Better By Next Week

Welcome back to the Better By Next Week podcast 🎙️This week is Human Guinea Pig – Part 2.We’re deep in the Hardcore Harry’s Challenge 🏃‍♂️ — now in the marathon-plus stage, adding 1km every single day since January 1. The distances are climbing, the fatigue is real, and the lessons are getting sharper.In this episode, we unpack what we’re learning about RECOVERY, SLEEP, NUTRITION, PACING, and MENTAL DISCIPLINE. From nasal breathing upgrades and sleep gains 😴, to increasing carb intake, managing foot pain, rotating old shoes, and using run–walk strategies to survive the daily load — this is a raw look at what it takes to back up marathon distances day after day.We also zoom out to the bigger vision for the year ahead — building toward Sydney’s Backyard Ultra, Unbreakable, the Satellite Team World Champs 🇦🇺, and the long-term goal of joining the 100 HOUR CLUB 💯.This isn’t just about running.It’s about becoming BETTER — one decision, one kilometre, one day at a time.

This week on the Better By Next Week podcast, Tim and Ollie lean into big goals, redemption, and the courage to say your ambitions out loud 🔥From chasing course records at Wild Boar, You Yangs and Surf Coast Century to unpacking the difference between a 17-year-old and a 43-year-old body, this episode is about structure vs intuition, fatigue resistance, and why most runners overcook their easy days. They talk base building, strength work, and the real edge: consistency over hype.But it goes deeper than splits and sessions.Medals aren’t the moment, they’re symbols of it. The real win is the growth, the hug after 20 hours, the quiet proof you’re moving forward. They explore confidence vs validation, how belief is built through repeated action, and why getting comfortable with discomfort changes everything.If you’re chasing something that scares you, this one’s for you.Because getting better isn’t about ego. It’s about who you become in the pursuit.

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast, Tim and Ollie take things completely off script with a world-first Backyard Ultra experience 🎙️🔥For the first time ever, the podcast was set up live at the start/finish line of the MVP Backyard Ultra. Between laps, they captured raw, unfiltered conversations with crews, race director Brett Saxon, and even a runner who DNF’d and stepped straight off the course to share his journey in real time. No polish. No hindsight. Just the truth of endurance as it’s happening.They also break down the race itself , what they saw unfold hour by hour, how fatigue changed decision-making, the moments that mattered most, and the lessons you only learn by being right there in the chaos 🕒🏃‍♂️It’s an epic, out-of-the-box episode that puts you inside a Backyard Ultra like never before. If you want the heartbeat of ultra running, not just the highlight reel , this one’s a must-listen. 🎧🔥

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast, Tim and Ollie unpack what it really means to be PRIMED — a simple framework that shows up again and again in running, work, and life 🧠🏃‍♂️P – Plan (Planning for success)Why winging it only works until it doesn’t. We talk about setting clear plans, adjusting on the fly, and giving yourself direction without boxing yourself in 📋R – Risk (Taking calculated risks)Progress never comes from playing it safe. From races to life decisions, we break down how to take smart risks without blowing yourself up 🎲I – IntentionTraining with purpose instead of autopilot. Every session, decision, and habit has a “why” — and when you’re clear on it, everything sharpens 🎯M – MotivationWhy motivation is unreliable and what actually keeps you moving when the excitement fades. Spoiler: it’s not hype 🔁E – EmotionsLearning to sit with discomfort, nerves, doubt, and pressure — and using them as information instead of letting them derail you 😬D – DisciplineThe quiet superpower. Showing up on the average days, sticking to the process, and trusting that consistency always wins 💪If you’re trying to become a better runner, a better human, or just more consistent with the things you say matter — this episode will hit home 🎧🔥

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast 🎙️ Tim and Ollie sit down with Brady Nankervis to unpack what happens when running becomes more than training, and starts shaping how you live, work, and help others 🌱Brady shares the quiet shifts that slowly changed his direction, from life as a tradie to building purpose through running, nutrition, and mental-health support. We dive into career pivots, confidence, and what it really takes to step into work that aligns with who you’re becoming, not who you used to be.The conversation goes deep into social media, pressure, and authenticity, including the moments that redefine what “hard” actually means when running meets real life. Brady opens up about DNFs, emotional finishes, long-distance suffering, and why asking for help can be a strength, not a weakness.There’s plenty of practical gold for runners too. Simple nutrition habits, easy runs done right, mindset versus fuel, early-morning discipline, and lessons learned from everything from a first DNF to finishing UTA and tackling 30 marathons in 30 days 🏃‍♂️🔥Honest, grounded, and full of perspective, this episode is for anyone chasing growth, purpose, and progress both on the run and beyond it.

