Enduring Minds Podcast

:What happens when the thing you love most starts hurting you? That’s the conversation @ultrabirch and I had with @peafunkk on this week’s episode of @enduringmindspodcast We talked about identity, mental health, eating disorders, pressure, healing, and the reality that many endurance athletes quietly tie their self-worth to performance. This isn’t a hopeless conversation. It’s honest and human which means there is laughter, vulnerability and connection. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by training, questioned your worth after a bad race, or struggled balancing mental wellness with athletic goals… you’ll want to listen to this episode. Swipe through these moments from Parley’s journey and then head to your favorite podcast platform or YouTube to hear the full conversation. Link in bio and story 📸: @chalo_films #RunningCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #UltraRunning #EnduranceAthlete #RunningPodcast

“I had absolutely no desire to niche down…” - Badia Weeks If you can’t be your full self, then who are you really attracting into your orbit? @thebadiasafa Has not defined herself by one thing, she finds a way to bring everything that she is to all that she does in her life. The wisdom she brings is timeless and powerful. Don’t make your self smaller to fit into the ideals of others. Live a big life and as Badia says, you don’t have to niche down. You are allowed to express yourself through all that you do without minimizing your experience for anyone. Be loud, be proud of who you are. When Jason @cooktraineatrace and me @ultrabirch choose our guests we let our guts and hearts take the lead. Getting to speak with individuals like Badia truly fills our cups each week and we are forever grateful to share that space with our incredible guests. Checkout Badia’s full episode at the link 🔗 in our bio. #enduringmindspodcast #breakingthesilence #goingthedistance #mentalhealth #beyourself

“Being in a sport where you are the only black person…” - Badia Weeks To be a young athlete, never seeing someone like you competing in a sport you love, is a perspective very few of us have ever or will ever experience. For Badia Weeks @thebadiasafa it was a space she stood in and she was a trailblazer. Shaping every experience she had from her own social location. When is the last time you thought about your own social location? Your position within society that is determined by a combination of things including race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion and ability. In this episode of The Enduring Minds Podcast Jason @cooktraineatrace and me (Evan) @ultrabirch go deep with Badia into topics that expand your mind and open your eyes to a world 🌎 that can be cruel and kind at the same time. We invite you to listen with an open heart and be willing to challenge your own biases as you listen. Being able to view the world from a different seat may just change your own lived experience and perspective, creating even more connection when we need it most. Catch this episode wherever you get your podcasts or at the link 🔗 in our bio. #enduringmindspodcast #goingthedistance #breakingthesilence #mentalhealth #bias

“Daughter, it’s not your time yet.” - Badia Weeks ***TRIGGER WARNING - Suicide topics discussed*** The moment @thebadiasafa began telling her story, the power, the energy, the sheer determination to still be here rose to the surface. Badia is wise beyond her years and has stepped into her own. Accepting what was, learning to be with what is and healing loudly. These conversations are a gift @cooktraineatrace and I @ultrabirch get to foster and bring to life, the protective space we do our best to provide our guests and their willingness to share deeply is a unique space. This is more than a podcast, more than words, it is an opportunity to explore the depths of the human experience through the eyes of our guests every week. Badia, you left us speechless and for those who choose to listen to your words, we are certain they will experience the same. ☎️ If you or someone you know needs to talk, call 811 or your nearest mental health provider for assistance. Check-out the latest episode of the podcast with Badia Weeks at the link in our bio. An hour of your time and presence you won’t regret. #breakingthesilence #goingthedistance #mentalhealth #enduringmindspodcast suicideawareness

What if the label you’re holding onto is the thing holding you back? @ultrabirch and @cooktraineatrace explore that question with @thebadiasafa in the latest episode of the @enduringmindspodcast The trio explores: • Her personal journey • Community philosophy • Faith’s Role • Resilience Through Hardship Badia talks about a suicide attempt. This can be hard to hear, please skip if this is uncomfortable for you. 🚨 Help is available. Dial 988 🚨 You Are Not Meant To Do This Alone Now available on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube

“I had to turn a lot of things around…” - Andy Klawitter Surrendering and letting go of what you thought something was supposed to be, or how it should have finished, is not a weakness, it is a skill that Andy has explored a lot in his life — Both in and out of sport. It has been labelled in many circles as soft and/or weak, but that space is actually a pocket in life that can be transformative. Living to fight another day and protecting this one body we have is a gift. Treat it with respect and it will move mountains for you. Andy has moved a lot of those mountains and continues to live to fight. Leaning into more of those days through all that he does. Finding joy in the pursuit and not being tied to the outcome. An exploration of self through personal and professional pursuits. Jason @cooktraineatrace and me (Evan) @ultrabirch support this message wholeheartedly. It’s what fuels many of us in this game of life and the more we normalize it, I argue we will have more opportunities to keep doing what we love for as long as possible. 🏃🏼 🏃🏻‍♀️ Checkout the latest episode with Andy @j3tsfool at the link in our bio. #breakingthesilence #goingthedistance #mentalhealth #enduringmindspodcast #surrender

