
22: From Ironman to the ICU to Personal Evolution: Risa August's Journey of Resilience
11/17/24 • 65 min
Discover a story that defies the odds as Risa August dives into her powerful transformation from battling a hidden illness to embracing a whole new self. In this episode, we explore Risa’s raw and unfiltered path through grit, endurance, and self-acceptance.
With a past that reads like an adventure novel, Risa takes us through her athletic achievements, health struggles, and the moment her life changed with a long-overdue diagnosis. If you've ever wondered what it truly takes to turn struggle into strength, you won’t want to miss this.
Inside This Unmissable Episode:
- Born to Defy: How Risa’s adventurous childhood and compassionate spirit became the bedrock of her resilience.
- A Decade of Discovery: Risa’s transformative years in fitness and wilderness guiding, pushing limits, and finding her passions.
- From Triathlons to Ironman: The journey that began with a triathlon and led Risa to conquer one of the toughest endurance feats.
- Health Battles Ignored: The health warning signs doctors dismissed and the resilience that kept Risa fighting for answers.
- The Shocking Diagnosis: How Risa’s persistence led to an acromegaly diagnosis, revealing a hidden pituitary tumor and changing everything.
- Redefining Identity: Risa’s journey through recovery, self-perception, and redefining who she is after a life-altering health crisis.
- Family and Freedom: Insights into how family dynamics shaped her self-image and what it took for Risa to reclaim her freedom.
- From ‘Bucket List’ to ‘Fk It’ List**: Risa’s liberating mindset shifts to live on her own terms, making fear-based goals a thing of the past.
- Courage to Change: The powerful role of Gestalt therapy and self-growth in letting go of past identities and embracing a new one.
- Inspiration to Empower: Risa’s strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs, daring to dream bigger, and inspiring others to live fully.
Dive into Risa’s world for an empowering, candid conversation on resilience, redefining self, and the courage to embrace life’s twists and turns. Tune in—you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for life’s unpredictable journey.
Connect with Risa:
- Website/s: https://www.risaaugust.com/
- Book: "The Road Unpaved - Border to Border With a Bike and a Brain Tumor"
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risaunleashed
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risaunleashed/
Thank you for listening! If you found value in this episode, please comment, like and subscribe depending what platform you're on. And if you have requests for guests, send me a message. - Tony Stark
Discover a story that defies the odds as Risa August dives into her powerful transformation from battling a hidden illness to embracing a whole new self. In this episode, we explore Risa’s raw and unfiltered path through grit, endurance, and self-acceptance.
With a past that reads like an adventure novel, Risa takes us through her athletic achievements, health struggles, and the moment her life changed with a long-overdue diagnosis. If you've ever wondered what it truly takes to turn struggle into strength, you won’t want to miss this.
Inside This Unmissable Episode:
- Born to Defy: How Risa’s adventurous childhood and compassionate spirit became the bedrock of her resilience.
- A Decade of Discovery: Risa’s transformative years in fitness and wilderness guiding, pushing limits, and finding her passions.
- From Triathlons to Ironman: The journey that began with a triathlon and led Risa to conquer one of the toughest endurance feats.
- Health Battles Ignored: The health warning signs doctors dismissed and the resilience that kept Risa fighting for answers.
- The Shocking Diagnosis: How Risa’s persistence led to an acromegaly diagnosis, revealing a hidden pituitary tumor and changing everything.
- Redefining Identity: Risa’s journey through recovery, self-perception, and redefining who she is after a life-altering health crisis.
- Family and Freedom: Insights into how family dynamics shaped her self-image and what it took for Risa to reclaim her freedom.
- From ‘Bucket List’ to ‘Fk It’ List**: Risa’s liberating mindset shifts to live on her own terms, making fear-based goals a thing of the past.
- Courage to Change: The powerful role of Gestalt therapy and self-growth in letting go of past identities and embracing a new one.
- Inspiration to Empower: Risa’s strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs, daring to dream bigger, and inspiring others to live fully.
Dive into Risa’s world for an empowering, candid conversation on resilience, redefining self, and the courage to embrace life’s twists and turns. Tune in—you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for life’s unpredictable journey.
