Episode 62: From Ultras to FKT’s to Ocean Crossings: You Won’t Believe What Mike Wardian’s Doing Next!


What happens when you stop waiting for permission and start chasing wild, audacious goals? That’s exactly what we unpack in this powerhouse episode with Mike Wardian—elite endurance athlete, record-setting runner, and all-around inspiration. From running across the United States to setting a fastest known time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail for his age group, Mike shares the mindset behind tackling the unimaginable.

But this conversation goes beyond races and records. Mike opens up about what fuels his drive, how he builds resilience through repetition, and how he balances his career, family, and love for adventure. Whether you’re prepping for your first 10K or dreaming of rowing solo across the Atlantic (yep, that’s on his calendar too), there’s something here for everyone chasing big goals.

🔥 What You’ll Learn

  • How Mike plans his insane endurance calendar using a Post-it Note system

  • The real story behind his Appalachian Trail record attempt — injuries, storms, and mental toughness

  • Why he’s trading trails for water in 2027: rowing across the Atlantic solo

  • How to push through when motivation runs dry — the power of micro-goals

  • Mike’s approach to family, business, and adventure life balance

  • What he’s learned about humanity and resilience from running thousands of miles

🏆 Featured Moments

[1:04] – Mike’s “goal list” strategy for setting and sticking to ambitious challenges
[4:58] – What is the Taco Bell 50K and the Full Ham Triathlon? (Hint: They’re tougher than they sound)
[6:55] – Why Mike’s next adventure is rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean
[9:02] – The difference between saying yes to challenges and actively seeking them out
[15:45] – Why the Appalachian Trail holds a special place in Mike’s heart
[23:10] – Trail injuries, vegan nutrition, and how Mike fueled himself with 10,000 calories a day
[32:45] – How Mike balances a full-time career and family life while pursuing ultra-endurance feats
[39:01] – The truth about running across America—traffic, kindness, loneliness, and everything in between
[45:40] – Why 100 burpees a day became a key part of Mike’s training routine

🧠 Listener Takeaways

  • Your biggest goals are within reach if you break them into daily reps

  • You don’t need to quit your job to live an adventurous life

  • Embrace the beginner’s mindset — it’s where the magic starts

  • There’s no substitute for consistency and curiosity

  • “Run toward the thing you’re afraid of — it’s probably where the growth is.”

📌 Links & Resources

  • Follow Mike Wardian on Instagram: @mikewardian

  • Learn more about Mike’s gear and sponsors: Teva, Bakline

  • Check out upcoming grassroots races like the Taco Bell 50K via Mike’s socials

👏 Connect with Us

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more conversations just like this. You can find us on YouTube by searching On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self — and don’t forget to hit the bell so you never miss a new drop.

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Episode 61: Why Adventurers Quit – 3 Mental Traps and How to Beat Them with Vol State 500K Finisher MAJ (Ret.) Vincent Antunez


Enduring the Impossible with Vincent Antunez

This episode is a deep dive into the mind and mission of Vincent Antunez, DSc, PA-C – a retired U.S. Army Major, ultra endurance athlete, and founder of Trail Toes. From grueling military deployments to multi-day ultramarathons across the globe, Vincent shares how pain, persistence, and preparation have shaped every step of his journey.

We talk about what it takes to push beyond the limits of your body – and more importantly, your mind. Vincent shares raw, powerful stories of suffering and success on the course, the lessons that endurance sports teach about humility and resilience, and the gear and mindset strategies that keep him (and his feet) moving forward. This one is packed with wisdom from the front lines – of both battlefields and ultramarathons.

🎧 Don’t forget – we’re now on YouTube! Be sure to subscribe to the channel and hit that bell so you never miss an episode. And of course, follow the show wherever you get your podcasts.

