The Cowbell Podcast - Extraordinary Everyday

Kelvin Yip, Dave Stewart
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  • RUNNING

Dive into inspiring stories of everyday runners and athletes balancing day jobs, family life, and the relentless challenges of endurance racing. Our guests aren’t professionals—they’re passionate athletes pushing their limits, overcoming adversity, and achieving personal milestones against all odds. From adaptive athletes and comeback stories of those battling injuries to runners chasing personal bests, we celebrate the resilience, grit, and determination that define the ultra-running spirit. Join us to learn from their experiences, gain valuable insights, and find motivation for your own.

  1. Running Didn’t Save Me, Showing Up Did - Ali To

    JAN 16

    Running Didn’t Save Me, Showing Up Did - Ali To

    In this episode of The Cowbell, we sit down with Ali – a 36-year-old ultramarathon runner, self-confessed carb enthusiast, and proud “slow runner” who proves that belonging has nothing to do with pace or podiums. Ali’s running journey didn’t begin with talent or triumph. It started with a DNF in an 8k race at high school, a moment that convinced her sport wasn’t for her. For more than a decade, running disappeared from her life – until a casual invitation to a 15k fun run changed everything. What followed was not just a return to running, but a lifeline. Ali opens up about how running helped free her from more than 14 years of mental imprisonment shaped by childhood trauma and suicidal ideation. Since then, she’s kept leaping – completing multiple 100k races, covering more than 220 miles in a six-day event, running across Scotland, and learning to see DNFs not as failures, but as part of the process. This conversation goes beyond miles and medals. We talk about redefining success, showing up on the hardest days, why representation matters – especially for women and Asian women in ultra running – and how doing hard things slowly can still change your life. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong on a start line, this episode is for you. Just keep showing up. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali_runs_an_ultra/ For coaching queries: https://www.alisonto.com/

    59 min
  2. Coast to Kosci 2025: Untold extraordinary stories from the very long 240km

    11/25/2025

    Coast to Kosci 2025: Untold extraordinary stories from the very long 240km

    From running out of fuel to searching for a bathroom, this is the one race that’s so unique and so special that you come out the other side a completely different person. Coast to Kosci covers roughly 240km from the shores of Eden all the way to the alpine heights near Mount Kosciuszko. Runners climb thousands of metres, face shifting weather, long stretches of quiet country roads, and the mental battle of pushing through day and night with no guarantees. Each year only a small group is selected to experience what this journey holds. We sat down with those who dared to try and were strong enough to finish. No matter what was thrown at them, they kept moving one foot after another, step by step, until after a couple hundred thousand steps they finally reached the end. In this episode, you’ll hear why this race is so special, what kept them pushing until the very end, why they chose to take it on, and what might happen to you if you’re itching to try it yourself.

    1h 32m
  3. GPT100 – The Extraordinary Runners’ Untold Stories

    11/18/2025

    GPT100 – The Extraordinary Runners’ Untold Stories

    In this special bumper episode of the Cowbell, we bring together a powerful panel of runners, pacers and volunteers to share raw and unfiltered stories from the rugged trails of the GPT100, an event created by the team at Singletrack and part of the World Trail Majors series. This is not about splits or gear. It is a look into the moments that changed people, challenged them and in some cases completely reshaped what they believed they could do. You will hear from runners who carried far more into the race than just their packs. Personal battles, unexpected setbacks, quiet victories and turning points that unfolded where no one was watching. You will hear about the wild weather, the emotional highs and lows and the community spirit that rose up in unexpected ways. You will meet the everyday legends who gave everything behind the scenes to help others reach the finish. Some stories will make you stop, some will hit close to home and some you will not see coming. Together they reveal the extraordinary heart of the Grampians. And no matter if you are a GPT veteran or someone dreaming of entering GPT100 in the future, this is the episode for you. Stay with us until the end. The final stories might be the ones that stay with you long after you listen. @sallybeggs9 @jay_l_baker @elisemarcianti @anthonycribbes_runs @dale.pierce.967 @tomdade11 @clifton_gavin Brought to you by @endu1sportsnutrition @_daventures_ Follow @gpt100miler @worldtrailmajors @thegrampians @singletrack_events

    1h 56m
  4. EP22: Heart of the Grampians – From ICU to GPT100 with Anthony Cribbs

    10/30/2025

    EP22: Heart of the Grampians – From ICU to GPT100 with Anthony Cribbs

    In this deeply moving episode of The Cowbell, we sit down with ultra runner, father, husband, and self-taught app builder Anthony Cribbs ⁠@anthonycribbes_runs, as he prepares to take on the GPT 100 Miler ⁠@gpt100miler in the Grampians once again. Anthony’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and perspective. From starting trail running during lockdowns to pushing through brutal races like Buffalo and Wonderland, he’s faced every kind of challenge the trails can throw at him. But nothing could have prepared him for the biggest test of his life, when his newborn daughter, Tallulah, was rushed to hospital at just two weeks old with a life-threatening heart condition. Anthony opens up about that terrifying day, the miraculous recovery that followed, and how the experience reshaped his outlook on life and running. Now, he’s returning to the Grampians with a new purpose - running to raise funds and awareness for HeartKids ⁠@heartkids, the organisation that supports families of children with congenital and acquired heart disease. It’s an extraordinary story of endurance, family, and the true meaning of heart, both on and off the trail. Fundraising for HeartKids: https://heartkidscommunityfundraising.org.au/anthony-cribbes/posts/why-im-running-100-miles-for-heartkids @anthonycribbes_runs @heartkids @gpt100miler

