The Power of Pacers, Grit, and Heat Stroke ComebacksAt mile 40 of the Zion 100, Jacob Cheney was facing heat exhaustion, vomiting, and thoughts of quitting. What followed was a raw, emotional journey through heat, hallucination, and hellish climbs — saved by grit and three dedicated pacers. In this episode of the Mean Grit Podcast, James Julian joins Jacob and his pacers to recount the chaos, courage, and crazy technical trails that defined this unforgettable ultramarathon.🎙️ Topics include:1:27 Overcoming early heat stroke and hydration disasters16:09 Climbing "Flying Monkey" in pitch darkness18:51 Mental toughness, soul-snatching late-night surges, and chasing redemption21:29 What it really means to crew and pace someone to the finish lineWhether you're an ultrarunner, aspiring endurance athlete, or just here for stories of insane human will — this one’s for you.👇 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your trail crew!📍 Want to race with us? Check out Gaspin’ in the Aspens — a stunning UTMB qualifier this fall in Utah’s American Fork Canyon! https://www.gaspinthroughtheaspens.com/ #Zion100 #Ultramarathon #MeanGritPodcast #TrailRunning #EnduranceAthlete #PacingMatters #GritAndGlory #HeatExhaustionRecovery #RunningPodcast

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Mean Grit Podcast — where we explore the power of doing hard things and the grit it takes to keep going.🎙️ Today’s guest: Phil Case, President of Max Connect Digital, father, mentor, mountain adventurer, and all-around grit machine. We hiked into the mountains to have a raw, real conversation about legacy, leadership, raising resilient kids, doing the hardest thing first, and what it means to redefine success.💥 Phil shares:01:06 How childhood independence shaped his steady, grounded grit02:28 The gut-check moment of running an agency at 2503:39 How do we create Grit in our families? What a femur-breaking ski accident taught his son about doing hard things10:02 Why success isn’t about what you gain—but what you give13:45 How lifting weights at 40+ became his new mental anchor16:38 Rapid fire questions on grit!This episode is full of insight for parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone building something bigger than themselves.📚 Mentioned in this episode:The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter — a game-changing read about seeking discomfort to find growth and meaning.👊 Whether you’re climbing a literal mountain or grinding through your 9 to 5, this one’s for you.🔥 Like, comment, and subscribe to join the Mean Grit community.📲 Follow Phil Case on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/philcase/If your company is in need of fantastic marketing services check out https://maxconnect.com/💬 Drop in the comments: What's your definition of grit?#MeanGrit #PhilCase #GritPodcast #DoHardThings #ComfortCrisis #Leadership #MaxConnectDigital #Entrepreneurship #Legacy #RaisingResilientKids #PersonalGrowth #MountainMindset #DigitalMarketing #UltrarunningVibes #PodcastClip #MindsetMatters

What drives someone to run 430 miles across Utah? For Mason Wright—aka  @buffrunner  - it's the single parent who works 3 jobs and never gets to rest. It’s his own mom. And it’s every person who's ever had to grind through life when the odds were stacked against them.In this episode of the Mean Grit Podcast, Mason shares his powerful story of running across Utah to raise money for The Single Parent Project, a nonprofit that helps single parents with essentials like groceries, rent, childcare, and kids’ sports fees.We dive deep into: 💥 The mental and physical toll of ultrarunning🔥 Fueling with 10,000+ calories per day🧠 The mindset to keep moving—even when your body wants to quit👟 Going from a 270-lb first-time runner to pro Spartan racer💪 Why movement is non-negotiable, and what recovery really looks like❤️ How personal struggle becomes fuel for purpose-driven actionMason’s grit, heart, and honesty will light a fire in you—whether you're training for an ultramarathon or just trying to survive the day.👉 DONATE to support single parents:https://www.singleparentproject.org🛒 Buy Run Utah merch (supports the cause):https://www.deathmarchrunningcompany.com🗺️ Track the journey or learn more:https://www.buffrunner.com/runutah 📲 Follow Mason (Buff Runner):Instagram | TikTok | YouTube: @buffrunner🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the Mean Grit Podcast for more stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Your support helps fuel the mission!#BuffRunner #RunUtah #SingleParentProject #Ultramarathon #MeanGrit #RunningPodcast #EnduranceRunning #UtahTrailRunning #MentalToughness #DontQuit #RunAcrossUtah

