PODCAST · education
Why not you with John OBrien
by John OBrien
Why Not You with John O'Brien What if the only thing standing between you and doing something extraordinary… is the decision to start? Do hard things. Turning motivational interviews into personal action Why Not You with John OBrien 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. Conversations with ordinary people who did something extraordinary — ultrarunners, Ironman finishers, rebuilders, and people who bet on themselves when it didn’t make sense. The question isn’t why them. It’s why not me. The goal isn’t to impress you. It’s to challenge you to ask a powerful question: Why not you? Want to share your story with me, send me a
Episodes
-
Brad Soat "The Ultra Nurse" Flight Nurse / Paramedic / CEO / Ultra-Runner
Brad was nice enough to sit down and talk with me about a wide range of topics. We talked about Running, Injuries, Recovery, Strength Training, Treatments, Training methods, Goals, Races, Speed vs Easy runs, Long runs, Ultra Training, Backyards, Fueling, Gels, Precision Fuel (looking for a...
-
Plantar Fasciitis - Cortisone injection - Foot injury update - Podcasting Ryan Seacrest contest
Update on the appointment with Dr. Beau Shay. I called last week and got an appointment right away which was yesterday. I went into this with cautious optimism because cortisone shots are no joke. I knew it was going to hurt and I was right, it hurt like hell. That needle doesn't just poke you…
more -
Injury update, Drugs, BPC-157, Money, Peabody, Las Vegas review
I start off giving an update on my right foot plantar fasciitis injury. It's been a super depressing last 5 weeks not being able to run. I'm supplementing it with lifting (mainly squats), biking, stationary bike, and rowing the Concept 2 rower. My squat workout is simple. start with a weight you...
-
Dealing with an injury or set back - and doing hard things prepares you for what's to come
Dealing with this nagging super painful plantar fasciitis is not fun. I've had it before but never this bad and not in my heel. I've been trying to do the exercise bike to substitute my running but it's not even close to the same things. I've also been rowing again. Concept 2 rower. I've also...
-
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.
-
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.
-
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...
-
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,...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
Molly Cain: TBI Survivor to Ironman
In 2012, Molly Cain’s life changed in an instant. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, she spent nearly three weeks in a coma and woke up paralyzed, facing a future filled with uncertainty. When she finally saw her reflection—a face bruised and battered from the accident—she was overwhelmed...
-
Jennifer Brown: Lost 190 Pounds Starting With Walking
What if one simple decision… could change everything? (Taking Chances - Why not you?) In this powerful episode, I sat down with @thisiowamom Jennifer Brown, a woman whose life transformation is nothing short of inspiring. After losing over 190 pounds, Jennifer didn’t start with a fancy gym or...
-
Tom Kelley - Athletic Director - Framingham State Football Head Coach
I sat down with Tom Kelley, a true leader in college athletics and a cornerstone of Framingham State University. With over 40 years dedicated to the program—including 30 years as Athletic Director—Tom has built a legacy of excellence, from championship-winning teams to shaping the future of...
-
Amy De Seyn | High Performance Running & Strength Coach
I’m so excited to introduce you to Amy—someone who truly embodies what it means to take a chance and turn passion into purpose. Amy has spent the last ten years as a personal trainer, but her love for movement and performance started long before that—she’s been a runner since junior high. What...
-
Active Endeavors - Business owner - Mt Everest - Matt Ostrom
What does it look like to take a chance on yourself—and keep climbing? In this episode of Taking Chances – Why Not You?, I sit down with Matt Ostrom, a Quad Cities entrepreneur whose journey is built on grit, vision, and saying yes to opportunity. Matt takes us back to his roots growing up in…
more -
Gavin Brown. Addiction, not a superhero origin story. Then 680 miles across Colorado in 14 days.
On the next Taking Chances – Why Not You? @Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@takingchanceswhynotyou/videos The podcast that challenges the quiet doubts, the excuses, and the hesitation holding you back. Because the real question isn’t “Why not you?” It should be: Why not me? Today’s guest is...
