Challenge Accepted with Ethan Fleming

Challenge Accepted is the podcast for anyone who reckons pain is part of the prize. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and part-time lunatic when it comes to voluntary suffering. This show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about what happens when you show up, push past your limits, and have a red-hot crack.

Crossing the Simpson Desert: 380km on Foot - #29

Blake Bourne had unfinished business in the Simpson Desert. First crack he pulled up short, cooked mentally and physically. So what’d he do? Jumped on a treadmill and ran 177km straight, then went back 2 years later and knocked over the full 380km across the desert.We get into the blisters, freezing nights, gastro, a watch that reset mid-run, even swimming creeks in the middle of nowhere. But also the head noise, why he went back, and what it feels like to finally get it done.Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack.Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Ethan Fleming's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Hardcore Harry's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Blake's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

09-01
53:33

Different Ways to Suffer w/ Liam Henderson - #28

Some people get through challenges by going to some pretty dark places. Others keep it simple with structure, routine, and a solid plan. In this episode, I sit down with Liam Henderson to chat about the different ways to suffer from stubborn grit and head noise to methodical prep and just getting it done.Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack.Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Ethan Fleming's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Hardcore Harry's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Liam's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

08-25
36:02

Doing Hard Things Brings People Together w/Layne - #27

When you push yourself to the edge, you quickly learn two things: how much you can handle and how much the people around you really matter. In this episode, Layne takes us inside the lessons he’s learned from putting himself out there. He shares why doing hard things is never just about you, and why helping others through their own challenges can be the most rewarding part of all.Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack.Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Ethan Fleming's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Hardcore Harry's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Layne's ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

08-11
57:11

How Olivia Doubled the 24-Hour Pull-Up World Record - #26

Meet Olivia Vinson, she just cranked out 7,079 pull-ups in 24 hours, nearly doubling the previous Guinness World Record.And when she started training, she didn’t even think she could hit 4,000. It was a pretty inspiring chat, that will definitely remind you set the bar higher for yourself. Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack.Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Ethan Fleming's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Hardcore Harry's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Olivia's ⁠⁠⁠Instagram

08-04
44:42

The Record Breaker Who Ran Across Australia (Bonus Ep)

Chris “The Bull” Turnbull ran across Australia in just 39 days, smashing a world record in the process. We rolled up to his place, challenged him to push-ups and trivia, and unpacked what it really takes to run 3,864 km while juggling business, family, and a love for suffering. This is a mini VLOG episode. Full 24min video on ⁠YouTube⁠Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack.Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Ethan Fleming's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Hardcore Harry's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Chris Turnbull's ⁠⁠⁠InstagramFull 24min video on Youtube

07-28
10:15

Hyrox in a Weighted Vest (With 4 Days Notice) - #25

Just got back from a weekend with one of my closest mates, Jacob, a full-time powerlifter, part-time psychopath. He took on Hyrox in a weighted vest… with four days notice. This convo covers what that felt like, how we both use challenges to find the edge, and why putting yourself in hard situations (even when you’re not ready) can be one of the best things for your growthChallenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack.Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the App⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Ethan Fleming's ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Hardcore Harry's ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠App⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Jakob's ⁠⁠Instagram

07-21
42:57

Winning King of the Hill: Pyry’s 76-Hour Effort - #24

Had Pyry on to chat about how he won King of the Hill after 76 hours on the course. We covered everything, from how he got into running, his mindset mid-race, the moments he nearly cracked, and how he managed to outlast the field. It’s not just about the win, it’s about the build-up, the battles, and the belief. Was a sick convo, hope you enjoy it.Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack. Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - ⁠⁠⁠Download the App⁠⁠⁠Follow Ethan Fleming's ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠  Follow Hardcore Harry's ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠App⁠⁠⁠Follow Pyry's ⁠Instagram

07-14
46:37

7,800km in 100 Days: One Bloke’s Plan to Run Across Australia Twice - #23

Alex ran 50km a day for 50 days (must have figured that wasn’t enough). Now he’s taking on 7,800km in less than 100 days, running from Sydney to Perth… and back. We unpack the madness, mindset, and what it takes to run across Australia twice.Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack. Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - ⁠⁠Download the App⁠⁠Follow Ethan Fleming's ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠  Follow Hardcore Harry's ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠App⁠⁠Follow Alex Barbas' Instagram

07-07
44:13

Breaking the 24hr Pull-Up Record with a Load of Rhabdo - #22

What does it take to break the 24-hour pull-up world record?Liam McLeod joins us to unpack how he hit 9024 reps, got rhabdo halfway through, pissed red, and still refused to quit.We talk training volume, recovery, mental games, and what happens when your body starts shutting down but your mind won't let up. Liam's a tough mofo.Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack. Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - ⁠Download the App⁠Follow Ethan Fleming's ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠  Follow Hardcore Harry's ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠App⁠Follow Liam - Instagram

06-30
51:35

The Dark Horse: 8 Ultra Wins & No One Saw Him Coming - #21

He’s built like a gym bro, runs like a ghost, and fuels on nothing but water and willpower 😂 In this Ep, I sat down with Tai, the underground ultra runner who’s taken out 8 races, without the world noticing. We chat about fasted marathons, running 10km a day for a year & chasing that dark pain cave. If you’re into ultrarunning, mental grit, or stories about everyday legends doing outrageous sh*t,  this one’s a ripper.Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack. Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - ⁠Download the App⁠Follow Ethan Fleming's ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠  Follow Hardcore Harry's Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠App⁠Follow Tai Instagram

06-23
39:52

King of the Dandies vs Aus’ Toughest Race - #20

Dave Gatt, aka the “King of the Dandies,” returns to the Down Under 135, one of Australia’s most brutal ultra races. 217km, 15,000m of vert, and only 7% of runners made it home this year. We chat trench foot, busted feet, cold nights and the moment he had to call it. One of the toughest races on earth, and one bloody honest convo about what it takes to toe the line.Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack. Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - Download the AppFollow Ethan Fleming's Instagram | YouTube  Follow Hardcore Harry'sInstagram | YouTube | App

06-16
50:51

From 40kg Lost to a 40-Hour Backyard Ultra Win - #19

Sat down with Mitch McInnes, one of the most consistent blokes we’ve seen across the Hardcore Harry’s challenges. This episode dives deep into Backyard Ultras, mental resilience, and why most people break in their head long before their body gives out. Mitch opens up about his 40-hour win in the blistering heat, how he went from 115kg to running 8,000km a year, and what’s actually going through your head when you're the last one standing. If you’re into testing limits, this one will hit hard.   Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack.   Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - Download the App Follow Ethan Fleming's Instagram | YouTube   Follow Hardcore Harry's Instagram | YouTube | App   Mitch Mcinnes - Instagram

06-09
40:44

A 1,000km Run That Didn’t Go to Plan w/ Alex Cleary - #18

Alex set out to run from Sydney to Melbourne, 1000km in 10 days. He pulled up short, wrecked and humbled. We talk about what went wrong, what it taught him, and why chasing something that breaks you might be the best thing you ever do. Big efforts, busted legs, and a solid dose of humble pie.   Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack.   Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - Download the App Follow Ethan Fleming's Instagram | YouTube   Follow Hardcore Harry's Instagram | YouTube | App   Alex Cleary - Instagram

06-03
36:35

11,600 Deadlifts in a Day? Kurt Aldridge vs the World Record - #17

We yarn with Kurt Aldridge about his crack at deadlifting 580,000kg in 24 hours (yep, 11,600 reps), why he let people punch him in the head for 9 hours straight, and how he stacked 21.1 tons of cleans while racing a bloke running 21.1km. Big lifts, bad ideas, and a whole lot of suffering. Just the way we like it. Challenge Accepted is the podcast for people who do hard shit on purpose. Hosted by Ethan Fleming, Co-founder of Hardcore Harry’s and long-time sufferer of voluntary pain, this show dives into the stories, mindset, and mayhem behind epic fitness challenges. From everyday battlers to endurance legends, it’s all about showing up and having a crack.   Take on Fitness Challenges, Win Big 💰 - Download the App Follow Ethan Fleming's Instagram | YouTube   Follow Hardcore Harry's Instagram | YouTube | App   Kurt Aldrige - Instagram 

05-28
34:23

#16 - Ryan Maguire | 800KM on Foot Unsupported

Ryan and I met when he was attempting to break the Guinness World Record for 'The greatest distance on a fan bike/assault bike in 24 hours,' a record I had until, well, I met Ryan. In this podcast, you'll hear about his experience attempting that record, as well as his current goal of travelling 500 miles/800 km on foot, unsupported. Accomplishing crazy goals is frikin awesome, especially those ones you thought weren’t possible. But achieving those things requires a few mouthfuls of shit. In this podcast, I share the valuable lessons I have learned by breaking Guinness World Records and chasing the uncomfortable. I hope this becomes your ultimate guide to doing hard things and pushing past your limits. And if that means you gotta eat some shit, well crap, you’re gonna learn to say “yum” Timestamps: (1:14) - 500 miles unsupported  (8:20) - 24hr assault bike record broken (28:00) - The mindset behind it (37:00) - Always looks good on paper Follow Ethan Fleming's Socials:Instagram | YouTube  | Get Going | LinkedIn Ryan Maguire's Instagram   

07-31
41:16

#15 - I Stayed Awake For 100 Hours (How to eat sh*t)

What a mental rollercoaster that was... In this episode, I reflect on my recent challenge where I stayed awake for 100 hours straight. You'll enjoy learning about the staggering deterioration of my mental and physical well-being from day one to day four, and the unexpected emergence of toxic paranoia...  Accomplishing crazy goals is frikin awesome, especially those ones you thought weren’t possible. But achieving those things requires a few mouthfuls of shit. In this podcast, I share the valuable lessons I have learned by breaking Guinness World Records and chasing the uncomfortable. I hope this becomes your ultimate guide to doing hard things and pushing past your limits. And if that means you gotta eat some shit, well crap, you’re gonna learn to say “yum” Timestamps: (0:01) - I'm back (1:00) - Why I decided to do this (4:30) - Day one to day four (8:55) - How I stayed awake (13:00) - Hallucinations Follow Ethan Fleming's Socials:Instagram | YouTube  | Get Going | LinkedIn

07-17
22:01

#14 - 5 Reasons You Feel Like Crap When You Hit Your Goals (How to eat sh*t)

Ever achieved something only to feel a little like ass straight after? Yeah me too, I'd even say a lot like ass... In fact, sometimes I'd achieve something, then spiral into a depressive episode and spend weeks trying to pick up the pieces. A few years ago I got over it, decided enough was enough and started looking into why this was happening, in the hope that maybe I could actually start enjoying that sh*t. This is what I learned in that process.  Accomplishing crazy goals is frikin awesome, especially those ones you thought weren’t possible. But achieving those things requires a few mouthfuls of shit. In this podcast, I share the valuable lessons I have learned by breaking Guinness World Records and chasing the uncomfortable. I hope this becomes your ultimate guide to doing hard things and pushing past your limits. And if that means you gotta eat some shit, well crap, you’re gonna learn to say “yum” Timestamps:(0:01) - Achievement comedown overview  (4:50) - Anti-climax (6:02) - Loss of purpose (8:00) - Unrealistic expectations (9:13) - Identity shift (13:40) - Psychological exhaustion Follow Ethan Fleming's Socials:Instagram | YouTube  | Get Going | LinkedIn

06-26
16:44

#13 - 6 Reasons the Stoics Knew Their Shit (How to eat sh*t)

In this episode, I dive into some of the wisdom from the Stoics and uncover some of the ways in which their principles align with mental toughness and resilience. I look into 6 of their most influential principles that have stood the test of time. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical guidance on how the Stoics knew their 'shit' when it comes to living a fulfilling and mentally resilient life. Accomplishing crazy goals is frikin awesome, especially those ones you thought weren’t possible. But achieving those things requires a few mouthfuls of shit. In this podcast, I share the valuable lessons I have learned by breaking Guinness World Records and chasing the uncomfortable. I hope this becomes your ultimate guide to doing hard things and pushing past your limits. And if that means you gotta eat some shit, well crap, you’re gonna learn to say “yum” Timestamps: (0:01) - The Stoics (4:40) - Controllables (7:05) - Acceptance (9:20) - Virtues (11:45) - Negative visualisation (15:18) - Embrace challenges (17:55) - Live in accordance with nature Follow Ethan Fleming's Socials:Instagram | YouTube  | Get Going | LinkedIn

06-19
21:24

#12 - Mind Over Misery: Mastering the Art of Pain vs Suffering (How to eat sh*t)

In this episode, I explore the crucial distinction between pain and suffering. You'll learn that pain is a sensory experience tied to the body, while suffering is a psychological response to distressing situations. By understanding this difference, you'll gain the power to influence your level of suffering and ultimately, be able to do more mad shit.  Accomplishing crazy goals is frikin awesome, especially those ones you thought weren’t possible. But achieving those things requires a few mouthfuls of shit. In this podcast, I share the valuable lessons I have learned by breaking Guinness World Records and chasing the uncomfortable. I hope this becomes your ultimate guide to doing hard things and pushing past your limits. And if that means you gotta eat some shit, well crap, you’re gonna learn to say “yum” Timestamps: (0:27) - What I will be covering today  (2:35) - The definition of pain and suffering  (5:40) - The story of two arrows (10:50) - 3 categories of suffering Follow Ethan Fleming's Socials:Instagram | YouTube  | Get Going | LinkedIn

06-12
21:32

#11 - 10 Things You Need to Understand to Be Mentally Tough (How to eat sh*t)

Mental toughness comes from a shit ton of traits. In this ep, you're going to learn which 10 you need to develop some serious mental toughness. Accomplishing crazy goals is frikin awesome, especially those ones you thought weren’t possible. But achieving those things requires a few mouthfuls of shit. In this podcast, I share the valuable lessons I have learned by breaking Guinness World Records and chasing the uncomfortable. I hope this becomes your ultimate guide to doing hard things and pushing past your limits. And if that means you gotta eat some shit, well crap, you’re gonna learn to say “yum” Timestamps: (0:00) - Intro to mental toughness (3:43) - The first 5 (6:52) - The last 5 Retreat Waiting List: https://o4blrogu8m9.typeform.com/to/pZMbti1i?typeform-source=linktr.ee Follow Ethan Fleming's Socials:Instagram | YouTube  | Get Going | LinkedIn

05-01
14:10

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