Hey friends — welcome back to Heroes Journey. In this solo episode, I reflect on a recent 50K ultramarathon I ran outside of San Diego on the Pacific Crest Trail — and how these long, grueling races have become more than just physical challenges. For me, ultramarathons are a metaphor for life.

In just 15–20 minutes, I unpack:

• 🏃 The context: What happened during the race — the physical demands, the mental blocks, and what it felt like to show up less prepared than I wanted to.

• 🔥 The why: Why I keep signing up for these kinds of challenges, even when they hurt. Even when they scare me.

• 💭 The takeaways: Three lessons from this race that apply to anyone chasing something big — not just runners.

This isn’t just about running. It’s about discomfort, discipline, and the kind of growth that only shows up when you choose to do the hard thing — especially when no one’s watching.

1. Don’t Half-Ass Anything
   If you're going to commit, commit all the way. Half-effort leads to half-growth — and that’s a regret that sticks with you longer than sore legs.

2. Pain Fades When You Face It
   Physical or emotional — the longer you avoid the pain, the longer it lingers. But when you move toward it with presence and intention, it starts to loosen its grip.

3. It’s Not About You
   The most meaningful part of this race? Convincing 3 friends to join me — their first ultra. Life’s journey is richer when you bring others with you.

Whether you're into running or not, this episode is for anyone chasing something that scares them — launching a business, repairing a relationship, facing a big change, or stepping into the unknown.

I’m not the fastest runner. I’m not the most prepared. But I’m showing up — and I hope this conversation helps you do the same, in your own way.

“The treasure you seek lies in the cave you fear to enter.”
— Joseph Campbell

Whatever your “ultramarathon” is, run toward it.
Be the example — for your younger self, your older self, and everyone who's watching.

Thanks for being here. If this resonates, share the episode and tag me. Let’s keep pushing the edges together. 🙌

✨ 3 Big Takeaways from the Trail:🎧 Why Listen:⛰️ Final Thought:

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of The Hero’s Journey, we sit down with Howard R., a 76-year-old commercial actor, model, and former social worker from Boulder, Colorado, whose second act in life is nothing short of inspiring.

We talk about:

• ✨ Reinvention after divorce in his 60s

• 🎭 How he got into modeling and acting after retirement

• 🌄 Growing up and staying in Boulder, and his conflicted love for NYC

• 📚 What advice he’d give to someone in their 20s about life, authenticity, and finding purpose

• 🧠 The importance of self-awareness and learning to love who you are

• 💪 How fitness, consistency, and a great relationship with a trainer has helped him stay in shape physically and mentally

• 📸 The joy of sharing dad jokes, dance routines, and vulnerability with his growing Instagram audience

• 🐻 Wild west family stories — including a bear attack, a mountain lion hunt, and Colorado cattle rustlers

• 💔 His honest and ongoing struggle with estrangement from his daughter — and how even heroes face unresolved pain

• 🧘‍♂️ A deep dive into nature vs. nurture and why he believes we are co-creators of our reality

Howard’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, humor, and embracing change, no matter your age. Whether you're 26 or 76, this episode reminds us that it’s never too late to evolve, express, and begin again.

“Can a hero have a child who’s estranged from them? That’s the question I wrestle with. Shouldn’t a hero be able to figure that out?”

📸 Instagram: [Insert his Instagram handle if public]
🎬 Commercial Work: [Optional link to agency or reel]

Be sure to subscribe to The Hero’s Journey wherever you get your podcasts. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review or share it with someone you care about

🧠 Key Quote:🔗 Connect with Howard:🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode, Kallup McCoy shares his unbelievable journey—from a lost teenager abusing narcotics to a man of faith leading others through recovery.

Kallup walks us through his early struggles with identity, the allure of sports and partying, and how substance abuse took hold at a young age. His story includes losing a concrete business, falling deeper into addiction, and ultimately hitting rock bottom with a needle in his arm while holding his dying father's hand.

But this isn't where the story ends.