⏱️ Episode Timeline:

[1:12] – How Vincent met ultrarunning legend Lisa Smith-Batchen — and helped her complete her historic Badwater Quad
[3:44] – A military career across decades and continents
[6:57] – How a post-midnight beer run in Germany accidentally became his first marathon
[11:42] – Why he keeps showing up, even without formal training
[13:58] – The 3 reasons people drop out of ultras (and how to beat them)
[20:31] – Innovative tips for staying cool and blister-free on brutal courses
[24:49] – Trail Toes and how Vincent created it in Afghanistan
[38:11] – The psychology of endurance: crews, quitting, and the right kind of pressure
[52:05] – Why Vincent keeps coming back to these events — and what they continue to teach him

🔗 Links & Resources:

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the podcast — and share it with a friend who’s always pushing their limits. Every download helps more everyday explorers find their way forward.

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Episode 60: Inside the Mind of Speed Records, Failure, and Firearms with Tom Kubiniec


How do you embrace fear and failure to build a multi million dollar business, shred heavy metal guitar solos and break land speed records in a custom built car?

In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Tom Kubiniec—entrepreneur, former heavy metal guitarist, and the so-called “gun storage guru.” From his days tearing up the music scene to building a global business in military weapon storage, Tom’s journey is one wild ride. We dive deep into what it means to stake a claim in life before you’ve “earned it,” why failure should be embraced (and quickly), and how creativity fuels not just business, but bold living.

A killer insight from Tom: “You don’t know where you’re going to land until you jump. As you’re falling, you will find a place to land.  If you’re not happy with that one, jump again.” 

We also explore his adrenaline-pumping pursuits: restoring rare cars, racing across the Utah salt flats, and finding peace in silence while bow hunting. This episode is about pushing limits, whether in the boardroom, behind a guitar, or out in the wild. If you’re looking for inspiration to go all-in on your ideas or just want a reminder of how short life is, this one hits home.

Episode Highlights:

[1:12] – Tom’s journey from unknown rock guitarist to global leader in military gun storage

[6:05] – The pivotal moment of “claiming” expertise before it was proven—and why it worked

[13:25] – How public speaking and guitar technique both benefit from slow, intentional practice

[17:00] – Fail fast: Why Tom says failure is not the enemy but the pathway to innovation

[25:55] – The birth of a game-changing locking system after a live simulation revealed a major flaw

[33:02] – Creating personas in business and why it’s not about being fake—it’s about solving problems

[39:45] – Breaking a land speed record with a 750cc custom car: the build, the danger, the payoff

[44:00] – Why silence in the woods and watching a forest wake up is Tom’s ultimate reset

[54:10] – Final reflections on living fully, embracing fear, and making the most of the one life we get

Links & Resources:

Closing Remarks: If this conversation with Tom fired you up to take bold steps in your own adventure, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed this one, rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s ready to make their move.

Also, don’t forget to check out the full video episode and more on our On Adventure YouTube page and hit that Subscribe button.

Thanks for tuning in!

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Episode 59: What Does it Take to Be Great with Lisa Smith-Batchen


What does greatness look like? Is it talent, time, or something deeper? In this episode, I sit down with endurance legend and master coach Lisa Smith-Batchen to explore what greatness really means – and how it evolves as we do. With over four decades of coaching and ultra-running behind her, Lisa shares a wisdom-packed perspective on pushing limits, aging with intention, and chasing big dreams, no matter where you’re starting.

Lisa is the first American to win the grueling Marathon des Sables and the first woman to have completed the Badwater Quad – covering 584 miles across Death Valley! She’s run across multiple states for charity, completed a 50-mile ultra in every state, and raised over $1 million for orphanages and clean water projects. But what’s just as remarkable is how grounded, present, and purpose-driven she remains through it all.

We dig into the transformative power of endurance sports—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. Lisa opens up about what keeps her coming back to extreme challenges, the emotional shifts that come with aging as an athlete, and how learning to put yourself first might just be the most radical move of all. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or simply trying to show up fully in life, this one’s for you.

🕓 Timeline Highlights

[3:55] – Lisa’s 20-year coaching journey with Bob Becker and the bond beyond the miles
[6:45] – Getting cut from the team—and how it shaped her coaching philosophy
[9:25] – Breaking records and barriers: Badwater Quad, 50 ultras in 50 states, and running for causes
[12:15] – The path from average to good to great: Lisa’s simple but powerful growth model
[17:49] – Embracing evolution: letting go of who you were to step into who you’re becoming
[29:01] – A moment at mile 132 that changed Bob Becker’s mindset—and maybe yours too
[34:00] – Why making time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential
[41:15] – What keeps Lisa coming back to the edge of endurance: joy, clarity, and spiritual connection
[57:22] – Guiding a blind and deaf athlete through 140 miles—Lisa’s next adventure

🔗 Links & Resources

💬 Final Words

This episode offers far more than endurance talk—it’s a blueprint for living with purpose, courage, and connection. If it struck a chord with you, be sure to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. And don’t forget – head to our YouTube page to subscribe and watch the full conversation. We’ve got more powerful stories coming your way, so stay tuned and stay on adventure.

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Episode 58: How to run through Death Valley in July at age 80 with Bob Becker


In this captivating episode of On Adventure, I sit down with the legendary Bob Becker – ultramarathoner, race director, and age-defying adventurer – to unpack his incredible journey from late-blooming runner to becoming the oldest finisher of the Badwater 135, one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons.

At 80 years old, Bob proves that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, conquer deserts, and inspire generations. Whether you’re an aspiring endurance athlete, race organizer, or simply someone looking for motivation to stay active, this episode delivers.

🕓 Timestamps & Topics Covered

  • [00:04:00] Introduction – Welcoming Bob Becker and setting the stage.

  • [00:06:00] Late Bloomer in Running – Bob started serious running at 57!

  • [00:07:30] First Ultra: Marathon des Sables – 150-mile Sahara race to celebrate turning 60.

  • [00:09:00] Why Ultras? – The deep camaraderie and the life-changing community.

  • [00:13:00] Training Without Mountains – How Bob trains for elevation in flat Florida.

  • [00:18:30] From Running to Race Directing – Launching the iconic Keys 100 and Daytona 100 races.

  • [00:23:00] Life After Real Estate – How Bob turned adversity during the financial crisis into purpose.

  • [00:27:00] Jungle Racing in the Everglades – Creating and running a now-legendary trail race.

  • [00:34:00] Enduring Support – His wife’s unique but wholehearted support.

  • [00:38:00] Intergenerational Adventure – Racing with his granddaughter.

  • [00:39:30] Movement as Medicine – Encouraging older adults to “just start moving.”

  • [00:40:00] Nutrition & Heat Strategy – Vegan lifestyle and fueling for the long haul.

  • [00:47:00] Inside Badwater 135 – The heat, the altitude, the brutal beauty.

  • [00:54:00] History in the Making – Becoming the oldest finisher in Badwater history.

  • [01:00:00] Mental Grit – Mantras, bear crawls, and mindset hacks.

  • [01:05:00] Lessons from the Trail – What Bob’s learned from every finish line.

🏆 Key Takeaways

  • 🧠 Age is not a limitation – Bob didn’t start running seriously until his late 50s.

  • 🌱 Vegan athlete – Nutrition was key to training, racing, and recovery.

  • 🥵 Badwater veteran – 6x Badwater runner; oldest finisher at age 80.

  • 🛠️ Creative training methods – Pulling tires across bridges to simulate hills.

  • 💪 Mental strength over miles – Bear crawled the last mile of Badwater in 2022.

  • 🧡 Inspiring generations – Encourages others, especially seniors, to stay active.

✨ Notable Quotes

“If someone else can do it, why can’t I?” – Bob Becker

“The finish line is glorious. It’s a bragging right you carry forever.”

“You’re never too old to start moving. Start walking, gardening – just move.”

🔗 Connect with Bob Becker

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations with adventurers, endurance athletes, and game-changers just like Bob Becker.


