Taking Chances - Why not you?

John OBrien
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Self-Improvement

Taking Chances – Why Not You? What if the only thing standing between you and doing something extraordinary… is the decision to try? Taking Chances – Why Not You? is a podcast that turns curiosity into courage. Each episode features genuine, down‑to‑earth people who have achieved remarkable things—Olympic gold medalists, world champions, Guinness World Record holders, ultra‑distance race winners, Leadville Trail 100 finishers, backyard ultra champions, and founders of successful businesses. These aren’t stories about superhumans—they’re conversations with real people who took chances. Through honest conversations, we explore how they faced doubt, risk, failure, and fear—and why they decided to go for it anyway. The goal isn’t to impress you. It’s to challenge you to ask a powerful question: Why not me? Want to share your story with me, send me an email at: Johnobie2468@gmail.com Text me: (563)-468-3692 IG: @jjob123 TikTok: johnobrien5854 #takingchances #whynotyou #authentic #mentalhealth #Running #dontquit #hardwork #determination #discipline #motivation #ultrarunning #family #therapy #mentalhealthawareness #training #selflove #selfcare

  1. 16h ago

    Dealing with an injury - The 5 steps - Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance

    Explaining how you can deal with an injury. Depression, Anger, Denial. Calf raises, rehab, show inserts. Training continues but on the exercise bike. 35-mins, 45-mins, 60-mins, 60-mins, mentally dealing with not running.

    Dealing with an injury - The 5 steps - Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance

  2. 16h ago

    Motivation - Consistency and Discipline

    I talk quick about how Motivation is the fuel that gets the fire started (it is supposed to create action) It's like starter fluid for an engine that won't start...it's like kindling wood used to start a fire. But, consistency and discipline are what keeps you going.

    Motivation - Consistency and Discipline

  3. Aug 25

    Last Soul Ultra and Leadville 2026 Recap

    Me again doing a solo episode again. I'm going to talk about Leadville 2026 and another recap or update to the Last Soul Ultra (LSU) because I saw Ello's interview with his coach Sam Harvey. It's up on YouTube now, the infamous lap 87 was discussed and it was awesome to hear Ello's experience and his coach's perspective as the race was happening.

    Last Soul Ultra and Leadville 2026 Recap

  4. Aug 19

    Why Not Me? What This Show Is About John O'Brien Solo

    Just me doing a solo episode on what Taking Chances - Why not you? Is really all about. It's about being motivated, having mental toughness, taking risks, doing something hard, overcoming adversity. It's turning that why not you? Into a Why not me? Why aren't you achieving your dreams and goals, others are doing it, why not you? If they can do it, you can do it. It's that simple. Set big goals, take chances, don't sit on the sidelines and watch as others achieve amazing things!

    Why Not Me? What This Show Is About John O'Brien Solo

  5. Aug 14

    Scott Kummer: Ten Junk Miles

    Scott Kummer is an attorney, doberman owner and quite possibly the most painstakingly average runner known to man. Scott has stumbled through numerous plus 4 and 5 hour marathons. He's DNF'ed the 150 mile, 100 mile, 50 mile and marathon distance. He was once kicked out of an ultra running group due to allegations of cyber-bullying. He has a habit of offending people by accident while trying to help them. He is a co-founder of the Flatlander Ultrarunners in Chicagoland which has rapidly grown to over 1,100 members. He came up with the idea for Ten Junk Miles after becoming frustrated with hearing interview after interview of Scott Jurek and deciding that runners needed more: more discussions of bathroom breaks that went wrong, pacer stories from hell, DNF reports, stories of getting lost on the trail and other related matters.

