Advertise on podcast: The Extra Mile - The Official Charity Miles Podcast

Kyle and Brent Pease aren't just athletes; they're the driving force behind the Kyle Pease Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to creating inclusion for people with disabilities through sports and life experiences. Kyle, who was born with cerebral palsy, and his brother Brent, have completed countless endurance races, including six Ironman races together. If you just looked at a picture of them in the races, you might think that Brent is doing all the work as he pushes, pulls and carries Kyle. But as we'll hear in this interview, the two really push, pull and carry each other equally. In this interview, the Pease brothers invite us behind the scenes of their journey—and into the positive mental attitudes that keeps them moving forward. They talk candidly about: The emotional truth of racing as a team The distinction between what we choose and what chooses us Kyle's lifelong decision to embrace positivity How gratitude can transform even the hardest miles What it's like to carry each other—physically, mentally, and spiritually Why presence, not speed, is the real secret to strength It's a conversation about endurance, yes, but even more about vulnerability, resilience, gratitude, inclusion, acceptance and love. 🔥 Key Takeaways Gratitude is a performance enhancer. Spoken aloud, it becomes a source of fuel. You can't choose every challenge—but you can choose your attitude toward them. Presence is a superpower. Hard moments feel manageable when you stay in the moment. Teamwork means carrying each other in different ways. Sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally. Positivity is not automatic. Even for Kyle, it's a daily choice and discipline. Endurance isn't just physical. Emotional resilience is built mile by mile. Resilience isn't just a personal characteristic. True resilience is a social construct. It comes from our families, friends, communities and the other people we surround ourselves with. 🎉 Thanks to Hyperice! Huge thanks to Hyperice for sponsoring this episode and supporting the Charity Miles community. Hyperice is a global leader in movement and recovery technology, trusted by pro athletes, major leagues like the NBA and NFL, and global running communities everywhere. Hyperice is even the official Recovery Technology of IRONMAN, which makes them the perfect partner for this episode. Whether you need powerful percussion for warm-up, dynamic air compression for recovery, or simple, easy-to-use heat and ice solutions, Hyperice has a tool for every stage of your routine. Their products are portable, powerful, and super intuitive—helping you get back to feeling your best, faster. I've personally used and love several of their products, including their Hypervolt massagers, Normatec air compression boots, Vyper vibrating roller and more.   Which is why I reached out to them to ask them to sponsor us.  And which is why I was so thrilled when they said yes. We're proud to partner with a brand that's so deeply aligned with our mission: helping people move with purpose, feel their best, and go the extra mile. Also, right now is the best time to level up your routine with some Hyperice of your own because Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are live, with savings up to $250 off their full suite of technology. It's their deepest discount of the year, and prices go up on December 2.   So, click here today elevate your own recovery routine today.

As we come into the home stretch of 2025, I'm thrilled to share today's interview with Asha Curran, CEO and co-founder of GivingTuesday, the global generosity movement now active in 111+ countries. Asha shares the origin story of GivingTuesday, which began as a three-month experiment inside the 92nd Street Y and has since grown into one of the most significant grassroots social change movements in the world—one built on radical trust, co-ownership, and the belief that every person has something to give. Together, we explore how generosity strengthens communities, how charities can evolve beyond transactional fundraising, and why participation—not just money—is the true engine of long-term impact. We also discuss the deep civic implications of everyday giving, the rise of collective movements, and how each of us can live more generously—not just on one day a year, but in the way we walk through life. Whether you work at a nonprofit, care about charities in your community, or simply want inspiration for how you can make a bigger impact, this is a conversation for every changemaker.  🔑 Key Topics & Insights The origin of GivingTuesday: how a simple experiment became a global movement. Radical co-ownership and how GivingTuesday succeeded by letting people "remix" the idea. Why generosity is civic participation—and a predictor of community health. The shift from donors → owners and why the language of philanthropy needs to change. The rise of collective giving: giving circles, coalition campaigns, and community-led change. Why trust is a two-way street for nonprofits and their supporters How nonprofits can stop thinking transactionally and start thinking relationally. What everyday generosity looks like—and why small acts matter more than ever. How generosity is like running: big race vs. everyday training. Asha's call to action for GivingTuesday: do something generous… and then turn to the person next to you and do something kind for them, too. 📌 Favorite Moments Asha recalling the very first GivingTuesday, when nonprofits spontaneously started changing the logo—and why instead of sending cease-and-desist letters, they embraced the remixing. The discussion on "peer-to-peer voice" and why it's just as important as peer-to-peer fundraising. How changing a tire illustrates the joy and humanity of helping others. The analogy between training for a race and building a culture of generosity. 💡 Asha's Call to Action for GivingTuesday Give to a cause you care about. Share why it matters to you. Turn to the person next to you and do something kind. Generosity is not just financial. It's connection, care, belonging, and showing up. 👤 About Asha Curran Asha Curran is the CEO of GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement active in over 111 countries. Named one of Time Magazine's Most Influential People in Philanthropy. Asha is a leading voice on civic participation, community-led change, and the future of generosity.