Mean Grit Ep. 10 | From Trampoline Mogul to Politics with Case LawrenceIn Episode 10 of the Mean Grit Podcast, we sit down with the one and only Case Lawrence—founder of Circus Trix (a.k.a. Sky Zone) former congressional candidate, professor, and all-around disruptor. Known as the Godfather of Indoor Entertainment, Case shares his journey from startup chaos to political campaigns, and what he’s learned about leadership, grit, failure, and success along the way.🎙️ Topics we cover:-Launching and scaling Circus Trix and the trampoline park revolution-Building resilience during startup chaos and global crises like COVID-Case's experience running for U.S. Congress in Utah’s 3rd District-His new role at This Is The Place Heritage Park and the importance of legacy-Mentorship, entrepreneurship, and teaching the next generation at BYU-Physical fitness, mindset, and daily habits to stay sharp-Why failure can be a launchpad, not a setbackRapid fire: grit in business vs. politics, calculated risks, and Coach K wisdomWhether you're a startup founder, athlete, aspiring politician, or just someone trying to do hard things and stay true to yourself, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and heart.🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.📍Follow Case Lawrence’s journey and check out This Is The Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City.#CaseLawrence #MeanGritPodcast #CircusTrix #BYU #Entrepreneurship #TrampolinePark #StartupLife #UtahPolitics #Grit #Resilience #Mentorship #TrailRunning #ThisIsThePlace #Pickleball #HardThings #PodcastClips #FounderStories #meangrit

🏔️ CLIMBING ANCIENT ART + SURVIVING NEW ZEALAND | Creighton Baird - Mean Grit Podcast Ep. 9In this episode of the Mean Grit Podcast, we sit down with  @CreightonBaird  world adventurer, survivalist, climber, and runner-up on the hit reality show Race to Survive: New Zealand 🇳🇿Right after an epic climb of Ancient Art in Moab (yes, THAT one), we dive into a conversation about doing hard things, living life off the beaten path, and how Creighton has built a life full of adventure, challenge, and color.🎙️ TOPICS COVERED:✔️ Life after Race to Survive: New Zealand✔️ Climbing, canyoneering, high-lining, sailing, and more✔️ How to break out of your routine and start living fully✔️ Why time slows down when you're living on the edge✔️ Lessons from survival, discomfort, and pushing your limits✔️ Advice for anyone feeling stuck in the same old routine✔️ The power of starting one new thingWhether you're an ultrarunner, a weekend warrior, or someone trying to rediscover their spark—this conversation is for you.📺 Watch Race to Survive: New Zealand to see Creighton in action and understand what it takes to endure the wild.📸 Follow Creighton Baird on Instagram:  @CreightonBaird  👣 Follow @MeanGrit for more stories of grit, growth, and people doing the extraordinary.📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment if this inspired you to try something new or do something hard.#RaceToSurvive #MeanGritPodcast #CreightonBaird #AdventureLife #MoabClimbing #DoHardThings #SurvivalMindset #Ultrarunning #OutdoorLifestyle #Grit #AncientArt #RaceToSurviveNewZealand #ClimbingLife

🔎 Finding Your True Nature with Wes Christensen | Mean Grit Podcast Ep. 8In this powerful episode of the Mean Grit Podcast, I sit down with Wes Christensen to dive deep into the journey of self-discovery, masculinity, personal growth, and resilience. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to break free from societal expectations, build mental toughness, and step into their true potential.🔥 TOPICS COVERED:✅ The Power of Visualization – How seeing success in your mind first can change everything✅ Masculinity & Fatherhood – Why modern men struggle with identity and how to reclaim true masculinity✅ Boy Psychology vs. Man Psychology – Understanding the difference between immaturity and true masculinity✅ The 4-Step Framework for Personal Growth:1️⃣ Telling the Truth – Radical self-honesty and identifying where you really are in life2️⃣ Shadow Work – Understanding your subconscious strengths and weaknesses through the philosophy of Carl Jung.3️⃣ Clarity & Accountability – Why you need real accountability to reach your goals4️⃣ Systems for Success – How to build habits and routines that make success inevitable✅ Why Most People Set the WRONG Goals – And how to set goals that align with who you truly are✅ The Problem with Self-Development – How over-complication keeps you stuck in a cycle of "needing more" instead of taking action✅ The Key to Unlocking Your Full Potential – A mindset shift that will change the way you approach personal growth🎯 Key Takeaway: Success isn't about chasing goals—it’s about becoming the person capable of achieving them.💡 ASK YOURSELF:👉 What is your soul telling you to do?👉 What do you really want to want?👉 Are you living your life, or the life someone else told you to live?📲 CONNECT WITH WES CHRISTENSEN:Instagram: @iamweschristensen🚀 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more raw conversations about grit, endurance, personal growth, and becoming the best version of yourself.#MeanGrit #SelfDiscovery #Masculinity #PersonalGrowth #SuccessMindset #MentalToughness #Ultrarunning #Accountability #SelfDevelopment

