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A flipped boat, a blinking EPIRB, and a helicopter descent into a sunset—Matt O’Brien’s life pivot starts there. From mining shifts and weekend benders to air rescue work, and a growing list of endurance adventures; Matt’s story is a blueprint for rebuilding a life around endurance and purpose.

We unpack how he cracked into rescue aviation by cold-messaging mentors on LinkedIn, tackled a fitness test he once thought impossible, and learned to swim from scratch as an adult. Matt shares the nuts and bolts of training through a harsh roster—day shifts as recovery, nights for volume, and two weeks off to stack big sessions—plus the mental habits that made those choices stick. If you’re navigating shift work training, adult swim relearning, or prepping for Ultraman distances, his playbook is practical and honest.

Matt also takes us 4,200 kms across Australia from Fremantle to Sydney on an unsupported bikepacking journey defined by mechanical chaos and grit.  He rode through the Nullarbor with breaking spokes, limped into Ceduna to swap a rim, and woke to find his bike stolen—only to track it with an AirTag on his keys and get it back.  Along the way, we break down roadhouse food realities, water carry strategies, and the small logistics that make or break an ultra-distance plan. And we revisit his first Ultraman finish, where pacers and crew helped him slip under the run cutoff by minutes, setting clear goals for a calmer, faster return to UM Australia in 2026.

If you’re a beginner eyeing your first triathlon, a FIFO worker balancing training with fatigue, or an endurance fan who loves a hard-earned comeback, this one’s for you. Follow Matt’s coaching at Lantern Endurance on socials, and keep an eye out for the website launch soon. Enjoy the conversation, then subscribe, rate, and share with a friend who needs a push to start their own first. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• UM Australia 
• Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
• Ultra 355 Australia
• Cupcake  Cartel
• Indipac

Shout outs and mentions in this episode:

• Casey Neistat
• Jeff Morris (S7E11)
• Andrew Trout
• John Domandl (S7E7)
• Tony Horton
• Nikki Fox
• Michael Wakeman   
• Belinda Sansom
• Kim Jenkins
• Janita Ray
• Troy Ridgley
• Michelle Barratt 
• Nick Mallett (S2E12)
• Carl Gillies
• Kate Bevilaqua

Support the show

Show Contributors:
Host : Larry Ryan
Contributing Raconteur : Steve King
Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne
Production : 5Five Enterprises
Music : Run by 331

For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast
Insta : @515theultrapodcast
Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast
Email : [email protected]