Explore every episode of the podcast Talk Gnarly To Me
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When Your Ride Is Trash… But Maybe It’s Not Your Bike
Some rides are epic. Some rides are humbling. And some rides have you sitting in the parking lot afterward wondering if you have ever actually known how to ride a bike. 😂
In This Episode We Talk About:
🚲 Failing doesn’t mean you’re getting worse. Because apparently mountain biking requires us to repeatedly throw ourselves at rocks before our brains decide to learn the lesson.
🧠 Sometimes the bad ride starts before you even get to the trailhead. The stress you’re carrying off the bike doesn’t magically disappear just because you put on a helmet.
👩👧👦 Motherhood, exhaustion, and real life absolutely affect how we ride. Turns out you can't always expect peak performance when you're running on coffee, three hours of sleep, and someone else's unfinished laundry.
🎮 That weird feeling of being a passenger instead of the pilot. When you're riding but don't actually feel present—and why that's worth paying attention to.
🫁 Getting out of your head and back into your body. Sometimes “just focus harder” is terrible advice. Breathing, moving, shaking it out, and even talking to yourself can help bring you back to the moment.
👯♀️ Why riding with the right people can completely change your day. Sometimes you don't need motivation. You need your friend to show up and drag your ass onto a bike.
🫶 Helping newer riders can actually help YOU. There’s something about watching someone else experience the joy of riding that reminds you why you started in the first place.
🌵 The emotional-support trail vs. the “let’s go get humbled” trail. Sometimes you need an easy, familiar ride where your biggest challenge is remembering where you parked. Other times, you need to go find some spicy tech and remind yourself what you're capable of.
🔄 Resetting is part of progressing. Recovery doesn't mean you're losing ground. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is step back, breathe, laugh about it, and try again another day.
💥 Keep showing up. Because progress in mountain biking isn't always sending bigger features or riding faster. Sometimes it's simply learning how to have a bad day, recover from it, and get back on the bike.
Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.
Julia and Steph keep things light in this playful mountain biking conversation, trading trail updates, crash recovery context, and a long run of ridiculous "would you rather" scenarios. It is a casual, funny episode built more for laughs than instruction, with both hosts clearly leaning into the absurdity.
In this episode, Julia and Steph also recap recent rides around PMP, Flagstaff, Meteoride, Brookbank, and Full Sail, including a trail closure and helicopter rescue on the trail. They then spend most of the episode debating mountain bike-specific hypotheticals, from braking problems and wet gear to exposure, bike setups, and awkward trailhead situations.
Key topics
Julia and Steph recap their recent rides, including a beginner ride at PMP and a Flagstaff day that ended up on Meteoride and Brookbank instead of Full Sail.
They discuss the trail closure and helicopter rescue on Full Sail, including how unpredictable search and rescue costs can be.
Steph shares that Meteoride felt exposed but went well, while Julia says she was still mentally affected by her earlier crash.
They talk about gatekeeper features and how one hard move can shape the rest of a rider's confidence on a trail.
The episode shifts into a mountain biking "would you rather" game with increasingly ridiculous scenarios.
They compare awful choices like being cold and wet for hours versus climbing forever, or riding downhill with only a front brake versus climbing with only the hardest gear.
They debate whether they'd rather shuttle friends for six months with no riding or only climb for a month.
They weigh exposure-heavy options like White Line in Sedona versus a Whistler trip with a free dream bike.
They get into absurd equipment problems, including farting suspension, a bell that plays John Cena’s theme, wet socks versus wet gloves, and a mystery headset rattle.
The episode ends with more style-based hypotheticals, like riding in roadie spandex, thong bikini bottoms, or with ridiculous eyelashes and fake nails.
Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.
Fear, intuition, and how to tell the difference on the trail
Steph and Julia break down how fear shows up in mountain biking, why it changes as your skills grow, and how intuition can feel a lot like fear in the moment. They get specific about the kinds of features that trigger each feeling, from exposure and steep slabs to drops, OTB risk, and night riding. This episode is especially useful for newer riders who assume advanced riders are fearless. Steph and Julia show that fear is normal, useful, and something you can learn to read instead of ignore.
In this episode we chat about:
How fear in mountain biking evolves rather than disappears, even for experienced riders.
Why OTB risk is one of Julia’s biggest fears, especially on steep, slabby, awkward entries.
