The Crows Nest Podcast

🔥 BONUS EPISODE 🔥 MVP Through Fresh EyesYou’ve heard Brandon and I unpack MVP- the heat, the pressure, the lessons. But this time, we’re shifting the lens.Because you never forget your first backyard ultra.In this bonus episode, we sit down with Tom and Aaron to debrief their very first experience stepping into the backyard format at MVP. From pre-race nerves and quiet doubts to the moment it stopped feeling exciting and started feeling real. We unpack what it’s like to discover your limits in real time.With impressive 10 and 20 lap performances, both of them proved that your first backyard isn’t just about how far you go… it’s about who you become out there.We talk mindset, community, turning points, and what surprised them most about the format. Raw, honest, and reflective- this episode captures the beauty of seeing MVP through fresh eyes.Because sometimes the most powerful growth happens when you have no idea what you’re walking into.

Episode 13 – The MVP DebriefThe race that breaks you… and reveals everything.MVP wasn’t just hot and brutal, it was exposing. The kind of race that strips you back to your preparation, your standards, your mindset, and the conversations you have with yourself when things start to hurt.In this episode, we unpack the full debrief! What went right, what cracked under pressure, the turning points, and the lessons that will shape the year ahead.We’re also sharing a powerful crew voice note from Alex Cleary- a raw, behind-the-scenes perspective of what it looked like from the other side of the loop.Lots of mentions of performances displayed by runners at the event! This one has it all! Enjoy, ca-cawww!

To kick off the new year, we sit down with Ramona Lever-counsellor, coach, author, and a respected voice in the wellbeing space with over 25 years of experience helping people create meaningful, lasting change.In this raw and honest conversation, we explore the power of mindset and what it really means to set authentic goals that align with your true purpose — not external expectations. Ramona shares insights on navigating post-race blues, managing self-talk, building confidence, and reconnecting with your why, both in running and in life.This episode is a powerful reminder that your best year doesn’t come from doing more, but from aligning deeper. A grounding and intentional way to start the year, wherever you are on your journey.

In Episode 4, Darryl joined us to share his journey through ultra running- the miles, the mental battles, and the grit it takes to keep showing up. As promised, he’s back for an end-of-year reflection, and this time he’s joined by his incredible partner and crew, Annaliese.This episode explores the same finish line through two very different perspectives- the runner and the person standing beside them for every loop, every decision, and every late-night moment.Together, Darryl and Annaliese reflect on the year that was: the race highlights, the toughest moments, the lessons learned, the gear that made a difference, and the growth of Mind Over Miles Run Club. They also share what it’s really like navigating backyard ultras from both sides on the course and behind the scenes and what they’re carrying with them into the year ahead.A raw, honest and grounding conversation about endurance, support, community, and what it truly takes to go the distance.

In this milestone 10th episode, we sit down with the incredible Bardie Somerville- carpenter, public speaker, endurance runner, and the driving force behind The Shift, an organisation reshaping mental health conversations for blue-collar workers.Bardie shares her journey through the trades, the challenges faced, and the powerful mission that fuels her work in creating connection, vulnerability and change across the construction industry.We also dive into her recent TIACS fundraiser - an attempt to run 190km for the 190 lives lost to suicide in construction each year exploring the preparation, the emotional weight of the cause, the moment it all changed, and the impact that followed.Beyond her achievements, Bardie brings warmth, humour, honesty and a down-to-earth energy that makes even the toughest topics feel safe and human.This is a conversation about resilience, advocacy, community and the courage it takes to keep going.

This week on The Crow’s Nest Podcast we sit down with the incredible Emma- an athlete who somehow manages to be equal parts fun, fierce, grounded, and wildly inspiring. She’s the perfect mix of bravery, banter, big-hearted honesty… and yes, the occasional sneaky gin & tonic. 🍸Emma takes us right back to where it all began: her first ultra marathon in 2012, the mindset shifts that shaped her as a runner, and the lessons she’s gathered over more than a decade on the trails. As a mum of three, an ICU nurse, and a standout crew member, she has a way of blending humour with hard-earned wisdom that makes every story hit differently.Emma is the whole package — generous with her time, unfiltered with her honesty (and toilet chats), and deeply passionate about lifting others up. Whether you’re thinking about signing up for your first 5km or you’ve been in the ultra world for years, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, lighter, and ready to chase something bigger.Hit play, settle in, and enjoy this beautiful, hilarious, and heart-filling chat with the one and only Emma.

Emily Smith is one of those people whose stories stay with you long after the conversation ends. From her fearless transition from professional cricket wicket keeper to AFLW player, to the meaning behind her favourite tattoos collected from around the world. Emily brings laughter, honesty, and perspective to every part of her journey.This episode dives into resilience, chasing new challenges, and living life with unapologetic passion.

What an enjoyable chat this one was! Sitting down with Patto felt less like an interview and more like catching up with an old friend. From childhood antics and rock band days to the backyard ultra world and the stories in between, we were laughing nonstop and soaking up every moment. This episode is full of heart, humour and some cracking yarns; you’re going to love it!

Fresh from the Shepparton GV Backyard Ultra, we dive into what went well, what we’d change next time, and the biggest lessons the event taught us. Alongside our own recap, you’ll also hear reflections from fellow runners with a reminder that in backyard ultras, community is above all else.Special thank you to GV for such an incredible event and shout out to Tim, Ollie, Joel, Emma, Patto and Matty for their input (Instagram accounts tagged in show on instagram).

Episode 5 – The Journey to GV: The Crows Backyard Ultra Packing ListWith just 11 days to go until the Shepparton Backyard Ultra (at time of recording), we take you behind the scenes of all the prep that goes into race day. From packing lists to food strategies, planning, gear, and the mindset needed to tackle a backyard ultra. Whether you’re a runner, supporter, or just curious about what it takes, join us as we break down Brandon’s approach to getting to the start line ready.

In this episode of the Crow's Nest podcast, Darryl Tollett shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in the UK to becoming a passionate ultra runner in Australia. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to running, including his first marathon experience and the transition to ultra marathons. Darryl emphasizes the importance of community support, the challenges of injuries, and the lessons learned along the way. His story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of personal growth through sport. In this engaging conversation, Darryl Tollett shares his journey through ultra running, detailing his intense training for the Sydney event and the challenges he faced during the race. He discusses the importance of mindset and visualization in achieving goals, as well as his future aspirations, including participating in the UTMB. Additionally, Darryl highlights the creation of his run club, Mind Over Miles, aimed at fostering a supportive community for runners. His story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to push their limits and pursue their dreams.

Surviving the Storm: Lisa & Marcus on Hyperemesis GravidarumIt wasn’t morning sickness—it was survival.Lisa shares her harrowing journey with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, and Marcus reveals what it’s like to watch the person you love suffer through it.A raw, honest conversation about pain, resilience, and the power of love in the hardest moments.#hyperemesisGravidarum #HGAwareness #TheCrowsNestPodcast #pregnancy #WomensHealth #RealTalk

Episode 2 No Fluff, Just Feathers: Welcome to The NestIn this official first real episode, Brandon and Jess open up the doors to The Crow’s Nest and invite you into their world.From teenage sweethearts to married with two boys (and a whole lot of life in between), this episode is part love story, part therapy session, and part laugh-out-loud chaos. We talk about how we met, how we’ve grown, what we’ve overcome, and why this podcast matters to us—and hopefully to you, too.Brandon shares his journey from martial arts to ultra running, fatherhood, and mental endurance, while Jess opens up about identity, motherhood, burnout, and growth.Plus, we answer your questions from Instagram—including why Brandon only has one eyebrow, how Jess feels about being the solo parent during race weeks, and what fuels The Crow mid-ultra (spoiler: it’s not kale).We’re so glad you’re here.Topics we cover:​ Our relationship & family story​ Parenting highs and lows​ Running, sacrifice & identity​ Your spicy IG questions​ Why we started this podcast​ What’s coming next in The NestDon’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram @the.crows.nest.podcastCa-cawww!

In our debut episode, we dive into the chaos, grit and glory of Dead Cow Gully, where history was made as Phil Gore set a new world record with 119 yards, with a massive assist from New Zealand warrior Sam Harvey on 118. I break down what it was like to be out there grinding through each loop, while Jess shares the raw emotion of watching it all unfold from the livestream. Two different perspectives, one wild journey. Honest and straight from the heart, this is the Backyard from both sides.