The Café Stop

The Café Stop: Neilson & Shayna Powless

In this episode, brought to you by Southern Grounds & Co. (@southerngroundsco), in Jacksonville, Florida, as well as Marinette (@marinette.kitchen), in Nice, France, we connect with a pair of cycling's most electrifying siblings; EF Education First-EasyPost's (@efprocycling) Neilson Powless (@neilsonpowless), and DNA Pro Cycling’s (@dnak4) Shayna Powless (@shaynapowless). 
The siblings take us through their journey, from growing up in an incredibly athletic family, with parents who competed in the Olympics and Ironman Kona, to racing professionally at highest levels. Neilson and Shayna take us inside the peloton as they describe their experiences racing some of the biggest races in the world. They also speak to their unique position in professional cycling, as integral parts of both the men's and women's peloton, as well as representing the Oneida people on the world stage. We gain deeper insight into the siblings relationship with their Indigenous roots and how this has influenced their perspective on life and sport. Shayna highlights the work of the amazing foundation she founded with her partner, Eli Ankou (@gravitytrain) of the Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills). Together, the they empower Indigenous youth, through sport, via the Dream Catcher Foundation (@dream_catcher_fnd). Neilson talks about his growing family and life abroad, with his wife, Frances Powless (@frances.chae), as they plan for the future while enjoying the present. All of this and so much more inside this captivating episode.
We also appreciate any and all 5 star ratings (if you think we deserve it, if not, message us and let us know what we can do to get there!) as it helps us bring more inspirational and entertaining content your way. Have a great day, and remember, whether it's the beans or the pedals, always keep grinding!

The Café Stop: Alex Howes

In this episode, brought to you by Endgrain Coffee Roasters (@endgraincoffee), of Pitman, New Jersey, we hang out with the freshly retired Alex Howes (@alex_howes), formerly of EF Education First-EasyPost (@efprocycling).
Alex takes us through everything from life in the peloton, including some wild World Tour memories, and wearing the US National Champion's jersey, to training while being an involved parent to a busy toddler. He describes racing on the world stage at the biggest races in the world, as well as training with baby gates and play yards. We connect about Alex's relatively recent health challenges and his incredibly strong comeback from this. He also discusses his inspiration for riding bikes and how that was fueled and maintained from the time he was a little kid until present day. Finally, we touch on the current state of racing, both in North American and Europe, including his recent interest in the alternative racing and riding scene. Alex then fills us in on his future direction within the sport, and what lies ahead for him and his family. We hope you enjoy this chat with one of the best in the business.
We also appreciate any and all 5 star ratings (if you think we deserve it, if not, message us and let us know what we can do to get there!) as it helps us bring more inspirational and entertaining content your way. Have a great day, and remember, whether it's the beans or the pedals, always keep grinding!

The Café Stop: Nate Pearson

In this episode, brought to you by Reno, Nevada's, Coffee Bar (@coffeebar), we have coffee with Trainer Road's (@trainerroad) CEO, and Co-Founder, Nate Pearson (@tr.nate).
Nate walks us through everything from the inception of Trainer Road, and his days attending Coach Chad Timmerman's (@coachchadtr) CompuTrainer classes, to the new innovations of Trainer Road, and the current direction of the company. He discusses his own experiences with mental health, and concussions, as well as toxic masculinity and the detrimental effects of this. Nate teases some not yet released features from Trainer Road, as well as the power of technological advancements in cycling. We review Nate, and Trainer Road's decision to stand behind the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, and how they feel they are on the right side of history. He expands on the backlash that he, and the company, received from those who are opposed to the BLM movement, and the financial impact on Trainer Road as a result of this. Nonetheless, Nate reviewed the importance of sticking to your morals and values, and how this is worth more than any financial gain. We wholeheartedly agree with Nate, and Trainer Road, and are grateful to have had the chance to discuss such important issues. We hope you enjoy the impactful conversation.
We also appreciate any and all 5 star ratings (if you think we deserve it, if not, message us and let us know what we can do to get there!) as it helps us bring more inspirational and entertaining content your way. Have a great day, and remember, whether it's the beans or the pedals, always keep grinding!

The Café Stop: Caitlin Alexander

In this episode, brought to you by Crucible Coffee Roasters (@crucible.coffee), in Staunton, Virginia, we sit down with Dr. Caitlin Alexander (@caitalexander). Caitlin is a Professional Triathlete, for Diamond Factory Racing (@dimond_factory_racing) and Doctor of Physical Therapy. 
Caitlin takes us through her very informative and community cultivating social media page, through which she has gained a significant following. She expands on how she uses her platform to educate and inspire athletes to stay healthy and spend more time in the sports they love. Caitlin describes her journey, and details her experiences from becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy to, recently, becoming a Professional Triathlete. She reviews the science of bike fits, injury prevention, pedaling technique and so much more. She even answers the important question of whether or not Viagra can be used a performance enhancing drug at altitude (Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before trying this. Also, we do not recommend it! Not that we've tried it out). We hope you enjoy this café stop with Dr. Cait. 
We also appreciate any and all 5 star ratings (if you think we deserve it, if not, message us and let us know what we can do to get there!) as it helps us bring more inspirational and entertaining content your way. Have a great day, and remember, whether it's the beans or the pedals, always keep grinding!

