Flying Upstream Podcast

About Flying Upstream Podcast

Tired of the same old version of success that everyone around you keeps chasing? Flying Upstream is your invitation to question it all. Hosted by Kristyn Medeiros, this show takes you inside the lives of people who refuse to follow the script and choose to live with purpose, courage, and absolute authenticity. Each episode uncovers the untold stories of those who broke away from expectations and built lives that actually feel meaningful. You will hear about powerful transformations, unconventional paths, ancient and modern wisdom, and the real moments that change everything. This podcast is h

Publisher

Kristyn Medeiros

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 May 2024

Latest episode

5 May 2026

Latest episodes

183 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 May 2026

   EP 182: Reinvention and Telling the Truth About a Meaningful Life with Cinda Gault

   In this thought-provoking episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with writer Cinda Gault to explore her journey from a career in social services to becoming a storyteller dedicated to capturing the depth and complexity of women’s lives. What began as a search for meaningful work evolved into a deeper realization: sometimes the “right” path on paper isn’t the one that fulfills you. Cinda shares how honesty became the turning point in her life—learning to listen to her inner voice rather than societal expectations. Through her writing, she brings to life the struggles, courage, and resilience of women across generations, with a particular focus on the transformative era of the 1970s—a time that reshaped conversations around identity, autonomy, and opportunity. The conversation explores the ongoing challenges women face today in balancing ambition, motherhood, and personal fulfillment, and how those themes echo across time. Cinda emphasizes that storytelling is not just about entertainment—it’s about truth, connection, and honoring the experiences that shape who we are. This episode is a powerful reminder that living a meaningful life requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to step outside convention—and that the stories we tell can inspire others to do the same. #PodMatch 00:00 Finding purpose through storytelling 02:07 The journey to writing 06:13 The courage to change paths 09:54 The evolution of storytelling 13:56 Women breaking conventions 18:12 Lessons from the 1970s 18:53 Embracing honesty for a meaningful life Subscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creatives https://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4 (https://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4) Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaA) Explore the Flying Upstream Blog https://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/ (https://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcast (https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcast) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream (https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream)_ women's stories, writing journey, courage, historical fiction, breaking conventions, meaningful life, storytelling, personal growth, women's history, 1970s

2. 

   21 Apr 2026

   181: What Happens After 18? Navigating Adulthood on the Autism Spectrum

   In this insightful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with April Ratchford, an occupational therapist and advocate for autistic adults, to explore a critical and often overlooked transition: life after high school. While many systems provide structure and support during childhood, April highlights the significant gap that exists once individuals enter adulthood. Drawing from both her professional experience and her personal journey of discovering her own autism, April shares a unique and compassionate perspective on what autistic individuals truly need as they move toward independence. She discusses the challenges families face navigating limited resources, the importance of meeting individuals where they are, and why the timeline to independence may look different—and that’s okay. The conversation also explores the role of technology as both a powerful tool and a potential challenge, depending on how it’s guided. April emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and helping individuals pursue their passions as a pathway to purpose and fulfillment. This episode is a valuable resource for parents, caregivers, and anyone seeking to better understand how to support autistic individuals beyond traditional milestones—and a reminder that growth and direction are not bound by age. #PodMatch 00:00 Introduction to Flying Upstream 00:57 April Ratchford’s journey and insights 04:08 The challenges of transitioning to adulthood 10:13 The importance of support systems 14:06 The role of podcasting in advocacy 19:55 Technology and its impact on learning 23:00 Advice for parents and future directions Subscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creatives https://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4 (https://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4) Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaA) Explore the Flying Upstream Blog https://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/ (https://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcast (https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcast) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream (https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream)_ autism, adulthood, podcasting, support systems, transition, occupational therapy, community, technology, independence, parenting

3. 

   9 Apr 2026

   180: Are You Stuck in the “Fine Zone”? Break Free and Live an Extraordinary Life

   In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Susan Hall to explore a life-altering journey through adversity, resilience, and personal transformation. After being diagnosed with a rare bone cancer while navigating multiple personal challenges, Susan was forced to confront not only her circumstances—but the way she had been living her life.At the heart of this conversation is the concept of the “fine zone”—a place where life feels comfortable, acceptable, and predictable… but ultimately unfulfilled. Susan shares how staying in “fine” can quietly keep people stuck, preventing them from stepping into the extraordinary life they’re truly capable of living.Through vulnerability and hard-earned wisdom, Susan emphasizes that adversity does not have to define you—it can refine you. She invites listeners to ask a powerful question: How can I use this experience to help others? From there, she breaks down how small, intentional actions, paired with gratitude and self-awareness, can create meaningful change.This episode is a call to stop settling, to embrace your unique journey, and to recognize that you always have a choice in how you respond to life. Because growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable—it comes from stepping forward, one decision at a time.#PodMatch00:00 Introduction to the journey of self-discovery01:52 The year that changed everything11:13 Finding strength in adversity19:36 Breaking free from the fine zone24:49 Embracing your unique journeySubscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creativeshttps://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaAExplore the Flying Upstream Bloghttps://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/Susan Hall's Site: https://www.decidehappy.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream_self-discovery, personal growth, overcoming adversity, fine zone, gratitude, vulnerability, extraordinary life, mental health, resilience, empowerment

Who has been a guest on Flying Upstream Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jennie Milton
• Duane H Parker
• Dr Brad Montagne
• Susan Cohen
• Jodi Crawford

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

119,452

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

15 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 76 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

98

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

51

Contact Flying Upstream Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Flying Upstream Podcast