The Dauntless podcast is the evolution of the CRUSH Labs and learning how to level up. I’m Kate Hixson, host, entrepreneur, Ph.D., and reckless overachiever. I’ve studied the “how” of peak performance and learning strategy for years. I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. And all of this research has led me here.

Join me on this Dauntless journey as I ask my badass guests not only “how” but “why.” We’ll talk to those who CRUSH and hear their intimate and engaging stories, real-life advice, and actionable steps. Then it’s up to you to achieve above and beyond.

Dauntless isn’t for everybody, but it is for anyone who wants to be better, achieve more, and level up.

EPISODES

100 miles at a time

Episode 1 of the Dauntless Podcast features ultra-runner and Lead Woman, Megan Sweeney. Megan completed the Leadville 100 – an annual ultramarathon consisting of five events and 280 miles over some of the most rugged at elevations as high as 12,000 feet. Megan continues to run ultramarathons and we just had to know “why.” What makes this chick tick and what drives her to continue to be Dauntless? Kate Hixson talks to Megan in Leadville about this and other cool stuff. Don’t miss it.

Dauntless on the Runway

Episode 2 is all about fashion model, Amy Hixson. Amy’s seemingly effortless journey from gangly teenager to world famous model is packed with great stories and advice. Join Amy and Kate as they talk about cross-country trips, world travel and the uniquely surreal experience of seeing your own face on the cover of a magazine. Naturally, we had to learn how this woman made such an amazing transformation look uncomplicated. Join us!

Point, click, shoot, CRUSH with Commercial Photographer Brent Taylor

Eye on the end game. Find yourself a mentor. Say yes to the next thing. Embrace the journey. Crush it. I am talking to the fantastic Brent Taylor, who built his photography career one frame at a time. And he is telling us all about how he got here and what he learned along the way.

Be Your Own Superhero

What’s better than a superhero? Finding out your unique superpower and becoming your own superhero. Doctor Kate Hixson talk about the keys to unlocking your superpower and spoon-feeding it to the world.

How to Overcome Fears and CRUSH

In today’s episode, Kate chats to renowned world-and Canadian champion whitewater kayaker, Nick Troutman about his career as a professional kayaker, how he got into the sport and how he is able to push boundaries in himself and in the kayaking community as he overcomes fears and challenges on a regular basis. Nick shares his insights on making life decisions that follow your passion - not societal norms. Kate and Nick both have valuable advice on how exactly you too can CRUSH your fears.

Crushing It In Your Own Life While Raising Dauntless Children

For many people, having children means putting your personal life and personal goals on pause. How do you maintain your own growth and interest while focusing on being parents? In this episode, Kate Hixson talks with Tommy and Polly Hilleke, an outdoors power couple living in Colorado. They're avid kayakers with numerous awards on their shelf. They've traveled the world jumping from one high achievement to the next. On top of that, they're raising four sons to be absolute savages in a variety of extreme sports - from big mountain skiing to incredible kayaking expeditions. These boys are crushing it at everything that they do. How do you keep crushing it in your own life while raising dauntless children? Find out on this episode where we're exploring life lessons from the world's preeminent overachievers.

The Journey To Success One Stepping Stone At A Time

The journey to success never happens overnight. We’ve heard of successful people having a clear picture of what they wanted their lives to look like from a young age, but what if you don’t have a vision of how you want it to be? In this episode, Kate Hixson talks with Jason Teeters, a man with many different chapters and paths in his life. Growing up from a humble background, Jason eventually worked with the United Nations. Don’t miss some amazing life lessons from Jason as he shares how you can live a life by design that is not dictated by where you come from.

How To Strike A Balance Between Your Passion And Your Profession

Let’s face it. Not everyone can make millions out of their passion. But the professional artists who have gone that road have so much to teach us about balancing that passion with the need to have a profession that pays the bills. Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur or any other kind, there is so much to take away from the stories of artists who decided to break away from old habits and build real deal careers without having to sacrifice their passion. In this episode, Dr. Kate Hixson brings in visual artist, musician, and entrepreneur Cory Stowers to share how he went from his formative years as a budding graffiti artist trying to fit into the street art culture to becoming the multifaceted creative entrepreneur he is today. You will learn about the critical role of mentorship and community in the development of your craft and how important it is to build a toolbox of skills and an arsenal of little tricks that you can use to make your mark in the world (and some serious money in your pocket while you’re at it).