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast 🎙️ Tim and Ollie welcome two absolute weapons of Australian ultra running, Joel Sexton and Dave “Gatty” Gatt, into the greenhouse 🌱Joel burst onto the scene fast, going from 24-hour events to representing Australia in Backyard Ultras, while Gatty has become known for draining the well at brutal mountain races and delivering legendary King of the Hill performances ⛰️🔥We rewind to where it all started, unpacking what first drew them to the suffering of ultras and how running reshaped their lives, identities, and perspectives. From KOTH heroics and BYU chaos to near-DNFs, fear, doubt, stubbornness, and those mid-race “what am I doing” moments 😅This episode digs deep into the mental game. How to race when quitting feels close, how to stay present through long nights, rebuild confidence after bad races, and define success beyond podiums.They also share practical gold for listeners, from underrated training elements to managing boredom, anxiety, and life balance. Raw, honest, funny, and packed with lessons earned the hard way, this one’s for anyone chasing limits and learning what it really means to keep showing up. 💪🏽🔥

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast, Tim and Ollie kick off a brand-new chapter with The Human Guinea Pig 🧪. This episode sets the foundation for a year built on curiosity over ego, asking “what’s possible?” instead of what if.Tim lays out why this year of challenges feels different — less directionless, more intentional — using his own body as the experiment so listeners don’t have to. Ollie takes on the role of observer and handbrake 🧠, helping keep the process honest, structured, and grounded in real learning.We unpack the thinking behind the LOS Challenge, the Sydney Backyard Ultra, and why consistency beats hero sessions when fatigue, stress, and life start stacking up.Along the way, we answer listener questions, jump into Don’t Quote Me On That, and set a new BBNW Challenge — before leaving the story right on the edge of what comes next… 🚀

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast 🎙️ Tim and Ollie sit down with Alex Cleary for a conversation that goes deep, fast.From chaotic younger years to building a life with intention, Alex shares how he flipped the script without losing himself along the way. We unpack identity shifts, accountability, and the uncomfortable middle ground where you’re no longer who you were… but not yet who you’re becoming 🤯Alex takes us inside some of his wildest chapters, including attempting to run from Sydney to Melbourne, stopping due to serious health risks, and the lessons that still shape him today. We then head to Antarctica ❄️ where Alex trained for a marathon while working underground in African mines, breaking down how extreme environments sharpen his mindset, fuel his competitive edge, and feed his well known love for “taking souls” when racing.We also dive into Ultraman, addiction, grief, content creation, and building King of the Hill into one of the most electric events in the country 🔥This episode is raw, reflective, funny, and deeply human. If you’re navigating change, chasing growth, or questioning what’s next, this one will stick with you.

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast, Tim and Ollie close out the year with our final episode, Better By Next Year 🎉. This one is part celebration, part reflection, and part looking forward. We spin the wheel 🎡 to give away all our All New Review prizes, revisit some of the biggest moments from the year, and talk honestly about what we learned along the way and what we’d change if we were doing it all again.We dive back into the gear that genuinely worked for us throughout the year 👟⌚, the reviews that surprised us most, and the lessons learned from testing products in real-world conditions, not perfect ones.Instead of talking New Year’s resolutions, we focus on changing habits and building routines that actually lead to long-term lifestyle change. Small, repeatable actions that stack up over time and help you keep showing up when motivation fades.We also break down our favourite events of the year, share insights from the BBNW Challenge, and reflect on what we learned not just as runners, but as people. A big, meaningful way to finish the year and set the tone for what’s next 🚀

