Courtney Dauwalter - How One of The World's Greatest Ultramarathoners Stays Curious
The Extra Mile - The Official Charity Miles Podcast
Release Date: 10/02/2024
The Extra Mile - The Official Charity Miles Podcast
In this episode, we catch up with Wes Adams—positive psychology researcher, author, and founder of SV Consulting Group—during a walk through his hometown of Montclair, New Jersey, for a powerful conversation about what makes work meaningful. Wes shares insights from years of research into why some workplaces thrive while others burn out, and how great leaders create meaning—not just through mission statements, but through everyday moments of community, contribution, and challenge. From casual team check-ins to stretch assignments, Wes explains how small, consistent actions can build...
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In this episode, we sit down with Manoj Kumar, a tech leader at Harman and passionate cyclist, to hear the incredible story of his 6,000km solo ride across India. Manoj opens up about what inspired him to take this journey—navigating traffic, burnout, and the desire to break out of the ordinary—and how cycling became both a physical and spiritual path. From flat tires to moments of doubt, from conversations with strangers to meditative stillness on the road, Manoj’s story is one of resilience, clarity, and quiet courage. We explore the diversity of India’s...
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In this episode of The Extra Mile Podcast, we’re joined by Pat Morrissey and Brendan Cusick of Human Powered Potential—a four-person team that rowed across the Pacific Ocean to raise over $43 million for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Pat, who lives with early onset Parkinson’s, shares his powerful journey from diagnosis to joining this life-changing mission. Brendan, the team’s skipper, walks us through the inspiration behind the row, the mental and physical preparation, and what it was like to face 30-foot waves and total isolation in the middle of the ocean. Together, they talk...
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We're thrilled to share this interview with Kiera Smalls, the Executive Director of the Running Industry Coalition. The RIDC is an educational nonprofit with a mission to unite the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. This is a conversation about how running can be a tool for connection, empowerment, and change, but also how the running community, and how we think about diversity in the running community, is a microcosm for so much more. In a time where we seem to see a movement in opposition to...
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It's a tremendous honor for me to share my podcast with Olympic legend and humanitarian, Billy Mills. Billy Mills was born in 1938 and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Oglala Lakota Nation. Billy had a very difficult childhood, losing his mother, sister, and father by the age of 12. He turned to running as both an escape and a source of discipline. After his father's passing, Billy attended the Haskell Institute, a U.S. government run boarding school for Native American children. Schools like Haskell were controversial for their forced assimilation,...
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In this episode, we’re joined by Brad Pitassi, Chief of the Maricopa Fire Department, who shares his incredible journey from EMT to fire chief. We discuss wildfire response, community resilience, and the personal sacrifices firefighters make to keep us safe. Brad’s stories are both eye-opening and inspiring, offering practical tips on disaster preparedness and how we can all support our local heroes. ! Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 0:26 – Becoming Fire Chief of Maricopa 1:31 – Inspired to Serve After 9/11 3:23 – Managing Large-Scale Disasters 5:36 – What...
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We’re excited to bring you this inspiring conversation with Charles Costa, an ultrarunner who accomplished the incredible challenge of running 90 marathons in 90 days along the Pacific Crest Trail. In this episode, Charles shares his journey of resilience, his dedication to raising awareness for mental health through organizations like the Jed Foundation, and the lessons he’s learned from this life-changing experience. We explore powerful themes like finding freedom and purpose through running, the connection between physical activity and mental health, and how perseverance can inspire...
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We're thrilled to share this interview with Dr. Bill Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society. Dr. Dahut is a renowned oncologist and researcher who is helping set the vision for the world’s most innovative cancer research initiatives. In this interview, we cover a wide range of topics, including the groundbreaking research the American Cancer Society is supporting, the critical role of early cancer detection, and how lifestyle choices like diet, and exercise can significantly reduce cancer risk. Dr. Dahut is both inspiring and empowering, because he gives us an inside...
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We're thrilled to share this interview with Martinus Evans, author, coach and founder of the Slow AF Run Club. Martinus' journey is not just about running. It's a journey of overcoming setbacks, challenging norms, and motivating people of all shapes, sizes, and speeds to lace up and get moving. From an “impossible” goal set in a doctor’s office, to founding a movement that encourages tens of thousands of people to get moving, Martinus’ story is about turning doubt into determination and making the impossible inevitable. We have not doubt that you’ll inspired by...
info_outlineThe Extra Mile - The Official Charity Miles Podcast
Today, I have the immense privilege of walking with one of the most influential thinkers, authors and teachers of our time, . Seth is the author of 21 best-selling books that have transformed how we think about marketing, leadership, and the power of creative work. His books have been translated into over 35 languages, helping readers across the globe learn to challenge the status quo and make a lasting impact. In addition to his writing, Seth is the founder of several successful businesses, including the groundbreaking altMBA, an online workshop that has revolutionized the way people...
info_outlineIn this interview, I’m incredibly honored to be joined by Courtney Dauwalter, one of the greatest ultrarunners of all time.
For those unfamiliar with the ultrarunning world, Courtney has shattered expectations and rewritten records in some of the most grueling races on the planet.
In 2023, she became the first person ever to win the Western States 100, the Hardrock 100, and the UTMB all in the same year -- which is like the ultrarunning triple crown, an achievement that stands alone in the history of the sport.
Known not only for her incredible endurance but also her positive attitude, sense of humor, and love of candy and nachos, Courtney has conquered races like the Moab 240 (a 240 mile race in Moab!), which she won by more than 10 hours, and the Big's Backyard Ultra, where she set a women's record of 279 miles.
She’s also renowned for her trademark "Shortney" baggy shorts, her love for the "Pain Cave," and her unique ability to push herself through the most difficult physical and mental challenges-- whether it’s running through storms, climbing mountains, or even hallucinating friendly woodland creatures along the trail.
In this episode, we talk about what Courtney has learned about the mental side of ultra-running and try to glean some lessons that we mere mortals can apply to our everyday challenges—things like problem-solving, positive self-talk, and mantras that keep her going for hours on end.
We’ll we also explore how she stays grounded, connected to the community, and why she believes there’s always another level we can reach if we just keep moving forward, and stay curious about what’s possible.
Courtney is like the Ted Lasso of running. I think her superpower is her curiosity.
And speaking of curiosity, I want to give a special shoutout to our partners at Brooks Running!
For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move.
It drives their every decision and every innovation.
Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive.
And we’re all moving towards something.
It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.
So… let’s run there.
With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place.
Whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinson’s, a cleaner environment, justice, or shattering what you previously thought was possible…
Let’s run there.
Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more