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Above the Ashes: Kevin Conley Jr. on Riding Across America

Author
Juliana V
Published
Thu 05 Jun 2025
Episode Link
https://zone2speak.podbean.com/e/riding-through-resilience-kevin-conley-jrs-journey-on-two-wheels/

Join me in this heartfelt episode as I dive into the inspiring journey of Kevin Conley Jr., a wildland firefighter turned author and long-distance cyclist. Known online as Backcountry Ninjas, Kevin opens up about his darkest moments, including a suicide attempt, and how the simple act of riding a bike became his path to healing.


Kevin’s story is one of deep resilience and courage—riding across the U.S. with his loyal dog Rocky to raise awareness for mental health and support causes like the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. He shares how cycling helped him reconnect with himself and find purpose after trauma, and how he's using his voice to advocate for vulnerability, mental health awareness, and dreaming beyond your limits.


Discover the powerful lessons Kevin shares in his memoir, Above the Ashes, and be inspired by his raw honesty, his love for the open road, and the healing strength of community.


This episode is a reminder of the strength it takes to keep going—and the hope that can be found in even the toughest moments.


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Follow Kevin Conley Jr


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountryninjas/ 


Above the Ashes Memoir: https://www.kevintheauthor.com/ 


Kids Book: https://www.barkrangerbooks.com/ 


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To all of my listeners, thank you for your continued support!


Follow Zone2Speak


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zone2speak/ 


YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zone2speak/videos 


Follow Host Juliana V: https://www.instagram.com/this.is.juliana.v/ 

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