The Extra Mile - The Official Charity Miles Podcast

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 change not just for yourself but for others.

A huge thank-you to Charles Costa for sharing his story and to everyone supporting mental health initiatives that truly make a difference.

Don’t forget to follow Charles on Instagram at @CharlesCostaOfficial for more inspiration!

#EveryMileMatters

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

0:18 Finishing the Challenge

0:39 Background and Motivation

2:07 Discovering Ultra Running

4:00 The Sicily Experience

6:36 Running for Freedom

12:05 Running for Mental Health Awareness

18:16 Running as an Expression

25:10 The Challenge of Resilience

36:30 Support and Community on the Trail

41:11 The Power of Resilience

54:07 What's Next

59:16 Calls to Action

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 view for how we can all make an impact —not only by fundraising but also by living healthier lives to reduce our risk of getting cancer.

After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Huge thanks to Dr. Dahut for his leadership and taking the time to share so much with us.

Also a huge thanks to everyone at the American Cancer Society for leading the charge in the fight against cancer, and for giving us all the opportunity to be a part of it.

Head to American Cancer Society to learn more and find out how you can join the fight.

Click here to download Charity Miles and get moving for the American Cancer Society.

#EveryMileMatters!

Time Stamps:

0:00 Intro

0:28 Meeting Dr. Bill Dahut

3:46 Dr. Dahut’s Journey to Oncology

6:12 The Role of Lifestyle in Cancer Prevention

9:03 Advances in Early Cancer Detection

12:16 The Connection Between Obesity and Cancer

15:54 How ACS Supports Cutting-Edge Research

22:10 Modifiable Behaviors That Reduce Cancer Risk

35:39 Innovative Treatments and AI in Cancer Care

54:14 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action

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 Martinus’ insights on resilience, grit, and the power of embracing your own journey in running—and in life.

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Of course, we also want to express our sincere gratitude to our partners at Brooks Running, who make interviews like this possible.

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 or some goal that you think just might be impossible…

Let’s run there. 

Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.

Today, I have the immense privilege of walking with one of the most influential thinkers, authors and teachers of our time, Seth Godin.

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 learn to lead and create meaningful change.

He also invented email marketing, so we can thank him for that.

Above all, Seth is a teacher. He’s taught at some of the most renowned business schools, founded one of the most successful online learning platforms, and spends his time sharing wisdom on everything from business strategy to life philosophy. 

In this episode, Seth shares his insights from his new book, This is Strategy, on how to embrace systems, time, empathy, and games to create change—not just for business, but in any aspect of life.

As Seth says in the intro to the book, this is for someone who wants to make things better—which I know is all of us.

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Big thanks 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, more ethical treatment of animals, or even a stormy day on the New York City Aqueduct.

Let’s run there. 

Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.

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Also big thanks to our partners at Lifeway Foods.

Lifeway is more than just a company that makes delicious, probiotic-rich kefir—it’s a forward-thinking brand committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world. 

Many of you are well familiar with Lifeway Kefir.  

But in case you’re not, Kefir Kefir is an ancient healing superfood from the Caucasus Mountains that has provided microbiome support for over 2,000 years.

The villagers who consumed it often lived past 100 years of age and attributed their longevity to their consumption of kefir.

It’s like a tart and tangy cultured milk smoothie that’s packed with probiotics and bioavailable nutrients like high-quality protein, calcium, and Vitamin D to help you feel your best inside and out.

Lifeway’s commitment to making a positive impact is part of their DNA.

Their CEO, Julie Smolyansky, is someone who I think embodies the spirit of what Seth talks about in this interview. She has a deep passion for social causes, from advocating for wellness to tackling issues like the maternal healthcare, hunger and social justice.

Julie was also one of the first people to take a chance on Charity Miles, after we met at SXSW over ten years ago. It’s safe to say that we wouldn’t be where we are today without their support. 

So huge thanks to Julie and Lifeway for being such an important part of the Charity Miles story.

Today we're honored to share a very special interview with the great Harvey Lewis, one of the world’s top ultrarunners of all time. (Also, like Courtney Dauwalter in our last episode, one of the nicest.)

Harvey is not only an accomplished runner but also a dedicated high school teacher at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati.

He runs to work every day on what he calls his "run commute," and I had the incredible opportunity to join him on one of those runs—from his home all the way to his school, winding our way through Cincinnatti and Kentucky, over and back across the beautiful Ohio River.

In this episode, we’ll talk about Harvey’s journey as an ultrarunner, including his record-setting win at Big's Backyard Ultra, where he ran an astounding 454 miles over 4 and a half days.

We’ll dive into what drives him to push beyond physical limits, and his approach to inspiring others to live healthy, active lives. 

After relistening to and reflecting on this interview, I think that what comes through the most is not just what Harvey has to say, but how he says it. He truly has a passion, not just for running, but for inspiring and helping others—whether that’s other runners, people that he passes on the road, his fellow competitors in a race, his students or animals.

When we finished our run commute, I had the chance to meet with some of Harvey's students, and I asked them what it’s like to have such an extraordinary person as their teacher. I'm grateful that they allowed me to share their responses, which will give you a real sense of the impact Harvey has, both inside and outside the classroom. 

Of course, I'm also grateful to Harvey for such a memorable run and for sharing so much with us.

