resonates or inspires you....share it with a friend. Or twelve.


If you want to battle, email me at walkingtowardsfear@gmail.com. Stay hydated everyone!

Apr 19, 202316:14
WTF - Morgan Brosnihan (BlazePhysio)

WTF - Morgan Brosnihan (BlazePhysio)

Not all heroes live in luxury. Some live in vans. And Morgan IS a hero. She started by saving herself from a life of discontent by literally creating a job that hasn't existed before her imagination and creativity took over. And now she saves hikers from having to quit their thru-hikes along some of the longest walking trails in the world. Morgan's perspective on all things life and business are insightful, playful, and practical. She's a total trail blazer, blazing her own path to a world that she's chosen and it was a pleasure getting to learn from her in this episode. Whether you're a physical therapist, an aspiring thru-hiker, or just a human with big dreams....THIS is an episode for you. Go check out Morgan on instagram @BlazePhysio or her site: https://blazephysio.com/


Apr 14, 202357:50
WTF - Deryl Sweeney
Apr 10, 202301:07:22
Bite Sized Bits!!

Bite Sized Bits!!

So many people want some bite-sized episodes. So here we are! I'll be sprinkling these in here and there so you can get to know me better where I'll be sharing my musing and learnings with you too.


This first mini is all about the power of commitment that I've learned not just on the Pacific Crest Trail, but also through my #75HARD Journey.

Apr 06, 202317:55
Unignorable Whispers

Unignorable Whispers

Welcome to Season 3!!! Todays guest is……me😂. I share a bit about what I’ve been up to, how my thinking has shifted recently, and my most recent WTF choice. 2022 was a wild ride and I wouldn’t change it for the world. 2023 is already shaping up to challenge the magic of last year and I cannot wait to see where the year ends up. This podcast is about to get a whole lot more interactive too. I’ll be using the community we’re building here to help and serve the people who take time out of their days to come share their wisdom with us. Listen to the end to understand how this will work, and please please be open to helping if you can!!
Mar 27, 202315:49
Less Freakout

Less Freakout

The day has come..this is the last episode of the Post-Trail series from the PCT. So Knuckles sits down with Trash Balloon to talk all things PCT one more time.


We talked about her experience hiking with a life partner, what HYOH (hike your own hike) means to her, biggest learnings from the trail, how to avoid tramily FOMO, and even attempted to capture why the thru-hiking community is so special.


Trash Balloon is a well-spoken gem of a human, and her dedication to living a radically exceptional life is nothing short of inspirational.

Mar 20, 202353:58
Control What You Can Control

Control What You Can Control

Unfiltered joins the pod to drop some wisdom and share his experience along the PCT. From navigating obstacles to mindsets translatable to front country life, this isn’t one you want to miss. We’re both a bit chatty, so a longer episode but we’ll worth the listen!
Mar 09, 202301:50:09
Walking In a Big Circle

Walking In a Big Circle

Aquaman is one heck out a dude! In this weeks episode we talk about the sacrifices nobody sees to live an amazing life. He came live from his brothers shed, where he’s currently living, in order to join me in this conversation! He’s one to watch. Listen along to hear his next big adventurous plans.
Feb 24, 202301:03:15
PowerPlant Pace Car

PowerPlant Pace Car

The gang is back together!! Topo flew to the east coast to hike again with Knuckles and Powerplant! We headed to the White Mountains of New Hampshire to continue the adventure. I couldn’t resist whipping out the mics to force a mini-pod episode with my two favorite hiker trash pals.
Feb 21, 202315:35
Time Stopped for Me

Time Stopped for Me

Eagle Eye is one of the only Sri Lankan thru-hikers of the PCT! We met on night one, just over 11 miles into our journey. Come listen to his experience where we cover everything from his quick decision-making process to hike this year, navigating social media while on trail, and managing an injury that almost took him out. He's an amazing guy who also put together an amazing Youtube docu-series which can be found on his channel @vinuraperera.
Feb 18, 202353:07
Worlds Strongest Circulatory System

Worlds Strongest Circulatory System

An episode filled with laughter and memories! Nitro and Jurassic Park are two amazing people I met out on the PCT. They hiked the trail as a married couple, and enjoyed every part of it….except Mt Whitney👀. Come listen to an awesome conversation about partnership, communication and most importantly…fun!
Feb 07, 202301:52:59
A Bag of Spaghetti

A Bag of Spaghetti

This episodes guest, Machine, is a well-decorated hiking veteran! With thousands and thousands of miles under his belt, he offers a unique perspective on hiking, the community, the challenges and the beauty of it all. There’s a bit of mic feedback, but poor audio quality hasn’t stopped me yet…onwards!!
Jan 18, 202301:11:58
Identity Shift

Identity Shift

I met Stephen, a Japan native taking on the PCT, the very first night of the trail. We didn’t see each other very often after that, but hopped on to catch up and share about his experience. From cultural differences, changes in hobbies and a close bear encounter, his trail experience was uniquely his.
Dec 28, 202252:34
To Hike or To Quit
Dec 17, 202201:00:15
Conscious Changes

Conscious Changes

When Daddy Long Toes realized his name was a mouthful, and nobody would call him “daddy” his trail name switched to Jumbo. We talk all things trail, and how the experiences has shifted perspectives coming home and back to work!
Dec 05, 202201:17:40
Bathroom Break

Bathroom Break

Christina talks with Garret “Jive Turkey” about his PCT experience. From how being a strength coach helped him prep for the trail, to the emotional highs and lows of fire logistics. Come listen in!
Nov 30, 202250:21
Nobody Gives a Shit

Nobody Gives a Shit

Christina has a virtual sit-down with Yosef (Weatherman) about his experience on the PCT. Talking about favorite memories, choosing your own adventure, and going from the remote wilderness back to the hustle and bustle of New York City. Come listen in and get a glimpse of our honest conversation about the re-assimilation process!
Nov 25, 202201:02:29
My Closet Made Me Cry

My Closet Made Me Cry

Season 2 kickoff is here! Christina shares a bit about her re-assimilation journey after leaving the Pacific Crest Trail and talks about what season 2 of the WTF podcast will look like. I hope you follow along!
Nov 15, 202216:14
Who Are You?

