60: Movement & Connection: Why Support Matters; A Runner’s Journey

60: Movement & Connection: Why Support Matters; A Runner’s Journey

When life hit breaking point, Jason Rantall made one choice that changed everything: he quit smoking on January 31st and started running on February 1st. What began as pain, escape, and survival slowly became connection, clarity, and purpose.   In this episode, Jason opens up about rebuilding his life through movement, learning to stop runningaway from himself, and becoming a powerful advocate for mental health in his community. We dive into Better Mental, the run groups, the conversations that save lives, and the incredible challenges he’s taken on including the 801km run for suicide awareness and his massive efforts in the Backyard Ultra world.   It’s raw, honest, and full of hope. A reminder that support isn’t weakness, movement shifts the mind, and you don’t have to do any of it alone.

59: The Struggle That Shaped Him: The Breakthrough That Changed Him; A Runner’s Journey

Scott’s marathon journey is one of the wildest progressions you’ll ever hear from running his first-ever race the day before the 2021 NYC Marathon to becoming a 2:47 marathoner just a few years later.   In this episode, Scott breaks down how he went from a 6:27 debut to sub‑3, to 2:47, and why the Dopey Challenge, Berlin, Chicago, and Philly each shaped him into the runner he is today.   We talk training, confidence, setbacks, breakthroughs, and the moment he realised he truly belonged in the sport. His advice for new runners is gold, simple, honest, and grounded in experience.   A must‑listen for anyone chasing improvement, rediscovering their love for running, or needing proof that consistency changes everything.

58: It’s Never Too Late: How Shona Found Joy, Community & Confidence via Running; A Runner’s Journey

Shona didn’t start running until nearly 60. What began as a simple walk to improve her health turned into 5Ks, half marathons, and a deep love for the running community.   In this episode, Shona shares how ADHD shaped her journey, the emotional story behind her first half marathon on Kangaroo Island, overcoming injuries including two broken ankles, and the mindset shifts that helped her push through tough moments like Brisbane Half. She also talks about running with her husband, finding joy in travel runs, and her upcoming goals from Gold Coast to Melbourne.   Shona’s story proves it’s never too late to start and that running is as much about joy and community as it is about the kilometres.

57: Running the World Before 30: Theo’s Six‑Continent Marathon Quest; A Runner’s Journey

Before he turns 30, Theo set himself a challenge most runners only dream about: six marathons across six continents. But this journey didn’t start with a finish line it started with a collapsed lung, weeks in bed, and a promise to himself that once he could breathe freely again, he’d live fully again.   In this episode, Theo takes us through every step of that promise. From Valencia, where he learned what “the wall” really feels like… To New York, the 42‑kilometre street party… To Sao Paulo, his childhood dream destination… To Osaka, where the jet lag hit as hard as the marathon… To Cape Town, where a cancelled race became the catalyst for his first sub‑3… And finally, to Melbourne, where he’ll complete his six‑continent mission inside the iconic MCG.   It’s a story of resilience, travel, community, heartbreak, joy and what happens when running becomes the vehicle for rebuilding your life.

56: Running With Purpose: Meriem’s Story of Identity, Motherhood & Marathons; A Runner’s Journey

Meriem’s story is one of courage, community, and rediscovering strength through running. Growing up between Casablanca and Australia, she navigated cultural identity, bullying, and an eating disorder before a 7km fun run changed her path. Running became a lifeline from her first marathon at 15 raising funds for Syria, to balancing elite training with med school, motherhood, and managing Type 1 diabetes. It remains her anchor through life’s challenges. This episode explores resilience, belonging, and the power of starting small and trusting the process. Her journey reminds us why we lace up and who we become along the way.