From Navy Diver to World Record Holder: Rob Sembiante’s Grit in Life & Leadville!What does it take to finish the legendary Leadville 100 in under 24 hours—with just 4 minutes to spare? In this episode of the Mean Grit Podcast, I sit down with Rob Sembiante, an ultra-endurance athlete, Navy veteran, real estate investor, and e-commerce entrepreneur who has built his life on one principle: bet on yourself.Rob’s story takes us from the Navy SEAL pipeline to crewing across America, to setting a world record for the fastest 100-mile race in Antarctica, and finally to conquering the Leadville 100. Along the way, he shares:How failing BUD/S training reshaped his perspective on grit and disciplineWhy voluntary suffering makes the rest of life easierThe chaos of pooping 14 times during Leadville (and still clawing back to sub-24 hours!)The mindset of “never leaving the race” that fuels his successWhy discipline—not emotion—is the foundation of gritBalancing personal glory with the fulfillment of crewing and supporting othersWhether you’re an endurance athlete, entrepreneur, or someone chasing big goals, Rob’s story is a masterclass in resilience, risk-taking, and relentless discipline.Chapter Breakdown:0:00-2:20 Introducing Rob Sembiante2:21-4:08 Preparing for a sub 24 hour Leadville w/ Mike McKnight4:09-7:45 Fears, Limits, & Assessing Risk7:46-12:49 A World Class Crew Chief12:50-14:59 Rob's Definition of Grit15:00-23:55 The Leadville 100 Recap24:00-27:15 Seeing Friend, Pros, & Finishing Strong27:16-28:56 Advice to Live By🚨 What does grit mean to you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!👍 Like, 💬 Comment, and 🔔 Subscribe for more stories of grit, endurance, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things.#Leadville100 #UltraRunning #MeanGritPodcast #RobSembiante #Grit

Josh Coleman's Journey Through Loss, Love, and HUNDREDS of Miles | Mean Grit Podcast"This wasn’t just my wife. This was my best friend, my everything."When tragedy strikes, how do you keep going?In this deeply personal and powerful episode of the Mean Grit Podcast, we sit down with Josh Coleman, a man who turned unthinkable heartbreak into fuel for a life lived on foot. After losing his wife Erin in a tragic car accident, Josh found himself staring into the void. What followed wasn’t a retreat—it was a relentless push forward.🏃‍♂️ From grief to grit, Josh shares:How he processed overwhelming loss through ultrarunningWhat it took to finish his first Tahoe 200 after encouragement from Candice BurtHow running daily became a ritual for healingThe pain behind the freedom of living out of a vanWhat it means to carry a loved one’s memory in every mile🛤️ This episode isn’t just about endurance—it’s about finding purpose in pain, honoring someone you love, and choosing to move forward even when the weight feels unbearable.📖 Josh is also working on a book called “Moving Forward: Running with Grief”—a reflection of how grief can shape, strengthen, and ultimately lead us down unexpected trails.💬 “Grief doesn’t go away. But you learn to move forward with it—not as a burden, but as a guide.”👇 Leave a comment:Have you ever used running, writing, or another practice to process grief or hardship? Share your story—we’d love to hear from you.📌 Subscribe for more raw, real conversations about resilience, grit, and the human spirit.🎙️ Watch more episodes of the Mean Grit Podcast for powerful interviews with runners, dreamers, and those fighting through life’s toughest miles.#MeanGrit #RunningWithGrief #JoshColeman #Tahoe200 #Ultrarunning #Grit #GriefJourney #LossAndHealing #TrailRunning #Moab240 #PodcastInterview #MentalHealth #RunForHer

