Emily Rodger’s Cadence
A Story Of Cycling, Fly Fishing, Filmmaking and Leadership Coaching That Leads To Restful Nights
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In This Episode
We all face challenges that can change everything for us in a single moment. To deal with those challenges, sometimes we push ourselves through without stopping, so it looks like we’re doing just fine. But, most times, when we do this, we’re not fine. And we don’t always look back to acknowledge what we have been through, work through the trauma and celebrate our successes. Our returning guest, Emily Rodger, shares how she hopes reflecting on her own experiences in a new Hemmings Films short film documentary will help others begin to process challenging experiences in their lives.
We hear how by finding unique passions like fly fishing, Emily started to process the physical and mental trauma she went through from serious accidents of being hit by cars while pursuing her world championship level cycling career. By beginning to acknowledge to herself how traumatic that experience was, it allowed her to open up just enough at the correct times for opportunities to shine in and encourage her to keep telling her story her way.
Episode Breakdown
First 10 Minutes
We have a few technical issues, but we get rolling with David Savoie joining Dave Veale again to co-host with our guest Emily Rodger’s. Emily joined us last year to share her story. David shares how he was introduced to Emily through the fishing world. Emily explains how the fishing was an activity that she took up to help deal with her PTSD and traumatic brain injury after her accidents. She explains how that’s grown as a passion for her.
10 Minutes – 20 Minutes
Emily shares about the process of creating her story into a film recently with Hemmings House recently that is being released to film festivals this year. She talks about how her experience of opening up about her experience has changed her perception and helped her understand more of herself. In addition, Emily talks about the emotional impact of the accident and how she worked through the documentary process.
20 Minutes – 30 Minutes
David asks what Emily hoped the film would do and the goal of sharing her story. Emily explains, “That my story is not about me”. Emily hopes the film will help people to self-reflect about their experiences. David asks what keeps Emily up at night, and Emily explains how right now she’s sleeping well because of where she’s at in life. Emily shares about the doors the documentary has hoped for her and possible exciting projects in future. The group transitions to speaking about the world of coaching that Emily is starting to explore. Dave and Emily talk about the coaching certification process.
30 Minutes – 40 Minutes
David asks Dave and Emily for their elevator pitches about why someone would want them as a coach. Emily explains how the story of her front tooth achieved extensive reach on Linkedin. Dave shares that Emily will be joining us as a guest host.
Emily Rodger
Certified Executive Coach - Public Speaker - Former Elite Cyclist - Avid Outdoors Woman
I’m a former elite athlete, avid fly fisher, and certified coach at Emily Rodger Coaching Inc. Raised in New Brunswick, Canada along with my three sisters, sports were not part of my life until into adulthood. After working as a dental hygienist, I decided to pursue my passion for triathlon and cycling. In my full first year of bike racing, I competed in 21 races, which included 17 podiums, 14 1st place finishes, a National masters title, and a World masters title in Time Trial. Before I knew it, I found myself racing in the professional peloton.
Some notable career moments include being a 2x UCI GranFondo World Champion (both Time Trial and Road Race), Canadian Masters National Time Trial Champion, and 70.3 Ironman world qualifier. But along with my success in cycling/triathlon, came more than a few hardships. I was involved in two very serious cycling crashes where I was struck by vehicles, resulting in multiple broken bones, a brain injury, and extensive soft tissue damage. I could go into detail about the crashes and my struggles during recovery, but instead I simply want to share with you that I know how it feels to be shattered, both mentally and physically. But no matter how broken you are or may feel, there is always a way out of our darkest places.
These life-altering events made me a stronger, more resilient, more grounded, and a more grateful athlete/person. During my recovery is where I found my love for fly fishing. At a time where I was mentally struggling with the trauma I experienced, I put my focus on what truly brought joy to my life. That’s when the memories of fishing as a child came back to me. I thought about how much I loved being by the water and out in nature. While I searched the water for fish, I came to a greater understanding and acceptance of who I am, what I value, and what makes me tick.
I have taken a step back from racing at the professional level to pursue all the things that truly bring me joy. During this time away from cycling, I’ve also developed my passion for coaching others through their own difficult seasons and helping them achieve their biggest goals. This passion has turned into my own personal development coaching business, where I work as an Executive Coach and Personal Development Coach (health and lifestyle).
While life continues to have its twists and turns (if 2020 taught us anything, I think it’s that), I’m more committed than ever to pursuing my own dreams and helping those around me realize that their dreams are not just possible, but achievable. Joy is not found in everything going your way, more trophies, or the picture perfect life. Instead joy is found when we stop chasing that circumstantial happiness and set our minds on something greater. I’m happy to say that I’ve found that true, lasting joy—I would be honored to come along with you on your journey, too.
