The Discomfort Zone

Ep #113 Naina Adhikari: The Woman Changing What's Possible on the Ganga

May 19, 2026

What does it take to keep going when everything around you — the sport, the culture, the system — says this isn't your place? At the age of 13, Naina Adhikari made her way to the Ganga River, 300 km from her home village to start learning how to whitewater kayak. She couldn't swim, and was the only girl on the river with no female mentors to turn to. Although she faced many obstacles, she persisted.  Naina has since represented India at the World Championships and Olympic qualifiers, won the ...

Ep #112 Why You Keep Missing Moves On the Water and In Life

May 12, 2026

Why do some paddlers make moves look effortless while others keep missing them by inches? And when did you last give up on a move you could have made? In this solo episode, Anna shares what two recent private instruction clients discovered that changed everything: looking where you want to go isn't as natural as it sounds, especially when something intimidating downstream is pulling your eyes away. Anna connects this paddling fundamental to the bigger picture, including how her dream of leadi...

Ep #111 How to Know When You're Ready and Where You Belong with Ann Gillard

May 05, 2026

Ann Gillard saw a gap in the paddling community and did what any good river person would do: she gathered her crew and got on the water to build a space where people can actually show up as themselves. Ann is an ACA Level 4 whitewater kayak instructor, NRS ambassador, and founder of Pride Day on the River, a volunteer-led event on the Deerfield River in Massachusetts dedicated to LGBTQ+ visibility and participation in paddle sports. It draws over 150 people for a community paddle, beginner cl...