The Human Reboot Project

Choosing a Life of Adventure by Bike with Ryan Van Duzer

What happens when you choose to experience life from behind the handlebars of a "freedom machine" and never look back? In this episode, I sit down with legendary content creator and cyclist Ryan Van Duzer. We dive deep into his journey from a childhood health scare in Boulder to becoming a global advocate for the "goodness of humanity." Ryan opens up about his mother's influence on his resilience, his "emotional paycheck" of inspiring others, and why he’s tackling the Great Divide again in 2026. It’s a masterclass in living with intention and choosing adventure.
 
About Ryan Van Duzer
 
Ryan Van Duzer is a professional adventurer, motivational speaker, and content creator with over 200,000 YouTube subscribers on Duzer TV. A lifelong cyclist who has never owned a car, he uses his global expeditions to advocate for self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and the inherent kindness of strangers.
 
Duzer TV
https://www.duzertv.com
 
People for Bikes
https://www.peopleforbikes.org
 
Bikepacking Roots
https://bikepackingroots.org

The Aloha Episode with Savio P. Clemente

For Episode 12 of The Human Reboot Project, I sat down with Savio P. Clemente, a man who didn't just hit the reset button—he rewired the whole machine. Savio is a board-certified wellness coach, author, and a two-time cancer survivor who views his recent stem cell transplant not merely as a medical procedure, but as a literal "medical rebirth."
We dive deep into his journey from a stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis at age 38 to a brutal relapse ten years later. Savio opens up about the reality of a stem cell transplant—which gave him a second birthday and required him to get all his childhood vaccines again—and how he used that time to develop his philosophy of Adaptive Resilience.
Unlike standard resilience (bouncing back after the fact), Savio teaches us how to flex and adapt while we are in the trenches of the crisis. We discuss his transition from the tech world to the wellness stage, his TEDx talk, and the "Aloha Reboot" framework that helps leaders and survivors alike navigate the storm.
This episode is a masterclass in turning a health crisis into a catalyst for leadership and post-traumatic growth. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis or just life’s general chaos, Savio’s message of "catch and release" is the tool you need.
Tune in to hear how a "medical rebirth" led to a life of purpose, advocacy, and grit.
 
Savio’s Tedx Talk
https://youtu.be/J-DHtD2n0qo?si=Fi3AiDlNsjGNKN7W
 
Savio’s Website
https://www.saviopclemente.com
 

Intentional with Megan Hottman

Can Being Hit by a Truck Really be one of the Best Things that Ever Happened to a Person?
For Episode 11 of The Human Reboot Project, I sat down with a true force of nature: Megan Hottman. Megan is a national champion cyclist, an attorney, an author, and a woman who has redesigned her life around the philosophy of "hell yes or it's a no".
We dove deep into the concept of intentional living. Megan shared how she transitioned from the grind of a traditional legal career to a life of "van life" and advocacy, driven by a desire to live on her own terms. We discussed the tragic death of her friend and fellow cyclist, Gwen Inglis, and the emotional weight of securing a record-setting $403 million verdict for Gwen's family—a "mic drop" moment that left Megan questioning what comes next.
Megan also opened up about her own near-death experience, where she was struck by a motorist just two days before the criminal sentencing for Gwen's driver. She described this trauma as a "portal" that stripped her life down to the studs, leading her to write her upcoming book, Finding Enough in a World Wired for More.
From "awe walks" to creating a legacy with PeopleForBikes, Megan’s story is a masterclass in turning trauma into purpose. Set to an electronic-pop vibe inspired by Big Wild, this episode is a wake-up call to stop following the script and chart your own course.
Tune in to hear how getting hit by a truck became one of the best things to ever happen to her.
Megan’s Website
https://www.meganhottman.com
Gwen’s Video
https://youtu.be/gmEPzRGF_e4?si=bYNWSoyeaLFntx00
The Engine Inside
https://www.engineinsidefilm.com
People for Bikes
https://foundation.peopleforbikes.org
 