Today, I'm honored to share a conversation with Sharon Eubank, the Global Humanitarian Director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and now, the author of a beautiful new book called Doing Small Things with Great Love: How Everyday Humanitarians Are Changing the World. For nearly three decades, Sharon has led humanitarian efforts in more than 190 countries, helping millions through projects that span from emergency relief to long-term community development. In her new book, she distills what she's learned into 12 guiding principles — lessons that remind us that each of us is most powerful where we live, that real help is always an exchange, and that service can be one of the most joyful things we do. We spoke about what it means to serve with dignity, how small acts can ripple across the world, and how faith and compassion can unite us even in divided times. Her message is one that I know will resonate with everyone in our community. Big thanks to Sharon for sharing so much with us!

Michelle Boggs is the Executive Nonprofit Industry Advisor at GoFundMe, where she works closely with nonprofits of all sizes and has a unique perspective on the trends shaping the future of fundraising and philanthropy. In our interview, Michelle shares the latest trends she's seeing in the nonprofit space, the current challenges that charities are facing, and how they can better engage their supporters to build trust and community. Her insight is helpful both to our listeners who work at charities and for all of our members who are always looking for ways to go the extra mile for the charities that we care about. Big thanks to Michelle for sharing so much with us.

In this episode, we catch up with Wes Adams—positive psychology researcher, author, and founder of SV Consulting Group—during a walk through his hometown of Montclair, New Jersey, for a powerful conversation about what makes work meaningful. Wes shares insights from years of research into why some workplaces thrive while others burn out, and how great leaders create meaning—not just through mission statements, but through everyday moments of community, contribution, and challenge. From casual team check-ins to stretch assignments, Wes explains how small, consistent actions can build cultures where people actually want to show up. We explore what it really means to lead with purpose, how to support others without micromanaging, and why meaning—not perks—is the key to retention, engagement, and performance. Huge thanks to Wes Adams for sharing his perspective—and for helping reshape how we think about leadership and the future of work. Connect with Wes Adams Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesadams1/

In this episode, we sit down with Manoj Kumar, a tech leader at Harman and passionate cyclist, to hear the incredible story of his 6,000km solo ride across India.   Manoj opens up about what inspired him to take this journey—navigating traffic, burnout, and the desire to break out of the ordinary—and how cycling became both a physical and spiritual path. From flat tires to moments of doubt, from conversations with strangers to meditative stillness on the road, Manoj's story is one of resilience, clarity, and quiet courage.   We explore the diversity of India's landscapes and cultures, the role of family and inner conviction, and how a simple commute became the foundation for a life-changing experience.   A huge thank-you to Manoj Kumar for sharing his journey—and to Harman for supporting personal transformation inside and outside of work.

In this episode of The Extra Mile Podcast, we're joined by Pat Morrissey and Brendan Cusick of Human Powered Potential—a four-person team that rowed across the Pacific Ocean to raise over $43 million for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Pat, who lives with early onset Parkinson's, shares his powerful journey from diagnosis to joining this life-changing mission. Brendan, the team's skipper, walks us through the inspiration behind the row, the mental and physical preparation, and what it was like to face 30-foot waves and total isolation in the middle of the ocean. Together, they talk about the strength of community, the power of purpose, and how the support they received from thousands kept them moving through even the hardest days. This is a story of resilience, teamwork, and pushing beyond limits for something bigger than yourself. Don't miss this incredible conversation. Every mile matters.

