Peak Pursuits

Peak Pursuits
  • 4.8 (22)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Peak Pursuits, where we chase dirt-packed trails, soaring ridgelines and the thrill of a finish line like no other. Hosted by trail obsessives and elite runners Simone Brick, Brodie Nankervis, Vlad Ixel and Jess Jason — plus deep-dives with James Sieber — we bring you candid chats with Australia’s top trail runners. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, honest conversations about training, injuries, mindset and balancing life off-trail; plus the latest on Aussie races, events and endurance culture. Whether you’re lacing up your first pair of trail shoes or chasing a 100 km and beyond, we’ve got something for you. Tune in to discover unfiltered tales, practical training tips and the kind of inspiration that only comes from pushing your limits. Subscribe now — and bring your trail shoes.

  1. 4 HRS AGO

    Diverge SkyRuns Recap with Alice McGushin, Stair Training, Jim Walmsley into WSER | Episode 108

    This episode of Peak Pursuits starts with an interview with Alice McGushin to get to know Alice and recap the first edition of Diverge SkyRuns that happened over the weekend (Start - 53min).  Then Sim and Vlad catch up on where their training is at and cover some of the news of the week, including Jim Walmsley returning to WSER and Dragons Back + Northern Traverse being bought by Ultra X.  Finishing up with some results and some very cool races to look forward to this weekend, we hope you enjoy! Results: Diverge Sky Runs (TAS) Ikara Ultra (SA) Wilsons Prom Running Festival (VIC) Nail Can Hill Run (NSW)  Forest Trail Run (NSW) Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon (QLD) Hidden Vale Trail Running Festival (QLD) OMFG Trail Running Festival (WA)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Alice: Instagram | Strava Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1hr 55min

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    Simone Brick | Strength, Survival, and Always Looking Forward

    Content warning: This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, sexual assault, self-harm, suicide, psychiatric hospitalisation, trauma, and PTSD. Please take care while listening, and skip this episode if it is not the right time for you. In this deeply personal episode of Peak Pursuits, James sits down with Sim for an open and honest conversation about the story behind the runner many people know today. Sim shares the experiences that shaped her life long before trail running, including her battles with anorexia, trauma, self-harm, psychiatric hospitalisation, and the long process of understanding her own mind and body. She also reflects on the power of language, the role of therapy, and the motto that has carried her through so much: doing what you can with where you are currently at. This is a heavy but powerful conversation about survival, recovery, identity, and slowly finding your way back into life, running, and possibility. ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Simone: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R Check out Bix

    2h 50m
  3. Maximising the Terrain Around You, Racing Mindset, New UTMB Index feat James Barnett | Episode 107

    29 APR

    Maximising the Terrain Around You, Racing Mindset, New UTMB Index feat James Barnett | Episode 107

    In this episode brought to you by ASICS,  Jess and James sit down with young gun James Barnett to talk through his impressive results so far. Get to know James and how he approaches training and racing, with the conversation covering mindset, using the bike in training, maximising the terrain you have around you, and some race recaps from James' recent results.  News/topics covered includes the golden tickets handed out at Canyons, the new UTMB index scoring, and  brand sponsorship in Australia. Finishing up with some ripper results from home and overseas, we hope you enjoy! Results: China WMRA Madeira 56km Mt. Fuji 100 mile Canyons 25km Mt Solitary Ultra (NSW) - Mens , Womens Bottlebutt Bash Trail Run (NSW) Bright Fun Run Trail Fest (VIC) Brisbane Trail Marathon (QLD) Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series: Cooleman Clip (ACT)Head to asics.com.au to find out more about the Nature Bathing Pack Join us on Patreon HERE ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava  Follow James Barnett: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1hr 32min

  4. 28 APR

    2026 Diverge Sky Runs | Field Previews & Course Breakdown with RD Lincoln Quilliam

    In this special preview episode, Brodie takes the reins alongside James to break down Diverge Sky Runs, a new Tasmanian event bringing steep, exposed, rocky and largely off-track skyrunning-style terrain to the Australian scene. The team hear from Lincoln about the 25K and 50K courses, then unpack why this race may reward patience, smooth movement and mental composure as much as pure fitness. They also dive into the key names across both fields, including Trish McKibben, Toby Sparks, Sam Woolford, Piotr Babis, Angus Tolson, Emma Cook-Clark, Simone Brick and Alice McGushin. A different kind of race, a stacked 50K field, and a proper mountain challenge in Queenstown, Tasmania. Diverge Sky Runs ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1hr 47min

