Breaking Barriers in the Military, on the Track, and in Life
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In this high-powered and deeply personal episode, Kate sits down with Riley Tejcek, active duty Marine Corps Officer, Team USA bobsled pilot, and now children’s book author. Riley opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of her life: navigating the pain and self-doubt that came with divorce at a young age, and the hard-won lessons on healing, forgiveness, and choosing joy on the other side of heartbreak.
Riley shares how her journey in the Marine Corps taught her to operate at her best in chaotic, high-pressure environments, and how those same principles apply to facing fears off the battlefield, whether that’s barreling down an icy track at 90 miles per hour or confronting life’s everyday uncertainties. She offers practical tools for building resilience, including the transformative power of vocalizing fears, leaning on trusted allies, and doing “hard things” to strengthen grit and confidence. The conversation also touches on the inspiration behind her new children’s book, If You Can Dream It, Be It, and her mission to show young girls they can pursue any dream, from military service to elite athletics and beyond.
With honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Riley reminds us that fear is not something to eliminate, but to acknowledge, embrace, and move through. This episode is an invitation to confront the uncomfortable, pursue the dreams placed on your heart, and discover the strength you didn’t know you had.
If this episode speaks to you, please share with a friend, leave a comment, and drop a review — I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway!
Learn more about Riley on Parade Deck.
Riley shares how her journey in the Marine Corps taught her to operate at her best in chaotic, high-pressure environments, and how those same principles apply to facing fears off the battlefield, whether that’s barreling down an icy track at 90 miles per hour or confronting life’s everyday uncertainties. She offers practical tools for building resilience, including the transformative power of vocalizing fears, leaning on trusted allies, and doing “hard things” to strengthen grit and confidence. The conversation also touches on the inspiration behind her new children’s book, If You Can Dream It, Be It, and her mission to show young girls they can pursue any dream, from military service to elite athletics and beyond.
With honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Riley reminds us that fear is not something to eliminate, but to acknowledge, embrace, and move through. This episode is an invitation to confront the uncomfortable, pursue the dreams placed on your heart, and discover the strength you didn’t know you had.
If this episode speaks to you, please share with a friend, leave a comment, and drop a review — I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway!
Learn more about Riley on Parade Deck.