How exposure affects Steph and why trails with serious consequences feel different.
The difference between fearing a feature and fearing a situation that feels out of your control.
Steph’s scary drop and how fear changes as your skills improve.
Why certain steep trails can feel scarier than bigger, more obvious features.
How to distinguish fear, intuition, and impulse in the moment.
Personal cues that help riders decide whether to push through or back off.
How self-talk, visualization, and reframing fear as excitement can reduce panic.
Why fear is a normal part of mountain biking—and how to use it for better risk assessment.
Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.
Motivation, mountain biking, and staying consistent
Steph and Julia sit down with archaeologist and postdoc researcher Jayde Hirniak for their first interview episode, and the conversation turns into a real talk on motivation, confidence, and what keeps riders showing up. Jayde shares how mountain biking became the outlet that carried her through graduate school, and how the same mindset that helped her earn a PhD also shows up on the trail.
In this episode, we hear from Steph, Julia, and Jayde as they swap origin stories, compare ride notes, and unpack how community, structure, and a little bit of ambition can keep you moving even when you are not feeling it.
Key topics
Jayde shares how she went from a casual bike rider to mountain biker, starting with a Walmart bike, then a $400 hardtail, and eventually falling in love with the sport.
In this episode, Jayde explains that mountain biking became her sanity outlet during her PhD, especially through the fatigue and transition of finishing graduate school and starting postdoc life.
We discuss how motivation is not constant, and how low periods are often where growth happens if you keep showing up in some form.
Jayde breaks down her personal motivation system into three tiers: dreaming, remembering your why, and setting different scales of goals.
Steph and Jayde talk about how tiny wins matter, from just getting on the bike to walking the dogs, doing dishes, or crossing one task off a list.
Julia shares that fun is her biggest motivator, especially because biking gives her a physical challenge and a mental reset away from everyday adult responsibilities.
The group talks about accountability, especially riding with friends, making plans, and being willing to invite people even when the answer is probably no.
Jade explains how her biggest mountain biking accomplishment was conquering the Snotch on the Whole Enchilada in Moab UT, including the psychological side of committing to a feature that looks far harder than it is.
We discuss the value of mentors and role models, from academic guidance to mountain biking inspiration, and how seeing someone skilled and down to earth can change what feels possible.
The conversation closes on the idea that ego can block progress, while community, structure, and a playful mindset can keep riding fun and sustainable.
Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.
Talk Gnarly to Me: What’s in our mountain biking bags
Steph and Julia do a full bag dump of their mountain biking gear, comparing what actually lives in their ride bags, what’s purely emergency backup, and what they keep carrying even though they barely use it. The conversation turns into a practical, funny inventory of trail essentials, desert-specific gear, and the real-world mistakes that shape what goes in a pack. It’s part gear check, part trail-safety chat, and part coaching talk, with a surprise fan-mail unboxing at the end. If you ride in hot, dusty conditions or just want to know what experienced riders actually carry, there’s a lot to steal from this one.
Key topics
Steph breaks down her three-bag system: a car duffel, a hip pack, and a coaching bag, each with a different job
Julia compares her simpler setup and explains why she keeps a hand pump, spoons, and cactus tools instead of trusting her tire gadget
Both hosts talk through hydration habits, including extra water bottles, bladder cleaning, and why water bottles often beat bladders
They cover desert ride essentials like sunblock, lip balm, eye drops, cooling towels, and backup layers for Arizona’s surprise cold mornings
Emergency gear gets a lot of attention: first aid kits, hemostats, gauze, saline, bandages, gloves, and nosebleed supplies
The hosts share real stories of flats, failed CO2 cartridges, a tire explosion scare, and why hand pumps are a must-have backup
Steph explains her coaching kit, including cones, two-by-fours, and how she uses them to build rider confidence on obstacles
There’s a long detour into trail-specific tools, like tire plugs, chain tools, multi-tools, and the mystery items neither host fully understands
They talk about what to carry on group rides versus solo rides, especially when riding with newer or unknown riders
The episode ends with fan mail from Erik Lantz, who sent them Arizona mountain biking guidebooks and sparked ideas for a future history-focused episode
This mini episode of Talk Gnarly to Me introduces Shawn Stenmark and the upcoming Showdown Bikes 4 Kids race at Usery Park in Mesa AZ. Shawn explains how the event supports FE Racing and Bikes 4 Kids, with funds going directly toward getting local kids quality bikes, helmets, and safety gear. We also cover what makes this year different: the “I wanna rock” theme, a live band, costume contests, youth involvement, and the community-first spirit that keeps the event grassroots and fun.