We're thrilled to share this interview with Kiera Smalls, the Executive Director of the Running Industry Coalition.  The RIDC is an educational nonprofit with a mission to unite the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.  This is a conversation about how running can be a tool for connection, empowerment, and change, but also how the running community, and how we think about diversity in the running community, is a microcosm for so much more.   In a time where we seem to see a movement in opposition to diversity, equity, inclusion, we are doing our best to double down on these values. At Charity Miles, we believe in inclusivity, and that our diversity is what makes us resilient. It also makes our life experiences so much more rich and enjoyable.   But most of all, because it's the right thing to do. So we're going to try to do our part, in this podcast at the very least, to bring you more voices like Kiera's. — This podcast is sponsored by our partners at UCan, a brand that I have personally relied on for years to fuel my performance, both in big events and every day. UCan provides steady, long lasting energy without the sugar roller coaster that's in other energy gels and drinks. The unique LiveSteady carbohydrate is a starch, not a sugar, that is trusted by elite athletes like Kira D'Amato and Emma Bates, weekend warriors, and everyday movers alike. Unlike fast burning sugars and gels, UCan delivers a slow, sustained release of energy to keep you going strong without the crashes. Whether you're training for a marathon, heading out for a long ride, or just staying active, UCan helps you feel and perform your best. And as a special gift to the Charity Miles community, UCAN is offering a free sample pack of four energy gels, plus, you can get 20% off any other UCan products by entering the code "CharityMiles" at checkout. Click here to learn more.  

It's a tremendous honor for me to share my podcast with Olympic legend and humanitarian, Billy Mills.  Billy Mills was born in 1938 and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Oglala Lakota Nation. Billy had a very difficult childhood, losing his mother, sister, and father by the age of 12. He turned to running as both an escape and a source of discipline. After his father's passing, Billy attended the Haskell Institute, a U.S. government run boarding school for Native American children. Schools like Haskell were controversial for their forced assimilation, physical and emotional abuse, and systematically trying to erase their students Indigenous identities. Billy, though, had a positive experience at Haskell, where he met his coach Tony Coffin, who became somewhat of a father figure to him. Coffin recognized Billy's talent and helped nurture his running abilities, providing him with the foundation that would later lead to his collegiate and Olympic success. Also, during his time at Haskell, Billy spent one of his summers as a counselor at Camp Greylock in Beckett, Massachusetts, which is the summer camp that I went to many years later and is a very important part of my life. So it's very special for me to share this link with Billy. At Haskell, Billy won multiple state championships in track and cross country, earning him a scholarship to the University of Kansas, where Billy would be coached by Bill Easton. Easton was a highly respected track and field coach who led Kansas to multiple NCAA championships, and at Kansas, Billy was one of the best distance runners in the country. He was a three time All American, won multiple Big Eight titles, and was runner up in the 1960 cross country championships. Through all of this, however, Billy faced numerous challenges, including discrimination at every level, including from Easton, hypoglycemia, and struggles with self doubt. At times, Billy even contemplated suicide, and in his senior year, he walked off the track and quit the team completely. Fortunately for Billy, the University of Kansas is also where he met and began dating a young woman named Patricia Pat Collins. Pat played a crucial role in Billy's journey, supporting him through the challenges he faced as an athlete and as a Native American navigating the world of elite sports. After graduating Kansas, Billy married Pat, joined the U. S. Marine Corps, and resumed training with the goal of not just making the U. S. Olympic team and not just winning a medal, but winning the gold medal in the 10K. Which he did. In 1964, Billy qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in the 10, 000 meter race, where he stunned the world with a historic, come from behind victory, becoming the first and still the only American, or even the only person from the Western Hemisphere, to win the gold medal in the event. He also remains the only Native American, other than Jim Thorpe, to win a gold medal in the Olympics. His triumph is considered one of the greatest Olympic upsets and victories of all time. Since Billy's victory in the 1964 Tokyo Games, Billy and Pat have dedicated their lives to giving back, co founding Running Strong for American Indian Youth, an organization that empowers Indigenous communities through health, education, and self sufficiency programs. Their journey is one of perseverance, cultural pride, and spreading a message of unity through diversity. All values that are very much at the heart of the Charity Miles community. Which naturally, is why we want to also thank our partners at Brooks Running who are very much champions for these values as well. For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K,  peace of mind after a stressful day, or an Olympic gold medal.  It could be a cure for Parkinson's, a cleaner planet, fair play, or the strength that comes from our diversity. So… let's run there. With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place. Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. Let's run there. Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more. Chapters: 00:00 - The Historic 1964 Olympic 10K Final 02:14 - Introducing Billy Mills: A Story of Resilience 06:12 - Billy's Early Life on Pine Ridge Reservation 13:06 - The Impact of Haskell Indian School 24:16 - Overcoming Struggles in College and the Marines 32:24 - The Journey to the Tokyo Olympics 35:55 - The Epic 10,000-Meter Race 42:54 - Winning Gold: A Dream Fulfilled 50:26 - Giving Back: Running Strong for American Indian Youth 1:03:01 - The Secret to a 63-Year Marriage

