Explore every episode of the podcast The Keifer Madness Podcast

Brian “Wolfie” Peterson joins me for a conversation about competition, ego, suffering, and some of the unwritten rules shaping ultrarunning right now.

We get into whether running is actually building resilience or sometimes just becoming another crutch, the role ego and anger can play in performance, and why maybe you don’t have to smile your way through every hard thing.

From there, we dig into the current evolution of Backyard Ultras: Phil Gore’s solo effort, pacing and sleep deprivation, the competitive psychology of the format, and the controversy surrounding Mark Dowdle and Ello at Last Soul Ultra.

At the center of it all is a bigger question:

What do we actually want competition to look like?

Because when it’s over, the victor gets to write history.

A 20 second crew meeting in the middle of the Leadville 100 turned into nearly 400,000 views and a whole lot of opinions.

Blake Bender joins me to unpack what actually happened at Twin Lakes, why a quick conversation with his family and crew pissed off so much of the internet, and the weird pace shaming conversation that followed.

But this episode goes well beyond the controversy. Blake spent nearly a decade coaching college basketball before losing that identity, finding ultra running at 30, and signing up for his first 100 miler before he had even finished a marathon.

We get into family, crewing, taking something seriously even when you’re never going to win it, the growing culture clash inside ultra running, and why Blake has decided the response to getting dragged online is to put himself out there even more.

Plus, we look ahead to his first crack at the Tahoe 200 and the crew book that started this whole damn thing.

John Baker has spent most of his life figuring out what allows people to perform when things get hard.

He played professional baseball for more than a decade, reaching the Major Leagues with the Marlins, Padres, and Cubs before eventually moving from the field into coaching, mental skills, player development, and performance psychology. His career would ultimately take him from being an MLB player to helping build and lead performance systems responsible for hundreds of professional players and coaches.

But this conversation goes well beyond baseball.

John and I originally met years ago on the jiu-jitsu mats, and that shared background became the jumping-off point for a much bigger conversation about why some of us are drawn toward difficult things in the first place.

We talk about the strange trust that exists between two people trying to choke each other unconscious, why shared suffering creates some of the strongest relationships in our lives, and what jiu-jitsu, professional baseball, military environments, and ultrarunning unexpectedly have in common.

We also get deep into performance psychology: visualization, attention training, managing arousal under pressure, learning to become the observer of your own thoughts, and why the popular definition of "mental toughness" might have very little to do with simply being willing to suffer more.

John's definition is much simpler:

Mental toughness is the ability to pay attention to the right thing, at the right time, regardless of the circumstances.

We unpack what that actually looks like when you're standing at the plate in a Major League Baseball game, stepping onto a jiu-jitsu mat, or trying to keep moving forward 100 hours into a 250-mile race.

This is a conversation about performance, but even more than that, it's about deliberately choosing difficult things, understanding what you value, and learning how to keep showing up.

Josh Harris and I have more than a few things in common. We both built careers behind the bar, found sobriety along the way, and eventually discovered a very different kind of obsession in endurance running.

Josh has been sober for 22 years, spending nearly his entire professional career in the cocktail industry without drinking. We talk about what sobriety looked like in an industry that wasn't nearly as accepting of it two decades ago, how bartending actually helped build his confidence in early sobriety, and how the cocktail world has changed since.

Then we get into running.

Josh went from rediscovering running during 2020 to ultras, back-to-back 100 milers, the Triple Crown of 200s, and completing 314 miles of The Speed Project solo and self-supported.

But some of my favorite parts of this conversation aren't about how far he's gone. They're about knowing when not to keep going.

We talk about his DNF at Tahoe 200, walking away from Bigfoot, the difference between doing hard things because you want to and doing them because you feel like you have something to prove, and Josh's philosophy that real strength comes from finding balance between the heart, mind, and body.

Episode Description

What happens when the thing that once defined you is taken away?