Key topics
In this episode: Shawn Stenmark shares the story behind Showdown Bikes for Kids and how the event evolved from its original roots into a fundraiser run by FE Racing and Bikes 4 Kids.
The organization’s mission is to help put kids on bikes in the East Valley, with most of the fun funds going to bike purchases, helmets, locks, and support gear.
Local schools help identify kids in need, and those students submit essays about what a bike would mean to them before receiving a bike.
The giveaway bikes are not cheap entry-level toys - Shawn emphasizes they’re quality mountain bikes meant to last.
The Showdown takes place at Usery Park and is built around a full eight-hour race with solo, duo, quad, youth, and shorter one- and two-lap options.
This year’s theme is “I wanna rock”, with costumes, a live band, and additional event energy meant to make it more than just a race.
Shawn highlights the fun side of the event, including mystery obstacles, random skill games, dance-offs, a kids race, a bacon station, and a costume contest with cash prizes.
We hope you’ll come out to the event and have some fun with us!
Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.
Mountain Biking Trip Favorites, Bucket List Destinations, and a Few Geography Detours
Julia Biddle and Steph compare favorite mountain biking trips, the kinds of terrain they love most, and the destinations they still want to ride. They also swap stories from van life, bike parks, and a few memorable crashes that made certain trips unforgettable. In this episode, they talk through the logistics and reality of bike travel, from lift service parks to day trips closer to home. If you like mountain bike destination talk mixed with honest trail ratings, this one covers a lot of ground.
Key topics
Julia shares that her favorite trip was a Flagstaff ride with her best friend from Colorado, riding Full Sail and a bike park with their kids nearby.
Steph says her favorite all around trip was the summer van life bike tour, even though it came with major logistics, dogs, a cat, and plenty of breakdown moments.
They compare the difference between dreamy van life social media and the actual work of living and riding out of a van for months.
Steph breaks down favorite bike park stops from the trip, including Trestle, Purgatory, Duluth, and the surprisingly good riding in the Midwest.
They revisit the now infamous "you peaked in Colorado" moment, which came after Steph felt like she had been riding stronger in Colorado and Utah than later in Ohio.
Both agree that their ideal long term riding home would still be Arizona, because it offers desert tech plus access to trees and more varied terrain nearby.
They talk bucket list destinations like Whistler, Switzerland, North Carolina, New Zealand, Tasmania, Oman, and Nepal.
The conversation turns into a map check and geography corrections, including Nepal, Tasmania, and a few other places neither speaker was fully confident about.
They name favorite closer to home riding spots like Valmont Bike Park, Virginia Canyon, Prescott, Flagstaff, and Salt Lake City area trails.
The episode closes with a reminder that bike progress usually comes with some crashes, scars, and a few very weird stories.
Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.
Things We Wish We Knew When We Started Mountain Biking
Julia and Steph look back on their first rides, early crashes, and the hard lessons that shaped how they ride now. This episode is equal parts beginner advice and real talk about mindset, coaching, fueling, gear, and trail etiquette, with plenty of stories from the messy early days that every new rider can learn from this episode:
Julia and Steph share their first biking memories, from grassy hills and neighborhood rides to taking an old bike into the woods and getting instantly hooked.
Steph talks about her very first mountain bike ride on Josh’s oversized Giant and the immediate crash that launched her over the bike onto a rock.
They both reflect on how crashes shaped their early years, with Steph saying the first two to three years counted as a good ride if she did not crash.
The conversation breaks down foundational skills that help new riders progress, including level pedals, heavy feet, light hands, eyes up, and using one finger on the brake.
They explain why riding your own ride matters more than matching faster riders, especially when ego or peer pressure pushes beginners beyond their skill level.
Nutrition gets a big focus, including why proper fueling before, during, and after rides can prevent bonking, improve performance, and keep rides fun.
They discuss why trail mix is not always the best ride fuel, and why carbs usually work better during hard efforts.
Protective gear comes up as a confidence tool, not a badge of legitimacy, with a strong recommendation to buy a proper mountain bike helmet and wear pads if they help you ride better.
They get into trail etiquette and social etiquette, including why unsolicited advice can be frustrating and why asking if someone wants help should come first.