“My family is my everything” - Andy Klawitter Don’t let what you do become all that you are - it is a skill, an art and a way of life that Andy @j3tsfool is living through his belief in a high power alongside his role as a father, husband, friend, colleague, ultra runner and so many more things. It has modeled and shaped him into the person he is today. Andy shows you that the people you call family can be that guiding light, that North Star ⭐️ that will help you move through this world a little lighter and with a lot more purpose and intent in what you do and how you show up, not only for yourself but for others. His faith and values guide his decisions and actions. Which is a beautiful way to move through this thing we call life while we are here. @cooktraineatrace and me @ultrabirch always walk away from these conversations a little lighter and lot more curious. Thank you Andy for sharing your story and sharing your time with us. Checkout the full episode at the link 🔗 in our bio and let Andy drop a little wisdom on you today. #goingthedistance #breakingthesilence #mentalhealth #enduringmindspodcast

“I want this to impact people’s lives…” - Andy Klawitter Our most recent guest on the podcast @j3tsfool Andy Klawitter is someone who has learned resilience through loss and putting himself into discomfort through his endurance efforts. His YouTube film Limitless explores everything from grief to endurance; while bringing awareness to addiction, mental health and drug overdoses that tragically took the life of sister Aysha. Andy continues to champion these causes in honour of her and others who he has lost. It is always a privilege for @cooktraineatrace and myself @ultrabirch to create these supportive spaces for our guests to share. All in the hopes that it can reach another person in need of the messages that people like Andy are brave enough to share and trust us with. Please listen to the most recent episode at the link 🔗 in our bio and checkout his YouTube film Limitless on his Instagram page @j3tsfool #keepgoingthedistance #breakingthesilence #mentalhealth #addiction #overdose

What if your pain had a purpose? It does. This episode with @j3tsfool goes beyond miles and medals. @ultrabirch , @cooktraineatrace and Andreas talk about loss, family, and showing up. Swipe through and tell us: what shaped YOU? This episode of the @enduringmindspodcast is now available on your favorite podcast platform and @youtube . Please remember to subscribe, rate, review and comment. Thank You. #EverydayAthlete #RunTriBike #EnduranceMindser

“If you made it 24 hours, you got a spot.” - Vic Z The idea behind the @onedollarultra is a play off of the traditional backyard ultra format. With runners placing 1$ in the jar after each yard( lap) and lap prizes along with no formal entry fee, is a beautiful concept. On the latest episode of the Enduring Minds Podcast we discussed the why and how behind the event with @vic_zee A backyard ultra is a unique opportunity to share miles with people, create bonds and truly push each other through the yards every hour. The fact that 3 people wanted in the race so badly they stayed on their computer for 24 hours should tell you all you need to know about this race. The positive moments are just as important when you are going the distance with others towards an unknown finish line. Checkout the latest episode of the podcast at the link in our bio. 📸 @austinoffthegrid #goingthedistance #breakingthesilence #backyardultra #mentalhealth

“You have to lead with whoever you are” - Vic Z Far too often we put on a show or a face to appease other people in an effort to be liked or appreciated. In speaking with @vic_zee during our latest episode of @enduringmindspodcast Vic put it to us in the most simple terms. If you don’t lead with being exactly who you are, are you truly attracting the right people or the right kind of attention that is sustainable? Fitting in is ingrained into our childhoods, but fitting out… Now that is where the sweet spot is and the best way to find your people and the friends that will last a lifetime. It’s the reason why Jason @cooktraineatrace and I connected and began this podcast. Be your unapologetic self as often as possible and the people and spaces that welcome you are exactly where you are meant to be. Checkout the latest episode of the podcast with Vic at the link in our bio. 📸 @greyokay #goingthedistance #breakingthesilence #enduringmindspodcast #mentalhealth #beyourself

“There’s so much time for things to go right.” - Sam Norton On our latest episode of @enduringmindspodcast we spoke with @vic_zee Victor Zeitoune. We talked about life, running and the connections we make along the way. One particular connection was Vic’s friend Sam who unfortunately passed on August 27, 2023. Vic did not shy away from the impact that Sam had and continues to have on how he lives his life today. So, the next time you find yourself saying this sucks, or I don’t want to keep doing this. Think of Sam’s quote, there is always time for things to go right and turn, it is all a matter of perspective. Go send a message, make a phone call or drop-in with the Sam you have in your own life today. You can checkout Vic’s episode at the link in our bio or everywhere you get your podcasts on the everyday athlete podcast network channel of podcasts. 📸 @austinoffthegrid #keepgoingthedistance #breakingthesilence #mentalhealth #podcast #enduringminds