In this episode, I sit down with Shelby Harrington to unpack a story that's about far more than Ironman racing. Shelby shares how she went from being a single mom with no endurance background to signing up for an Ironman in the middle of one of the hardest seasons of her life. Along the way, we talk about training without headphones, learning to embrace discomfort, recovering from a major cycling accident just weeks before race day, and the mindset that carried her through it all.

But the conversation doesn't stop there.

After being diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency and surviving multiple life-threatening medical emergencies, Shelby was forced to step away from the sport she loved. We dive into what it means to grieve an identity, redefine success, and build a life that's rooted in intention rather than achievement.

We also explore:

• Why endurance sports reveal who you really are

• Mental tools for navigating adversity during races and in everyday life

• The importance of adaptability over perfection

• Parenting, mortality, and living with purpose

• How showing up authentically creates better leaders, athletes, and humans

• Why "work-life balance" might be the wrong goal altogether

Whether you're training for your next race, navigating a major life transition, or simply trying to become more intentional with how you spend your time, this conversation is packed with practical insights and perspective.

You can connect with Shelby on Instagram at @shelbyonpurpose, where she shares resources and coaching centered around intentional living, leadership, and personal growth.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use the reminder that resilience isn't something you're born with—it's something you build, one intentional decision at a time.

What does it actually mean to build a successful life without sacrificing yourself in the process?

In this conversation, I sit down with my longtime friend Mycal Anders—Marine Corps veteran, leadership coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Next Level Performance Consulting—to unpack the ideas that have shaped both of our lives. We talk about the importance of keeping small promises, why so many people create chaos just to justify making a change, how to balance ambition with being present for the people who matter most, and why "balance" might be the wrong goal altogether.

Mycal shares his journey from the military to building one of the country's top CrossFit gyms before walking away to pursue a bigger mission helping leaders align their personal and professional lives. Along the way, we dive into identity after leaving a career, the courage it takes to have uncomfortable conversations, raising kids while chasing big goals, trusting the next easiest step, and the lessons hidden inside both false summits and real ones.

This is one of those conversations that starts with podcast intros and somehow ends up questioning how we choose to live our lives. I think you'll walk away with a lot to think about.

In this episode, Keifer Gilbert chats with ultra runner and entrepreneur Ryan Lange about his journey into ultra running, the culture of the sport, and his innovative ventures in gear design. They explore the mental and physical challenges of ultra distances, the evolution of the sport, and Ryan's new business in hydration gear.

RaveRunner Vests:

https://raverunner.co/

Social Media Links:

https://www.instagram.com/raverunner_1/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/raverunner.co/?hl=en

In this episode, Keifer Gilbert and Killian Korth explore the mental and philosophical aspects of ultra running, injury recovery, and life. They discuss embracing the present, managing ego, the impact of social media, and the deeper meaning of outdoor pursuits. In this episode, Keifer Gilbert and Kilian explore the depths of human nature, the impact of modern society on our primal instincts, and how ultra running can reconnect us with our animalistic roots. They also delve into the influence of social media, the importance of in-person interactions, and the transformative power of embracing our true selves.

Key Topics:

• Mental resilience and embracing the present moment
• Managing ego and gratitude in ultra running
• Impact of social media on athletes and mental health
• Philosophical insights on the universe and human existence
• The cultural differences within outdoor sports communities
• The process of transitioning into professional running and sponsorships
• The importance of loving the training process
• Balancing competitive drive with spiritual exploration
• The influence of media and public perception on athletes
• The significance of community and authenticity in brands Human arrogance and DNA similarity with animals
• Evolutionary roots of morality and behavior
• Social media's influence on perception and emotion
• The importance of in-person interactions for mental health
• Ultra running as a tool for self-discovery and community
• The rubber band analogy for personal growth and achievement
• Balancing comfort and challenge in life and work
• The role of authenticity and vulnerability in relationships
• The impact of technology on social skills and empathy
• Finding fulfillment through physical pursuits and nature

