Runbelievable: Real Runners, Unreal Stories

Josh Rischin
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  • RUNNING

Do you love hearing running stories... especially the ones that go beyond the data? We’re talking about the toil, the grit, the laughs, the adversity; the moments that don’t just shape what we do, but who we become. Runbelievable is the running podcast that celebrates the human side of running. Hosted by Josh Rischin (with co-host Matt Perry), guests from all walks of life share what first got them lacing up, what keeps them going, and the wild mishaps that make running such a uniquely human experience. From swooping birds to steaming turds, parkrun faceplants to marathon triumphs, Runbelievable reminds us that every runner has a story worth telling. Whether you’ve run one kilometre or ten thousand, join the community, find a laugh, and maybe even a little inspiration along the way. Runbelievable - real runners, unreal stories. Interested in being a guest on the show? Hit us up! Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable live here:  http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop weekly; hit follow so you don’t miss a lap!

  1. 6D AGO

    Ep 26: Minties, Marathons and Motherhood... How Lauren Smith Reclaimed Identity Through Running

    Lauren Smith is truly in the thick of it. A full-time teacher. A mum. Running on broken sleep. And trying to carve out something for herself in between everything else. Lauren has faced pregnancy complications, gestational diabetes, and the heartbreak of loss... all whilst navigating the physical and emotional challenges of postpartum recovery. And yet, she kept showing up. In this episode of Runbelievable, Joshie and Natty sit down with Lauren to talk about resilience, identity, and what it means to pursue something for yourself when life is already overflowing. From signing up for a marathon she never got to run, to publicly committing to one after becoming a mum, to battling through a brutal half marathon that almost broke her (you can't make this shit up)... Lauren’s story is about doing hard things, even when you’re exhausted. And now, she’s using her experience to help other mums realise they’re not alone. Follow Lauren's inspirational journey: https://linktr.ee/runninggfree In this episode: The value of sport growing up in a rural environmentPregnancy challenges, navigating loss and dated medical adviceThe mental strategies that get her through runsBalancing teaching, motherhood, and runningBuilding a platform to support other mumsWhy running became something just for herRunbelievable — real runners, unreal stories. Interested in being a guest on the show? Hit us up! 👉 Everything Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop weekly; hit follow so you don’t miss a lap!

    1h 8m

  2. MAR 17

    Ep 25: Starting Over at 33... How parkrun Transformed Jenni Dossetto’s Life

    At 33 years old, Jen found herself starting over. Her marriage had ended, she had moved back in with her parents, and for the first time in years she was trying to rediscover who she was outside of a relationship that had slowly taken over her life. Then her sister suggested something simple: parkrun. Jen had never been a runner, but something about the idea sparked a curiosity... and it completely transformed her life. In this episode of Runbelievable, Joshie and Natty sit down with Jen to talk about rebuilding confidence, finding independence, and how running can become the thing that helps you reclaim yourself. From her first parkrun to half marathons, trail running, and the community events she now loves, Jen’s story is about how running doesn’t just improve fitness.. it can reshape identity. In this episode Growing up sporty but never a runnerThe difficult years inside an unhealthy relationshipStarting again at 33 and moving back homeThe first parkrun that changed everythingFinding purpose through bootcamp and runningWhy running became something just for herRunbelievable — real runners, unreal stories. Interested in being a guest on the show? Hit us up! 👉 Everything Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop weekly; hit follow so you don’t miss a lap!

