The Line with Dr Kristen Holmes

Ken Rideout is a marathon world champion, winner of the Gobi March, and proud father of four, but he was once struggling with a years-long opioid addiction. In this inspiring episode, he shares his journey through addiction, and how running helped him finally break free from the drugs. Ken shares an unfiltered look at how anyone can turn adversity into purpose and that no matter where you start, you can always fight for a better version of yourself. In this candid conversation with Dr. Kristen Holmes, Ken bares all: How he went from an opioid addict to marathon world champion The ugly truth about the worst of his addiction Why running 10 miles every day became critical to his recovery What motivates him to keep going during extreme endurance events How childhood trauma continues to shape his mindset Why his addiction recovery isn’t the perfect story How he survived a 155-mile ultramarathon in the Gobi Desert The toughest battle he and his family has faced This episode is not just about running or athletics, but how to face life’s hardest battles and emerge stronger on the other side.  Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/theline.show   https://www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes Follow Ken here: https://www.instagram.com/ken_rideout/  https://x.com/KenRideout_  And learn more about his upcoming book here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/  (00:00) Intro   (02:33) How Ken's Dysfunctional Childhood Shaped His Life (04:50) Early Lessons in Resilience: Ken's 5am Paper Route (08:04) Ken's First Introduction to Drugs at Framingham State (12:38) Making the Jump from Blue-Collar Boston to New York City (16:19) How Percocet and Prescription Drugs Changed Everything (20:10) When Ken Realized His Addiction Was Spinning Out of Control (22:45) What the Drugs Brought to Ken's Life (26:23) The Battle to Stay Sober and Relapse Struggles (30:01) Ken Rideout’s Breaking Point in His Addiction Journey (34:48) How Running 10 Miles Helped Ken Fight Addiction (38:33) Bon Charge Ad (39:35) The Emotional Toll of Quitting the Kona Ironman (43:18) 'My Addiction Story Isn't the Perfect Recovery Story' (48:26) Onsite Recovery: Finding Purpose Beyond Accomplishments (53:08) How Ken Rideout Completed All World Marathon Majors in 17 Months (56:14) Four Weeks to Prepare for the 155-Mile Gobi March Ultramarathon (01:02:37) Ken’s Grueling Experience Competing in the Gobi March (01:05:24) Running an Ultramarathon in Desert Conditions (01:07:47) The Final Push to Win the Gobi March (01:11:56) Hot Spring Spas Ad (01:12:56) WHOOP Ad (01:13:58) How a Running Coach Unlocked Ken's Potential (01:16:42) How Ken Recovers From Extreme Endurance Events (01:17:31) Why Hyrox is More Than Just a Fitness Challenge (01:19:30) What Anyone Can Learn from Ken’s Story of Resilience (01:23:28) The Hardest Thing Ken Has Faced: His Wife's Cancer Diagnosis (01:28:53) Kristen Breaks Down the conversation Sponsored by: Hot Spring Spas - https://hotspring.com/kristen  WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/  Bon Charge - http://BONCHARGE.COM/KRISTEN used code KRISTEN for 15% off SYNC ID: MB01NC960HPBCRN MB01FEOCBQTBTAK MB01X3OY3LVOU0K Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Mumford is the mindfulness and meditation coach behind some of the greatest athletes in basketball history: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and so many others. He worked alongside Phil Jackson to build some of the most dominant NBA dynasties in the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.  Now, in this revealing conversation with Dr. Kristen Holmes, George unpacks how his personal journey gave him the insight to help the most elite basketball players become legends. In this episode, he shares: What addiction taught George about adversity and struggle Why Phil Jackson thought the Chicago Bulls needed mindfulness The unseen dynamics between Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen How elite athletes enter “flow” under extreme pressure What he learned from building championship teams with Phil Jackson The truth about Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s relationship The mindset that allowed Kobe to score 81 points in a single game The 4 traits shared by all NBA legends Simple ways anyone can begin their own mindfulness practice This episode is a rare look inside the mental frameworks that powered some of the greatest teams of all time and a guide for anyone to apply those same principles to live a more mindful, better life. Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/theline.show   https://www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes Follow George here: https://georgemumford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/george.mumford  Learn more about his incredible books here: https://georgemumford.com/books/?kuid=d8cd0d4e-2b78-498f-ac4d-d8e503aa0c91-1765934386&kref=https%3A%2F%2Fgeorgemumford.com%2F (00:00) Intro   (02:08) Growing Up with 12 Siblings  (04:09) Injuries and George's Battle With Drug Addiction (09:54) Overcoming Hurdles in Life and Sports (13:57) From Functioning Addict to Working in the NBA (16:49) How George Introduced Mindfulness to the Chicago Bulls (20:26) Inside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen's Dynamic  (26:39 )The Chicago Bulls Without Michael Jordan (31:33) How Coaches Can Help Their Athletes Get Into Flow (36:04) Michael Jordan Under Pressure: How He Entered Flow (41:16) Shopify Ad (42:21) WHOOP Ad (43:22) Phil Jackson’s Coaching Philosophy for Championship Teams (47:03) Building a New Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty (49:54) The Truth About Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant's Relationship (53:00) How Athletes Can Use Mindfulness Like Kobe Bryant (55:43) How Kobe Bryant Scored 81 Points in One Game (57:48) The Traits All NBA Legend Shares (01:01:57) How Anyone Can Get Started With Mindfulness   (01:06:10) Priming Your Mind for a Positive Outlook   (01:08:28) The Importance of a Daily Gratitude Practice (01:12:03) How Anyone Can Step Over Their Own Line (01:18:47) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation Sponsored by: Shopify - http://Shopify.com/Kristen  WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/  SYNC ID: MB01QQWQC5US6A3 MB01N6BQNLWMARP MB01VU3CGQHXQQU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jess Carter is one of the most resilient defenders in women’s football, playing for Chelsea FC Women, the England Lionesses, and now Gotham FC. After making her pro debut at just 16, she rose through the ranks to become a Women’s Euros champion, and continues to dominate at the highest levels of international football. But behind the success lies a deeper story. From navigating racism in front of the world to redefining professionalism in women’s football, Jess  shares the moments that nearly broke her and the choices that helped her rise. In this powerful conversation with Dr Kristen Holmes, she explains: Why she never saw football as just a job The brutal transition from Birmingham to Chelsea’s elite culture How COVID unexpectedly reshaped her fitness and focus Why she decided to transfer to Gotham FC in the NWSL Her experience with racism during the Euros and why she finally spoke up What it’s really like playing with and against her partner Ann-Katrin Berger Why the past year has been the hardest one yet in her career What is means to win on the world’s biggest stages Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a football fan or looking to improve your own athletic performance, Jess Carter shares the practical steps, mindset shifts, and honest insights she’s learned from being a champion.  Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/theline.show   https://www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes Follow Jess here: https://www.instagram.com/_jesslcarter (00:00) Introduction (02:13) Becoming a Pro Footballer for Birmingham City WFC  (07:26) The Pressure to be a Professional as a Teen (10:51) Making the Jump to Chelsea FC Women (15:24) Breaking Into the Chelsea First Team (18:23) Emma Hayes' Impact on Player Training at  Chelsea  (22:45) Jess Carter's Journey with the England Lionesses (23:31) Winning UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Against Spain (25:54) What Makes Jess Carter's Playing Style Unique (27:22) What Winning Means on the Biggest Stages (29:08) Addressing the Racist Abuse During the Women's Euros (33:45) Jess Carter’s Message to Her Online Abusers (36:28) How Elite Teams Build a Winning Culture (40:12) WHOOP Ad (41:13) Hot Spring Spas Ad (42:13) Jess Carter’s Transfer to Gotham FC and the NWSL   (48:09) Navigating Her Relationship with Teammate Ann-Katrin Berger (54:09) The Differences of  Women’s Football in the UK vs the US  (58:00) How Gotham FC Turned a Tough Season Into a Championship Run   (01:01:25) Gotham's Championship Game vs Washington Spirit (01:06:14) The Lionesses and Mary Earps' Book Controversy   (01:10:18) What's Next for Jess and the English National Team (01:12:14) How Jess Carter Keeps Her Passion for the Game (01:14:26) Advice for Young Athletes and Their Parents (01:18:41) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation Sponsored by: WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/  Hot Spring Spas - https://hotspring.com/kristen  SYNCH ID:  MB01QWRMKTFIM7I MB01YLGEGDJDX9U MB01BSWKEJRM5TZ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Stacy is a high performance coach who’s worked with some of the most talented athletes globally. But for the past seven years, he’s focused his career on helping Aryna Sabalenka become the #1 tennis player in the world. Now, Jason joins The Line to share the coaching principles that have fueled Aryna’s success, and how anyone can apply these same strategies to achieve and sustain success in any field. In this candid conversation with Dr Kristen Holmes, he breaks down: Why he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to be Aryna Sabalenka’s coach The importance of emotional regulation in high-performance sports His non-traditional path to become an elite coach The mindset required to become a champion at the highest level The three areas Aryna Sabalenka needed to improve to become the best Why fun can be one of the most important aspects of training What happened behind the scenes from Aryna’s toughest year Why your biggest strength can also become your biggest weakness  Whether you’re an aspiring coach, a seasoned athlete, or anyone on a path to personal growth, this episode delivers actionable insights to master both the mental and physical aspects of high achievement. Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/theline.show   https://www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes For more from Jason, find him here: https://www.instagram.com/jasonstacy.coach https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonstacycoach/ https://www.thepressurecode.com/  And keep an eye out for his upcoming book:  The Pressure Code: How Elite Performers Align Energy, Emotions, and Environment. (00:00) Introduction (02:19) Jason's Journey from Homeless to Elite Coach (07:33) Why Jason Became a Tennis Coach (12:30) How He Became Aryna Sabalenka's Coach (19:18) Building the Best Environment for Success (22:31) Jason’s Evolving Coaching Approach with Sabalenka (25:33) The Emotional Side of Aryna's Game (28:50) How to Manage Emotion in High-Pressure Situations (35:39) Bon Charge Ad (36:42) WHOOP Ad (37:56) What Sets Aryna Apart From Other Players (42:08) The Breakthrough Moment for Grand Slam Success (48:17) The Four States Athletes Need for High-Performance (55:13) How They Approach Any and All Opponents (59:55) The Importance of Fun in a Rigorous Schedule (01:07:19) The Emotional Impact of Sabalenka's First Grand Slam Title (01:10:48) Behind the Scenes of Sabalenka's Serve in 2022 (01:18:18) Battle of the Sexes: Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios (01:20:46) The Teams' Goals for 2026 (01:29:27) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation Sponsored by: Bon Charge - http://BONCHARGE.COM/KRISTEN  use code KRISTEN for 15% off WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/  SYNCH ID:  MB01Q7LYDW6CO3G MB01QNEKSBAKCEJ MB01LRS9DY8VAEB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and senior lecturer at MIT. She is also the New York Times Best-Selling author of The Source and The Signs, where she explores the science behind intuition, manifestation and personal transformation. Now, she’s joining the Line to share groundbreaking insights that turn neuroscience into practical tools for growth and self-mastery. In this powerful conversation with Dr Kristen Holmes, she reveals: The neuroscience behind creativity, mental health, and elite performance  Why intuition isn’t mental, but deeply connected to the body How to use microhabits to shift your behavior Why certain people struggle so much with meditation How to use visualization and manifestation backed by real science Ways to make vision boards actually work for you Why modern life is disconnecting you from your body How neuroplasticity gives you the power to reinvent your brain  Whether you're a skeptic, a believer or just curious about brain science, this episode will teach you concrete ways to sharpen your mind and change your life. Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/theline.show   https://www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes Follow Dr. Swart here: https://www.taraswart.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drtaraswart https://x.com/TaraSwart (00:00) Introduction  (02:15) What Does Intuition Mean to You?   (05:13) How Intuition and Creativity Work Together   (07:05) Everyone Has an Intuition   (09:27) Strengthen Your Intuition Using Neuroplasticity   (11:33) How Your Senses Influence Intuition   (15:00) Dr. Swart’s Neuroplasticity Philosophy Explained   (16:16) How Technology and AI Impact Your Brain   (20:54) Using Somatic Awareness to Understand Your Body   (27:10) What Is Neuroplasticity?   (32:34) How Athletes' Brains Work Differently   (34:38) Meditation vs. Mindfulness for Athletes   (36:08) Unlocking the Brain Through Mindfulness   (40:50) The Counterclockwise Aging Study   (43:33) Hot Spring Spas Ad   (44:34) WHOOP Ad   (45:35) How Manifestation and Visualization Really Work   (48:35) Using Vision Boards to Manifest Goals   (53:15) Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Vision Board   (58:40) The Power of Visualization   (1:00:45) Exploring the Soul   (1:03:57) Receiving Signs from the Universe   (1:11:12) Healthy Ways to Process Grief and Loss   (1:20:57) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation  Sponsored by: Hot Spring Spas - https://hotspring.com/kristen  WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/  SYNCH ID:  MB01ZGS0INX2XN4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices