In this episode, I dive into the often-misunderstood idea of mental toughness through the lens of endurance sport and life itself. Inspired by what I call the “Goggins effect,” I question the belief that constant suffering is the only pathway to growth or self-worth. Instead, I explore the deeper intention behind why we push ourselves, and how true resilience isn’t just about enduring pain, it’s about cultivating balance, honesty, and the courage to slow down.

Drawing from my own ultra-endurance experiences, I share what it really means to chase big goals while still holding space for self-care, reflection, and appreciation of life’s simplest moments. Because sometimes the strongest thing we can do is not push harder... but pause, breathe, and choose with intention.

We’ve teamed up with Spring Energy Australia to fuel your training and racing.

Use code RUNNINGDEEPENERGY at checkout for orders over $60 and get 4 FREE gels added to your order.

👉 Shop here: Spring Energy Australia

⭐ Help the podcast grow:

• Rate & review the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode
• Share it with a mate who needs a bit of inspiration on their run

Your support means the world and helps keep these raw, real conversations going. 🙏

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features Darcy Cogdale, who opens up about his powerful journey from addiction to recovery with raw honesty and unapologetic energy. From early struggles with drugs and the impact of his mother’s illness to the time he spent in jail that became a turning point, Darcy shares how these experiences shaped his path forward. What stands out is his commitment to showing up as his true self — with high energy, resilience, and a willingness to be the best version of himself, for himself.

Through fitness, Darcy found purpose and a way to help others walking the road of recovery. He reflects on gratitude, the importance of small daily wins, and the legacy of love and pride he carries in honor of his mother. This is a story of strength, vulnerability, and the unshakable power of being authentically yourself.

We’ve teamed up with Spring Energy Australia to fuel your training and racing.

Use code RUNNINGDEEPENERGY at checkout for orders over $60 and get 4 FREE gels added to your order.

👉 Shop here: Spring Energy Australia

Want to Connect with Darcy?

Darcy Cogdale

https://drcfit.com

If you’re enjoying Running Deep, the best way to support me is by supporting the sponsors who make this possible. Big thanks to Spring Energy Australia — don’t forget to use code RUNNINGDEEPENERGY at checkout for orders over $60 to score 4 FREE gels.

⭐ Help the podcast grow:

• Rate & review the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode
• Share it with a mate who needs a bit of inspiration on their run

Your support means the world and helps keep these raw, real conversations going. 🙏

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this monologue style episode I share my thoughts on what it truly means to take a leap. It's not about making a dramatic, life-altering decision, but about embracing small, intentional steps that align with our values and integrity. I'll talk about how courage can be quiet and personal, and how we can all redefine our own leaps without losing stability.

We’ve teamed up with Spring Energy Australia to fuel your training and racing.

Use code RUNNINGDEEPENERGY at checkout for orders over $60 and get 4 FREE gels added to your order.

👉 Shop here: Spring Energy Australia

⭐ Help the podcast grow:

• Rate & review the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode
• Share it with a mate who needs a bit of inspiration on their run

Your support means the world and helps keep these raw, real conversations going. 🙏

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I engage with Raf and Mel, a couple navigating the challenges of parenting a child with epilepsy. They discuss their journey, the importance of communication, and how running serves as a vital outlet for both of them. The conversation delves into the emotional and practical aspects of their lives, highlighting the resilience required to face daily challenges while also working towards raising awareness and support for epilepsy through their foundation, 1 in 25.

We’ve teamed up with Spring Energy Australia to fuel your training and racing.

Use code RUNNINGDEEPENERGY at checkout for orders over $60 and get 4 FREE gels added to your order.

👉 Shop here: Spring Energy Australia

Want to connect with them?

Rafael Nunez

Mel Nunez

1in25 Foundation

If you’re enjoying Running Deep, the best way to support me is by supporting the sponsors who make this possible. Big thanks to Spring Energy Australia — don’t forget to use code RUNNINGDEEPENERGY at checkout for orders over $60 to score 4 FREE gels.

⭐ Help the podcast grow:

• Rate & review the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode
• Share it with a mate who needs a bit of inspiration on their run

Your support means the world and helps keep these raw, real conversations going. 🙏

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⁠Donate to the podcast here ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/therunningdeeppodcast⁠

After a year in silence, Running Deep is back. In this raw and reflective solo episode, I share why I walked away from the mic, what the stillness taught me, and the fire that brought it all back. No filters. No fluff. Just a grounded return to real conversation, deep endurance, recovery, and what it means to truly come home to yourself.

Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new, this is where we begin again.

I greatly appreciate your support for the podcast: - Take just 2 minutes out of your day to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. - Support us by subscribing and reviewing on iTunes or Spotify. - Spread the word by sharing and tagging us online!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⁠Donate to the podcast here ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/therunningdeeppodcast⁠

Dean Lucas shares his journey of overcoming depression from a young age to becoming a professional mountain biker, emphasizing how finding purpose and setting goals can help you push through tough times. He discusses the importance of self-awareness and cutting out distractions to focus on personal growth, and reflects on the emotional process of recovering from a serious neck injury, highlighting the initial fear and anger, and the peace that comes with acceptance. Dean encourages listeners to focus on what truly makes them happy and stay true to themselves.

Takeaways:

• Finding purpose and goals can help overcome difficult times and lead to happiness.
• Being self-aware and eliminating distractions are key to personal growth.
• Experiencing the flow state can be a transformative and fulfilling experience.
• Visualization can enhance performance and focus.
• The concept of snakes and ladders can be applied to life to identify and eliminate negative influences. Pain is useful and can be used as fuel to propel you forward.
• Regret is natural, but it's important to focus on what makes you happy in the present moment.
• Cut out distractions and analyze your emotions to make choices that align with your own happiness.
• Feel and process pain to connect with others and find deeper connections.
• Don't let others' opinions or judgments dictate your choices; focus on what brings you joy.

- **Fractel**: Use code `RUNNINGMATTERS` for 10% off your order.

- **Gooch Goo**: Use code `RUNNINGDEEP` for 10% off your order.

- **Shokz**: Use code `RDP10` for 10% off your order.

You can visit the [⁠Linktree⁠](⁠https://linktr.ee/therunningdeeppodcast⁠) page for more details and links to each of these products.

We greatly appreciate your support for the podcast:- Take just 2 minutes out of your day to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts.- Support us by subscribing and reviewing on iTunes or Spotify.- Spread the word by sharing and tagging us online!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⁠Donate to the podcast here ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/therunningdeeppodcast⁠

Round 2 with Kieron Douglass. We talked about Kieron’s journey as an ultra runner, touching on his recent back ward marathon, recovering from injuries, and the importance of resilience and self-discovery in his life. We also reflected on how our childhoods have shaped our mindsets and how Kieron’s identity as an ultra runner has evolved.

We also got into the pressures of staying relevant in the running community and how social media can mess with your mental health. The conversation emphasized the importance of being known for your character rather than just your accomplishments.

Navigating social media, avoiding constant comparisons, and finding balance in life, especially with family, were key topics. He is also encouraging everyone to be kind to themselves, love who they are, and remember that they are enough just as they are.

Want to connect with Kieron?

⁠Instagram⁠

Takeaways:

• Running can be a tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
• Resilience and perseverance are important qualities in overcoming challenges.
• Childhood experiences can shape one's mindset and approach to life.
• Identity can evolve and change over time, and it's important to define oneself beyond a specific title or achievement.
• Being true to oneself and finding joy in the present moment is more important than meeting others' expectations. Focus on personal growth and being a good person rather than achieving impressive running feats.
• Separate yourself from the constant comparison and pressure of social media.
• Prioritize family and find balance between running and personal life.
• Go easy on yourself, love yourself, and recognize that you are enough.

- **Fractel**: Use code `RUNNINGMATTERS` for 10% off your order.

- **Gooch Goo**: Use code `RUNNINGDEEP` for 10% off your order.

- **Shokz**: Use code `RDP10` for 10% off your order.

You can visit the [Linktree](https://linktr.ee/therunningdeeppodcast) page for more details and links to each of these products.

We greatly appreciate your support for the podcast:- Take just 2 minutes out of your day to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts.- Support us by subscribing and reviewing on iTunes or Spotify.- Spread the word by sharing and tagging us online!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week episode it is just me, myself and I and I am reflecting on my personal experiences and shares my thoughts on identity, suffering, social media, and finding joy in life. I emphasize the importance of enjoying the present moment and not getting caught up in the pressure to constantly achieve and push oneself. I also encourage listeners to focus on being kind, finding activities that bring them joy, and not comparing themselves to others.

Takeaways:

• Don't define yourself solely by your achievements or labels; just be yourself and enjoy life.
• Suffering is not necessary for personal growth; find joy in everyday activities.
• Take breaks from social media and focus on what truly makes you happy.
• Don't compare yourself to others; everyone's journey is unique.
• Practice kindness and prioritize relationships with loved ones.
• Explore different aspects of your identity and find balance in your life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⁠Donate to the podcast here ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/therunningdeeppodcast⁠

Tim completed a 26,245-kilometer run around the world, becoming the eighth person to do so. His goal was to inspire people to move more and show the positive impact of movement on physical and mental health. The run took 576 days, averaging nearly 50 kilometers per day. Tim faced challenges such as language barriers, fatigue, and encounters with dogs, but he remained patient and focused on taking one step at a time. He learned the importance of patience and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. The adventure allowed him to meet new people, experience different cultures, and appreciate the support of his crew and the communities he encountered. He reflects on his incredible journey of running around the world and shares his post-run experiences. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude for the support of his family and the need to appreciate the present moment. He encourages sustainable growth and self-improvement, while also prioritizing balance and enjoyment. Tim also highlights the significance of internal validation and the impact we have on others. He urges those struggling to reach out for help and emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a positive support network.

Want to connect with Tim?

Instagram

https://www.timrunstheworld.com/

Takeaways:

• Movement has a positive impact on physical and mental health.
• Taking one step at a time and being patient can lead to great achievements.
• Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable opens up new experiences and opportunities.
• Adventures and challenges can create lasting memories and connections.
• Support from a crew and community is invaluable during difficult times. Gratitude for the support of family and loved ones is essential.
• Transitioning from a monumental achievement requires finding a new purpose.
• Sustainable growth and self-improvement should be prioritized over constant pushing and burning out.
• Internal validation is more important than external validation.
• Reaching out for help and surrounding oneself with a positive support network is crucial during difficult times.

We greatly appreciate your support for the podcast:- Take just 2 minutes out of your day to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts.- Support us by subscribing and reviewing on iTunes or Spotify.- Spread the word by sharing and tagging us online!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.