1st Phorm - Official Website - https://1stphorm.com

Kilian's Substack - Run Tough Mindset - https://runtoughmindset.substack.com/

IG - @johnny___ramos

This episode covers the early accomplishments of Johnny Ramos, his upbringing in Congress, Arizona, the influence of outdoor exploration and athletic background, the transition from wrestling to ultra running, the toughness of wrestling and ultra running, the mental and physical differences between the two sports, curiosity and exploration in ultra running, and the Speed Project and unsanctioned racing. The conversation delves into the challenges of ultra running, the impact of difficult races, and the transition to running professionally. It also explores the role of running as a mental health tool and the impact of multi-day efforts. The discussion concludes with reflections on past races and future aspirations.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from wrestling to ultra running requires a shift in mental and physical toughness.
• Curiosity and exploration drive the pursuit of ultra running challenges. Overcoming adversity in ultra running
• Inspiring others through grit and determination

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Early Accomplishments
• 06:32 The Mental and Physical Differences Between Wrestling and Ultra Running
• 13:39 The Speed Project and Unsanctioned Racing
• 30:26 Overcoming Adversity in Ultra Running
• 36:07 Inspiring Others Through Grit and Determination
• 44:40 Running as a Mental Health Tool
• 53:15 Looking Ahead to Future Races

Keifer shares his journey of preparing for and participating in the Cocodona 250-mile race. He discusses his training, motivation, race experience, challenges, and aid station support. The race presented physical and mental challenges, including hydration issues, cramping, foot problems, and sleep deprivation. Keifer's journey was supported by his training community, pacing partners, and aid station volunteers, contributing to a meaningful and impactful race experience. A gripping account of Keifer Gilbert's 250-mile race, filled with hallucinations, physical struggles, and a triumphant finish. Keifer's mental fortitude and determination shine through as he battles through extreme fatigue, injury, and sleep deprivation to reach the finish line. The race becomes a test of his physical and mental limits, leading to a powerful and emotional victory at the end.

Takeaways

• Dedication to training and preparation
• Importance of support and aid station assistance Mental fortitude and determination are crucial in overcoming extreme physical challenges.
• The support and encouragement from others play a significant role in pushing through difficult times.

Chapters

• 00:00 Preparing for Cocodona
• 09:49 Race Recap
• 36:29 The Climb and Hallucinations
• 43:29 Hip Injury and Struggle
• 49:58 Pushing Through Eldon
• 56:43 Post-Race Recovery and Reflection

Chef Beau MacMillan is a celebrity chef and Food Network personality. He reigns in Phoenix, AZ and has been the face of many great dining establishments in the area. His long run at a luxury hotel property The Sanctuary was where he truly made his mark on this town. Beau is a proud father of 5, a devoted husband, and a mentor to many up and coming chefs all over the country.

In this episode of the Keifer Madness podcast, host Keifer Gilbert interviews Beau Mac, a renowned chef and culinary figure in Arizona. They discuss Beau's journey from his early life in New England to becoming a prominent chef in Scottsdale. The conversation delves into the importance of hospitality, mentorship, and the connections formed through food. Beau shares insights on balancing career and family life, the value of slowing down, and the significance of believing in oneself. The episode highlights the passion for culinary arts and the impact of community in the food and beverage industry. In this engaging conversation, Beau Mac and Keifer Gilbert explore the themes of life balance, personal growth, and the healing power of nature. They discuss Beau's journey to the Food Network, the importance of health and wellness, and the challenges of forging a new path in the culinary world. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of mentorship, connection, and the joy of cooking, while also touching on the realities of the hospitality industry.

