Ginger and Chocolate

Ginger and Chocolate

The Ginger and Chocolate Pod is just two regular people talking about their experiences with mental health challenges, physical health and wellness, and endurance sports training. Co-hosts Lindsay and Mike interview athletes and subject matter experts.

Episodes

September 4, 2026 32 mins

Shoot us a text.

The Dark Side of Discipline

This episode looks at how discipline can help training, work, and life, and how it can also go too far when it crowds out health, relationships, and balance. Mike and Lindsay talk through endurance sports, identity shifts, injury, and the difference between healthy commitment and all-or-nothing thinking.

Key topics

  • We discuss the downside of discipline and how a strength can turn into a ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Shoot us a text.

Summary

This episode explores the multifaceted nature of discipline, its impact on mental health, and how it can be cultivated to improve life quality. Lindsay and Mike share personal stories, practical tips, and insights on building discipline, managing setbacks, and understanding its role in personal growth.

Keywords

discipline, mental health, self-improvement, habits, resilience, personal growth, men...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Shoot us a text.

Summary

In this episode, Mike and Lindsay explore the nature of disappointment, especially in the context of athletic pursuits and personal goals. They share personal stories, discuss reframing setbacks, and offer practical advice on handling disappointment healthily.

Keywords

disappointment, resilience, athletic goals, reframing failure, mental health, community, triathlon, Ironman, personal growth

Key ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Shoot us a text.

From Distance Running to Powerlifting: An Inspiring Journey with Ania Wronski

Discover how Ania Wronski transitioned from a non-athlete background to excelling in powerlifting, overcoming injuries and societal stereotypes along the way. This episode explores her training strategies, community involvement, and tips for beginners.

In this episode:

  • Ania's background growing up as a book nerd an...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Shoot us a text.

In this episode, Tara Pipia shares her inspiring journey from military service to becoming a PhD in transpersonal psychology, her experiences with Spartan and DECA races, and her mission to support veterans and individuals in recovery through fitness and community. Discover how movement and community can transform lives and foster healing.


 keywords

Spartan Race, DECA, recovery, veterans, comm...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
February 12, 2026 38 mins

Shoot us a text.

Summary

In this conversation, Jenn Peterson, founder of Thrive PRP, discusses her journey from acute care nursing to establishing a holistic practice focused on patient-centered care. She emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person rather than just symptoms, integrating various health services, and addressing hormone imbalances through innovative treatments like PRP injections. Jenn also highlights...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Shoot us a text.

Summary
In this conversation, Lindsay S. Hiken interviews ultra runner Maddie Mau, who shares her journey from a reluctant runner to an accomplished ultra marathoner. Maddie discusses her early experiences with running, the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, and the importance of resilience and self-discovery through endurance sports. The conversation also highlights the significance of hiking in tr...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
January 29, 2026 41 mins

Shoot us a text.

Summary

In this episode of "Ginger and Chocolate," hosts Mike Ergo and Lindsay S. Hiken reflect on their experiences from 2025 and share their aspirations for 2026. Lindsay recounts her recent trail race, where she achieved second place in her age group, highlighting her newfound confidence in downhill running. Mike discusses his transition from a long career with the VA to new opportunities in therapy and in...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Shoot us a text.

Summary
In this episode of the Ginger and Chocolate podcast, host Lindsay S. Hiken speaks with ultra runner Julia Minkstein about her journey through running, personal challenges, and recovery. Julia shares her experiences with childhood health issues, the impact of COVID on her running, and her journey through trauma and recovery. She discusses the empowering nature of ultra running, the supportive community wit...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
December 11, 2025 43 mins

Shoot us a text.

Summary

In this conversation, Raul Ponce shares his journey of rediscovering self-love and purpose. He reflects on his past struggles with identity and the realization that he didn't truly know himself. Through this process of rebuilding, he emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own personality and desires.


Takeaways

I didn't know how to love myself.
I pretended like I did, lik...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
December 4, 2025 40 mins

Shoot us a text.

Summary
In this episode, Mike and Lindsay explore the concept of ego, discussing its role in personal experiences, sports, and competition. They reflect on their holiday experiences, delve into the psychological aspects of ego, and share personal anecdotes about balancing ego with self-awareness and mental health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing ego in various aspects of l...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
November 21, 2025 46 mins

Shoot us a text.

