In this episode of the Endure Edge Podcast, Jacques Wijtman sits down with Rachel “The Big Dog” Beaton to unpack the work, discipline, and mindset behind her rise in the running world. Known by many as a running influencer, Rachel breaks down what most people don’t see, the early mornings, the lonely miles, and the decision to train without a coach.

From her life before running, to conquering Comrades and earning back-to-back Bill Rowan finishes, this conversation dives deep into mental toughness, women’s mental health, and the power of community. Raw, honest, and unapologetic, this episode proves that grit beats talent when talent doesn’t show up.

In this episode, we sit down with Darren Thomas, Hyrox world champion, elite adaptive CrossFit athlete, and a man who has turned unimaginable adversity into unstoppable momentum. After an event that changed his life and left him in a wheelchair, Darren refused to let circumstance define his future. Instead, he rebuilt himself with grit, discipline, and a mindset forged under pressure.

We dive into the moment his competitive fire reignited, how he trains at a world-class level, the mental battles behind the physical ones, and what it really takes to rise when life hits hardest. This is more than a story about sport — it’s a masterclass in resilience, perspective, and human potential.

If you’ve ever faced adversity, struggled with identity, or needed proof that strength is a choice, this episode will hit home.

In this episode, we sit down with Marisca Orr, a woman redefining strength from the inside out.
She’s the force behind a movement that helps women stop shrinking, stop apologizing, and start stepping into the power they forgot they had.

We talk about what it really means for women to build strength, not just in the gym, but in identity, mindset, and everyday life.
From the fears women carry, to the confidence they unlock through lifting, to Marisca’s own journey of resilience and leadership, this conversation hits deep.

This episode is bold, honest, and needed.
If you’re a woman who’s ever doubted your strength, or someone who supports strong women, this one will stay with you long after it ends.