In this episode, we're joined by Brad Pitassi, Chief of the Maricopa Fire Department, who shares his incredible journey from EMT to fire chief. We discuss wildfire response, community resilience, and the personal sacrifices firefighters make to keep us safe. Brad's stories are both eye-opening and inspiring, offering practical tips on disaster preparedness and how we can all support our local heroes. #EveryMileMatters! Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 0:26 – Becoming Fire Chief of Maricopa 1:31 – Inspired to Serve After 9/11 3:23 – Managing Large-Scale Disasters 5:36 – What It's Like Fighting Wildfires 10:00 – How to Fight a Forest Fire 19:57 – Wildfires in Urban Areas 31:52 – Personal Preparedness Tips 43:36 – Cancer Risks for Firefighters 52:45 – Final Thoughts & Thank You

We're excited to bring you this inspiring conversation with Charles Costa, an ultrarunner who accomplished the incredible challenge of running 90 marathons in 90 days along the Pacific Crest Trail. In this episode, Charles shares his journey of resilience, his dedication to raising awareness for mental health through organizations like the Jed Foundation, and the lessons he's learned from this life-changing experience. We explore powerful themes like finding freedom and purpose through running, the connection between physical activity and mental health, and how perseverance can inspire change not just for yourself but for others. A huge thank-you to Charles Costa for sharing his story and to everyone supporting mental health initiatives that truly make a difference. Don't forget to follow Charles on Instagram at @CharlesCostaOfficial for more inspiration! #EveryMileMatters Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:18 Finishing the Challenge 0:39 Background and Motivation 2:07 Discovering Ultra Running 4:00 The Sicily Experience 6:36 Running for Freedom 12:05 Running for Mental Health Awareness 18:16 Running as an Expression 25:10 The Challenge of Resilience 36:30 Support and Community on the Trail 41:11 The Power of Resilience 54:07 What's Next 59:16 Calls to Action

We're thrilled to share this interview with Dr. Bill Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society. Dr. Dahut is a renowned oncologist and researcher who is helping set the vision for the world's most innovative cancer research initiatives. In this interview, we cover a wide range of topics, including the groundbreaking research the American Cancer Society is supporting, the critical role of early cancer detection, and how lifestyle choices like diet, and exercise can significantly reduce cancer risk. Dr. Dahut is both inspiring and empowering, because he gives us an inside view for how we can all make an impact —not only by fundraising but also by living healthier lives to reduce our risk of getting cancer. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Huge thanks to Dr. Dahut for his leadership and taking the time to share so much with us. Also a huge thanks to everyone at the American Cancer Society for leading the charge in the fight against cancer, and for giving us all the opportunity to be a part of it. Head to American Cancer Society to learn more and find out how you can join the fight. Click here to download Charity Miles and get moving for the American Cancer Society. #EveryMileMatters!   Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 0:28 Meeting Dr. Bill Dahut 3:46 Dr. Dahut's Journey to Oncology 6:12 The Role of Lifestyle in Cancer Prevention 9:03 Advances in Early Cancer Detection 12:16 The Connection Between Obesity and Cancer 15:54 How ACS Supports Cutting-Edge Research 22:10 Modifiable Behaviors That Reduce Cancer Risk 35:39 Innovative Treatments and AI in Cancer Care 54:14 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action

We're thrilled to share this interview with Martinus Evans, author, coach and founder of the Slow AF Run Club.   Martinus' journey is not just about running. It's a journey of overcoming setbacks, challenging norms, and motivating people of all shapes, sizes, and speeds to lace up and get moving.   From an "impossible" goal set in a doctor's office, to founding a movement that encourages tens of thousands of people to get moving, Martinus' story is about turning doubt into determination and making the impossible inevitable. We have not doubt that you'll inspired by Martinus' insights on resilience, grit, and the power of embracing your own journey in running—and in life. -- Of course, we also want to express our sincere gratitude to our partners at Brooks Running, who make interviews like this possible. For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.  So… let's run there.   With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place. Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinson's, a cleaner environment or some goal that you think just might be impossible… Let's run there.  Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.

