Episode 1 - Nick Frendo

About The Road to Respair: Episode one

The Road to Respair is a podcast about rediscovering hope, purpose, and creativity. Told through the lens of cycling and human connection. Hosted by Nick Frendo, founder of ASCND, the show explores the idea of respair: the return of hope after a period despair. Episode 1 is an introduction to My Why and Why ASCND exists

After my own journey through ill health and recovery, I found meaning again through cycling, not just in riding, but in the people, travel, and stories that came with it. With over 30 years of experience in the cycling industry from travel, bike fitting and retail to pro team hospitality I hope to bring insight, curiosity, and authenticity to every conversation.

Each episode features guests from across the worlds of cycling, design, and creativity, uncovering what drives them, their passion, their resilience, and their “why.” But I wanted to start with me.

The Road to Respair is more than a cycling podcast. It’s a reminder that hope is always waiting, often, just around the next bend.

Listen to this short introduction Episode 1 ” here