-
Tara Schuster Flesch Ultra Runner Mines Of Spain 100-miler
Today’s guest knows how to go far—really far—and still get faster doing it. We’re joined by Tara Schuster Flesch, an ultrarunner who consistently redefines what endurance looks like. Tara just crossed the finish line of her fastest 100-mile race ever, clocking an incredible 21 hours, 47 minutes,...
-
Jackie Young - Fleet Feet owner - Runner - Mom Ultra Runner
Jackie Young Owner of Fleet Feet Davenport and Fleet Feet Des Moines—helping thousands of runners take their first steps, break PRs, and find the gear that moves them forward. She’s not just in the running world—she is the running world. A badass ultra‑distance runner, tackling 50Ks!! A mom to...
-
Artist Aimee - AF Tattoo Studio - Tattoos Artist female owned business
PODCAST INTRO — “Taking Chances: Why Not You?” Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You? — the podcast where we dive into the real, raw, and remarkable stories of people who bet on themselves… and changed everything. Aimee is someone who embodies grit, creativity, reinvention, and pure...
-
Travis Swanson Leadville 100 Finisher Mines of Spain finisher Runner father inspiration recovering addict
aking Chances – Why Not You? This week, I’m sitting down with someone who defines grit, resilience, and the power of choosing a different path: Travis Swanson — Father, Husband, Brother… and Ultrarunner. Travis calls himself a “typical middle‑aged, standard family, recovering alcoholic” … but...
-
Maurice Lowan - MarathonPandaMaurice Social Media Influencer Car Salesperson of the Century
🚀 Meet Maurice Lowman — a.k.a. MarathonPandaMaurice 🐼🏃♂️One of the most relentless runners you’ll ever meet.🏅 43 Marathons🏅 100+ Half Marathons🏅 2 Ultra 100‑Mile Finishes🏅 4 Ultra Marathon (24‑Hour) Finishes🔥 9.5‑Year Run Streak — from 1/1/2016 to 8/1/2025, Maurice ran at least 1 mile...
-
Taking Chances - Amanda Green - Episode 37
🔥 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? (Coming Next Monday February 16th) I sat down with the incredible Ace Verde Amanda Green and trust me, her story is a masterclass in betting on yourself. From growing up in Peabody, Massachusetts, to heading north to The University of Maine,...
-
Eliaz Willis Paralympic Champion Runner Amputee
🎙️ Podcast Intro: *"Today, we’re honored to welcome an extraordinary athlete, advocate, and trailblazer—Eliaz Willis. Known to many as Liz, Eliaz is a U.S. Paralympian who competed in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games in the 100m, 200m, and placed 6th in the 400m. But her story doesn’t stop there....
-
Taking Chances - Steve Anderson - Episode 35 - Operation BBQ Relief
🎙️ Podcast Intro: Honoring Leadership with Steve Anderson Welcome to today’s episode, where we celebrate the heart of service and leadership. Each year, Operation BBQ Relief presents the Leadership Award to a volunteer who embodies trust, inspires others, and leads by example. The 2023…
more -
Taking Chances - Why not you? Year end 2025
2025 Year-End Recap: Taking Chances - Why Not You?What a remarkable year it's been for Taking Chances - Why Not You?! In 2025, we dropped 34 powerful episodes, each one a testament to the core message: bold moves, big dreams, and the courage to ask, "Why not me?"This year, we brought you an...
-
Scott Anderson - AWA Hawthorne Finalist - The Scott Boys Writer Civil War history Family
🎙️ S. Scott Anderson Scott Anderson is a lifelong storyteller whose journey blends journalism, executive leadership, and a passion for history. An avid reader, student of the past, and global traveler, Anderson draws on real-world experiences to bring depth and authenticity to his characters and...
-
Taking Chances - Solo #3
🎙️ Podcast "Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You? I’m your host, John O’Brien, and today we’re diving into solo episode number three. Recently, I listened to Ken Rideout’s new podcast where Rich Roll was his guest, and it got me thinking. People are often drawn to stories of those who’ve...
-
Taking Chances - John O'Brien - "Finding a way"
Just me, solo, recapping an episode and then realizing that this Podcast highlights people who end up being able to FIND A WAY to get shit done! It's that simple. ordinary people doing extraordinary things, accomplishing amazing things, balancing it all and FINDING A WAY TO GET IT DONE!
-
Bella & Kathryn Miletich - Runners Triathlete Endurance work/Train/learn
🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? Episode Title: “Sisters in the Arena: Bella & Kathryn Miletich” Today’s episode is a masterclass in grit, discipline, and sisterhood. I’m joined by two powerhouse women who are no strangers to pushing limits—Bella and Kathryn Miletich. Daughters of UFC Hall of...
-
Taking Chances - Craig Burns
🎙️ Welcome back to Taking Chances, the podcast where we celebrate bold moves, unexpected turns, and the stories that shape us. Today’s guest is someone who knows a thing or two about carving his own path—Craig Burns. Before we dive into Craig’s journey, let me give you a little context. He just...
-
Taking Chances - Solo - John
🎙️ Podcast Intro: Taking Chances – Why Not You? (Solo Debut Episode) Welcome to Taking Chances – Why Not You? Today… it’s just me. That’s right—your host flying solo for the very first time. This week, I’m diving into the top three topics lighting up the world: sports, cryptocurrency, politics,...
-
John O'Brien Leadville 100 Finisher father - Runner
🎙️ Podcast Promo: Meet John O'Brien — Grit, Growth, and the Long Run From the streets of Peabody, Massachusetts to the finish line of one of the toughest ultramarathons, John O’Brien’s journey is anything but ordinary. A proud husband (wife Traci Kristine OBrien, daughters: Trinity O'Brien Erin...
-
Taking Chances - Episode 26 - Anais Elanko
🎙️ Today’s guest is someone who’s not only a powerhouse in the marketing world—but also a cherished part of my family’s story. Anais Elenko is a wife, a mother of two, and a woman whose journey spans continents and courage. When a U.S. visa wasn’t in the cards, Anais didn’t stop dreaming—she...
-
Traci Kristine O'Brien wife Department of Defense employee - leader
💥 Meet Traci Kristine O'Brien 💥 My wife Traci Kristine OBrien is one of the bravest, most resilient people I know — and on Monday, you’ll hear why. Her career took her across the globe, serving as a civilian with the U.S. Government and Department of the Army. She was deployed not once, not...
-
John DeDoncker Leadville 100 Finisher 10 times! President CEO Retired father
🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? is back with a powerhouse episode featuring the one and only John DeDoncker He’s 61 years old. He’s a 9-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher. He’s crushed the Lead Challenge. And he’s still out there doing what most people only dream of—finishing one of the hardest...
-
Taking Chances - Episode 23 - Andy Yohe
🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? 🎤 Andy Yohe – He’s a living testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of sport to heal and elevate. Born with hockey in his blood, he started on the roller rinks of Bettendorf, Iowa as a member of the Young Guns. But in 1994, everything changed—an...
-
John O'Brien Marine Vietnam Vet Purple Heart - Father
🎙️ Podcast Intro: Taking Chances – Why Not You? Today’s episode is personal. It’s about grit, sacrifice, and the kind of quiet strength that doesn’t ask for applause—but damn well deserves it. Our guest is my dad, John Joseph O'Brien Jr., born and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts. A proud…
more -
Taking Chances - Episode 21 - Stacia Carroll
🎙️ Podcast Intro: “Taking Chances – Why Not You?” featuring Stacia Carroll 🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? From marathons to muscle, we’ve explored what the body can do. But this episode? It’s about what the heart dares to do. Stacia Carroll's story isn’t just about fitness—it’s about…
more -
Kevin Bullard world Champion Long Driver Dad Professional Baseball Player
🎙️ Podcast Intro: Kevin Bullard Today’s guest is the kind of man who doesn’t just chase greatness—he pedals, swings, and drives straight through it. Born during a snowstorm in Rome, Georgia and raised in the small town of Cedartown, Kevin Bullard’s story starts on two wheels at age three and…
more -
Phil Young 100 mile Champion Tunnel Hill Champion Hennepin Champion Fleet Feet owner
🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? with Phil Young!!! Phil is living proof that chasing big dreams—on foot and in business—can lead to extraordinary places. Meet Phil Young, owner of Fleet Feet Davenport, recently named one of the best shoe stores in America. But Phil’s not just lacing up success…
more -
Beth Jannery Female CEO Titan Writer Mom
Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You?, the show where bold moves, transformative stories, and fearless leadership take center stage. Today’s guest is someone who doesn’t just shape narratives—she builds legacies. We’re joined by Beth Jannery, Founder and President of Titan Strategic...
-
Taking Chances - Episode 17 - Brian Doerfeld
🎙️ “Today’s guest is Brian Doerrfeld – a Quad Cities native whose journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Growing up immersed in golf and sports, Brian’s early years were defined by athletic ambition. But in his twenties, life took a detour as he navigated the highs and lows of...
-
Michele Hartwig Race Director OMR Onery Mule Racing Team Hennepin 100 Kettle Moraine
Michele Hartwig is a passionate runner, race director, and all-around trail enthusiast from Crystal Lake, Illinois. Michele has chased personal goals with precision and heart—like the time she ran 63.25 miles in under 12 hours, earning her that coveted “100K Under 12 Hours” shirt and a 2nd-place...
-
Taking Chances - Episode 15 - Erin Montgomery
Today's guest embodies endurance, dedication, and heart. Meet Erin Montgomery, a force of nature from Clinton, Iowa, where she lives with her partner Todd and their four loyal labs. By day, she’s shaping young minds as an educator in Camanche and coaching cross country, basketball, and track. But...
-
Mark Ironfield PowerLifter Power Lifting Business Owner World Records
🎙️ Welcome to Taking Chances – Why Not You? – the podcast that celebrates bold moves, relentless grit, and the power of transformation. Today’s guest is living proof that it’s never too late to chase greatness. 💪 Mark Ironfield grew up in Framingham, Massachusetts, where his love for lifting...
-
Taking Chances - Episode 13 - Brandon Bartz
🎙️Taking Chances: Why Not You? Episode Featuring Brandon Bartz What do you get when you mix adrenaline, vision, grit—and just a little bit of crazy? You get Brandon Bartz. In this episode of Taking Chances – Why Not You? I sat down with the guy who never outgrew the wild side. From motocross...
-
Michelle Juehring Cancer Survivor Race Director Iron Women
Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You?—the show that celebrates transformation, resilience, and the people who lead with heart. Today’s guest is the force behind one of the most iconic road races in the world. She’s a trailblazer, a leader, and a self-proclaimed back-of-the-pack champion…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Why Not You with John O'Brien What if the only thing standing between you and doing something extraordinary… is the decision to start? Do hard things. Turning motivational interviews into personal action
Why Not You with John OBrien 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.
Conversations with ordinary people who did something extraordinary — ultrarunners, Ironman finishers, rebuilders, and people who bet on themselves when it didn’t make sense. The question isn’t why them. It’s why not me.
The goal isn’t to impress you. It’s to challenge you to ask a powerful question:
Why not you?
Want to share your story with me, send me a
HOSTED BY
John OBrien
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Why not you with John OBrien have?
Why not you with John OBrien currently has 60 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Why not you with John OBrien about?
Why Not You with John O'Brien What if the only thing standing between you and doing something extraordinary… is the decision to start? Do hard things. Turning motivational interviews into personal action Why Not You with John OBrien is a podcast that turns curiosity into courage. Each episode...
How often does Why not you with John OBrien release new episodes?
Why not you with John OBrien has 60 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Why not you with John OBrien?
You can listen to Why not you with John OBrien on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Why not you with John OBrien?
Why not you with John OBrien is created and hosted by John OBrien.
URL copied to clipboard!