  5. 22 APR

    World Mountain Running Cup, New AUTRA Committee, Sombre Reminders feat Katinka Von Elsner-Wellsteed | Episode 106

    https://www.instagram.com/katinkav_/In episode 106 of Peak Pursuits sim and Brodie sit down with Katinka Von Elsner-Wellsteed just before she heads off to China to race the second WMRA World Cup race  Beijing Changping Yanshou Trail Challenge. Hear about Katinka's last 12 months since we caught up with her after her ripper run at KMR 2025, including her first Euro races, a move to the Blue Mountains, and a coaching change. We then catch up with Brodie after his unfortunate achilles rupture during the Aus Oritenteering Champs and what that means for his next 12 months, before diving into news from the AUTRA AGM and announcing the new committee. The final bit of news is a sombre reminder to be careful no matter our level of experience as we discuss the devastating passing of David Parrish during his FKT attempt of the Cape Wrath track.  Finish with some incredible results form the week and highlighting a big week ahead, we hop you enjoy!! Results: Huon Hill - Riverina Trail Running Series Round 1 (VIC) Maroondah Dam (VIC) Five Peaks Trail Running Festival (SA)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Katinka: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1hr 20min

  6. 17 APR

    Finn Melanson | Is Australian Trail Running Underrated?

    In this episode, we sit down with Finn Melanson from Singletrack to talk about where Australian trail running sits in the wider world, why our scene still feels underrated, and what is actually building beneath the surface. From the rise of events like Buffalo, GPT and Kosci, to the athletes starting to break through, this is a conversation about momentum, visibility, and what still needs to happen for Australia to be taken more seriously on the global stage. We also get into the media side of the sport, including why the US has had such a big head start, what Australia still lacks, how race coverage and livestreams can shape the growth of the scene, and why telling better stories matters if the sport wants to keep moving forward. Along the way, Finn shares plenty on podcasting, building Singletrack, staying curious as a host, and where he thinks trail running is all heading next. ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Finn: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    2h 19m

  7. 15 APR

    Meg Sinclair's KMR Recap, Junior Pathways to Trail Running, Hut2Hut Announces Bob's Round | Episode 105

    In this episode Jess and Sim are joined by Tasmanian Meg Sinclair to hear a recap of her course record run at KMR 25km. Get to know Meg, including her upbringing in SA and stint in the VFLW before moving to Tasmania and finding trail running. With few races under her belt Meg has already proved her strength with wins at KMR and Triple Tops as well as a 5th place last year in UTA100 her 100km debut. Meg hopes to improve on that this year so get behind her at UTA! The team then discusses a question about junior pathways into trail running, including outlining TRAQs announcement of a junior category in their upcoming race. Other news includes Hut2Hut announcing that there will be no 100km in 2027 and there will instead be a new brutal 48km with 3000m+/-  Bob's Round.  As usual hear some results an catch up with Sim and Jess to finish! Results: Delirious West (WA) Alpine Challenge (VIC) Run Tarra Bulga (VIC) Jabulani Challenge (NSW) Grand Cliff Top Race (NSW) ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1hr 8min

  8. 8 APR

    Get To Know Aus Long Trail Champ George Knight | Episode 104

    In this episode of Peak Pursuits James and Vlad sit down with George Knight after his recent win at Buffalo Stampede 100km which was the Australian Long Trail Championships. Hear about Georges journey into running, his approach to training and racing, how his race went down, and so much more.  It's a lighter week on news and results but the crew also discuss an article this Mile and Stone Article as well as run through the results below.  We hope you enjoy! Results: Sydney Trail Half Marathon - Autumn (NSW) Mens Link , Womens link Falls Creek Fun Run (VIC) Beechworth Bushrangers Easter Fun Run (VIC)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1hr 19min
See All (187)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Welcome to Peak Pursuits, where we chase dirt-packed trails, soaring ridgelines and the thrill of a finish line like no other. Hosted by trail obsessives and elite runners Simone Brick, Brodie Nankervis, Vlad Ixel and Jess Jason — plus deep-dives with James Sieber — we bring you candid chats with Australia’s top trail runners. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, honest conversations about training, injuries, mindset and balancing life off-trail; plus the latest on Aussie races, events and endurance culture. Whether you’re lacing up your first pair of trail shoes or chasing a 100 km and beyond, we’ve got something for you. Tune in to discover unfiltered tales, practical training tips and the kind of inspiration that only comes from pushing your limits. Subscribe now — and bring your trail shoes.

Information

  • Creator
    Peak Pursuits
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    187
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Peak Pursuits

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