    51 min

  3. MAR 10

    Ep 24: Who Needs Strava...? Brett Petersen’s 1994 Running Spreadsheet

    Brett Petersen has been logging every single exercise session since 1994. Yup, madness! Long before Strava and smartwatches existed, Brett opened a spreadsheet and started tracking his runs. Three decades later, the streak continues. In this episode of Runbelievable, Joshie and Natty (yes, you read correctly) sit down with Brett to unpack a lifetime shaped by running. From sprinting 2k home from kindergarten as a 5-year old (his poor Mum) to running a 16:24 5k in the Olympic Day Run, Brett’s story is one of quiet dedication rather than chasing headlines. Along the way he’s battled glandular fever, bronchitis, cold-air asthma, and injuries that forced him to rethink how and when he runs. Through it all, running has remained a constant; especially during the toughest period of his life when his wife Nicole was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Now Brett 2.0 continues to challenge himself with charity events, ultra-distance relays, and new goals... including the Masters Games in 2027. Brett's happy to connect via Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/everydaywarriorbrett/ In this episode How Chariots of Fire sparked a love for runningTracking every run since 1994Why a 50% deduction is applied to walkingIllness setbacks including glandular fever and asthmaWhy winter running outdoors has become impossibleChasing a 120k ultra before turning 60Runbelievable — real runners, unreal stories. Interested in being a guest on the show? Hit us up! 👉 Everything Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop weekly; hit follow so you don’t miss a lap!

    57 min

  4. MAR 3

    Ep 23: When the Borders Closed… Paralympic Coach Channa Marsh’s Life Reset

    Channa Marsh knows what it means to reset. In 2020, she travelled from Perth to Queensland for a triathlon… and never went home. COVID border closures stripped away her house, job direction, and community overnight. What followed was months of rebuilding; and a shift from triathlon to running that would redefine her path. Since then, Channa has podiumed in road races, won the SEQ Trail Series long course, endured her first DNF after tearing ankle ligaments at Kosci, and somehow still finished top-10 at Ultra Trail Australia despite a shuttle bus mishap. Now, she’s taken on a new role at the ACT Academy of Sport, helping develop Paralympic athletes in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032. In this episode of Runbelievable, Joshie and Matty sit down with Channa to unpack resilience, identity shifts, high performance from both sides of the stopwatch, and what it really means to chase excellence; personally and professionally. Channa would like to acknowledge the incredible role her coach Andy Dey from RunCo. has played in shaping her running journey. In this episode: The COVID border closure that changed everythingRebuilding life and community through runningWinning the SEQ Trail SeriesBattling Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)Balancing athlete identity with a PhD in Sports ScienceHer new ACTAS role and the road to Brisbane 2032What success looks like nowRunbelievable: real runners, unreal stories. Interested in being a guest on the show? Hit us up! 👉 Everything Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop weekly; hit follow so you don’t miss a lap!

    59 min

  5. FEB 24

    Ep 22: Chasing a Boston Qualifier: Jill Genereux on Identity, Loss and Life Transformation

    Jill Genereux never saw herself as “the runner type.” When she started running in 2015, her first mile took 18 minutes.. and she nearly burnt herself out trying to improve too quickly. But what began as a weight-loss and mental-clarity experiment slowly evolved into something far deeper. In this powerful episode of Runbelievable, Joshie and Matty sit down with Jill to unpack her transformation; from burnout and rebuilding, to winter trail miles in Montana, to running a 5K alongside her dad before he passed away in March 2025. Jill shares how running helped her process grief, inspired her husband to lace up, and fuelled an ambitious dream of qualifying for Boston. It’s a story about identity, resilience, and why not being fast doesn’t make you any less of a runner. Jill lost her father to Lewy Body Dementia; you can find more information on the condition here: https://www.alzheimers.gov/alzheimers-dementias/lewy-body-dementia. Jill's also happy to connect via Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jillsroadtoboston/ In this episode: Starting from an 18-minute mileBurnout and learning sustainabilityRunning through grief after losing her dadRacing every month in 2019 (yup you read correctly)Chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying timeRunbelievable: real runners, unreal stories. Interested in being a guest on the show? Hit us up! 👉 Everything Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop weekly; hit follow so you don’t miss a lap!

    45 min

  6. FEB 17

    Ep 21: When Running Hurts… What Do You Do Next? Endorsed Podiatrist Joe Keain Is The Expert.