Connect with Risa:
- Website/s: https://www.risaaugust.com/
- Book: "The Road Unpaved - Border to Border With a Bike and a Brain Tumor"
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risaunleashed
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risaunleashed/
Thank you for listening! If you found value in this episode, please comment, like and subscribe depending what platform you're on. And if you have requests for guests, send me a message. - Tony Stark
Previous Episode

21: Criticism Crusher: Turn Haters Into Stepping Stones with Richard Weiler
Join me for an insightful conversation with Richard Weiler, CEO and founder of Market Leap, as he shares his journey from door-to-door sales to becoming a marketing expert. In this episode, Richard reveals how to build authentic business relationships and navigate the ever-changing world of marketing.
Discover the evolution of marketing strategies, from the decline of traditional methods like the Yellow Pages to the rise of digital marketing. Richard emphasizes the power of hybrid marketing approaches and the crucial role of authenticity in business growth. Learn why following up with connections is key to success and how to use social media effectively while staying true to yourself.
This episode offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. Richard shares strategies for mastering SEO, attracting the right clients, and most importantly, overcoming criticism with resilience. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, you'll find valuable insights on rapid business growth and leaving a lasting legacy.
Key Topics You Don’t Want to Miss:
- Richard Weiler's journey: From door-to-door sales to marketing success
- The shift from traditional to digital marketing strategies
- Hybrid marketing: Combining online and offline approaches
- Building authentic relationships and the importance of follow-up
- Using authenticity to attract the right audience
- Leveraging public speaking and social media for business growth
- SEO mastery: Understanding what Google wants
- Turning criticism into fuel for long-term success
Tune in to learn from Richard's wealth of experience and gain actionable insights for your own business success. Don't forget to subscribe to Hero Up for more inspiring conversations with industry leaders!
Connect with Richard:
- Website/s: https://www.marketleap.biz/
- Book: https://www.guerrillaconnector.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardWeiler1/
Thank you for listening! If you found value in this episode, please comment, like and subscribe depending what platform you're on. And if you have requests for guests, send me a message. - Tony Stark
Next Episode

23: Mark Fournier: The Emmy-Winning Maverick Who Mastered the Mind and Defied Death
Join me as I engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Mark Fournier, a life coach and filmmaker. Together, we explore themes of happiness, fulfillment, and the power of mindset. This episode is packed with insights, personal stories, and actionable advice to help you unlock your true potential.
Inside This Unmissable Episode:
- Mark Fournier's journey in finding happiness and fulfillment.
- The impact of a mindset of unlimited possibilities.
- The importance of thoughts and creating balance in life.
- Insights into Mark's filmmaking journey and Emmy wins.
- Overcoming dark moments and personal growth.
- Self-acceptance and the power of an opportunity mindset.
- The role of Omni Coach in accessing historical wisdom.
- The importance of emotional intelligence and relationships.
- Exploring plant medicines and human resilience.
- Evolving consciousness to keep pace with technology.
This episode isn’t just a conversation; it’s a masterclass in navigating life’s challenges, building resilience, and finding fulfillment. Whether you’re striving for personal growth, overcoming obstacles, or seeking inspiration, Marc Fournier’s journey and insights will resonate deeply.
Connect with Mark:
- Website: https://thelimitlesscoach.com/home/ :
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@markfournierpresents :
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markfournierpresents/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markfournierpresents/#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fournier-a8294613
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkFournierPresents/shorts
Thank you for listening! If you found value in this episode, please comment, like and subscribe depending what platform you're on. And if you have requests for guests, send me a message. - Tony Stark
Tony Stark's Hero Up Podcast - 22: From Ironman to the ICU to Personal Evolution: Risa August's Journey of Resilience
Transcript
Tony Stark Policci (00:00)
Risa, thank you so much for being here with me. Listeners, you've just heard the incredible introduction to my guest today. And this is going to be an exciting interview. Risa, I'm so glad that you're here. Thank you so much for being here.
Risa August (00:13)
I'm so grateful to be here, Tony. Thank you so much for having me on your show.
Tony Stark Policci (00:18)
Yeah, well, you I want to get started just by asking you the simple question. How do you
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/tony-starks-hero-up-podcast-414732/22-from-ironman-to-the-icu-to-personal-evolution-risa-augusts-journey-78419828"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to 22: from ironman to the icu to personal evolution: risa august's journey of resilience on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy