In this episode, Brett sits down with Brad Burden, whose whitewater story spans early passion, professional intensity, a two-decade hiatus, and an unexpected return that has brought new meaning, joy, and connection to the second half of life.

Brad opens up about his formative days paddling at the NOC, his early rise as a professional kayaker, and the four-year push that culminated in a near-miss incident on the Slave River—a moment that signaled a deeper emotional and mental exhaustion. What followed was a conscious step away from whitewater and eventually a full transition into a stable and grounded life as a high school teacher, basketball coach, husband, and father.

Twenty years later, another shift in Brad’s professional life became the catalyst to rediscover a piece of himself he’d set aside. With humility and curiosity, he stepped back into the whitewater world—beginning with a return to the Gauley, where a swim on Lost Paddle reminded him both of who he used to be and who he is now.

Brad shares how the next generation of paddlers welcomed him in with open arms, how community has shaped this re-entry, and why he feels compelled now to contribute, mentor, and reconnect through his new show, B Flow Sessions, a podcast dedicated to stories and people who shaped his life on the river.

This is a reflective, inspiring episode about going hard, evolving identity, renewal, belonging, and the ways rivers have a way of calling us back.

1. Brad’s early years at the NOC and journey into professional kayaking
2. The emotional toll and burnout that followed a hard four-year push
3. The near-accident on the Slave River that changed everything
4. Why Brad stepped away from whitewater for 20 years
5. Building a new life: teaching, coaching, marriage, and family
6. The moment he realized he wanted to return
7. Coming back to the Gauley — and swimming Lost Paddle after two decades off the river
8. The generosity and welcoming spirit of the new generation of paddlers
9. The creation of B Flow Sessions and Brad’s desire to give back
10. How adventure, community, and self-understanding evolve in mid-life

Brad Burden is a former professional kayaker, educator, coach, and storyteller whose decades-spanning relationship with whitewater has taken many shapes. After an intense period of professional paddling in the early 2000s, Brad stepped away from the sport for 20 years to build a career in teaching and basketball coaching, while focusing on family and personal growth. Recently, a major life transition brought him back to rivers with fresh perspective and renewed joy. Brad now hosts B Flow Sessions, a podcast exploring the people and stories who shaped his paddling journey and continue to inspire his return to the whitewater community.