🎥 Why Is Grit So Personal? | Interviews from Western States 2025 with Hellah Sidibe, Rachel Entrekin & MoreIn this special episode of the Mean Grit Podcast, we travel to the legendary Western States Endurance Run 2025 to ask a powerful question: What is grit? From world-class champions to everyday warriors, this episode captures raw, unscripted answers that will leave you inspired to dig deeper in your own life.Here's the Breakdown!00:01 Introduction00:44 Eric Orton - Born To Run Coach04:31 Shannon Yewell Weil - Author of Buckle Fever05:32 Ken Slagter & Juan Rocha08:46 Taylor Horowitz - Death March Running Company22:38 Rachel Entrekin - Cocodona 250 Woman's Champion 202514:49 Dan Green - Cocodona 250 Men's Champion 2025 & Victor Moreau Athlete Project manager at Salomon.22:38 Hellah Sidibe - Influencer, Run Streaker, Community LeaderIt was such an honor to speak with each of these people. Please follow these amazing people. @HellahGood   @jollyoldllama   @BargainBoysMedia   @BornToRunCoach  Go buy merch created by Taylor & his team at https://deathmarchrunningcompany.com/Follow Ken on IG @wheresrunnerken Buy Shannon Weil's book at this linkhttps://www.amazon.com/Ultrarunnings-BUCKLE-FEVER-Origins-Endurance/dp/B0FD84TMD4🔥 Hear stories about:Running across America with blisters down to the fleshLosing everything and starting overQuitting jobs to chase purposeMental toughness, failure, joy, and why grit isn’t just about grinding📍 Shot in Olympic Valley during Western States Week 2025, this is more than a podcast—it's a raw look into the human spirit through the lens of endurance.👣 If you’ve ever hit a wall—in running or in life—this episode is for you.👇 COMMENT BELOW: What’s the grittiest thing you’ve ever done?

How far would you go to be the best?For Devin Graham, a.k.a. Devinsupertramp, the answer is: 11-mile hikes, shark-infested waters, and filming across four seasons—all for a single shot.In this inspiring episode of The Mean Grit Podcast, host James Julian sits down with one of YouTube’s most iconic filmmakers to uncover the raw hustle behind the viral adventure videos, cinematic stunts, and billion-view success. From parkour in Paris to Mario Kart mayhem, Devin brings you into his world—a world where grit matters more than gear.🎧 What You'll Hear In This Episode:The shot that took 15 months (and was totally worth it)The emotional toll of creating videos that flopHow being a dad is awesome!What it means to suffer for your art—and why it’s worth itA cinematic drone competition between Devinsupertramp and Mean Grit 😅💬 “Grit is suffering for your art. It’s fighting for every frame.” – Devin Graham👀 Stay to the end to see Devin & James face off in a drone showdown… Let us know who won in the comments: Devinsupertramp vs. Mean Grit🎥 About Devin Graham:With 6.4 million subscribers and a portfolio of cinematic stunts, travel adventures, and storytelling magic, Devin has built one of the most beloved and visually stunning YouTube channels of all time. But behind the lens is a story of hard work, heartbreak, and never settling for “good enough.”🔔 Subscribe for more episodes from the Mean Grit Podcast, where we talk to extraordinary people who do hard things on purpose.📌 Follow Devin Graham:YouTube: @devinsupertrampInstagram: @devinsupertramp📌 Follow Mean Grit:Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @meangrit#Devinsupertramp #MeanGrit #Grit #YouTubeFilmmaker #AdventureVlogs #DroneCinematography #CreativeGrit #Podcast #Storytelling #ViralVideos #DevinGraham #FilmmakingJourney #DroneChallenge

🎙 Mean Grit Podcast – Episode 19What does it take to turn a noisy middle school classroom into a symphony of discipline, joy, and grit? In this inspiring episode of the Mean Grit Podcast, we step off the trail and into the music room with Angela Harman, a middle school orchestra teacher who's not only changing the way kids learn music — she's changing lives.Angela brings fun, energy, and a whole lot of heart to her teaching. From rubber chickens to rock concert-level performances, her approach is anything but ordinary. But beneath the costumes, candy, and cello battles lies a deeper lesson: the power of practice, perseverance, and belief in your potential.As the teacher of two of my own children, I’ve witnessed firsthand how Angela turns beginners into confident musicians and middle school mayhem into magic.🎶 In this episode, we cover:How grit is taught one note at a timeMaking music education fun and high-qualityBalancing discipline with joy in the classroomHow teachers can battle burnout with creativityThe role of practice in building confidence — in music and lifeWhether you're a parent, teacher, musician, or just someone chasing a big goal — this episode is a masterclass in resilience, teaching, and the power of passion.💡 Angela Harman is more than a music teacher — she’s a builder of grit, joy, and future greatness.🌐Visit her website: https://orchestraclassroom.com/📲 Follow her on Instagram: @orchestra.teacher.life👇 Like, comment, and subscribe if this episode inspired you or made you reflect on a teacher who changed your life.📲 Follow us: @MeanGrit#MeanGritPodcast #AngelaHarman #TeachingGrit #MusicEducation #OrchestraTeacher #MiddleSchoolMagic #GrowthMindset #Resilience #MusicMatters #TeacherInspiration #inspiration #motivation Keywords:How to be a better teacher? Teaching Orchestra, Making the classroom engaging. Teacher, music, cello, bass, violin, viola, orchestra, grit, resilience, practice, training,

