What if your lowest moment was the beginning of your greatest transformation?
In this powerhouse episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with six-time American Ninja Warrior, keynote speaker, and Pull-Up Revolution founder Angela Gargano. From tearing her ACL on national TV to moving into her dad’s basement and starting over, Angela’s story is the definition of a comeback. She opens up about identity, healing through movement, and what it really takes to feel strong, mentally and physically. Whether you’re chasing a fitness goal, struggling to find your purpose, or just trying to stay present, Angela’s wisdom will move you. Literally.
How do you rebuild your life when your identity no longer fits, and learn to love yourself beyond your achievements?
Stripping away external validation proves that strength isn’t just physical. It’s about emotional resilience and self-love.
(00:00) From Biochemist to Ninja Warrior: A Wild Career Pivot
● Angela’s unexpected leap from lab work to national television
● She originally had no clue what American Ninja Warrior was
● Her early fitness competition days with Cathy Savage — and how they shaped her confidence
● How being labeled “manly” for having muscles became a source of power, not shame
(08:00) Injury, Identity & Starting Over in Her Dad’s Basement
● The ACL tear that stopped her Ninja dreams — and forced a reckoning with self-worth
● Losing her gym, her career path, and her direction — but finding her mindset
● Why so many high achievers link love to accomplishments (and how to break that cycle)
● “I just didn’t even know who I was anymore” — Angela on redefining her purpose
(16:00) One Pull-Up Can Change Everything: The Birth of a Movement
● How helping Women’s Health editor Liz Plosser get her first pull-up sparked a revolution
● Why the pull-up became a metaphor for doing hard things — at any age
● Creating community and confidence through movement
● Angela’s advice for building your strength, one rep at a time
(20:00) Fitness Without the Finish Line: Training for Life, Not Just Competition
● What her workouts look like now — and why mini goals keep her motivated
● Angela’s tips for functional strength and long-term health
● Her approach to balance: strength training, yoga, and fun
● Karena shares her 21-day system to stay accountable and avoid burnout
(25:00) Mental Health, Meditation & Getting Unstuck
● How moving your body and getting back to basics can pull you out of a rut
● Meditation and breathwork routines — and why they actually work
● Tips for navigating anxiety and sleepless nights
(30:00) The New Rules of Wellness: Eat More, Lift More, Live Longer
● Why the fitness world is finally embracing protein, muscle, and rest
● The rise (and cost!) of Pilates — and Angela’s thoughts on biohacking
● What really works for longevity — and what’s just hype
● Why failure is just research, every mistake is a step forward
Guest Resources
If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:
Connect with The Big Silence Community
● Order: The Big Silence Memoir audiobook
● Shop The Big Silence Self Love Collection
● Donate to The Big Silence Foundation
Pssst: Sign up for the Tone It Up Summer Sculpt Challenge (beginning July 14) and get access to 5 Days To Zen—an exclusive meditation series with Karena.