Steph shares why coaching can still be valuable even if you ride with better friends, and why learning from coaches with similar body proportions can sometimes make a big difference.
Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.
Starting NEXT WEEK, all of our episodes will be recorded with our brand new, super fancy (and kind of hard to figure out how to use) microphones!! 🎙️ Thank you for being patient with us as we learn how to make sound work! Your continues support means more to us than you know.
Balancing Mountain Biking and Real Life: Tips for Juggling a Busy Schedule
In this episode, we explore practical strategies for fitting mountain biking into a hectic lifestyle. From managing multiple jobs and family commitments to staying organized and prioritizing self-care, we share insights that can help you make room for riding without feeling overwhelmed.
Key topics - 5-10 bullets
The importance of structured planning and calendar management for fitting rides into busy weeks
How living close to trails can save time and increase riding frequency
The role of meal prep and organization in freeing up time for mountain biking
Strategies for involving family and communicating your riding schedule to reduce guilt
The physical and mental benefits of strength training for mountain bikers
Balancing workout routines with riding days to maximize performance and recovery
Seasonal and life changes that impact riding frequency, with tips for adaptation
The value of community support and celebrating small riding wins
Tips for managing mental health and emotional well-being when life gets stressful
The importance of rest days and listening to your body's needs
Just a quick note: the views shared in this episode are our own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors.
*We want to thank everyone that has supported our show so far, it means more to us than you know! And we want you to know that we have heard your kind and constructive feedback about our sound, and we officially have new microphones! We are still getting them dialed in, so this episode and the episode we're releasing next Friday will still have our old mics, since they were recorded before we got the new ones, but after that we will have a much clearer and louder sound! Thank you for your patience as we continue to learn how to do this well and strive to improve with every episode we record!*
In this episode of Talk Gnarly to Me, Julia and Steph dive into the ups and downs of mountain biking, including why failure is a necessary part of progress, how to set realistic goals, and what it takes to break out of a riding slump. They also explore how social media can distort the reality of improvement, and why patience, repetition, and smart decision-making matter just as much as raw talent.
Embracing failure is part of improving and progressing in mountain biking
Getting out of a riding slump starts with resetting expectations and mindset
Setting realistic goals helps keep motivation high and progress achievable
Social media can make progress look cleaner and faster than it really is
Body position, trail reading, and gear choice all affect riding performance
Strava can be fun, but competition metrics can also be misleading
Small milestones like PRs and segment wins build long-term confidence
Practicing tricky features repeatedly helps simulate race conditions and improve skills
Trail knowledge and smart gear shifting can make climbing more efficient
Success in mountain biking comes from patience, repetition, and learning from mistakes
Discover how group rides foster growth, camaraderie, and discovery in mountain biking. Join Julia and Steph as they share personal stories, safety tips, and insights into building a vibrant biking community.
In this episode:
🚵 The significance of group rides for skill development and community building
📋 Differences between formal and informal group rides, including leadership and safety considerations
🤝 Personal anecdotes on how group riding contributed to riding confidence and friendships
🌱 Tips for organizing inclusive rides for all skill levels
🗺️ How trail naming and local knowledge enhance ride experience
⛑️ Safety essentials: gear, hydration, communication, and trail awareness
👋 Opportunities for newcomers: making group rides approachable and welcoming
📱 The role of social media and local bike shops in organizing rides
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In this episode, Julia and Steph share practical insights and funny stories about trail etiquette, emphasizing the importance of respectful riding to preserve access and harmony among trail users. Whether you're new or experienced, understanding these principles helps foster community and protects the trails we love.
Key topics:
🌲 The significance of trail etiquette in maintaining access and positive relationships with other trail users
🐴 Priority rules: horses always yield first, mountain bikers yield to hikers uphill, and proper passing protocols
♻️ Leave No Trace principles adapted for mountain biking, including staying on the trail and avoiding rock cairns
🚦 Managing trail conditions and closures due to weather, heat, or maintenance
😅 Different types of trail users: courteous vs. rude, cheery vs. panicked, and supportive vs. dismissive
🩹 Safety tips: keeping headphones out, being prepared with water and first aid supplies
🤝 The importance of helping fellow riders in emergencies and supporting a respectful community
🚴 Group riding etiquette: punctuality, attitude, lead and sweep roles, and respecting pace variability
If you loved this episode we hope you'll leave us a review, share our show with your MTB bestie, and follow us on Instagram!