Building a Dauntless Business

How do you build a business from the ground up, dauntlessly? Meet James Hixson, the man behind Denver’s wildly successful Black Hound Design Company. This episode is all about hearing how a young man from rural Athens, Ohio made his mark on the world and grew a remarkably successful business with no MBA, no business background, no real experience, other than sheer grit, hustle and hard work. This episode is jam-packed full of actionable tips and insights that you can apply to your own life. You will learn about the critical role of teaching yourself, tackling your fears, grit and the key concept of "yes and."

Find Something to Scream About

Body dysmorphic disorder is a serious mental health disorder, but it can be tamed. Hear from punk rock glamour girl Jamie Arnold, aka Polly Rockett, on how she not only overcomes this challenge- but she also just crushes at all things in life. From her raw, empowering attitude to her pursuit of always finding something to scream about, Jamie has tons of honest advice on how to live your best life.

Overcoming Trauma and Transforming Your Life

In this episode, Dr Kate talks with Kathy Tuccaro, a woman who overcome physical and sexual abuse- and managed to triumph over her past. From battling alcoholism and homelessness- to now driving the world’s largest trucks and working with Exxon Mobile and Caterpillar, Kathy has completely turned her life around. Hear how she did it and what tools and tips she has for people who are looking to make a positive change.

Performing Dauntlessly with Ballerina and Singer Empress

Episode 12 of the Dauntless podcast features professional ballerina, singer/songwriter and actress Shannon Rugani, also known as Empress. She is a powerhouse of creative and artistic forces, and has incredible, actionable advice for those looking to fuel both their minds and their bodies. Join Dr Kate as we uncover Empress' inspirational story and secrets to peak performance.

Learn How to CRUSH

Discover the blueprint for unlocking your peak performance.

I’ve done the academic research, so that you don’t have to. I’ve poured over the scholarly journals, collected the best of the best in research studies, and performed analyses ‘til my head spun.

I’ve dug deep on Olympic and world champion athletes, high-altitude mountaineers, astronauts, race-car drivers, high-performing teams...and even supermodels.

And I've uncovered actionable steps that I'm sharing with you.

Bottom line: if you want to level up, you're in the right place. Read on. Learn how to CRUSH.

C: Catalyst

There has to be a catalyst. An "Ah Ha" moment or event that gives you that big idea or fills you with a deep desire. Maybe something happens in your life that impacts you profoundly. You are ready for a change.

You must recognize this moment- this event- this catalyst- and grab the bull by the horns.

R: Resolution

You are now on your journey. You know your goal, your North Star. And now, you must maintain an unshakable self-belief and inner arrogance that you CAN do anything you set your mind to.

You know- with full confidence- that your success is guaranteed...it ain’t about hoping and wishing

U: Unwavering

You must have laser focus on your goal, and total commitment to the journey.

You're not there yet- but you're gaining all the necessary practice and expertise to achieve your target.

You maintain the patience and discipline to achieve each step up on your ladder.

You can't stop. You won't stop.

S: Stamina

You must exert total control in pressure situations, and use that control to make hard decision.

You remain in control of your destiny...knowing that you can grab the situation- and shape it according to what you want to happen. You will NOT be externally-controlled.

You channel any anxiety into a source of fuel. You step up and get it done, no matter what is thrown at you.

H: Habit

This cycle is now so engrained in you that it becomes your habit- your way of always going through life.

When you have failures or mistakes, you bounce back quickly- and you know that it only makes you stronger and smarter.

When you reach your goal- you celebrate that success, and then you start all over again on a new, bigger goal. You are never complacent. You keep CRUSHING it.

“those were just some of the craziest and most fun experiences, and there was no way I could have predicted any of that was going to happen, but once it was going on, yeah, there was no way I was going to turn back”