Jeffrey Morgenthaler is an award-winning bartender, author, and industry innovator based in Portland, Oregon, whose career spans nearly three decades across every level of the bar world—from neighborhood taverns to some of the most influential cocktail programs in the country. He is the co-owner of Pacific Standard and The Sunset Room, where his signature blend of technical precision, creativity, and respect for classic cocktails defines the guest experience. Previously, Morgenthaler led the bar programs at iconic Portland establishments Clyde Common and Pepe Le Moko, with Clyde Common earning seven James Beard Award nominations and helping popularize barrel-aged cocktails nationwide. Beyond the bar, he is the best-selling author of The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique and Drinking Distilled, a widely respected educator and speaker at international industry events, and the head judge of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Frequently featured in major publications and named among the most influential bartenders of his generation, Morgenthaler continues to shape the cocktail world through education, judging, writing, and innovative collaborations, including a recent line of canned cocktails with Ninkasi Brewing Company.

You can find recipes and articles discussed in the episode at his website here:
https://jeffreymorgenthaler.com/

The conversation covers the themes of reconnecting and staying in touch, the impact of bartending competitions and community building, transitioning careers and finding inspiration, discovering a new path and reconnecting with passion, and the evolution of the bartending industry and personal well-being. The takeaways include the importance of healthy habits for longevity and balancing work and personal well-being. The conversation delves into the mental and physical challenges of ultra-endurance sports, highlighting the meditative nature of swimming and endurance training, as well as the role of technology in endurance sports and racing. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of craft bartending and mixology, highlighting the shift towards secretive methods and the importance of hands-on experience in the industry.

Takeaways

• Healthy habits for longevity
• Balancing work and personal well-being Mental and physical challenges of ultra-endurance sports
• The impact of technology on endurance sports Craft bartending and the art of mixology are evolving, with a shift towards more secretive and proprietary methods.
• The importance of hands-on experience and practical knowledge in the bartending industry.

Chapters

• 00:00 Reconnecting and Staying in Touch
• 06:12 Transitioning Careers and Finding Inspiration
• 11:58 The Evolution of the Bartending Industry and Personal Well-being
• 26:53 The Mental and Physical Challenges of Ultra-Endurance Sports
• 53:06 Evolution of Craft Bartending and Mixology

Apache Joe is an endurance athlete, father, husband and mental health community advocate. Joe resides in Phoenix, Arizona and is most known for "The Apache Joe Challenge" where he has ran an entire marathon (26.2 miles) with his mouth full of the same sip of water from start to finish.

In this conversation, Apache Joe shares his transformative journey from struggling with mental health issues to finding purpose through running, diet changes, and breathwork. He discusses the impact of family and spirituality on his life, the challenges he faced, and how he now defines success as a father and husband. Apache Joe's unique approach to running, including the Apache Joe Challenge, highlights his resilience and commitment to personal growth, while also emphasizing the importance of community and accountability in his journey.

You can find him here on Instagram:
@apache.joe.2

Owen Cole is a podcast host, restaurant operator, sobriety advocate, and proud family man. Owen is the host of 'The Dope Dad Podcast which you can find here:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDopeDadPodcast-l6z

IG: @thedopedadpodcast

In this engaging conversation, Keifer and Owen discuss the journey of podcasting, the importance of integrity, and the challenges of sobriety. They reflect on personal growth, parenting in today's world, and the impact of loss and mortality on family dynamics. The discussion emphasizes gratitude, open communication, and the significance of teaching independence to children, all while navigating the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. In this conversation, Owen and Keifer explore profound themes of existence, personal growth, and the challenges of modern life. They reflect on the fleeting nature of life, the importance of finding purpose, and the mental resilience developed through endurance activities like running. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of the restaurant industry, the impact of technology on employment, and the significance of human connection in an increasingly digital world. Ultimately, they emphasize gratitude for family and the importance of creating lasting memories through traditions.

Follow along on Instragram @thekeifermadnesspodcast

The podcast is designed for those pursuing passion and purpose.

It aims to share stories of resilience and overcoming challenges.

Conversations will feature interesting people with unique experiences.

The host values the importance of storytelling in personal growth.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own life experiences.

The podcast seeks to create a community of like-minded individuals.

Each episode will explore different facets of life and personal development.

The host is passionate about connecting with others through shared stories.

The goal is to inspire and motivate listeners through real-life narratives.

The podcast will evolve based on the stories shared by guests.