From a jail cell in 2017, Kallup cried out to God—and his life began to change. That moment of spiritual surrender turned into years of purpose-driven work. He’s now the co-founder of Res Hope Recovery & Consulting, a nonprofit that offers recovery housing and support to men re-entering life after addiction, jail, or rehab.

We discuss:

• Early struggles with direction and purpose

• His introduction to drugs and descent into addiction

• The moment his father spoke life into him before passing

• The near-death experiences and failed suicide attempts

• His powerful spiritual awakening in jail

• Building Res Hope Recovery, a program focused on second chances

• His passion for service, healing, and helping others rise

• The difference between being born with purpose and being made through pain

• How scars—both seen and unseen—can be a source of strength

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, loss, or finding their path—this conversation will inspire, challenge, and remind you: your story isn’t over.

• Follow Kallup on Instagram: @kallupmccoy

• Donate to or learn more about Res Hope Recovery & Consulting: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/23e5729d-60d5-4d70-9e7c-2c8bf3454b60

• Book Kallup for speaking, consulting, or community events: [Insert contact info or website]

"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls. The most massive characters are seared with scars."
— Kallup McCoy

🔗 Links & Resources:💬 Quote from the Episode:

What does it take to build a thriving relationship in today’s world — one that’s honest, resilient, and built to last?

In this conversation, Nick is joined by Jayson Gaddis, relationship coach, author, and founder of The Relationship School. Jayson shares his personal transformation from emotionally numb and disconnected to a deeply present husband, father, and teacher. Together, they unpack what’s missing in most modern partnerships — and how emotional fluency and self-awareness can change everything.

This is a conversation about relational skill, not romantic fantasy. About rewiring the nervous system, not waiting for “the one.” And about how relationships — when approached consciously — can become one of life’s greatest teachers.

In this episode, we cover:

• Jayson’s early story: disconnection, addiction, and the long road back to self
• Why most men struggle to identify their emotions — and how to change that
• Avoidant vs. anxious attachment (and how those dynamics actually play out)
• Why “being a fixer” kills intimacy — and what to do insteadHow secure couples learn to repair (and why it's never about being perfect)
• The four core needs in a relationship: to feel safe, seen, soothed, and supported
• How to raise emotionally intelligent kids — without shutting down or over-permissiveness
• Whether marriage is for everyone — and why it’s not for the faint of heart
• The myth of soulmates and the real magic of growth-based love

Whether you're doing the work alone, in partnership, or somewhere in between — this episode will challenge, ground, and inspire you.

“Don’t get married unless you’re ready to train.”

Follow along and stay connected:

📱 Instagram: @nickshawperformance

🌐 Learn more about Jayson: www.relationshipschool.com

👉 Be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

Your journey matters — and you’re not alone on the path.

What does it take to go from losing confidence and feeling stuck to finishing Ironman races and rediscovering your true self?In this episode of The Hero’s Journey Podcast, Sabine shares his powerful transformation—from a period of burnout and self-doubt in his mid-20s to building a life of purpose, discipline, and adventure. Starting with a simple “bike to work” initiative, he eventually embraced endurance sports, ran ultramarathons, and tackled full Ironmans—all while redefining success and reconnecting with the courageous, action-driven kid he always was.Sabine talks candidly about:The emotional toll of feeling lost and how he reset his directionWhy trying new things without overthinking is key to growthThe value of letting go of rigid goals in favor of meaningful experiencesHow fitness, mindset, and identity are deeply connectedThis episode is for anyone standing at the edge of change—wondering if they can do something hard. Sabine’s story is proof that you don’t need to be extraordinary to start. You just need to begin.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Jesse Manwaring joins the show for a deep conversation on physical practice, emotional resilience, and how we shape our own story. From hand-balancing and body awareness to inner narrative work and self-compassion, Jesse brings both grounded insight and lived experience. Whether you’re on a journey of personal growth or just looking to reconnect with your body and purpose, this episode offers plenty to reflect on—and act on.

• Jesse unpacks the stories we tell ourselves: “I’m bad at grammar,” “I can’t write,” and how we reinforce limiting narratives.

• Discusses the role of deliberate practice and the growth mindset in reshaping our internal identities.

