The Crows Nest Podcast

In Episode 20 of The Crow's Nest Podcast, we sit down with Jason Rantall, known throughout the backyard ultra community as "The Stalwart." Today, Jason is a respected ultra runner with a backyard ultra personal best of 49 yards, a mental health advocate, and co-founder of Bettermentall Australia Inc. But his journey to this point has been anything but easy. Jason shares his story wit...

In Episode 19 of The Crow's Nest Podcast, we sit down with backyard ultra athlete Joel Sexton. Known throughout the running community for his generosity, positivity, and willingness to help others, Joel's journey into the sport began not as a competitor, but as a crew member. After supporting athletes on the world stage, including crewing for Tim Kaprazac during his Australian team campaigns, Joel...

In this episode of The Crow’s Nest Podcast, we sit down for an honest after-race debrief following Melbourne Front Yard Ultra. Brandon unpacks his race from start to finish — the strategy, nutrition, highs, setbacks, mental battles, and the moments that pushed him to his limits. From the early race excitement to the deep overnight hours where every loop becomes a test of resilience, this conversat...

This one’s raw, honest, and deeply personal. In this episode, Tim and Rachel Kacprzak open up about the parts of their story that shaped everything— their childhoods, their relationships with their parents, and the lessons they carried into adulthood. We talk about what it was really like becoming young parents, growing up while raising kids, and learning—sometimes the hard way—how to support each...

In this episode of The Crow’s Nest Podcast, we sit down with Margie Hadley- one of Australia’s most remarkable ultra runners. Margie has represented Australia at the Satellite Championships, running 47 yards, claimed multiple backyard ultra victories, and most recently became the last woman standing at the Hardcore Harry challenge—running for 75 days and covering nearly 3000 kilometres. But this c...

We put it out to the people… and you absolutely delivered. 🙌 In Episode 15 we asked our community to share the best advice they’ve ever received, and the responses were too good not to talk about. From running and sport to relationships, parenting, mindset and life in general — some are funny, some are powerful, and some might be exactly what you need to hear today.

🔥 BONUS EPISODE 🔥 MVP Through Fresh Eyes You’ve heard Brandon and I unpack MVP- the heat, the pressure, the lessons. But this time, we’re shifting the lens. Because you never forget your first backyard ultra. In this bonus episode, we sit down with Tom and Aaron to debrief their very first experience stepping into the backyard format at MVP. From pre-race nerves and quiet doubts to the moment it...

Episode 13 – The MVP Debrief The race that breaks you… and reveals everything. MVP wasn’t just hot and brutal, it was exposing. The kind of race that strips you back to your preparation, your standards, your mindset, and the conversations you have with yourself when things start to hurt. In this episode, we unpack the full debrief! What went right, what cracked under pressure, the turning points,...

To kick off the new year, we sit down with Ramona Lever-counsellor, coach, author, and a respected voice in the wellbeing space with over 25 years of experience helping people create meaningful, lasting change. In this raw and honest conversation, we explore the power of mindset and what it really means to set authentic goals that align with your true purpose — not external expectations. Ramona sh...

In Episode 4, Darryl joined us to share his journey through ultra running- the miles, the mental battles, and the grit it takes to keep showing up. As promised, he’s back for an end-of-year reflection, and this time he’s joined by his incredible partner and crew, Annaliese. This episode explores the same finish line through two very different perspectives- the runner and the person standing beside...

In this milestone 10th episode, we sit down with the incredible Bardie Somerville- carpenter, public speaker, endurance runner, and the driving force behind The Shift, an organisation reshaping mental health conversations for blue-collar workers. Bardie shares her journey through the trades, the challenges faced, and the powerful mission that fuels her work in creating connection, vulnerability an...

This week on The Crow’s Nest Podcast we sit down with the incredible Emma- an athlete who somehow manages to be equal parts fun, fierce, grounded, and wildly inspiring. She’s the perfect mix of bravery, banter, big-hearted honesty… and yes, the occasional sneaky gin & tonic. 🍸 Emma takes us right back to where it all began: her first ultra marathon in 2012, the mindset shifts that shaped her as a...

Emily Smith is one of those people whose stories stay with you long after the conversation ends. From her fearless transition from professional cricket wicket keeper to AFLW player, to the meaning behind her favourite tattoos collected from around the world. Emily brings laughter, honesty, and perspective to every part of her journey. This episode dives into resilience, chasing new challenges, and...

What an enjoyable chat this one was! Sitting down with Patto felt less like an interview and more like catching up with an old friend. From childhood antics and rock band days to the backyard ultra world and the stories in between, we were laughing nonstop and soaking up every moment. This episode is full of heart, humour and some cracking yarns; you’re going to love it!

Fresh from the Shepparton GV Backyard Ultra, we dive into what went well, what we’d change next time, and the biggest lessons the event taught us. Alongside our own recap, you’ll also hear reflections from fellow runners with a reminder that in backyard ultras, community is above all else. Special thank you to GV for such an incredible event and shout out to Tim, Ollie, Joel, Emma, Patto and Matty...

Episode 5 – The Journey to GV: The Crows Backyard Ultra Packing List With just 11 days to go until the Shepparton Backyard Ultra (at time of recording), we take you behind the scenes of all the prep that goes into race day. From packing lists to food strategies, planning, gear, and the mindset needed to tackle a backyard ultra. Whether you’re a runner, supporter, or just curious about what it take...

In this episode of the Crow's Nest podcast, Darryl Tollett shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in the UK to becoming a passionate ultra runner in Australia. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to running, including his first marathon experience and the transition to ultra marathons. Darryl emphasizes the importance of community support, the challenges of injuries,...

Surviving the Storm: Lisa & Marcus on Hyperemesis Gravidarum It wasn’t morning sickness—it was survival. Lisa shares her harrowing journey with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, and Marcus reveals what it’s like to watch the person you love suffer through it. A raw, honest conversation about pain, resilience, and the power of love in the hardest moments. #hyperemesisGravidarum #HGAwareness #TheCrowsNest...

Episode 2 No Fluff, Just Feathers: Welcome to The Nest In this official first real episode, Brandon and Jess open up the doors to The Crow’s Nest and invite you into their world. From teenage sweethearts to married with two boys (and a whole lot of life in between), this episode is part love story, part therapy session, and part laugh-out-loud chaos. We talk about how we met, how we’ve grown, what...

In our debut episode, we dive into the chaos, grit and glory of Dead Cow Gully, where history was made as Phil Gore set a new world record with 119 yards, with a massive assist from New Zealand warrior Sam Harvey on 118. I break down what it was like to be out there grinding through each loop, while Jess shares the raw emotion of watching it all unfold from the livestream. Two different perspectiv...