Episode 57: Barefoot Running, the Badwater Double FKT, and Chasing the Grid with Ken Posner
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
Release Date: 09/05/2025
Episode 57: Barefoot Running, the Badwater Double FKT, and Chasing the Grid with Ken Posner
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Ken Posner—ultrarunner, author, former Army Ranger, and corporate financial analyst—to explore the transformative power of pushing physical and mental boundaries. Ken shares stories from his extraordinary journey completing the "grid": summiting all 35 high peaks of New York's Catskills in every month of the year. Along the way, he stripped away technology, embraced barefoot running, and found a deeper connection with nature and himself. This episode isn't just about extreme endurance. It's about rediscovering who we are...
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Episode 56: How Great Athletes Are Made with Dr. Charles Infurna
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Charles Infurna—a coach, academic, and athlete—who shares a powerful story about unlocking human potential. From the legacy of his immigrant family to his own journey through athletics and coaching, Charles brings a deep, authentic perspective on what it really takes to push past limits and perform at the highest level. We talk about the importance of belief, the trust that fuels great coach-athlete relationships, and how to balance ambition with healthy detachment. Whether you're chasing Olympic dreams, striving for personal growth, or trying to...
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Episode 55: From Conservation to Kilimanjaro - A Life of Meaningful Struggle with Tom Hicks
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
What does it really mean to suffer with purpose? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with conservationist and ultra-endurance athlete Tom Hicks – a man whose journey is as layered as the landscapes he climbs. From leading anti-poaching efforts across Africa and Asia with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation to tackling brutal challenges like Ironman races and high-altitude expeditions, Tom’s life is defined by intentional hardship, deep introspection, and relentless forward motion. We dive into the heart of resilience, why discomfort can be transformative, and how a former...
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Episode 54: Suffer in Comfort and Other Lessons from Elite Mountain Guide Brian Warren
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Brian Warren—an elite mountain guide whose life has been defined by risk, reinvention, and a deep connection to the mountains. From thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail just days after high school to guiding in the Tetons, Himalaya, and beyond, Brian’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and embracing the unknown. We explore how Brian transitioned from living out of a backpack to leading high-stakes expeditions around the globe—and eventually, to navigating a whole new adventure: fatherhood and a career pivot...
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Episode 53: How a Near-Death Experience and 2,200 Miles on Foot Led to True Purpose with Tanner Critz
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
What drives someone to leave behind comfort and pursue something deeply meaningful? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Tanner Critz - a martial artist, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, and founder of Unity Martial Arts in Little Rock. This conversation isn’t just about hiking 2,200 miles or building a successful dojo. It’s about identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to follow your own path - especially when it’s steep and uncertain. Tanner opens up about his pivotal adventures: hiking the AT alone with a hidden bleeding ulcer, turning a quiet martial arts passion into...
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Episode 52: Skydiving Everest, High Mountain Summits and Empowering Female Rangers with Holly Budge
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this special episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with the unstoppable Holly Budge—an adventurer, conservationist, and the first woman to skydive over Mount Everest. With World Female Ranger Week in full swing, this conversation couldn’t be more timely. You can find out more about what these incredibly brave female rangers do and why they are being celebrated this week. Holly opens up about transforming fear into fuel, climbing the world’s highest peak solo, and how her bold expeditions became a platform for championing female wildlife rangers. We explore her work...
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Episode 51: The Journey to Ultra - Why Endurance Athletes Need a Strong Mind and Stronger Community with Jess Hanson
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Jess Hanson—a certified mental performance consultant, ultra runner, and coach—to explore what it takes to build a resilient mindset for both high-performance athletes and everyday adventurers. Jess shares her journey from playing lacrosse in college to coaching athletes across sports like skiing, mountain biking, and ultra running. We dive deep into how the mental game shapes athletic success, and how pushing your physical and emotional limits can unlock deeper purpose, confidence, and grit. If you’ve ever faced the “dark moments” in...
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Episode 50: What My Son Taught Me About True Strength and Courage with Hudson Self
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this heartfelt episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with a younger Everyday Explorer, my son Hudson, for a conversation that redefines what adventure truly means. While we often explore tales of physical challenge and bold travel, this episode takes us on an inward journey—a story of persistence, identity, and the courage to live fully despite daily challenges. Hudson lives with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic condition, and he brings us into his world with sincerity, wisdom, and humor. We talk about what it’s like to grow up with PWS, the unique joys and...
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Episode 49: From football dreams to a champion's mindset with Luis Rivera
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
Hey friends — Josh here. In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Luis Rivera, whose story is one of raw grit, reinvention, and the kind of adventure that doesn’t just test your body, but transforms your mind. From a childhood on a remote island off Puerto Rico to stepping into the unknown of upstate New York at age 12, Luis shares what it really means to navigate cultural shifts, language barriers, and personal setbacks. What begins as a sports story quickly turns into a full-on life odyssey — from a football injury that threatened his future, to an unexpected path in...
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Episode 48: Beautiful rebellion and choosing creativity over conformity with Thad Cockrell
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with singer-songwriter and creative visionary Thad Cockrell for a conversation that took an unexpected but deeply inspiring turn. Thad opens up about his journey from wrestling mats and seminary halls to Nashville stages and international acclaim—all while forging a career based on creativity, authenticity, and saying a bold “yes” to uncertainty. We explore what it means to create from love rather than fear, and how rebellion, doubt, and wonder can be sacred tools on the creative path. From Thad’s bold decision to sell his album...
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In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Ken Posner—ultrarunner, author, former Army Ranger, and corporate financial analyst—to explore the transformative power of pushing physical and mental boundaries. Ken shares stories from his extraordinary journey completing the "grid": summiting all 35 high peaks of New York's Catskills in every month of the year. Along the way, he stripped away technology, embraced barefoot running, and found a deeper connection with nature and himself.
This episode isn't just about extreme endurance. It's about rediscovering who we are when the noise of the modern world fades away. We unpack how doing hard things in nature can bring clarity, strength, and a more balanced life. Whether you're curious about barefoot hiking, intrigued by minimalist living, or seeking inspiration to shake up your own routine, Ken's story will move you.
Timeline Summary:
[2:22] - Ken's shift from corporate life to ultra endurance running in his late 30s
[4:00] - Why he started running barefoot and what kept him going
[7:45] - The joy, mindfulness, and sensation of barefoot movement
[10:10] - Balancing high-tech corporate work with minimalist, analog outdoor living
[19:00] - The metaphor of "signal vs. noise" and how nature helps us tune in
[28:30] - Pain vs. suffering: building resilience through chosen challenges
[35:00] - The Badwater Double: a 292-mile journey through Death Valley and back
[47:30] - How the mountains called him at age 50 and led to chasing the grid
[54:00] - The spiritual and transformative lessons learned through mountain pilgrimages
Links & Resources:
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Ken's website: www.barefootken.com
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Ken Posner's book: Chasing the Grid (available Sept 23 on Amazon)
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Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
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Antifragile by Nassim Taleb
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Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
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The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes
Closing Remark:
Please check out Ken's website and support him by purchasing his new book!
If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend who could use a little adventure in their life. Be sure to follow, rate, and leave a review of the podcast and well as our new YouTube channel—it helps us reach more everyday explorers just like you. Thanks for tuning in!