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On Adventure: Lessons from the Edge

Adventure isn’t just about the trails we run or the mountains we climb. It’s about the way challenge shapes us—pulling us past our limits, stripping away comfort, and helping us see what matters most. In the last three episodes of the On Adventure Podcast, I’ve had the chance to sit with guests who live this out in remarkable ways.

Ken Posner: Chasing the Grid and Hearing Nature’s Call

Ken Posner set out to complete “The Grid”—climbing all 35 high peaks of New York’s Catskills every month of the year. It’s a feat of endurance, yes, but more than that, it’s a practice in transformation. Along the way, Ken experimented with barefoot running, stripped away layers of technology, and found stillness on the other side of immense physical suffering. His story reminds us that nature is always sending a signal—we just have to quiet the noise long enough to hear it.

Dr. Charles Infurna: Coaching beyond limits 

Dr. Charles Infurna grew up in a Sicilian immigrant family where work ethic wasn’t taught in lectures—it was lived out daily. That example fueled his career as both an athlete and a coach. In our conversation, Charles shared the delicate art of pushing athletes to see beyond their perceived limits without crossing into unhealthy pressure. His insight applies far beyond sports: adventure often means recognizing that the line we think is our limit is usually much farther out

Tom Hicks: Purpose, pain and the price of adventure

Conservationist and adventurer Tom Hicks spends his days fighting global wildlife crime syndicates and his free time chasing extreme endurance challenges. From Ironman races to the Barkley Marathons, from scaling remote peaks to preparing for a South Pole expedition, Tom leans into the suffering that comes with hard pursuits. For him, discomfort isn’t something to avoid—it’s often the price of purpose. His perspective is a reminder that adventure changes us not only by where it takes us, but by who it calls us to become.

 

Why do these stories matter?  Ken, Charles, and Tom live very different lives, but their stories echo the same truth: adventure is an invitation. It calls us outside, challenges us with difficulty, and leaves us stronger and more alive. Whether it’s on a mountain trail, a sports field, or in the wilderness of Africa, the pursuit of hard things reveals who we really are.

You can listen to the full episodes of the On Adventure Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 57: Barefoot Running, the Badwater Double FKT, and Chasing the Grid with Ken Posner


In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Ken Posner—ultrarunner, author, former Army Ranger, and corporate financial analyst—to explore the transformative power of pushing physical and mental boundaries. Ken shares stories from his extraordinary journey completing the “grid”: summiting all 35 high peaks of New York’s Catskills in every month of the year. Along the way, he stripped away technology, embraced barefoot running, and found a deeper connection with nature and himself.

This episode isn’t just about extreme endurance. It’s about rediscovering who we are when the noise of the modern world fades away. We unpack how doing hard things in nature can bring clarity, strength, and a more balanced life. Whether you’re curious about barefoot hiking, intrigued by minimalist living, or seeking inspiration to shake up your own routine, Ken’s story will move you.

Timeline Summary:

[2:22] – Ken’s shift from corporate life to ultra endurance running in his late 30s
[4:00] – Why he started running barefoot and what kept him going
[7:45] – The joy, mindfulness, and sensation of barefoot movement
[10:10] – Balancing high-tech corporate work with minimalist, analog outdoor living
[19:00] – The metaphor of “signal vs. noise” and how nature helps us tune in
[28:30] – Pain vs. suffering: building resilience through chosen challenges
[35:00] – The Badwater Double: a 292-mile journey through Death Valley and back
[47:30] – How the mountains called him at age 50 and led to chasing the grid
[54:00] – The spiritual and transformative lessons learned through mountain pilgrimages

Links & Resources:

Closing Remark:

Please check out Ken’s website and support him by purchasing his new book! 

If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend who could use a little adventure in their life. Be sure to follow, rate, and leave a review of the podcast and well as our new YouTube channel—it helps us reach more everyday explorers just like you. Thanks for tuning in!

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Episode 55: From Conservation to Kilimanjaro – A Life of Meaningful Struggle with Tom Hicks


What does it really mean to suffer with purpose? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with conservationist and ultra-endurance athlete Tom Hicks – a man whose journey is as layered as the landscapes he climbs. From leading anti-poaching efforts across Africa and Asia with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation to tackling brutal challenges like Ironman races and high-altitude expeditions, Tom’s life is defined by intentional hardship, deep introspection, and relentless forward motion.

We dive into the heart of resilience, why discomfort can be transformative, and how a former rugby coach found meaning in the mountains. Tom also shares his connection with previous On Adventure guest Holly Budge and his plans to lead a new team to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Whether you’re an aspiring adventurer, a mindset junkie, or someone wrestling with self-doubt, this episode delivers a powerful reminder: growth is never linear, and purpose is often found in the pain.

Episode Highlights:

[3:00] – Fighting global wildlife crime: Tom’s work with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
[8:00] – The brutal truth about poaching, organized crime, and the risks of field conservation
[12:00] – From being told he’d never succeed to becoming a conservation leader
[18:00] – Mentoring the next generation: the importance of presence and vulnerability
[24:00] – The “circuit breaker” mindset tool to quiet negative inner voices
[29:00] – What drives us to endure suffering in pursuit of meaning
[38:00] – A life-or-death lesson on Lenin Peak – and why good decision-making matters
[45:00] – Remembering Dixie Dansercoer and how it reshaped Tom’s risk tolerance
[54:00] – Emotional regulation in chaos: the power of calm leadership
[59:00] – Balancing ambition, burnout, and building a team for Kilimanjaro

Links & Resources:

Connect with Tom:
Have questions about conservation, endurance training, or joining the upcoming Kilimanjaro team? Reach out to Tom directly on LinkedIn or Instagram – he’s always happy to connect with fellow adventurers and curious minds.

Enjoyed this episode?
If Tom’s story sparked something in you, take a second to rate, follow, and review On Adventure. And be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and inspiration from the trail. Plus – don’t miss new episode drops and bonus video content on our brand-new YouTube channel. Hit subscribe and join us for the next great adventure.

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Three Adventures, Three Life Lessons – New Episodes of On Adventure Podcast

If you’ve missed the latest episodes of On Adventure Podcast, now is the perfect time to catch up. These three conversations share a common thread – ordinary people stepping into extraordinary moments – yet each one unfolds in a completely unique way. You can find all of these at the podcast website linked here or any podcast app.

Holly Budge: Skydiving Over Everest and Fighting for Wildlife

Holly Budge doesn’t just chase adrenaline; she turns her adventures into advocacy. In our conversation, she recounts becoming the first woman to skydive over Mount Everest and racing semi-wild horses across Mongolia. But the real heartbeat of Holly’s story is her work supporting female wildlife rangers protecting endangered species. Her insights on fear – how to normalize it and even use it as fuel – will leave you rethinking how you approach challenges in your own life.

Tanner Critz: Hiking Toward Identity on the Appalachian Trail

Tanner’s journey is raw and reflective. He opens up about hiking the Appalachian Trail in his early 20s, not just for the adventure but as a way to strip life down to the essentials and ask, Who am I really? Along the way, he wrestles with hidden health struggles, isolation, and the profound reset that comes from removing every societal label to rediscover yourself in the wilderness.

Brian Warren: From Mountain Guide to Fatherhood and New Horizons

Brian Warren’s life arc reads like an explorer’s logbook – thru-hiking the AT days after high school, moving to Jackson Hole sight unseen, and guiding climbs from the Tetons to the Himalaya. Yet his current challenge is far different: stepping out of the outdoor industry, embracing fatherhood, and navigating a new career path. Our discussion explores how the lessons of mountaineering – presence, risk, and reinvention – translate to the next chapter of life.

Each episode captures a different angle of adventure – from fear to identity to reinvention – and offers takeaways you won’t find in a highlight reel. Grab your headphones, go for a walk, and dive into stories that might just shift how you see your own journey.

Traveling on Purpose: Turning Luxury Vacations into Meaningful Milestones

For many families, vacations are about rest and recreation – time to unwind, see the world, and enjoy hard-earned success. But for those with significant resources, there’s an opportunity to take travel beyond luxury and create something far more lasting: purposeful travel.