Join us for another Episode of Talk Gnarly to Me, today we are talking about all things confidence related. We hope you love listening to this episode, if so please leave us a rating and a review!
🎙️ Confidence grows through intentional skill practice, not just time on the bike. 💪 Practicing specific moves in controlled settings builds real trust in your abilities. 🧠 Overcoming fear creates a mental blueprint that makes future challenges feel more possible. 🚧 Treating failure as part of progress helps turn setbacks into lessons. 👏 Support from your riding community can amplify self-belief fast. 🪞 Recalling past wins is a powerful way to reset your mindset before a tough feature. 🚵 Mountain biking can shift how you see yourself beyond just technical skill. 🔥 Progress on the bike can boost confidence in everyday life too. 🌟 Small victories, like nailing one feature, can change your whole outlook. 🚀 The biggest gains come from pushing through discomfort with consistency.
In this episode, Julia and Steph explore how mountain biking fosters a vibrant sense of community, supports confidence, and bridges social gaps. They share personal stories, practical tips, and insights into the supportive mountain biking culture that extends beyond the trails.
How mountain biking shapes friendship networks, especially in new environments like Phoenix and Indiana.
The balancing act of maintaining mountain biking friendships and non-mountain biking relationships.
The unique social dynamic of riding in groups, including the roles of sweepers and the supportive community.
The advantages of riding as a woman and the importance of allies, including supportive men in the sport.
Navigating fear, safety, and the unspoken support system on the trails.
How mountain biking contributes to personal confidence and self-acceptance.
The social aspect of mountain biking, including off-trail activities like dance shows and gatherings.
Challenges of non-mountain biking events: how riders share their passion and relate to non-mountain biking friends.
The importance of community online: Facebook groups, local ride events, and social media as tools for connection.
Encouragement that mountain biking is inclusive and accessible, even for beginners or those curious to try.
Talk Gnarly to Me: Intro Episode- Welcome to the Mountain Biking Community
Kick off with us as we introduce ourselves, share our mountain biking journeys, and discuss what makes mountain biking such a gnarly and community-driven sport. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just curious, this episode sets the tone for authentic conversations about bikes, trails, and the lifestyle.
Main Topics:
Personal mountain biking stories from Julia and Steph
The evolution of mountain biking from curiosity to passion
The role of community and how to get involved
Favorite local trails and riding spots
The challenges and barriers to entry in the sport
Our motivation for starting this podcast
In this episode:
Julia's transition from Colorado to Phoenix and her mountain biking origins
Steph's journey from Indiana to becoming a mountain biker and coach
The impact of watching Red Bull Rampage and riding with friends
How mountain biking built confidence and provided mental challenge
Our insights on local trails like 24th Street and Dragon's Spine
The importance of community events and encouraging more women to ride
Bikes we ride: Pivot Mach 6 and Yeti SV 140 and how we chose them
Behind-the-scenes fun and the dogs' cameo
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome and podcast introduction 00:43 - Setting up for the debut episode 01:05 - Discussing camera angles and technical setup 01:58 - Our personal mountain biking stories and backgrounds 03:01 - Why we love mountain biking and how we started 04:00 - Julia’s journey from Colorado, Moab, and downhill biking 05:54 - Steph's early experiences and transitioning into mountain biking 07:21 - The influence of Rampage and riding with friends 08:50 - How mountain biking changed our perspectives on injuries and confidence 10:15 - The thrill of races, jumps, and pushing limits 11:40 - Motivational moments and mental resilience in biking 12:33 - The joy of downhill riding and exploring bike parks 13:31 - How mountain biking helps build confidence and mental strength 14:48 - The mindset shift: climbing to enjoy the descent 16:14 - First ride memories together: local trails and heat 17:43 - Favorite trails in Phoenix and trail diversity 19:46 - Community and events to keep the sport alive 20:41 - The unique social and cultural aspects of mountain biking 23:12 - Future episodes focusing on MTB life and community stories 24:40 - Bike setups: Pivot Mach 6 and Yeti SV 140 27:33 - Wrapping up and dog’s signals to end
Thanks for tuning in! Join us next week as we dive into what MTB life really looks like—be prepared for honest stories, tips, and maybe a few epic fails. Until then, stay gnarly and get out there on your bike!