The Crows Nest Podcast

🎙️ Episode 22 — The Race That Changed Everything

72 hours. A 20-lap PB. And a place on Team Australia. 🇦🇺

But this episode isn’t really about the 72 hours.

It’s about everything that came before them.

A year of failures, tough lessons, setbacks, self-reflection and constantly asking, “What can we do differently?” Every race became an opportunity to learn. Every failure became data. And slowly, those les...

In Episode 21, we sit down with sisters-in-law, best friends, and ultra runners Rachael and Nagiska for one of our most heartfelt conversations yet.

We start at the very beginning, exploring their childhoods, how they found running, and the friendship that has become the foundation of their journey. Along the way, we discuss body image, personal transformation, mental health, postnatal depression, navigating grief after losing loved...

In Episode 20 of The Crow's Nest Podcast, we sit down with Jason Rantall, known throughout the backyard ultra community as "The Stalwart."

Today, Jason is a respected ultra runner with a backyard ultra personal best of 49 yards, a mental health advocate, and co-founder of Bettermentall Australia Inc. But his journey to this point has been anything but easy.

Jason shares his story with remarkable honesty, taking us back through his ch...

In Episode 19 of The Crow's Nest Podcast, we sit down with backyard ultra athlete Joel Sexton.

Known throughout the running community for his generosity, positivity, and willingness to help others, Joel's journey into the sport began not as a competitor, but as a crew member. After supporting athletes on the world stage, including crewing for Tim Kaprazac during his Australian team campaigns, Joel eventually stepped onto the course ...

In this episode of The Crow’s Nest Podcast, we sit down for an honest after-race debrief following Melbourne Front Yard Ultra.

Brandon unpacks his race from start to finish — the strategy, nutrition, highs, setbacks, mental battles, and the moments that pushed him to his limits. From the early race excitement to the deep overnight hours where every loop becomes a test of resilience, this conversation gives a real look i...

This one’s raw, honest, and deeply personal.

In this episode, Tim and Rachel Kacprzak open up about the parts of their story that shaped everything— their childhoods, their relationships with their parents, and the lessons they carried into adulthood.

We talk about what it was really like becoming young parents, growing up while raising kids, and learning—sometimes the hard way—how to support each other throug...

In this episode of The Crow’s Nest Podcast, we sit down with Margie Hadley- one of Australia’s most remarkable ultra runners.

Margie has represented Australia at the Satellite Championships, running 47 yards, claimed multiple backyard ultra victories, and most recently became the last woman standing at the Hardcore Harry challenge—running for 75 days and covering nearly 3000 kilometres.

But this conversation goes fa...

🔥 BONUS EPISODE 🔥

MVP Through Fresh Eyes

You’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 ...

Episode 13 – The MVP Debrief

The 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 tha...

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 po...

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, ev...

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 ind...

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 ...

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 passi...

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 (Instag...

Episode 5 – The Journey to GV: The Crows Backyard Ultra Packing List

With 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 d...

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 w...