    Most runners ignore injury advice… until they can’t run. Joe Keain is different. An endorsed podiatrist and director at Podfit Podiatry in Adelaide... and a runner himself... Joe understands both sides of the injury conversation. From shin splints and Achilles tendinopathy to load management, orthotics, and overuse, he’s lived the mistakes many runners repeat. In this episode of Runbelievable, Joshie and Matty sit down with Joe to talk about running as an outlet, the fine line between pain and damage, and why managing load matters more than chasing perfect conditions. Joe also reflects on ultra running, early-morning miles, balancing family with self-employment, and what happens when the headphones die and you’re left alone with your thoughts. Follow Joe's journey: https://www.instagram.com/joekeainpodiatrist/ In this episode: From footy player to marathoner and ultra runnerHow running inspired a career in podiatryPain management vs load managementRunning as an outlet... even when the body isn’t perfectUltra training, long solo miles, and self-reflectionBalancing family, self-employment, and running goalsRunbelievable: real runners, unreal stories. Interested in being a guest on the show? Hit us up! 👉 Everything Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop weekly; hit follow so you don’t miss a lap!

    44 min

  7. FEB 10

    Ep 20: Wilful Defiance: Ari Ethel on Anxiety, Chaos, and Starting Over

    Ari Ethel has always been active; but running didn’t become hers until life became proper full. After competitive Division II soccer, three kids, and a schedule that never slowed down, running shifted from off-season conditioning to a non-negotiable outlet. What started as short, humbling runs.. became a steady practice that helped her manage anxiety, reclaim autonomy, and rebuild identity on her own terms. In this episode of Runbelievable, Joshie and Matty talk with Ari about the mental reset of starting over after kids, running through snow and exhaustion, and why some runs still suck. It’s a grounded, honest conversation about consistency, self-competition, and choosing something just for you in the middle of a chaotic life. Follow Ari's journey: https://www.instagram.com/arijogz/ In this episode: Growing up in competitive soccer and team environmentsConfronting post-partum fitness reality and ego resetsAnxiety, doom-scrolling, and needing an outletBalancing kids, work, and personal goalsSnow runs, bad days, and showing up anywayRunbelievable: real runners, unreal stories. Interested in being a guest on the show? Hit us up! 👉 Everything Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop weekly; hit follow so you don’t miss a lap!

    53 min

  8. FEB 3

    Ep 19: Santa Suits, Scooters, and Six Marathons... Rodney Law’s Running Life

    Rodney Law might be the most recognisable face in the local running community... and not just because he’s routinely dressed as Santa. Since being talked into a 500km relay back in 2014, Rodney’s running journey has been filled with highs, humour, and a truly impressive list of setbacks. Narcosis of the toes, a torn meniscus, bike crashes, and a near on-course collision with a car... yet he keeps coming back with the same grin and willingness to give back. In this episode of Runbelievable, Joshie and Matty sit down with Rodney to talk about parkrun, volunteering, photography, and why staying connected to the community mattered just as much as staying fit. From six marathons and countless injuries to becoming Event Director at Chermside parkrun, Rodney’s story is a reminder that running isn’t just about performance... it’s about belonging. In this episode: Being talked into a 500km relay and paying the priceNarcosis of the toes and early injury lessonsDiscovering parkrun and falling in love with the communityVolunteering, photography, and staying involved when injuredTorn meniscus, bike crashes, scooter run-ins, and recoveryWhy parkrun became homeRunbelievable: real runners, unreal stories. Interested in being a guest on the show? Hit us up! 👉 Everything Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop weekly; hit follow so you don’t miss a lap!

    49 min
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About

Do you love hearing running stories... especially the ones that go beyond the data? We’re talking about the toil, the grit, the laughs, the adversity; the moments that don’t just shape what we do, but who we become. Runbelievable is the running podcast that celebrates the human side of running. Hosted by Josh Rischin (with co-host Matt Perry), guests from all walks of life share what first got them lacing up, what keeps them going, and the wild mishaps that make running such a uniquely human experience. From swooping birds to steaming turds, parkrun faceplants to marathon triumphs, Runbelievable reminds us that every runner has a story worth telling. Whether you’ve run one kilometre or ten thousand, join the community, find a laugh, and maybe even a little inspiration along the way. Runbelievable - real runners, unreal stories. Interested in being a guest on the show? Hit us up! Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable live here:  http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop weekly; hit follow so you don’t miss a lap!

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