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast, Tim and Ollie are back in the trophy room 🏆 after putting themselves through one of their more ambitious ideas yet, racing an event using all brand-new gear. No wear-in period, no familiar favourites, just fresh footwear 👟, new sunnies 😎, untouched nutrition 🍯, untested apparel, watches ⌚, headphones 🎧, and all the race-day essentials thrown straight into real race conditions.This All New Review episode is where they unpack how it all actually went. What held up under fatigue, what surprised them, and what they’d rethink next time. From comfort and performance to practicality over long hours ⏱️, nothing is off the table.Along the way, they challenge common gear myths, share honest takeaways, and talk through lessons you only earn by doing the work, not reading the label. If you enjoy real-world gear chat, first-hand experience, and insights earned on tired legs, this one’s for you.🎁 Giveaway Time!Want to win some of the gear we review? Head to our Instagram giveaway post to enter! To be eligible, make sure you’re following the brand you’d like to win from. On our Instagram, each brand has its own reel entry so you can enter for multiple prizes. Don’t miss your chance to grab some amazing gear and be part of the fun!👇 Brand partners featured in this episodeLululemon https://www.lululemon.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/lululemonCOROS Altra Australiahttps://altrarunning.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/altrarunningau/OOFOS https://www.oofos.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/oofosaustralia/Knockaround AUhttps://www.knockaround.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/knockaround_australia/Trails Plushttps://trailsplus.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/trailsplusGooch Goohttps://goochgoo.comhttps://www.instagram.com/gooch_goo/Shokz Australiahttps://shokz.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/shokzaunz/Tarkinehttps://tarkine.comhttps://www.instagram.com/tarkineathletics/Mapleroohttps://mapleroo.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/mapleroo.au/RELE https://www.relefootwear.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/relefootwearTailwind Nutrition AUhttps://tailwindnutrition.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/tailwindnutritionau/

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast Tim and Ollie record this episode just two hours after crossing the line at Last Legend, with the legs still trashed and the adrenaline very much alive. Ollie takes out the event with an epic 80km performance, while Tim battles his way to 70km, proving grit sometimes matters more than good decisions.They break down what it actually took to win, the mindset shifts required as the laps drag on, and practical tips for anyone thinking about taking on a last-man-standing style event. The boys dive deep into the course, race-day strategy, fuelling, pacing, and the moments where things nearly fell apart.Fresh off the chaos, they also tackle this week’s listener questions with raw honesty and plenty of laughs. There’s big energy in this one as Tim finally passes what Ollie calls the fire torch to the next generation. Strap in—this is a performance for the ages.

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast Tim and Ollie talk about “The Secrets We Keep.” From the funny stuff, like hiding new running gear from your partner or pretending that old pair of shoes is “definitely not another pair” to the deeper personal secrets that weigh us down and why speaking them out loud can be the key to letting them go.We also dive into our upcoming All New Review episode and the massive $2.5k in giveaways thanks to our incredible brand partners and the unreal support from our listeners. This week we officially unveil our brand-new Quote of the Week segment (finally named), and we tackle every one of your listener questions with honesty, humour and a whole lot of heart.It’s a packed episode full of laughs, insights, vulnerability and epic giveaways. Tune in for the secrets, stay for the wisdom, and leave feeling better by next week.

On this week’s Better By Next Week episode, Ollie and Tim host Ben Burgess in the Greenhouse, fresh off an incredible run at the World Ultra Trail Running Championships where he finished as the number one Aussie in a stacked global field. We dive into what it felt like to stand on the world stage, how he processed the experience, and why his running has skyrocketed over the past few years.Ben opens up about being self-coached, staying humble, learning constantly, and handling the days when everything falls apart. We explore the pivotal moments behind his record run at Kunanyi, the gear he refuses to race without, and why supporting smaller community events matters to him.We also dig into Ben’s zest for adventure, his love for nature, the freedom of a nomadic lifestyle, and how staying relaxed (sometimes unbelievably relaxed) helps him race with joy instead of pressure. He shares how he manages expectations, finds energy, navigates hard moments, and uses running as a tool for growth and perspective.Plus, we hit listener questions including training for West Macs, race-day nutrition, favourite shoes, post-race snacks, and whether events like DU135 or backyard ultras are on his radar.A big, insightful, uplifting chat with one of Australia’s most exciting ultra talents.

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast Tim and Ollie talk donuts, gazebos and giveaways… because nothing screams elite running podcast like pastries and portable shade. We go deep into race-day nutrition plans (no, donuts don’t make the list), our favourite pre-race and mid-race foods, and the gear you should bring to every event, whether you’re racing a 5K, an ultra, or somehow got convinced to do both in the same weekend.We unpack the chaos of crewing, including what actually helps your runner, what absolutely doesn’t, and why Ollie thinks Tim is passing him a fire torch. There are honest insights, questionable decisions, and plenty of stories that’ll make you laugh and maybe rethink your own race-day routine.We bring back our favourite listener segments: your Listener Questions, plus our mysterious, iconic, still-yet-to-be-named Quote of the Week.And because our listeners are absolute legends, we’re running a special giveaway episode to say thank you. Tune in for tips, laughs, gear talk and a whole lot of organised chaos.

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast Tim and Ollie explain what their keys to the castle really are when it comes to training. They break down the purpose behind tempo, hills, easy runs, long runs and how each session builds a stronger, smarter and more resilient runner. Tim then jumps in with his go-to mental tactics to help you get started, stay motivated and hold yourself accountable—whether you’re beginning your running journey, planning your next big challenge or gearing up to smash your A-race.Littered with practical insights, real stories and simple mindset shifts, this episode gives you the tools to elevate your training and strengthen your mental game. By the end, you’ll feel inspired, energised and ready to step into your next epic challenge with confidence.The keys are yours—now it’s time to unlock your potential.

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast, Tim and Ollie dive deep into the incredible experience that was King of the Hill. An event that pushed Tim to his absolute limits. After running for an unbelievable 65 hours and climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest twice, the boys unpack what it truly took to go that far, both physically and mentally. Ollie shares the behind-the-scenes stories from crewing, the highs, lows, and everything in between, while Tim reflects on what it means to completely empty the well. From detailed course insights to the lessons learned through exhaustion, teamwork, and grit, this episode gives a raw, honest look into one of the toughest endurance challenges out there. It’s a story of resilience, preparation, and finding the edge of what’s possible, all captured in the most epic King of the Hill recap yet.

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast, Tim and Ollie step you through the true meaning of beers and nachos — that’s right, we’re talking recovery! 🍻🥑 From the physical and mental side to the nutritional essentials, this episode breaks down how to bounce back smarter after a hard training session, a gruelling race, or even a tough injury. Joining the conversation is Gaby Villa, renowned sports nutritionist and founder of Intenseatfit, who works with some of the world’s best ultra runners. Together, we unpack the key principles of recovery — from fueling right and managing fatigue to rebuilding confidence after setbacks. Whether you’re chasing your next PB or just trying to stay consistent, this episode gives you the tools to recover stronger and get back out on the trails sooner. Gaby Villa https://www.intenseatfit.com/about-gaby-villa

On this week’s episode of Better By Next Week, Tim and Ollie welcome two of Australia’s finest ultra runners, Tom Dade and Miah Noble, into the Greenhouse. Together, they dive deep into stories of grit, resilience, and personal growth, both on the trails and in life. Tom and Miah open up about their struggles with mental health, sharing honest insights into how running has become a grounding force and how their relationship strengthens through shared challenges. It’s an eye-opening and heartfelt episode filled with inspiration, laughter, and raw emotion. From their incredible achievements to their unfiltered reflections, this conversation showcases the power of connection, perseverance, and youthful spirit. Tom and Miah are not only remarkable runners but also remarkable humans, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧💬 #BetterByNextWeek #UltraRunning #Inspiration

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast, Tim and Ollie slow things down and ponder the big questions that have been circling their minds. From the build-up to some major upcoming events to the growing excitement around the biggest Backyard Ultra in the world, they dive deep into what truly drives people to go all in, mentally, physically, and emotionally. The conversation drifts between curiosity and reflection, touching on why we chase suffering, how community and competition shape us, and the fun, chaotic banter that makes race day unforgettable. It’s an episode less about performance and more about perspective, exploring the mindset, meaning, and motivation behind the miles. Tune in for thoughtful insights, a few laughs, and plenty of heart as Tim and Ollie unpack what it really means to keep showing up. 🎧💭 #BetterByNextWeek #RunningPodcast #backyardultra Tims New Vibes Playlist 😁🎵https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0GkcIrb65Iq79eguWdm6Eo?si=LU0KMJLMQmOYM8kJLO9Nxg

On this week’s Better By Next Week podcast, Tim and Ollie uncover the big hitters when it comes to things that can go wrong during training and racing, from blisters and chafing to bonking and breakdowns. They dive deep into the must-have tactics every runner needs to stay prepared, overcome setbacks, and keep pushing forward when things get tough. With real-life stories, hard-earned lessons, and insights from amazing athletes, this episode is packed with practical advice you can actually use on your next run or race. Whether you’re chasing a PB, lining up for your first ultra, or just trying to get through your next long run in one piece — this one’s for you. Tune in to learn how to stop, prepare, adapt, and keep moving forward no matter what the day throws at you. Tim's Challenge for Ollie @Coldrayendurance⁩  https://youtu.be/1uTuOfHpnus?si=YtRUbmG7cCZrCP0dClick Follow to be ready to hit the road or trails with Better By Next Week every Monday morning.