Summary

The conversation explores the extreme physical demands placed on athletes, particularly the mindset that equates exhaustion with success. Sue Reynolds shares a personal story of pushing her limits during training, leading to severe consequences, including a hospital visit due to kidney failure. This highlights the dangers of ignoring bodily warning signs in pursuit of athletic goals.

Takeaways

<...
  • Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    November 14, 2025 44 mins

    Shoot us a text.

    Summary

    The conversation explores how society categorizes individuals into archetypes, affecting our perception of their identities. It discusses the implications of these stereotypes and the importance of recognizing the complexity of human experiences.


    Takeaways

    We categorize people into archetypes like heroes or villains.
    Stereotypes can limit our understanding of individuals.
    Recog...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played

    Shoot us a text.

    Summary

    In this episode of the Ginger and Chocolate podcast, hosts Mike Ergo and Lindsay Hiken welcome back Sue Reynolds, an inspiring triathlete and author. They discuss Sue's incredible journey of losing over 200 pounds, her transition into triathlon, and the mental and physical challenges she faced along the way. The conversation delves into the importance of values in balancing life and sport, the realiti...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    October 25, 2025 41 mins

    Shoot us a text.

    Summary

    In this episode of the Ginger and Chocolate podcast, Lindsay Hiken welcomes back Amy Outman to discuss the challenges of self-care during times of physical and mental exhaustion. They delve into Amy's recent experiences with travel, illness, and recovery, exploring the importance of listening to one's body and seeking support from friends and professionals. The conversation touches on the generational differe...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    October 13, 2025 45 mins

    Shoot us a text.

    Summary

    In this inspiring interview, Shay Eskew shares his journey from a traumatic childhood accident to becoming a multiple Ironman finisher. He discusses the power of resilience, the importance of perspective, and how he balances family life with his athletic pursuits.

    Keywords

    Shay Eskew, Ironman, resilience, perspective, family balance

    Takeaways

    • Resilience is built through overcoming adversity.
    • Perspective can tr...
    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played

    Shoot us a text.

    Summary

    In this episode of Ginger and Chocolate, hosts Mike Ergo and Lindsay Hiken explore the dynamics between motivation and discipline in the context of fitness and personal growth. They discuss how motivation can ignite the journey, but discipline is what sustains it, sharing personal anecdotes and strategies to maintain consistency in workouts and life.

    Keywords

    motivation, discipline, fitness, personal growth, co...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played

    Shoot us a text.

    Summary

    In this episode of Ginger and Chocolate, co-hosts Mike Ergo and Lindsay Hiken discuss the importance of family, the benefits of spending time with loved ones, and share personal stories about running and racing. They explore how family interactions can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and create lasting memories. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting, the supportive nature of the trail...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    September 4, 2025 33 mins

    Shoot us a text.

    Hosts: Lindsay Hiken and Mike Ergo

    Episode Highlights:

    Weekend Adventures: Mike shares his paddleboarding experience at Donner Lake and Lindsay recounts a humorous paddleboard story from Tahoe. Mental Health Check-In: Both hosts discuss their current mental health and the impact of missing workouts. Nutrition and Mental Clarity: A deep dive into how different foods affect mental clarity, including the benefits of omeg...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played

    Shoot us a text.

    Join hosts Lindsay Hiken and Mike Ergo as they dive into an inspiring conversation with ultra-runner Liz Omodt. Liz shares her incredible journey from battling alcoholism to becoming a dedicated ultra-runner. Discover how running became a pivotal part of her recovery and how she continues to push her limits in the world of ultra-marathons.

    Key Highlights:

    Liz's early struggles with alcoholism and her path to sobriety....

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played

    Popular Podcasts

      If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

      Betrayal Weekly

      Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

      Dateline NBC

      Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

      The Joe Rogan Experience

      The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

      Love Trapped

      Former Bachelor Clayton Echard’s casual one-night fling turned into a paternity nightmare. When the news broke about the scandal, no one believed Clayton at first. He was a reality TV star, and an unpopular one at that. Clayton found himself trying to prove the truth, while trapped in a web of lies, manipulation, and threats. He would soon discover he was not the only one. At its core, this is a story about who you believe and why. It’s an epic battle that would take a group of strangers, citizen sleuths from across the world, to crack the case and finally hold someone accountable. New episodes of Love Trapped are released every Thursday, starting February 26th, 2026. If you would like to reach out to the Love Trapped team, email us at lovetrappedpod@gmail.com and follow along on Instagram @glasspodcasts.

    Advertise With Us
    Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

    Connect

    © 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

    • Help
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • AdChoicesAd Choices