    1h 12m
  5. EP21: Curiosity, Creativity, and the Courage to Explore with Elise Marcianti

    09/26/2025

    EP21: Curiosity, Creativity, and the Courage to Explore with Elise Marcianti

    In this episode of The Cowbell, we sit down with adventurer and artist Elise Marcianti ⁠@elisemarcianti⁠. From navigating the challenges of an eating disorder to finding freedom through trail running, pole, mural art, and highlining, Elise has built a life fuelled by curiosity and courage. She shares her solo 300km Alpine hike, her passion for community, and how creativity and adventure help her redefine what’s possible. This conversation is an inspiring reminder that every day can be an adventure when you choose to live fully. @exploreyourcore_ @elisemarcianti

    1 hr
  6. EP20: From an Ordinary Dim Sim to an Extraordinary 100km Ultra Mum - with Cindy Chenhall

    08/31/2025

    EP20: From an Ordinary Dim Sim to an Extraordinary 100km Ultra Mum - with Cindy Chenhall

    n this episode of The Cowbell, we sit down with Cindy Chenhall ⁠@cindychenhall⁠, a mum, hairdresser, artist, and trail runner who laughs that she runs like a “dim sim thrown down on a plane.” But what began as a joke has become the story of an ordinary dim sim who found her way to becoming an extraordinary 100km ultra mum. Cindy shares how a freak pancreas injury led her to running, how she discovered grit and joy on the trails, and how her “give it a go” mindset fuels both her art and her life. She speaks about the power of her trail tribe, the lessons she’s passing on to her kids, and the courage it takes to show up authentically. Most movingly, Cindy reveals the deeply personal reason she’s tackling her first 100km at the Surf Coast Century , a running for her brother Neil, who lives with multiple disabilities. Her journey is proof that you don’t need to be perfect to inspire others, just brave enough to take the first step. @bycindyc @cindychenhall The Cowbell Podcast episode is brought to you by Kelvin Yip from "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Endu1 - Endurance Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@endu1sportsnutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Dave Stewart ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_daventures_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, the legendary trail race MC.

    1h 1m
  7. EP19: Climbing for a Cause – The Relentless Spirit of Gavin Clifton

    08/14/2025

    EP19: Climbing for a Cause – The Relentless Spirit of Gavin Clifton

    From firefighting in the Blue Mountains to taking on brutal ultras and leading a .....challenge, Gavin Clifton lives life in constant motion. In this inspiring conversation, Gavin shares his journey from a restless cross-country kid to a trail running community leader and the driving force behind the ....... We dive into his highs and lows on the trails, the gruelling reality of his first miler at the ........, the mental resilience that connects firefighting to ultrarunning, and the powerful story behind ....... This episode is about community, purpose, and pushing through when every part of you wants to stop. https://www.firiesclimbformnd.org.au/ @firiesclimbformnd The Cowbell Podcast episode is brought to you by Kelvin Yip from "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Endu1 - Endurance Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@endu1sportsnutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Dave Stewart ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_daventures_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, the legendary trail race MC.

    1h 8m
  8. EP18: From Tumour to Tundra: The Survival Story of Heather Hawkins

    07/23/2025

    EP18: From Tumour to Tundra: The Survival Story of Heather Hawkins

    After a life-altering ovarian cancer diagnosis at 41, Heather Hawkins laced up a pair of Dunlop Volleys and never looked back. From that first 4km fun run to conquering 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days — including the North Pole — Heather has turned adversity into adventure, purpose, and strength. In this deeply inspiring episode of The Cowbell, Heather shares how running not only became her recovery but her reason to keep pushing limits, raising awareness for ovarian cancer, and seeking out remote and rugged experiences — from the icy Arctic to the sun-scorched sands of the Marathon des Sables. Now 60, an age-group record holder on the track, author, mother, and adventurer, Heather proves it’s never too late to redefine what’s possible. Her story is a testament to the extraordinary that lies within us all — if only we’re brave enough to take the first step. Instagram : @_heather_hawkins Facebook : Heather Hawkins LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-hawkins-280b53149/ Adventurous Spirit Book : https://www.booktopia.com.au/search?keywords=heather+hawkins+adventurous+spirit&productType=917505&pn=1 Audible : https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Adventurous-Spirit-Audiobook/B074XF4TG1 Ovarian Cancer fundraising : https://fundraising.ovariancancer.net.au/heather-hawkins Marathon des Sables documentary : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZPCHIW6Voc The Cowbell Podcast episode is brought to you by Kelvin Yip from "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Endu1 - Endurance Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@endu1sportsnutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Dave Stewart ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_daventures_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, the legendary trail race MC.

    1h 13m
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About

Dive into inspiring stories of everyday runners and athletes balancing day jobs, family life, and the relentless challenges of endurance racing. Our guests aren’t professionals—they’re passionate athletes pushing their limits, overcoming adversity, and achieving personal milestones against all odds. From adaptive athletes and comeback stories of those battling injuries to runners chasing personal bests, we celebrate the resilience, grit, and determination that define the ultra-running spirit. Join us to learn from their experiences, gain valuable insights, and find motivation for your own.

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