In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Ken Posner—ultrarunner, author, former Army Ranger, and corporate financial analyst—to explore the transformative power of pushing physical and mental boundaries. Ken shares stories from his extraordinary journey completing the "grid": summiting all 35 high peaks of New York's Catskills in every month of the year. Along the way, he stripped away technology, embraced barefoot running, and found a deeper connection with nature and himself.

This episode isn't just about extreme endurance. It's about rediscovering who we are when the noise of the modern world fades away. We unpack how doing hard things in nature can bring clarity, strength, and a more balanced life. Whether you're curious about barefoot hiking, intrigued by minimalist living, or seeking inspiration to shake up your own routine, Ken's story will move you.

Timeline Summary:

[2:22] - Ken's shift from corporate life to ultra endurance running in his late 30s
[4:00] - Why he started running barefoot and what kept him going
[7:45] - The joy, mindfulness, and sensation of barefoot movement
[10:10] - Balancing high-tech corporate work with minimalist, analog outdoor living
[19:00] - The metaphor of "signal vs. noise" and how nature helps us tune in
[28:30] - Pain vs. suffering: building resilience through chosen challenges
[35:00] - The Badwater Double: a 292-mile journey through Death Valley and back
[47:30] - How the mountains called him at age 50 and led to chasing the grid
[54:00] - The spiritual and transformative lessons learned through mountain pilgrimages

Links & Resources:

• Ken's website: www.barefootken.com

• Ken Posner's book: Chasing the Grid (available Sept 23 on Amazon)

• Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

• Antifragile by Nassim Taleb

• Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey

• The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes

Closing Remark:

Please check out Ken's website and support him by purchasing his new book!

If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend who could use a little adventure in their life. Be sure to follow, rate, and leave a review of the podcast and well as our new YouTube channel—it helps us reach more everyday explorers just like you. Thanks for tuning in!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Charles Infurna—a coach, academic, and athlete—who shares a powerful story about unlocking human potential. From the legacy of his immigrant family to his own journey through athletics and coaching, Charles brings a deep, authentic perspective on what it really takes to push past limits and perform at the highest level.

We talk about the importance of belief, the trust that fuels great coach-athlete relationships, and how to balance ambition with healthy detachment. Whether you're chasing Olympic dreams, striving for personal growth, or trying to show up better for your kids, Charles’ reflections offer real wisdom for anyone walking their own adventure.

[1:22] - The immigrant roots that shaped Charles’ drive and work ethic
[5:00] - Early lessons from watching his parents work tirelessly for the American dream
[7:50] - The college years: How track and field became the anchor that kept him moving forward
[10:12] - Stepping into coaching: From reluctant start to life-changing purpose
[16:00] - Navigating identity, ego, and love for the sport in his first years as a coach
[19:45] - Parenting and coaching: What he's learned about motivation, belief, and letting go
[22:55] - The most important thing a coach can do: Be a “light giver” and guide belief
[27:10] - Stories of grit, growth, and belief from standout athlete Lewis and others
[35:00] - Research insights: What Olympic coaches do differently to create trust and performance
[45:00] - Inside “The Throwing Circle”: Charles’ upcoming book and how it blends story with science

• Follow Dr. Charles Infurna
  Instagram & Twitter: @charlesinfurna
  LinkedIn: Charles Infurna

• Dr. Infurna’s Upcoming Book: The Throwing Circle
  Launching Summer 2025 – Available soon on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Costco.

• Josh's Financial Planning Resources
  Website: www.ridgelinewealthadvisors.com
  Newsletter: The Money Trail Guide – Sign up on the site!

If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast! Your support helps us keep bringing inspiring stories and hard-won insights from everyday explorers, adventurers, and achievers.

👉 Also, be sure to find and follow our brand-new YouTube channel where you can watch full episodes and more from the On Adventure Podcast.

Stay safe. Stay curious. Stay on the adventure.

What does it really mean to suffer with purpose? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with conservationist and ultra-endurance athlete Tom Hicks – a man whose journey is as layered as the landscapes he climbs. From leading anti-poaching efforts across Africa and Asia with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation to tackling brutal challenges like Ironman races and high-altitude expeditions, Tom’s life is defined by intentional hardship, deep introspection, and relentless forward motion.

We dive into the heart of resilience, why discomfort can be transformative, and how a former rugby coach found meaning in the mountains. Tom also shares his connection with previous On Adventure guest Holly Budge and his plans to lead a new team to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Whether you're an aspiring adventurer, a mindset junkie, or someone wrestling with self-doubt, this episode delivers a powerful reminder: growth is never linear, and purpose is often found in the pain.

Episode Highlights:

[3:00] – Fighting global wildlife crime: Tom’s work with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
[8:00] – The brutal truth about poaching, organized crime, and the risks of field conservation
[12:00] – From being told he’d never succeed to becoming a conservation leader
[18:00] – Mentoring the next generation: the importance of presence and vulnerability
[24:00] – The “circuit breaker” mindset tool to quiet negative inner voices
[29:00] – What drives us to endure suffering in pursuit of meaning
[38:00] – A life-or-death lesson on Lenin Peak – and why good decision-making matters
[45:00] – Remembering Dixie Dansercoer and how it reshaped Tom’s risk tolerance
[54:00] – Emotional regulation in chaos: the power of calm leadership
[59:00] – Balancing ambition, burnout, and building a team for Kilimanjaro

Links & Resources:

• David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

• Learn more about snow leopard conservation

• Holly Budge’s Episode 52

• Osprey Packs

• In memory of polar explorer Dixie Dansercoer

Connect with Tom:
Have questions about conservation, endurance training, or joining the upcoming Kilimanjaro team? Reach out to Tom directly on LinkedIn or Instagram – he’s always happy to connect with fellow adventurers and curious minds.

Enjoyed this episode?
If Tom’s story sparked something in you, take a second to rate, follow, and review On Adventure. And be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and inspiration from the trail. Plus – don’t miss new episode drops and bonus video content on our brand-new YouTube channel. Hit subscribe and join us for the next great adventure.