Episode 63: Walking Into a New Life - How a 100+ Pound Transformation Led to Ultra Endurance Success with Lisa Decker
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
Release Date: 11/28/2025
Episode 65: Why Suffering Becomes a Spiritual Awakening with Scott Sauls
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
David Brooks describes life as a journey up two mountains. The first mountain is about achievement—building a career, proving yourself, chasing success. The second mountain begins when the first no longer satisfies, and you’re called into a deeper life of meaning, surrender, and service. This episode lives squarely on that second mountain. This conversation is the second installment in our series exploring where spirituality and adventure overlap, and it’s an honest look at what happens when ambition gives way to awakening. I sat down with Scott Sauls to talk about burnout, identity, and...
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Episode 64: Adventure, Spirituality, and the Search for Something Bigger with Reed Dunn
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In today’s episode—the first in a brand-new series exploring the deeper meaning behind our outdoor experiences—I sit down with my longtime friend, pastor, everyday explorer, and deep thinker, Reed Dunn, for one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had on this podcast. This first installment leans less on adrenaline and more on the why—why we’re drawn to the outdoors, why hardship shapes us, and why so many of us pursue experiences that push us into awe, wonder, and transcendence. Reed and I dig into the spiritual side of adventure—what it means to connect with something...
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Episode 63: Walking Into a New Life - How a 100+ Pound Transformation Led to Ultra Endurance Success with Lisa Decker
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with ultra-endurance athlete Lisa Decker, whose story is a powerful blend of resilience, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of hard things. Lisa didn’t come from a traditional running background—yet she discovered the world of ultra running through community, curiosity, and a willingness to push herself beyond her comfort zone. What followed is a decade-long journey that includes a 120-pound weight-loss transformation, countless ultras, and the life-changing experience of completing the legendary Vol State 500K across...
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Episode 62: From Ultras to FKT's to Ocean Crossings: You Won’t Believe What Mike Wardian’s Doing Next!
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
What happens when you stop waiting for permission and start chasing wild, audacious goals? That’s exactly what we unpack in this powerhouse episode with Mike Wardian—elite endurance athlete, record-setting runner, and all-around inspiration. From running across the United States to setting a fastest known time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail for his age group, Mike shares the mindset behind tackling the unimaginable. But this conversation goes beyond races and records. Mike opens up about what fuels his drive, how he builds resilience through repetition, and how he balances his career,...
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Episode 61: Why Adventurers Quit - 3 Mental Traps and How to Beat Them with Vol State 500K Finisher MAJ (Ret.) Vincent Antunez
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
Enduring the Impossible with Vincent Antunez This episode is a deep dive into the mind and mission of Vincent Antunez, DSc, PA-C - a retired U.S. Army Major, ultra endurance athlete, and founder of Trail Toes. From grueling military deployments to multi-day ultramarathons across the globe, Vincent shares how pain, persistence, and preparation have shaped every step of his journey. We talk about what it takes to push beyond the limits of your body - and more importantly, your mind. Vincent shares raw, powerful stories of suffering and success on the course, the lessons that endurance sports...
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Episode 60: Inside the Mind of Speed Records, Failure, and Firearms with Tom Kubiniec
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
How do you embrace fear and failure to build a multi million dollar business, shred heavy metal guitar solos and break land speed records in a custom built car? In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Tom Kubiniec—entrepreneur, former heavy metal guitarist, and the so-called "gun storage guru." From his days tearing up the music scene to building a global business in military weapon storage, Tom's journey is one wild ride. We dive deep into what it means to stake a claim in life before you've "earned it," why failure should be embraced (and quickly), and how creativity...
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Episode 59: What Does it Take to Be Great with Lisa Smith-Batchen
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
What does greatness look like? Is it talent, time, or something deeper? In this episode, I sit down with endurance legend and master coach Lisa Smith-Batchen to explore what greatness really means - and how it evolves as we do. With over four decades of coaching and ultra-running behind her, Lisa shares a wisdom-packed perspective on pushing limits, aging with intention, and chasing big dreams, no matter where you're starting. Lisa is the first American to win the grueling Marathon des Sables and the first woman to have completed the Badwater Quad - covering 584 miles across Death Valley!...
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Episode 58: How to run through Death Valley in July at age 80 with Bob Becker
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this captivating episode of On Adventure, I sit down with the legendary Bob Becker - ultramarathoner, race director, and age-defying adventurer - to unpack his incredible journey from late-blooming runner to becoming the oldest finisher of the Badwater 135, one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons. At 80 years old, Bob proves that it's never too late to rewrite your story, conquer deserts, and inspire generations. Whether you're an aspiring endurance athlete, race organizer, or simply someone looking for motivation to stay active, this episode delivers. 🕓 Timestamps...
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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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In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with ultra-endurance athlete Lisa Decker, whose story is a powerful blend of resilience, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of hard things. Lisa didn’t come from a traditional running background—yet she discovered the world of ultra running through community, curiosity, and a willingness to push herself beyond her comfort zone. What followed is a decade-long journey that includes a 120-pound weight-loss transformation, countless ultras, and the life-changing experience of completing the legendary Vol State 500K across Tennessee.
We dive deep into what motivates someone to walk 314 miles in the July heat, how finding the right community can unlock new levels of confidence, and why endurance challenges often lead to profound personal growth. This episode is packed with insight about mental toughness, identity shifts, overcoming self-doubt, and discovering what you’re really capable of when you take that first step—literally.
If you’re searching for inspiration, endurance storytelling, personal transformation, or insights about long-distance running and mindset, this episode delivers.
⏱️ Timeline Highlights
[2:15] – Lisa’s early life in California, her outdoors-focused upbringing, and how nature shaped her love of adventure.
[6:40] – Discovering the trail and ultra running community through Team RWB and why it instantly felt like “home.”
[14:30] – How she balances 10-hour pharmacy shifts with ultra training, and why walking ultras became her key to success.
[17:45] – The unexpected moment on the Vol State ferry that led to forming a five-person pack and transforming the entire race experience.
[23:10] – Kind strangers, roadside hospitality, skunk encounters, and what surprised her most during the 500K journey run.
[28:40] – Doing ultras while overweight, finishing last, and why showing up anyway built the foundation for her transformation.
[36:50] – The mental battle of “head trash,” the power of community support, and why being honest about struggles matters.
[49:00] – Future adventure goals, including walking the Caminos in Europe and exploring the world on foot.
[58:30] – How endurance sports shifted her personal identity, career goals, and even her vision for where she wants to live next.
🔗 Links & Resources
Featured Organizations & Topics
- Team RWB (Red, White & Blue) – Veterans & civilians building connection through fitness
- Vol State 500K Ultra Race Info – Search “Vol State 500K” on UltraSignup
- Snowdrop Foundation – Pediatric cancer support & scholarships
💬 Final Thoughts
If this conversation inspired you or helped you rethink what’s possible for your own life, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Every bit of support helps new listeners discover these stories—and it keeps the adventure going.
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