🔥 We're Going Streaking! (But Not That Kind…) | Mean Grit Podcast Ep. 7 🔥In Episode 7 of the Mean Grit Podcast, we're talking streaking—not the kind that gets you banned from football games, but the kind that builds unstoppable consistency in life. 🏆We’re joined by Jeff & Jami Downs, the creators of Streaking, a method that helps people develop habits and reach their goals by focusing on daily wins. They break down:✅ Why streaking is the secret to long-term success - 00:30✅ The brain science behind why streaking works - 01:49✅ How to start your own winning streaks in fitness, business, and life - 07:23✅ Why keeping it laughably simple is the key to consistency - 13:11✅ The difference between goals, habits, and streaks - 15:57 ✅ How to recover when you break a streak - 22:05✅ Why measure in activity and not time or money - 28:06💡 Key takeaway: It’s not about massive changes—it’s about small, daily actions that compound over time.🚀 Want to start your own streak? Download the MyStreaks App: https://www.mystreaksapp.com/ or find it on the App Store or Google Play.📢 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more episodes featuring ordinary people doing extraordinary things in running, endurance, and personal growth.🎧 Listen to STREAKING - HOW TO WIN, CONSISTENTLY! on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LVOsf8L3mflOmwA2kK5JrApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/streaking/id1415151205📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @MeanGrit#MeanGrit #Streaking #Consistency #MyStreaks #UltraRunning #SuccessHabits #DailyWins

Cowboys are tough sons of B******! But they make horrible podcast guests. Here's a different take for Episode 6 of the Mean Grit Podcast.

This is a unique ode to my brother in the form of Cowboy poetry.#meangrit #podcast #grit #cowboys #ranching #cows #outdoors #trailrunning #running #motivation #funny #trials #dohardthings

Today we sit down with the Legend of the Wasatch, Dana 'Mud & Guts' Miller. 5 Time winner of the Wasatch 100, one of trail running's toughest races.Dana has ran thousands of miles over his lifetime of Ultramarathon running along with multiple triathlons, marathons, and other races. Known for his grit and tenacity on more than one occasion Dana started at the finish line, ran to the start, and began the race with the rest of the competitors.In this episode of the Mean Grit Podcast we cover:- How Dana's "last race" would turn into the biggest lie he told his wife.- What were the early ultramarathons like?- How did athletes hydrate and fuel without hydration packs and energy gels?- The psychology of running 100 miles and beyond.- How to develop a winning mentality.- What does it take to push the limits at any age.Like and subscribe to the Mean Grit Podcast to allow us to continue to tell the stories of ordinary people doing amazing things!Thank you!Please follow us on all social medias  @meangrit  If you haven't already, check out our previous video where we sit down with student athlete, Taylyn Wilson of Southern Utah University.https://youtu.be/_0KnvxBcky8?si=Db5fvMZZnLqfMxyN📩 Want to connect? Follow us here:🌍 Website: www.meangrit.com📸 Instagram: @meangrit🐦 Twitter: @MeanGrit🧵 Threads: meangrit🎮 TikTok: @meangrit📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]#Meangrit #motivation #running #trailrunning #ultramarathon #races #outdoors I love running, particularly trail running, but as long as my feet are moving, I'm happy. Hiking, photography, playing the guitar, singing with my daughters, playing Fortnite with my boys writing, eating nachos with my wife and seeing the best in people! 🚀

Episode 4 of the Mean Grip Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Taylyn Wilson, an 18-year-old student athlete committed to playing golf at Southern Utah University. Discover how Taylyn harnesses the power of a strong mind to perform under intense pressure—she even reveals her “fear vs. nervousness” approach to conquering high-stakes moments like her recent high school state championship victory. In this episode, we dive into Taylyn’s mental training routines, her shift from volleyball to golf, and the importance of dedication when juggling schoolwork, athletic commitments, and personal life. We also square off in a fun series of challenges—from long drives to putting—to see whose game can hold up under the spotlight! If you’re looking for actionable insights on mental toughness, sports psychology, and staying motivated on the path to success, you won’t want to miss this episode.💪 We talk about:✅ The power of mental strength in sports✅ How to stay focused and overcome setbacks✅ Balancing school and athletics as a student-athlete✅ The high-stakes moment that changed everything✅ Plus… Taylyn & I go head-to-head in a golf skills showdown! 🏆🎯 If you're an aspiring athlete, competitor, or just want to learn how to handle pressure like a pro, this episode is for you!🔥 Watch to the end to see who wins our epic golf challenge!🔔 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring stories of grit, determination, and success!Host: Mean Grip PodcastGuest: Taylyn Wilson, SUU Golf Commit#MeanGripPodcast #Golf #StudentAthlete #SportsPsychology #FearVsNervousness #MentalGame #SouthernUtahUniversity #StateChampion #WinningMindset #Dedication #Episode4