The Café Stop: Maria Dalzot

In this episode, brought to you by the The Mazama Store (@mazamastore), in Mazama, Washington, we sit down with Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Therapist, and Professional Trail and Mountain Runner, Maria Dalzot. Maria is specializes in trauma, and she has significant expertise with respect to the relationship between trauma and eating behavior. She is also polyvagal informed within her work. Maria has the distinction of being the first runner we have had on the show, and you're likely to find her on a trail near Bellingham, Washington.
Maria provides a first hand account of what it is like to compete in professional trail and mountain running races on the world stage. She provides detailed accounts of the physical and mental challenges associated with this, as well as the overwhelmingly joyous moments and the beauty of being able to see some of the world's most beautiful and picturesque sights. Maria notes that her incredible supporters (@lasportivana, @trailbutter, her husband and amazing photographer, Tad Davis: @watrailrunner, and countless others), and the global running community as a whole, have been quite impactful in her journey.  Maria also provides us with a thorough walk through of trauma and how it impacts the mind and body, as well as it's severe impact on eating behaviors. We discuss her powerful work with her clients and the life-altering support that she provides, as well as a look into what lies ahead. All of this and so much more as we enjoy coffee with Maria. We hope you enjoy this important conversation.
We also appreciate any and all 5 star ratings (if you think we deserve it, if not, message us and let us know what we can do to get there!) as it helps us bring more inspirational and entertaining content your way. Have a great day, and remember, whether it's the beans or the pedals, always keep grinding!
 

The Café Stop: Ama Nsek

We're doubly caffeinated for this episode, as it is brought to you by two of our guest Ama Nsek's (@amansek) favorite café's; the Butter Café San Dimas (@buttercafesandimas) when he is at home in California, as well as, Dos Gatos Coffee Bar (@dosgatoscoffee) in Johnson City, Tennessee, for when he is at school on the other side of the country, studying and riding, at Milligan University (@milligancycling). You can also catch Ama sporting his National Champ's jersey for CS Velo (@csveloracing) this season.
American National Champion, Ama, takes us through his passion for riding bikes and racing, including how it all started, with his father and brother on the hills of California. We chat about marginalization and racism, both on and off the bike, and the detriment that this poses to society. Ama takes us through how to be an ally and how to advocate for those who are impacted by this. We examine the importance of self-care, and how the bike and exploration, as well as pushing physical limits can be an excellent way to do this. We explore the loss of Ama's father, Iffiok, and his incredible legacy that will live on forever. Ama also gives us an inside seat in the peloton and takes us through some of the toughest races on the calendar, including how he reached the podium at Tulsa Tough with the help of his brother, Imeh (@imehnsek). We discuss his plans for the future, including the direction of Ama and Imeh's prominent coaching business, Imperium Cycling (@imperiumcoaching). 
 
Ama's article, They Called Me The Painted Man, published in Cycling Tips, can be found here: https://www.cyclingtips.com/2020/11/they-called-me-the-painted-man/
 
We also appreciate any and all 5 star ratings (if you think we deserve it, if not, message us and let us know what we can do to get there!) as it helps us bring more inspirational and entertaining content your way. Have a great day, and remember, whether it's the beans or the pedals, always keep grinding!

The Café Stop: Carolyn Carter

In this episode, brought to you by the Boxx Coffee Roasters Co., of Los Angeles, (@boxxcoffee.adla) have our first café stop with a Professional Triathlete, as we sit down with Carolyn Carter, the @la_triathlete.
Carolyn takes us through the light hearted nature of her very funny, yet informative and welcoming social media page, through which she has gained a very large following. We talk about how her platform has inspired diversity and inclusion within the cycling and triathlon communities. Carolyn discusses her perspective on riding, and how her passion has grown and evolved over the years to the point of, most recently, becoming a professional triathlete. She even gives us some triathlon tips and advice. We hope you enjoy this café stop with Carolyn.
We also appreciate any and all 5 star ratings (if you think we deserve it, if not, message us and let us know what we can do to get there!) as it helps us bring more inspirational and entertaining content your way. Have a great day, and remember, whether it's the beans or the pedals, always keep grinding!

The Café Stop: Sam Boardman

In this episode, brought to you by the Fleur Bake Shop in Whitefish, Montana (@fleurbakeshop) we catch up with Sam Boardman (@boardmanito) of L39ion of Los Angeles (@l39ion.la).
Sam takes us through his perspective on riding bikes, as well as the great depth to which that provides education, connection to community, and increased autonomy. He also answers the critical question of what it's like to have the best hair in the peloton. Most importantly, Sam takes us through the importance of equity and inclusion, both in sport and in life, and highlights the vital importance of bridging the gap for those who are marginalized. We discuss the RIDE (Riders Inspiring Diversity & Equality) bands worn by Sam and some of his teammates during races, which are the brainchild of his close friend Molly Cameron (@themollycameron). All of this important conversation and so much more inside this Café Stop; we hope you enjoy it!
We also appreciate any and all 5 star ratings (if you think we deserve it, if not, message us and let us know what we can do to get there!) as it helps us bring more inspirational and entertaining content your way. Have a great day, and remember, whether it's the beans or the pedals, always keep grinding!

The Café Stop: Phil Gaimon

In this episode, brought to you by 10 Speed Coffee (@10speedcoffee), we chat with the legendary Phil Gaimon (@philgaimon), of Jukebox Cycling (@jukeboxcycling), about everything from his involvement and influence on the cookie game (from the beginning until now, and even what makes a good cookie), to his own origin in the world of cycling, his  world tour days and racing memories, as well as the future of his Worst Retirement Ever, and so much more. Don't forget to follow the show wherever you get your podcasts, and check us out on Instagram (@thecafestopshow) for the latest updates.
 
We also appreciate any and all 5 star ratings (if you think we deserve it, if not, message us and let us know what we can do to get there!) as it helps us bring more inspirational and entertaining content your way. Have a great day everyone, and remember, whether it's the beans or the pedals, always keep grinding!