Episode 4: If You Can Dream It, Be It (w/ Riley Tejcek)

In Episode 4 of Athena Talks, Katy welcomes Riley Tejcek, Marine Captain, US Olympic Bobsledder, and published author. Together, they explore Riley’s extraordinary journey from D1 athlete to Olympic hopeful, all while serving her country as a Marine officer. Riley shares the inspiration behind her book, If You Can Dream It, Be It, which encourages young girls and boys to see limitless possibilities for their future. She highlights the importance of setting parental example and not setting limitation on our children. Allowing children to figure it out for themselves is crucial to inspire and uplift children, causing ripple positive impact across future generations. 

Riley discusses overcoming online haters and negativity with peace and love, recounts memories from OCS and her first Iraq deployment, and reflects on what led her down her path to success despite her resistance against the initial cards she was dealt. She also offers advice for aspiring athletes in the military, delves into leadership lessons from deployment, and recalls what winning her first gold medal meant to her. Packed with so much inspiration and wisdom, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!