Mean Grit Podcast – Episode 18What if running could save your life—and someone else’s?In this moving episode of the Mean Grit Podcast, we head to the top of a mountain (literally) with Adam Burns, a 22-year-old runner on a mission to run across the entire state of Utah to raise awareness for suicide prevention.Adam opens up about the dark moments of his teenage years, the inspiration he found in David Goggin's, Can't Hurt Me, and the small daily choices that helped him build confidence, discipline, and hope. From struggling with body image and bullying to conquering an Ironman with no training and running every day for nearly a year—his story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring.🎙 In this episode, we talk about:The link between endurance and emotional healingWhat it means to build grit one mile at a timeHow running, reading, journaling, and cold plunges changed Adam’s lifeThe power of streaks, self-belief, and second chancesAdam’s mission to bring light to those navigating darknessThis episode is a powerful reminder that you are never alone. There is always a reason to keep going, and always someone willing to help.#MeanGritPodcast #AdamBurns #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #TrailRunning #RunAcrossUtah #Grit #Hope #Endurance #DavidGoggins #CantHurtMe #UltraRunning #YouAreNotAlone #ironcowboy #ironman Mentioned: @Ironcowboyjamess  David Goggins⚠️ If you or someone you know is struggling, you're not alone. Please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a free 24/7 helpline:🇺🇸 U.S. & 🇨🇦 Canada: 988lifeline.org or dial 988🇬🇧 U.K.: samaritans.org or call 116 123🇦🇺 Australia: lifeline.org.au or call 13 11 14👉 Subscribe to the Mean Grit Podcast for more stories of grit, heart, and the strength that comes from getting back up.📲 Follow Adam on Instagram: @adamleeburns 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @MeanGrit🎥 Watch more episodes here: https://youtu.be/MIOqAyCNZC4?si=EEBvl4WyFSr7Q1gL

What do you do when your body is falling apart, your brain is seeing lions and wizards, and you're still 100 miles from the finish?Bear Lee "bear_lee_running" ran the Cocodona 250 on 35 minutes of sleep, fighting hallucinations, blisters, and brutal terrain — but his story goes way beyond the miles. In this raw and honest episode, Bear opens up about mental health, resilience, and the mindset it takes to suffer well — not just in ultras, but in life.🎙️ In This Episode:What it’s like to hallucinate mid-ultramarathonHow trail running became a lifeline for managing anxiety and depressionThe concept of “staying within the mile”Why Pre-Decisional commitment might be the key to real gritRecovering from 250+ miles — mentally and physicallyHow he went from avoiding warm-up laps in high school to chasing 100s and 200s“Grit is what happens between the commitment you made… and where you are.”Whether you run ultras or run from your problems — this episode will change how you think about struggle, discomfort, and personal growth.🎯 Thoughts from the Host:Bear has such a powerful mindset. If there's one thing that seems most consistent to me is his ability to surround himself with positive, powerful, people. What wasn't in the podcast was a powerful story he shared about being injured and working to get back into activity and had a really cool experience with James Lawrence, the Iron Cowboy. You'll have to have Bear share the story when you see him out on the trail.One thing we didn't dive into much is his coaching. Bear has helped many athletes achieve their goals and has supported runners on their big races. I'm always impressed with people who not only perform at a high level but are able to teach at a high level. I'm grateful for my time with Bear and I hope continue to cross paths with him.📍 Follow Bear:Instagram: @bear_lee_runningYouTube:  @ChasingLifesAdventures  🧠 Keywords & Mentions:Courtney Dauwalter, Max Jolliffe, Cam Hanes, Rachel Entrekin, Michael McKnight, Cocodona 250, Moab 240, ultramarathon podcast, Bear Lee running, ultra running, mental health, trail running podcast, running with anxiety, mean grit podcast, James Julian podcast, grit mindset, ultra running hallucinations, training for 100 mile ultra, Moab 240 training, staying within the mile, running👍 Like, subscribe, and comment:💬 What’s the most uncomfortable thing you’ve ever done on purpose?