A Skater, a Skier, & a Cyclist - Surviving & Thriving

For Episode 9 of The Human Reboot Project, I sat down with a trio of survivors who turned a diagnosis into a documentary. Meet Alejandro Daza, Christina Fisher, and Jeff Meskey—the stars of the AbbVie-sponsored film from Encompass Films, Second Winds.
We dive deep into the reality of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL). If you’ve ever heard the medical term "watch and wait," you know it feels less like patience and more like holding a live grenade. My guests open up about that psychological burden, the confusion of being told you have the "good cancer," and the rollercoaster of treatments—from clinical trials to breakthrough drugs like Venetoclax.
But this isn't just a medical discussion; it's a story of grit. Alejandro, a cyclist and engineer; Christina, a mountain biker and patient advocate; and Jeff, a skateboarding grandfather with a history of heart resilience, prove that a diagnosis doesn't mean the end of adventure. We talk about how they use the outdoors—whether it's shredding trails or just finding the energy to garden—to reclaim their identity and mental health.
From bone marrow biopsy war stories to the dark humor required to survive the oncology ward, this episode is a masterclass in resilience.
Tune in to hear how these three turned their "second wind" into a gale-force movement for hope and patient advocacy.
Topics Covered:
Understanding CLL/SLL: Navigating the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma.
The "Watch and Wait" Phase: The mental toll of monitoring the disease before treatment begins.
Movement as Medicine: How cycling, skiing, and skateboarding aid in cancer recovery.
Patient Advocacy: Moving from patient to advocate and the importance of second opinions.
Second Winds: Behind the scenes of the documentary.
Watch the Second Winds documentary to see their full story in action,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuoeKkE7Obg&t=50s
Learn more and support those with CLL
https://cllsociety.org
Blood Cancer United
https://bloodcancerunited.org
 
Encompass Films
https://www.encompassfilms.com
 

Movement as Medicine with Steph Lightfoot

Meet Steph Lightfoot: British expat, mother of twins, trail runner in the French Alps, and a powerful force in the world of exercise oncology.
 
In this inspiring episode, host Jay Middleton speaks with Steph about her journey through a 2021 breast cancer diagnosis. Steph shares her candid and intense experience with treatment—including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a double mastectomy, and a crash menopause—and how she redefined her recovery.
 
Steph turned movement into her medicine, committing to a daily walking ritual through the darkest days of chemo and even cycling 100 kilometers just three weeks after her final treatment.
 
Now a dedicated cancer exercise specialist and coach, Steph discusses:
The profound importance of personalized exercise and protein intake during and after cancer treatment.
The proven power of coaching for accountability, citing a study that showed a 30% lower cancer recurrence rate for coached patients.
Her life in the French Alps, her shift from endurance trail running to competing in a Half Iron Man (and winning her age group!), and her plans for a challenging Hyrox race.
Her mission to help others navigate the "new normal," reclaim their strength, and use movement to find control and confidence after a life-altering diagnosis.
Whether you're looking for motivation, seeking to understand the role of exercise in recovery, or just need to hear a story of ultimate resilience, this conversation with the unstoppable Steph Lightfoot is one you won't want to miss.
 
Links Mentioned in the Show
 
Steph’s Coaching Website
https://www.cancercoach.me
 
Step’s Instagram
@cancercoach.me
 
Mont Blanc Marathon
https://www.marathonmontblanc.fr/en
 

Brewing Resilience with Karen Hertz of Holidaily Brewing

We usually talk to endurance athletes on The Human Reboot Project, but today we are bucking that trend to sit down with a different kind of champion: Karen Hertz, Founder and Chief Brewista of Holidaily Brewing.
After surviving back-to-back diagnoses of melanoma and thyroid cancer in her 30s, Karen was given a strict recommendation to adopt a gluten-free diet. Unwilling to give up the camaraderie of a cold beer, she decided to create her own solution. Today, Holidaily is one of only 17 dedicated gluten-free breweries in the U.S. and fresh off a Gold Medal win at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival.
In this episode, Karen shares her journey from working at Molson Coors to launching the only woman-owned dedicated gluten-free brewery in the country. We discuss how she turned a health crisis into a thriving business, why Holidaily is defying the odds in the craft beer industry, and her philosophy on making every day a holiday.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, positivity, and brewing world-class beer.
 
Links Mentioned in the Podcast
 
Holidaily Brewery
https://holidailybrewing.com
 
Holidaily on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/holidailybrew/
 
Grouse Malt House
https://grousemalthouse.com
 
The Celiac Cruise
https://celiaccruise.com
 
Fat Randy’s Wipeout
https://youtu.be/MX_Xrx4vwAQ?si=z0zw0EyAvLrDC67W
 
 

Radiation & Chemo Can’t Stop this PCT Thru-Hiker, Dean Gay

Already an accomplished long distance hiker, Dean found his plans to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) upended when he was diagnosed with head & neck cancer. 
It would take more than six weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy to slow him down. In fact Dean’s diagnosis provided him with additional purposed as he chose to use the hike to help raise awareness of head and neck cancer and SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral and Head Cancer)
Take a listen as we dive into not only the challenges of hiking the PCT, but also the added burden of hiking just a few months out of cancer treatment, the gear and fueling for walking thousands of miles and the joy that comes with finishing a challenge after battling a life threatening disease.
 
SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral and Head Cancer)
https://www.spohnc.org
Additional SPOHNC resources
 
Dean’s YouTube Channel, DEAN’S LIST
https://www.youtube.com/@deanslist4458/featured
 
HPV Vaccine Information from the Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/in-depth/hpv-vaccine/art-20047292
 
Dean’s PCT Gear Review Post Hike
https://youtu.be/ZwuZWgh4mb0?si=0yqrgM5VL3mKiGZ8
 
Melanzana - Home to the World’s Greatest (in my opinion) Hoody
https://melanzana.com
 

Garth Prosser - Part 2 An OG Legend of the Leadville 100 MTB and Ultra-Mountain Biking

One episodes is not enough to contain all that is Garth Prosser. Sit back and enjoy round two of my interview with Garth
In this episode, we dig deeper into Garth's cancer diagnosis. This interview is a must for anyone who is faced with their own diagnosis. Garth talks about confronting his own fears and moving through them.
To finish the Leadville 100 MTB Trail Race once is an accomplishment unto itself but what about finishing it twenty three times?
In today’s episode of The Human Reboot Project I sit down with former Specialized and Cannondale athlete Garth Prosser for a two part interview to talk about what it takes to complete the Leadville 100 MTB Trail Race twenty three times, dealing with and coming back from colon cancer and how one goes about becoming a legend of ultra-mountain bike and gravel racing. 
A shout out to Garth for being so willing to speak frankly and honestly about his cancer diagnosis and how he rebooted and bounced back after a year long cancer journey. 
 
Below is a list of resources for anyone who has more questions or needs more information about some of what Garth and I discussed.
Colon Cancer Coalition -The Colon Cancer Coalition is dedicated to encouraging screening and raising awareness for colon cancer, funding local prevention, and supporting treatment efforts.
https://coloncancercoalition.org
Should you get the HPV vaccine? Who needs it and how does it works?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/in-depth/hpv-vaccine/art-20047292
Leadville, CO - useful since Garth and I both got lots of fact about Leadville wrong.
https://leadville.com/leadville-a-small-city-with-a-big-history/
Leadville 100 MTB Trail Race
https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/
National Ultra Endurance Series
https://nuemtb.com
 

Garth Prosser - An OG Legend of the Leadville 100 MTB and Ultra-Mountain Biking Part 1

To finish the Leadville 100 MTB Trail Race once is an accomplishment unto itself but what about finishing it twenty three times?
 
In today’s episode of The Human Reboot Project, I sit down with former Specialized and Cannondale athlete Garth Prosser for a two part interview to talk about what it takes to complete the Leadville 100 MTB Trail Race twenty three times, dealing with and coming back from colon cancer and how one goes about becoming a legend of ultra-mountain bike and gravel racing. 
 
A shout out to Garth for being so willing to speak frankly and honestly about his cancer diagnosis and how he rebooted and bounced back after a year long cancer journey. 
 
Below is a list of resources for anyone who has more questions or needs more information about some of what Garth and I discussed.
 
Colon Cancer Coalition -The Colon Cancer Coalition is dedicated to encouraging screening and raising awareness for colon cancer, funding local prevention, and supporting treatment efforts.
https://coloncancercoalition.org
 
Should you get the HPV vaccine? Who needs it and how does it works?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/in-depth/hpv-vaccine/art-20047292
 
Leadville, CO - useful since Garth and I both got lots of fact about Leadville wrong.
https://leadville.com/leadville-a-small-city-with-a-big-history/
 
Leadville 100 MTB Trail Race
https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/
 
National Ultra Endurance Series
https://nuemtb.com

Heidi Gurov - Rally Cars, Competitive Cycling, and the Big Monkey Wrench

Welcome to The Human Reboot Project, where we connect with inspiring individuals who have faced major life challenges—or "monkey wrenches"—and chosen to pick themselves up and keep moving forward.
 
In this episode, we sit down with Heidi Gurov, a former rally car racer, competitive cyclist, and adventurer. Heidi is a true testament to resilience, having documented her thrilling journeys in her popular blogs, Heidi Rides Bikes and The Adventuring Heidi.
 
We dive into her incredible career trajectory, from the adrenaline rush of rally car racing to the grit of competitive cycling, and how she transitioned to a focus on mountaineering, hiking, camping, and travel. Heidi shares what led her away from racing and discusses whether she misses the competitive nature of the sport. Most importantly, we get into the "big ole monkey wrench" that life threw at her last year and how she's navigating her own reboot.
 
Plus, stick around for a quick Pop Quiz on her theme song music genre, favorite trail snack, and must-have backpacking luxury item!
 
Show Notes & Links:
Heidi Rides Bikes: https://heidiridesbikes.com
The Adventuring Heidi: https://theadventuringheidi.com