Who Are You?

This episode is a compilation of various hikers that Knuckles met out on the Pacific Crest Trail. They share their stories of how they got their trail names!
Oct 10, 202219:08
The Finale of Trail FeeFees

The Finale of Trail FeeFees

The finale of the Walking Towards Fear podcast, PCT edition. Knuckles sits down with Beetle, Milk, Hermes and Topo at Timberline Lodge after taking their final steps on trail. With a combination of stories, reflections and learnings, this episode covers it all. Cheers to a wonderful adventure with even more amazing people. 🥹❤️🥲
Sep 26, 202242:12
Moderate Problem

Moderate Problem

PowerPlant, Topo, Beetle and Knuckles talk about their final days in Washington. Including tagging the northern terminus of the PCT, escaping a close call with wildfires, and what’s coming next.
Sep 07, 202258:14
“Watch Me”😈

“Watch Me”😈

In this episode Knuckles talks with Professor Pinecone about how she tackles fear head on. Not only is she hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with her three (yes, THREE) children, but when she’s done she’s planning to turn her dreams into reality. She’s creating the COOLEST resource for her community that she could think of by opening a lavender farm and discovery center!! When I asked her earlier in the day why she’s doing it, she essentially said “life’s short, make it what you want it to be” and I think we could all use more of that energy in our lives🔥🔥 You can check out their YouTube channel here: The PCT and the O’Hearn Stone Family. (also excuse the small bit of white noise in this, not sure why the audio did that!)
Aug 06, 202216:55
Can’t Hike Faster…Hike Longer

Can’t Hike Faster…Hike Longer

Knuckles celebrates hitting her hundredth day on trail (!!!) by doing her first 30 mile day. Wanted to record a few minutes at the end of a long day to preserve the memory of it all.
Aug 01, 202207:23
The Bad Kind of Wet

The Bad Kind of Wet

Knuckles and Powerplant do an update pod in Burney, California! This is a longer episode but we haven’t done a general update in a while. Talking about tough days, celebrations, and what we’ve been up to. Enjoy!
Jul 24, 202251:34
Joy - What the World Needs

Joy - What the World Needs

Powerplant, Knuckles, Topo, Beetle and Zelda sit down with the most involved trail angels we’ve encountered so far - Outside Jay. Outside Jay talks to us about his experience being an angel and what he likes to explore in his free time.
Jul 21, 202223:55
Suffering to Celebrating

Suffering to Celebrating

Knuckles does another brief solo pod to update after one of her toughest days on trail - which happens to also be the day she crossed the half way point on the PCT
Jul 20, 202210:17
Yosemite Open Mic Night

Yosemite Open Mic Night

After meeting the worlds coolest ranger, we had some awesome conversations that ended in him reading us a few poems. It ended in tears and a hug and was one of our favorite nights on trail so far! We did have his permission to record and upload to the WTF podcast. Shoutout to you Ranger who won’t be named🤘🏼
Jun 27, 202209:25
Thru-Hiking Olypmics

Thru-Hiking Olypmics

After a long day hiking through Yosemite, Knuckles and PowerPlant sit down with the largest group yet for a fun pod. We had Little Hamster, Crypto, Milk, Zelda, Topo and Smiley join us for a fun discussion about the events that would exist if thru-hiking had an Olympic Games. Get ready to laugh. Part way through we were joined by a Park Ranger and took a small break to chat with him. Enjoy!
Jun 26, 202240:25
Who Cuts The Grass?

Who Cuts The Grass?

Knuckles and PowerPlant talk about the high elevation passes in this last section of the Pacific Crest Trail. Just a general trail update podcast, and the important questions are asked….like who cuts the grass?
Jun 20, 202234:14
Trail Tips: Erick Schat’s Bakery

Trail Tips: Erick Schat’s Bakery

Knuckles decided to do a solo pod while hiking! Very much a stream-of-consciousness style chat about her experience so far. She also runs into a fellow thru-hiker, Willie Nelson, who gives her some awesome suggestions for town food in Bishop. We did go to the bakery and all the food was excellent! Check bc out Willie Nelson’s Instagram: @make_memories_not_excuses
Jun 16, 202222:12
Mt. Whitney Rambles

Mt. Whitney Rambles

This podcast was recorded at the summit of Mount Whitney! We’re going to believe that it’s the podcast recorded at the highest altitude ever because that’s just fun. We weren’t sure if we’d be able to summit after PowerPlant was sick the day before. But he felt better and made 16 miles up and down Mount Whitney his “recovery” day. What a legend!
Jun 12, 202221:17
The Water Burglar

The Water Burglar

More milestones on the Pacific Crest Trail are hit by PowerPlant, Topo and Knuckles. Listen to the first updates after Kennedy Meadows as they head out of the desert and into the Sierras!
Jun 09, 202226:08