Are you the VILLAIN or THE HERO in your own story?I sit down with author & father, Peter Taylor to discuss his Hero's Journey. Overcoming addiction, infertility and the fear of becoming a father, Peter is brave enough to talk about the things that most men don't want to. The feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt were crippling. That's when Peter decided to face the darkness and becoming the hero he always looked up to, Spiderman!In a multiverse of variants, this young father captures the struggle and triumph in his book, Peter Jay Parker https://a.co/d/fSuBIYE Through a joy of running, Peter has turned a simple exercise into the highlight of people's day as he runs the streets of his friendly neighborhood dressed as the web-slinging superhero, Spiderman!Come along our journey as we talk about: 01:20 Meeting the Man Behind the Mask!03:43 Dealing with infertility when the desire to be a father was so strong.07:57 When letting go of the anger, fear, resentment inside allows JOY into your life.14:05 What is the book, PETER JAY PARKER about and the journey of infertility?21:23 How does running through the streets as Spiderman bring JOY?27:00 Do you feel like the hero in your life?This conversation is raw, real, and ridiculously relatable for anyone grinding through life.If you feel like you're facing a dark time, find hope in this episode about becoming the Hero in your life!www.meangrit.comOur Previous Video: https://youtu.be/kJSSAglHT0k?si=dwY_eWtOdcnvTlQN 📌 Subscribe for more weekly episodes on grit, endurance, and finding purpose in the pain.

🔥 LOSERS QUIT WHEN THEY FAIL. WINNERS FAIL UNTIL THEY SUCCEED. | Mean Grit at the 2025 Cocodona 250 ultramarathon race.This episode hits different.Fresh off volunteering at the Cocodona 250 ultramarathon and hearing Olympic gold medalist Nick Baumgartner deliver a keynote that shook my soul, I unpack a powerful week of real stories — heartbreak, heroics, and what it means to chase a goal so bold it scares you.From watching Courtney Dauwalter drop out at mile 108, to witnessing Dan Green and Rachel Entrekin set new course records, to seeing runners crushed by cold, rain, and exhaustion… I came back with a renewed belief in GRIT.👉 You’ll hear about:What it means to fail forwardWhy grit is earned, not inheritedThe inspiring story of Jenny Chisholm and her kids taking on Cocodona togetherMy wife’s decision to train for Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim at the Grand CanyonWhy sharing your goals can be dangerous — and how to protect your vision"Losers quit when they fail. Winners fail until they succeed." — Nick BaumgartnerThat quote lit a fire. This episode is that fire.🎙 FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE @courtneydauwalter2685  Dan Green  @woah_max   @cameronhanes  Jack ScottStories from mile 1 to mile 250 at CocodonaWhat it means to be UndeniableWhy your goals should scare youBuilding grit one notch at a timeCocodona 250 recap, ultramarathon failure lessons, Nick Baumgartner keynote, Mean Grit Podcast, James Julian trail running, Courtney Dauwalter 2025, Cam Hanes, Undeniable ultrarunning, rim to rim to rim training, ultra running motivation, how to build grit, overcoming failure, big hairy audacious goals, goal setting 2025💬 Drop your crazy goal in the comments (or keep it close — protect the vision).❤️ Let’s build a space where people can chase the unthinkable and support each other through the mud, the miles, and the mission.👍 Like, subscribe, and join the journey.This is Mean Grit.

What does it take to knock doors for 8 years straight and still show up with a smile?In this episode of the Mean Grit Podcast, host James Julian sits down with Brayden Searle, a top-performing door-to-door sales leader, to explore the mindset behind true resilience. From getting guns pulled on him in Texas to leading sales teams with heart and vision, Brayden shares what it means to go from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm — and why your perspective is your greatest asset.We talk about: 01:46 Brayden expounds on his definition of Grit to be more than just facing failure and maintaining enthusiasm.06:05 Are you born with a talent to sell or can it be developed?07:58 Learning how to reset after rejection.14:46 How do you put people first in a tough sales culture?18:11 How do you balance work and family? How can you be more intentional?25:25 Explaining what the Gap vs. the Gain is and how it can keep you out of discouragement.29:33 We end with some fun Mean Grit rapid fire questions.This conversation is raw, real, and ridiculously relatable for anyone grinding through life or a summer of sales.Whether you're in sales, running ultras, building a business, or trying to be a better parent — this one's for YOU.www.meangrit.comOur Previous Video: https://youtu.be/eW5CZL1DyCU?si=TjESMa7I7odwRMA6📌 Subscribe for more weekly episodes on grit, endurance, and finding purpose in the pain.