Today, I have the immense privilege of walking with one of the most influential thinkers, authors and teachers of our time, Seth Godin. Seth is the author of 21 best-selling books that have transformed how we think about marketing, leadership, and the power of creative work. His books have been translated into over 35 languages, helping readers across the globe learn to challenge the status quo and make a lasting impact. In addition to his writing, Seth is the founder of several successful businesses, including the groundbreaking altMBA, an online workshop that has revolutionized the way people learn to lead and create meaningful change. He also invented email marketing, so we can thank him for that. Above all, Seth is a teacher. He's taught at some of the most renowned business schools, founded one of the most successful online learning platforms, and spends his time sharing wisdom on everything from business strategy to life philosophy.  In this episode, Seth shares his insights from his new book, This is Strategy, on how to embrace systems, time, empathy, and games to create change—not just for business, but in any aspect of life. As Seth says in the intro to the book, this is for someone who wants to make things better—which I know is all of us. --  Big thanks to our partners at Brooks Running. For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.  So… let's run there.   With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place. Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinson's, more ethical treatment of animals, or even a stormy day on the New York City Aqueduct. Let's run there.  Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more. -- Also big thanks to our partners at Lifeway Foods. Lifeway is more than just a company that makes delicious, probiotic-rich kefir—it's a forward-thinking brand committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world.  Many of you are well familiar with Lifeway Kefir.   But in case you're not, Kefir Kefir is an ancient healing superfood from the Caucasus Mountains that has provided microbiome support for over 2,000 years. The villagers who consumed it often lived past 100 years of age and attributed their longevity to their consumption of kefir. It's like a tart and tangy cultured milk smoothie that's packed with probiotics and bioavailable nutrients like high-quality protein, calcium, and Vitamin D to help you feel your best inside and out. Lifeway's commitment to making a positive impact is part of their DNA. Their CEO, Julie Smolyansky, is someone who I think embodies the spirit of what Seth talks about in this interview. She has a deep passion for social causes, from advocating for wellness to tackling issues like the maternal healthcare, hunger and social justice. Julie was also one of the first people to take a chance on Charity Miles, after we met at SXSW over ten years ago. It's safe to say that we wouldn't be where we are today without their support.  So huge thanks to Julie and Lifeway for being such an important part of the Charity Miles story.

Today we're honored to share a very special interview with the great Harvey Lewis, one of the world's top ultrarunners of all time. (Also, like Courtney Dauwalter in our last episode, one of the nicest.) Harvey is not only an accomplished runner but also a dedicated high school teacher at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati. He runs to work every day on what he calls his "run commute," and I had the incredible opportunity to join him on one of those runs—from his home all the way to his school, winding our way through Cincinnatti and Kentucky, over and back across the beautiful Ohio River. In this episode, we'll talk about Harvey's journey as an ultrarunner, including his record-setting win at Big's Backyard Ultra, where he ran an astounding 454 miles over 4 and a half days. We'll dive into what drives him to push beyond physical limits, and his approach to inspiring others to live healthy, active lives.  After relistening to and reflecting on this interview, I think that what comes through the most is not just what Harvey has to say, but how he says it. He truly has a passion, not just for running, but for inspiring and helping others—whether that's other runners, people that he passes on the road, his fellow competitors in a race, his students or animals. When we finished our run commute, I had the chance to meet with some of Harvey's students, and I asked them what it's like to have such an extraordinary person as their teacher. I'm grateful that they allowed me to share their responses, which will give you a real sense of the impact Harvey has, both inside and outside the classroom.  Of course, I'm also grateful to Harvey for such a memorable run and for sharing so much with us. And, of course, we're all grateful to our partners at Brooks Running.  For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.  So… let's run there.   With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place. Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinson's, more ethical treatment of animals, or first period government class at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati. Let's run there.  Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.