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 cultures where people actually want to show up.

We explore what it really means to lead with purpose, how to support others without micromanaging, and why meaning—not perks—is the key to retention, engagement, and performance.

Huge thanks to Wes Adams for sharing his perspective—and for helping reshape how we think about leadership and the future of work.

Connect with Wes Adams

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesadams1/

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 landscapes and cultures, the role of family and inner conviction, and how a simple commute became the foundation for a life-changing experience.   A huge thank-you to Manoj Kumar for sharing his journey—and to Harman for supporting personal transformation inside and outside of work.

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 about the strength of community, the power of purpose, and how the support they received from thousands kept them moving through even the hardest days. This is a story of resilience, teamwork, and pushing beyond limits for something bigger than yourself. Don’t miss this incredible conversation.

Every mile matters.

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 diversity, equity, inclusion, we are doing our best to double down on these values. At Charity Miles, we believe in inclusivity, and that our diversity is what makes us resilient. It also makes our life experiences so much more rich and enjoyable.   But most of all, because it's the right thing to do. So we're going to try to do our part, in this podcast at the very least, to bring you more voices like Kiera's.

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This podcast is sponsored by our partners at UCan, a brand that I have personally relied on for years to fuel my performance, both in big events and every day.

UCan provides steady, long lasting energy without the sugar roller coaster that's in other energy gels and drinks.

The unique LiveSteady carbohydrate is a starch, not a sugar, that is trusted by elite athletes like Kira D'Amato and Emma Bates, weekend warriors, and everyday movers alike.

Unlike fast burning sugars and gels, UCan delivers a slow, sustained release of energy to keep you going strong without the crashes.

Whether you're training for a marathon, heading out for a long ride, or just staying active, UCan helps you feel and perform your best.

And as a special gift to the Charity Miles community, UCAN is offering a free sample pack of four energy gels, plus, you can get 20% off any other UCan products by entering the code “CharityMiles” at checkout.

Click here to learn more.

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, physical and emotional abuse, and systematically trying to erase their students Indigenous identities.

Billy, though, had a positive experience at Haskell, where he met his coach Tony Coffin, who became somewhat of a father figure to him. Coffin recognized Billy's talent and helped nurture his running abilities, providing him with the foundation that would later lead to his collegiate and Olympic success.

Also, during his time at Haskell, Billy spent one of his summers as a counselor at Camp Greylock in Beckett, Massachusetts, which is the summer camp that I went to many years later and is a very important part of my life. So it's very special for me to share this link with Billy.

At Haskell, Billy won multiple state championships in track and cross country, earning him a scholarship to the University of Kansas, where Billy would be coached by Bill Easton.

Easton was a highly respected track and field coach who led Kansas to multiple NCAA championships, and at Kansas, Billy was one of the best distance runners in the country. He was a three time All American, won multiple Big Eight titles, and was runner up in the 1960 cross country championships.

Through all of this, however, Billy faced numerous challenges, including discrimination at every level, including from Easton, hypoglycemia, and struggles with self doubt.

At times, Billy even contemplated suicide, and in his senior year, he walked off the track and quit the team completely.

Fortunately for Billy, the University of Kansas is also where he met and began dating a young woman named Patricia Pat Collins. Pat played a crucial role in Billy's journey, supporting him through the challenges he faced as an athlete and as a Native American navigating the world of elite sports.

After graduating Kansas, Billy married Pat, joined the U. S. Marine Corps, and resumed training with the goal of not just making the U. S. Olympic team and not just winning a medal, but winning the gold medal in the 10K.

Which he did. In 1964, Billy qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in the 10, 000 meter race, where he stunned the world with a historic, come from behind victory, becoming the first and still the only American, or even the only person from the Western Hemisphere, to win the gold medal in the event.

He also remains the only Native American, other than Jim Thorpe, to win a gold medal in the Olympics.

His triumph is considered one of the greatest Olympic upsets and victories of all time.

Since Billy's victory in the 1964 Tokyo Games, Billy and Pat have dedicated their lives to giving back, co founding Running Strong for American Indian Youth, an organization that empowers Indigenous communities through health, education, and self sufficiency programs.

Their journey is one of perseverance, cultural pride, and spreading a message of unity through diversity.

All values that are very much at the heart of the Charity Miles community.

Which naturally, is why we want to also thank our partners at Brooks Running who are very much champions for these values 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,  peace of mind after a stressful day, or an Olympic gold medal. 

It could be a cure for Parkinson’s, a cleaner planet, fair play, or the strength that comes from our diversity.

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.

Chapters:

00:00 - The Historic 1964 Olympic 10K Final

02:14 - Introducing Billy Mills: A Story of Resilience

06:12 - Billy’s Early Life on Pine Ridge Reservation

13:06 - The Impact of Haskell Indian School

24:16 - Overcoming Struggles in College and the Marines

32:24 - The Journey to the Tokyo Olympics

35:55 - The Epic 10,000-Meter Race

42:54 - Winning Gold: A Dream Fulfilled

50:26 - Giving Back: Running Strong for American Indian Youth

1:03:01 - The Secret to a 63-Year Marriage

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.

#EveryMileMatters!

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 It’s Like Fighting Wildfires

10:00 – How to Fight a Forest Fire

19:57 – Wildfires in Urban Areas

31:52 – Personal Preparedness Tips

43:36 – Cancer Risks for Firefighters

52:45 – Final Thoughts & Thank You

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.