Purposeful travel blends the comfort and adventure you expect with intentional goals – strengthening family bonds, serving communities in ways that leave a legacy, or cultivating personal growth through quiet reflection. These trips become milestones, remembered not just for where you went, but for how they shaped your family’s story.

Here are three purposeful approaches that resonate especially well for families who want their travel to matter as much as their investments:

  1. Multi-Generational Adventures that Forge Family Connection

When a family spans multiple generations, gathering everyone under one roof – or even in one country – can be rare. A purposeful family trip creates an intentional space to connect across ages, combining luxury comfort with shared challenges or experiences.

Think of chartering a private expedition yacht in Alaska where grandparents and grandchildren alike participate in guided wildlife research. Or a curated trek through Patagonia, complete with private guides and lodges, where each family member contributes – whether it’s navigating a trail or preparing a shared meal one evening.

The goal isn’t just to “go somewhere” but to actively create shared experiences that knit generations together and build the family narrative. These trips often spark traditions that become part of the family’s legacy.

How to get started:

• Engage a travel advisor who specializes in high-end, family-oriented experiences to ensure logistical ease and privacy.

• Choose a cause or skill that resonates with your family values – conservation, cultural preservation, or even an artistic pursuit.

• Plan structured reflection time, like nightly fireside conversations or a shared family journal to capture insights along the way.

  1. Personal Retreats for Renewed Perspective

Wealth often comes with significant complexity…it’s the often-overlooked paradox of ‘more.’ The pressures of leadership, decision-making, and public life can be relentless. Purpose-driven solo retreats – or even couples retreats – offer rare opportunities to disconnect from constant demands and recalibrate priorities.

Picture a guided silent retreat in the Swiss Alps with world-class amenities, or a secluded desert lodge designed for deep meditation and personal reset. These environments strip away distractions and offer clarity, allowing you to return not just refreshed, but re-centered on what matters most.

How to get started:

• Consider retreat centers that balance privacy with top-tier wellness programming – places that honor both comfort and introspection.

• Recommendations from friends that have gone before are helpful!

• Build a loose itinerary: include guided mindfulness sessions, private hikes, or curated reading lists to deepen the experience.

• Plan for post-retreat integration: a few days of quiet transition before re-engaging fully with work and family life. This is always important so we don’t blow right back into life as usual.

  1. Philanthropic Travel with Measurable Impact

For many affluent families, travel is also a chance to align lifestyle with legacy. Philanthropic adventures – sometimes called “impact travel” – allow you to explore remarkable destinations while supporting initiatives that matter to your family.

Imagine funding and participating in a reef restoration project in the Maldives, or helping construct sustainable water systems in a remote African village – while your family experiences the local culture and learns firsthand about the challenges and solutions. These trips can instill gratitude and broaden perspective for younger generations, while also tangibly advancing causes you care about.

How to get started:

• Partner with established philanthropic travel organizations to ensure projects are ethical, sustainable, and genuinely needed.

• Define your family’s core values (education, conservation, community) and seek projects that align with them.

• Combine service with adventure – balance meaningful work with opportunities to explore and celebrate the destination.

Why This Matters for Families of Means

There is no question that I am bent towards looking at vacation as an escape. I do not think that there is anything inherently wrong with viewing time away from daily life in this light. Sometimes, it is exactly what is needed for recharging.

However, the broader point here is that there is another angle that can be considered. Purposeful travel reframes vacations from “escape” to “investment” – not in dollars, but in relationships, perspective, and legacy. It creates shared experiences that deepen connection, foster gratitude, and remind everyone what your resources are really for: living a meaningful life, not just an affluent one.

These trips also help younger generations see wealth differently – not as entitlement, but as responsibility and opportunity. They become part of the family culture, shaping how future decisions about giving, living, and investing are made.

Next time you plan a trip, ask: What could this mean for our family beyond rest and luxury? The answer might turn your next vacation into one of the defining chapters of your family’s story.