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Forging a New Chapter: Do Hard Things Returns with Brian Larson

The Do Hard Things Podcast is back and we are kicking off Season 5 with a brand new chapter. After years of leading conversations on resilience, mindset, and performance, Siegfried Jay Tiegs is joined by new cohost Brian Larson, a CrossFit coach, breathwork facilitator, nutrition specialist, and movement expert.

Together, Jay and Brian are bringing you raw, unfiltered conversations that blend inspiration with real tactics to help you strengthen both mind and body. In this episode, they share the vision for the future of the podcast, the story behind teaming up, and what you can expect in the weeks ahead.

You will discover how the Do Hard Things ethos is evolving with a stronger focus on mindset, movement, breathwork, and community and how you can be part of the journey.

Whether you are a long time listener or brand new to the tribe, this episode sets the tone for what is next: practical strategies, powerful stories, and a community built on forging resilience together.

Learn more and join the Do Hard Things Nation Wellness Academy at www.dohardthingsnation.com.

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place. On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives.

Join the Do Hard Things Nation Facebook Community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/developgritdohardthings

Get Do Hard Things Swag/Join an Event/Get Running Coaching:
https://www.dohardthingsnation.com

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The Pole Runner: A Veteran’s Marathon for Mental Wellness

In this episode of Do Hard Things, we sit down with Michael Pickings, a 42-year-old Navy veteran whose story is a powerful testament to resilience, mental toughness, and transformation. From excelling as a long-distance runner in high school to serving as an FMF corpsman in the Navy, Michael has lived a life defined by endurance, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of growth.

But Michael’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles. Battling bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and insomnia, he has faced some of life’s darkest moments. With the unwavering support of his wife, Sherconja, and their six children, Michael has fought to rebuild his life—turning to faith, exercise, and self-reflection as his anchors.

Through his experiences, he has become a mental health advocate, using his platform to inspire others to carry their burdens with courage. As the founder of Dragonz MMA, he has helped others push past their limits. More recently, he’s taken up pole running, a deeply symbolic practice where he physically carries the weight of his burdens, proving that no load is too heavy when approached with resilience.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Michael’s journey from high school track star to Navy corpsman
• The mental health battles he has faced and how he overcame them
• How his wife and family played a critical role in his healing process
• The story behind pole running and its significance in his transformation
• His mission to inspire others through fitness, faith, and self-discipline

Connect with Michael Pickings:

• TikTok: @thepolerunner
• Facebook: #thepolerunner
• Facebook Reels: Michael Pickings
• YouTube: The Log Runner

Join the Movement:

If you found this episode inspiring, share it with someone who needs to hear Michael’s story. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Do Hard Things for more powerful stories of resilience and mental toughness.

Join the Do Hard Things Nation Official Coaching Page:

Do Hard Things Nation

Join the Do Hard Things Nation Facebook Community:
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Get Do Hard Things Swag/Join an Event/Get Running Coaching:
https://www.dohardthingsnation.com

#DoHardThings #ThePoleRunner #MentalToughness #Resilience #VeteranMindset

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place. On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives.

Join the Do Hard Things Nation Facebook Community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/developgritdohardthings

Get Do Hard Things Swag/Join an Event/Get Running Coaching:
https://www.dohardthingsnation.com

Send us a text

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my 4 Winter Weather Running Tips to keep you motivated and moving:

1. Mindset is Key: Embrace the challenge and stay positive.
2. Warm-Up First: Start warm to avoid the shock of the cold.
3. Dress in Layers: Find what works and keep experimenting.
4. Have Fun: Forget pace—focus on effort and enjoy the beauty of winter.

What’s your go-to winter running tip?

If you found this helpful, rate the show on Spotify, subscribe on YouTube, and share it with a running buddy!

www.dohardthingsnation.com #dohardthings

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place. On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives.

Join the Do Hard Things Nation Facebook Community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/developgritdohardthings

Get Do Hard Things Swag/Join an Event/Get Running Coaching:
https://www.dohardthingsnation.com