    Scott Kummer: Ten Junk Miles

  6. Aug 3

    Taking Chances - Why not you? - Run of Hope - Mark 7

    The Run of Hope Liberty Torch Relay - The Run of Hope Liberty Torch Relay Mark 7 born as Mark Llewhellin in Haverfordwest, Wales, left school with low confidence. In the Army, he faced setbacks, including failing his initial fitness test and being voted the fattest in his troop. He overcame those obstacles and went on to become an Army commando. After seven years of service Mark left 7 Commando battery, 29 Commando Regiment, and worked as a bodyguard, door supervisor, and personal trainer, and later a support worker for individuals with learning difficulties, autism, brain injury, and epilepsy. He dabbled with a little ultra-endurance by completing the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert and ran from Denver to San Francisco, averaging 27 miles per day. He broke a treadmill distance record and placed 1st in the Strava Distance Challenge in both 2014 and 2015, competing against tens of thousands of participants.

    Taking Chances - Why not you? - Run of Hope - Mark 7

  7. Jul 27

    Gavin Brown: 680 Miles Across Colorado

    Gavin gives us a recap of his amazing run across the entire state of Colorado...680 miles in 14 days. On June 7th, he started running across the state of Colorado. 14 days, I covered approximately 700 miles from one side of the state to the other. That’s nearly 50 miles every single day. But this run was about much more than miles. Just a few years ago, my life looked completely different. I was stuck in addiction, making choices that were holding me back from becoming the husband, father, and man I wanted to be. Like so many people struggling with substance abuse, I felt trapped in a cycle that seemed impossible to break. Today, I am living proof that recovery is possible. Sobriety gave me my life back. It gave me my family back. It gave me purpose, discipline, and a future I never thought was possible. That is why I have chosen to dedicate the Run Across Colorado Project to supporting Sobriety House. For decades, Sobriety House has helped individuals and families break free from addiction and rebuild their lives. They provide treatment, recovery support, housing, education, and hope to people who are fighting one of the hardest battles imaginable. Every mile I ran represented someone who is still struggling. Every step forward represents the possibility of recovery. Every donation helps provide resources, support, and opportunities for people who are ready to change their lives but need help getting there. Addiction affects every community, every income level, and every type of family. Recovery is possible, but nobody should have to fight that battle alone. My goal is simple: To raise awareness, inspire hope, and help more people find the same second chance that changed my life. If my story, this journey, or the mission of Sobriety House resonates with you, I would be honored to have your support.

    Gavin Brown: 680 Miles Across Colorado

  8. Jul 15

    Eric Strand: Western States 100 and 8x Leadville

    This week, meet the one and only Eric Strand (@lead_feet) on Instagram— an absolute ultra-running machine and the definition of what it means to push human limits. 14-time Double Grandma’s Marathon finisher 18-time Boston Marathon qualifier and finisher 8-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher (with #9 coming this August!) Fresh off completing the legendary Western States 100, one of the most difficult races in the world to gain entry into. From the Hennepin 100 to Tunnel Hill 100 and countless other ultra-distance races, Eric has built a resume that's nothing short of extraordinary. Michele Hartwig In this episode, we dive into the mindset, determination, and grit it takes to keep showing up when most people would quit. If you enjoy the episode, please: Like Comment And most importantly... SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel! Your support means everything and helps us keep sharing incredible stories like Eric's.

    Eric Strand: Western States 100 and 8x Leadville
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Taking Chances – Why Not You? What if the only thing standing between you and doing something extraordinary… is the decision to try? Taking Chances – Why Not You? is a podcast that turns curiosity into courage. Each episode features genuine, down‑to‑earth people who have achieved remarkable things—Olympic gold medalists, world champions, Guinness World Record holders, ultra‑distance race winners, Leadville Trail 100 finishers, backyard ultra champions, and founders of successful businesses. These aren’t stories about superhumans—they’re conversations with real people who took chances. Through honest conversations, we explore how they faced doubt, risk, failure, and fear—and why they decided to go for it anyway. The goal isn’t to impress you. It’s to challenge you to ask a powerful question: Why not me? Want to share your story with me, send me an email at: Johnobie2468@gmail.com Text me: (563)-468-3692 IG: @jjob123 TikTok: johnobrien5854 #takingchances #whynotyou #authentic #mentalhealth #Running #dontquit #hardwork #determination #discipline #motivation #ultrarunning #family #therapy #mentalhealthawareness #training #selflove #selfcare

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