Roots, Reroutes & Brave Writing with Carolyne Whelan

From punk shows to page proofs to Missoula trail miles — writer, poet, and creative coach Carolyne Whelan shares how bikes, community, and a few sticky-note mantras (“say the damn thing,” “try being brave, maybe”) shaped her path. We talk about shifting expectations (not lowering them), trusting your voice, and finding joy in staying rooted when the world tells you to keep moving. 💛

🎧 Listen below or wherever you get your podcasts!

Finding Home & Letting Things Grow

Carolyne opens up about her nomadic years, from Boston to New Mexico to New York City, and how settling in Missoula taught her the power of community. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stay put, plant roots, and love where you are.

Shift Expectations, Don’t Lower Them

When life or work feels off, Carolyne reframes it beautifully:

“Shift your expectations instead of lowering them.”

We dig into what it means to trust your process, let go of comparison, and recognize when your ladder just needs a new wall, not shorter rungs.

Say the Damn Thing

As the former Editor-in-Chief of Dirt Rag Magazine and editor at Adventure Cyclist, Carolyne has seen the cycling and outdoor industry from the inside out. Now she helps others find their voice through Forward Motion Writing, coaching writers and storytellers to unpack the truth behind their words and write with bravery and play.

Why You’ll Want to Hit Play

✅ What it really means to “shift expectations”
✅ How biking + writing intersect as movement and meditation
✅ Lessons from editing Dirt Rag & Adventure Cyclist
✅ How to “say the damn thing” and trust your voice
✅ Why community can’t be rushed — or replaced

Stay Connected

🖋️ Forward Motion Writing
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