And, of course, we're all grateful 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, more ethical treatment of animals, or first period government class at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati.

Let’s run there. 

Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.

In 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 

Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Alison Mariella Desir, a powerhouse disrupter and activist in the running community and a true advocate for change.

Alison is the founder of Harlem Run, a running club that brings people together through running while championing diversity and inclusion.

She's also the author of Running While Black, which sheds light on the intersection of race and running.

I like to think I’m pretty progressive and aware of the ways that race affects us all personally and collectively.  But reading Alison’s book, my eyes were opened even more to the ways that race continues to shape the running community—and society generally.

In this conversation, Alison shares her personal journey, the inspiration behind Harlem Run, and the powerful message in her book that challenges and invites us to all open our eyes to the hidden forces of race in the running world and beyond. 

We dive into how running can be a vehicle for social justice, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can feel welcome and empowered.

This is a conversation about more than just miles—and more than just race.  It’s about community, activism, inclusivity, intentionality, culture and using movement to drive change.

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This interview is presented with gratitude 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, or a finish line—or a cure for a disease, a cleaner environment or a more just and equitable society.

Let’s run there.

Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more .

Today’s interview is with Dana Snyder, founder and CEO of Positive Equation, where she helps charities grow their communities and monthly giving programs.

This interview will be helpful for anyone that works at a charity—which some of our members do.

But, more than that, this interview will provide all of us with insight – and empathy – for how hard our charities work to fundraise in support of the missions we all care about—and, therefore, how we can better support them in that endeavor.

Most crucially, I hope Dana’s insight will help us all think less transactionally, and more relationally, about how we support our favorite charities.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to our partners at Lifeway Kefir. Lifeway was one of our first sponsors, and their CEO, Julie Smolyansky has become a friend and has been on the pod before too.

Lifeway Kefir is purpose-driven brand and a champion for many social causes, supporting initiatives that promote maternal health, girls education and empowerment, the environment, mental health and well-being, and more—all things we care deeply about here at Charity Miles.

Speaking of mental health, did you know that what you eat can have a profound effect on your mind? It turns out that the gut and brain are connected in ways we’re just beginning to understand.

Lifeway Kefir, with its rich probiotics, supports your gut biome, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, stress, and overall mental health. It's a simple, delicious way to nourish your body and your mind.

So, whether you're fueling up for your next walk, run, or bike ride—or just looking for a way to take care of your mental well-being— head over to lifewaykefir.com to learn more and get started today.

Today’s interview is with Nathan Chappell, one of the world’s foremost experts on the intersection between Artificial Intelligence and philanthropy.

Nathan serves as Senior Vice President of DonorSearch AI, and is the founder of Fundraising.Ai, a member-centric collaboration of nonprofit professionals with a focus on data ethics, data equality, privacy and security and sustainability.

Nathan is also the co-author of The Generosity Crisis, which we discuss in the interview.

Nathan elaborates why there is a generosity crisis now and how the remedy for that crisis is for people like us to think less transactionally and more holistically about our relationships with the charities we care about. 

I’m sure his message will resonate with all of us.

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Big thanks to our newest partners at Lagoon Sleep, which makes the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever used. 

Which is why I reached out to them to ask if they’d sponsor us.

No joke, I ordered myself a Lagoon pillow when I saw how many NCAA and Olympic athletes were using them to improve their sleep and recovery.

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting too much but I was curious what the hype was about. But I’ve been completely blown away. 

I go to bed pretty early so that I can wake up very early for my runs. And sometimes it’s hard to fall asleep when it’s that early.

But not with my Lagoon pillow. Once I get into bed, I’m usually asleep within minutes.

And I’m staying asleep – no more tossing and turning or waking up in the middle of the night. No kinks in my neck.

This has definitely translated into improvements on my morning runs– and how I feel the rest of the day.

I've said this many times: Getting more and better sleep is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health.

So if you’d like to get the best sleep of your life, go to LagoonSleep.com and take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find which Lagoon Pillow is right for you.  Use the code EXTRA for 15% off your first purchase.

Today's interview is with Brian Reynolds, one of the world's fastest double amputee runners.

When Brian was four years-old he contracted a rare form of bacterial meningitis, which led to him having both of his legs amputated below the knee.

Despite this, Brian was fairly active as a child-- and did his best to participate in most common childhood sports like baseball, basketball and even hockey.  (He grew up in Boston after all.)

When Brian was in college, he got into power lifting... which led to him to join the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training to hike across the Grand Canyon... and then finally to running.

Brian is now one of the fastest double amputee runners in the world, having set records in distances from the 5K to the marathon. 

Brian happens to live about a mile from me, so we see each other on our morning runs quite often. I'd love to run with him more, but I don't think I can keep up!

Last month, the Fleet Feet in our town hosted a trail running film festival featuring several short documentaries about trail running and ultramarathons.  One of the films was about Brian's attempt, last year, to complete the Leadville 100, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world.

In a few weeks, Brian will be heading back to Leadville for another attempt.  And as we publish this episode, Brian is currently climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Brian is also sponsored by our partners at Brooks Running, so we definitely want to give a big thanks to them as well. 

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.  It could be a cure for Parkinson’s, a cleaner planet, fair play.

So… let’s run there.

With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place.

Whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. Let’s run there.

Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.