Enduring Minds | Running, Identity and Healing with Guest Dez Taylor-Douglas

In Episode 8 of the Enduring Minds podcast, hosts Evan Birch and Jason Bahamundi sit down with Dezmond "Dez" Taylor-Douglas—a scientist, endurance coach, and mental health advocate—for a raw and inspiring conversation about running, identity, and healing.Dez opens up about his journey growing up as a military kid, navigating life as a gay Black man, and using running as a lifeline through change, trauma, and growth. From feeling isolated in a new high school to rebuilding after family estrangement, Dez shares how endurance sports became a universal language of connection.He talks about mentorship, the power of therapy, and how embracing vulnerability helped him rewrite the narrative around mental health—especially for men and athletes of color. With a unique philosophy on goal-setting and non-attachment, Dez reminds us that healing is nonlinear, and we’re never truly alone in our struggles.This episode is a must-listen for endurance athletes seeking mental strength, inspiration, and authenticity in their personal journey.🎧 Tune in to Running Identity and Healing and walk away with hope, insight, and the courage to keep going.Keep Connected:Run Tri Bike on Instagram: instagram.com/runtrimagRun Tri Bike on Threads:  threads.net/@runtrimagDez On Instagram:.instagram.com/rundezzyrun