In this New Year solo episode, Joshua Holland reflects on the past year’s biggest lessons — from deep work with Vivo Barefoot and the “No Turning Back” backcountry experience, to the value of saying yes to hard things that expand capacity. He shares why variety in movement matters, why community matters even more, and how grief can become fuel for building something meaningful.
The episode also turns personal: Joshua speaks candidly about the loss of his father, what that season demanded from him and his family, and why he’s committed to bringing more health-forward community spaces back to Oklahoma — starting with the people and places that raised him.
5 key takeaways
1. Variety in movement builds resilience — not just one lane (running-only, Hyrox-only, CrossFit-only).
2. Saying yes to hard, meaningful adventures changes identity and expands what feels possible.
3. Foot health and ground-up strength are foundational — and barefoot footwear can support more natural mechanics.
4. Grief can become direction when it’s honored, processed, and converted into service.
5. Community is a health intervention — isolation compounds pain; connection creates momentum.
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Timestamps
00:00 START — New Year reflections and why Joshua values reflection over resolutions
01:05 — Highlights from the year: Vivo Barefoot work and big adventures
02:35 — Why “variety of movement” matters for longevity and capability
03:35 — The Speed Project and why Joshua says yes first
04:25 — The Air Libre / Vivo Barefoot backcountry experience near Whistler
05:40 — “No Turning Back” documentary and the creators behind it
06:15 — 10 peaks, ~60km, ~47 hours: the reality of the trek
07:40 — Barefoot boots, foot mechanics, and why conventional boots can change movement
08:50 — Pack weights, rucking realities, weather swings, and Starlink in the backcountry
10:40 — Building community: Austin, NYC, hikes, workshops, “Coffee and Chill”
12:40 — The GoRuck event story: saying yes before knowing what it is
15:10 — Rucking basics: what it is and why it works
16:10 — Ion weighted vest: fit, weight, warmth, and the “warm hug” effect
22:30 — Why 2026 feels promising — but Joshua doesn’t want to “ruin the surprise”
24:35 — Loss, family, and the two-year anniversary of his father’s passing
29:30 — Holding joy and grief together: birthdays, holidays, and meaning
32:10 — Why Joshua wants to build something health-forward in Oklahoma
36:10 — Regenerative farming vision: movement + real food + removing barriers
38:00 — The role of community in healing; helping his brother reconnect socially
40:20 — Accountability: if no one else builds it, Joshua may build it
42:10 — Invitation to reach out with resources, places, and connections
44:10 — Closing message: lift people up, share with someone who needs it
Resources mentioned
Vivo Barefoot YouTube (search “No Turning Back”) — https://www.youtube.com/@vivobarefoot
Vivo Barefoot — https://www.vivobarefoot.com
Air Libre — https://airlibre.com
GORUCK — https://www.goruck.com
RAB Packs — https://
🌐 Connect with Joshua & SWTT
Podcast Website: https://www.simplywalkthetalk.com
YouTube: @simplywalkthetalk
Instagram: @simplywalkthetalk
TikTok: @simplywalkthetalk
Joshua Holland: https://linktr.ee/joshuajholland