• The power of subconscious conditioning, how to question old beliefs, and start rewriting them.

• Jesse shares his background in writing, physical training, and mobility—and how these practices have converged in Colorado.

• Talks about his Substack and what drives him to write: exploring meaning, identity, and the edges of comfort.

• Explores how the discipline of hand-balancing and the practice of writing are both deeply spiritual and tactical.

• “What if your body isn’t broken?” – shifting from fixing to understanding and expressing.

• Insight on embracing resistance—in training, in failure, in emotion—as a gateway to transformation.

• Why it’s essential to detach emotionally from failure, analyze objectively, and move forward with purpose.

• References to Winston Churchill’s quote on success and enthusiasm.

• Jesse's medium- and long-term goals: expanding his movement workshops, focusing on proprioception, partner drills, and mobility.

• Addresses the idea of saturation in Boulder: “If it's saturated, be the best one there.”

• How competition, when rooted in abundance and love, can inspire excellence—not fear.

• Introduces the concept of “narrative excavation” by Devin Kelly: becoming aware of your stories and consciously rewriting them.

• Emphasis on practical tools and embodied integration—not just theory.

• Unpacking negative self-talk and its impact on identity.

• Using gratitude as a tactical entry point to move up the emotional scale.

• Baby steps toward emotional growth and positivity.

• Jesse answers the closing question: “Were you born or made?”

  • His answer: Born—with the energy and openness to be shaped by life.

• Reflects on humility, compassion, and perspective: how everyone’s struggle is relative, but deserving of empathy.

• Emphasizes the virtue of patience and trusting the process: “You don’t dig up the seed the day after you plant it.”

🧠 Rewriting Limiting Beliefs (00:00–17:40)

🧘‍♂️ Movement, Writing & Curiosity (17:40–33:00)

🔄 Resistance, Growth & Letting Go (33:00–45:20)

🧗‍♂️ The Future: Movement Practice & Intentional Living (45:20–52:40)

🛠️ Tactical Self-Work & Narrative Excavation (52:40–54:40)

🌱 Gratitude, Self-Talk & Emotional Range (54:40–58:00)

🌀 Born vs. Made? + Final Reflections (58:00–1:04:00)

In this debut episode, we sit down with Sam Delgado, a Denver-based trail runner, baker, and all-around endurance enthusiast, to explore the mindset behind pushing limits — both physical and mental.We cover:How an obsession with craft turned from sourdough bread to ultramarathonsWhat it’s like to win your 50k in near-total anonymityThe allure and difficulty of the High Lonesome 100Why discipline, joy, and community are the pillars of his running lifeA look into what “success” really means on race dayHow curiosity fuels growth — from running to relationshipsHis thoughts on whether greatness is born or madeThe power of relentless forward progress, in running and lifeWhether you’re an aspiring ultrarunner, a curious endurance nerd, or just someone trying to figure out how to pursue what brings you joy — this conversation will light a fire.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Hero’s Journey Podcast! In this inaugural solo monologue, your host shares the inspiration behind starting this project, exploring the ancient and universal concept of the Hero’s Journey and how it can serve as a compass for modern life.This episode is for anyone who feels called to more—more purpose, more meaning, more growth. It’s a conversation about courage in the face of fear, the trials that shape us, and how embracing challenge can lead to transformation.In this episode, we cover:Why stories matter now more than everThe Hero’s Journey framework (as defined by Joseph Campbell)How transformation happens through struggle, support, and returnThe personal journey of your host—from marathons to mountains to mindsetWho this podcast is for (hint: misfits, dreamers, builders, and everyday heroes)Upcoming plans: powerful guest interviews, coaching ventures, and a nonprofit climb up CotopaxiWhether you're launching a business, navigating a personal trial, or simply looking for deeper inspiration in a noisy world, this podcast is your call to adventure.Connect with me on Instagram: @_wellnessbynick👉 Be sure to subscribe and follow for future episodes featuring athletes, entrepreneurs, and inspiring leaders who have walked their own unique Hero’s Journeys.