What drives someone to run 100 miles through the mountains, across deserts, or through the dead of night? Hosted by Orsy Szabo, Hurts So Good goes deep into the world of ultra marathon running, where the finish line is just the beginning of the story.
Each episode, Orsy sits down with the athletes, coaches, and characters who push the human body far beyond what most people think is possible.
What Hurts Better, Running or Hot Sauce? Season 1 Finale with Orsy Szabo and Brooke Redelle
This is take two. The first recording died in an audio gremlin, and apparently somebody was far too polite with the hot sauce. This time, nobody is holding back.
The rules: one hot sauce per guest, getting hotter each time (the first is around 2,000 Scoville, the last is around 2 million), and a few minutes on each guest from the season before the next sauce comes out. Orsy and Brooke trade stories, favourite moments and the odd cough, and by the end their mouths, their thumbs and their composure are all on fire.
Then it turns into something bigger. The two catch up on their own running (Brooke's setbacks and her plan to get back out there, Orsy's countdown to a 24-hour track race), talk honestly about grief, faith and the people they've lost, and look ahead to season two. They close with the thread that ran through the whole season: how much of endurance is mental, and why the answer to nearly everything is to take the next step forward.
6 Jul 2026
The Mental Health Side of Running & Dog Documentaries with Evan Birch
In this episode, Orsy sits down with ultrarunner, coach, podcaster, and mental health advocate Evan Birch (@ultrabirch) for a wide-ranging conversation about running, resilience, healing, and identity. Evan shares how his acclaimed short film Supernova came together, why running has been both a coping mechanism and a growth tool, and how therapy helped him move from running away from his problems to running toward a fuller life.
They also dig into the mental side of ultra running: how to handle pain, why breathwork matters, what it means to keep showing up in hard moments, and how runners can use mindset to stay present when everything gets uncomfortable. Evan opens up about trauma, asking for help, body image, and the process of rebuilding after burnout and injury — all while continuing to chase bigger goals in the sport.
25 Jun 2026
Running Across Canada: Empowering Women Through Ultras with Stephanie Simpson
Join us as Stephanie Simpson shares her inspiring journey of planning to run across Canada in 85 days, pushing her physical and mental limits, and inspiring women to realize their potential. Discover how she prepares, overcomes challenges, and stays motivated for this monumental feat.
20 Jun 2026
The Hidden Joys of Ultra Running: Family, Balance, and Pushing Personal Limits with Jordan Tyson
This episode features Jordan Tyson, an ultrarunner with an incredible history of races ranging from 100-mile races to the grueling Spine Race in winter conditions. We explore his journey, mental toughness, race experiences, and how he balances ultrarunning with a full life. Whether you're an aspiring ultrarunner or curious about pushing limits, this conversation provides deep insights into endurance and perseverance.
14 Jun 2026
Couch to 5K, Ultras, and Everything In Between: A Mid-Season Check-In
It's the halfway point of Hurts So Good, and Orsy and Brooke are taking a breather to look back. From Couch to 5K stories to ultra training chaos and everything in between, the two share what's stood out to them so far this season, the moments that made them laugh, the lessons that hit home, and a few surprises along the way. Grab your coffee (or your post run snack) and settle in for this mid season check in before round two kicks off.
28 May 2026
Marina The Machina: Conquering the Cocodona 250
Discover how Marina Striker’s passion for ultra running pushes her through unimaginable distances, from the Cocodona 250 to the Fat Dog 120. Gain insights into her mental strategies, community involvement, and the physical and emotional toll of these epic races.
Main Topics:
The journey from trail enthusiast to race director
The mental toughness required for 200+ mile races
Insights into race training, preparation, and overcoming low points
The role of community, crew, and pacing in ultra success
Menopause and aging as factors in endurance sports
14 May 2026
Pushing Human Limits: Viktoria Brown’s Ultramarathon Journey
Join us as Viktoria Brown, Canada's record-holding ultramarathon runner, shares her inspiring story of transforming from a beginner in 2015 to a dominant force in multi-day ultra events. Discover the mental strategies, training insights, and raw determination that have propelled her to set impressive records and challenge what we believe is possible.
7 May 2026
The Surprising Power of Discomfort: Why Pain Can Be the Medicine for Your Mind & Body - Dave Proctor
Most ultra runners chase the thrill of crossing invisible finish lines but what if the real reward lies in the pain, discomfort, and connection we find along the way? Dave Proctor, the fastest man to run across Canada and holder of several national ultra records, exposes the raw truth about pushing human limits—and why it’s a journey worth every ounce of suffering.
In this episode, Dave pulls back the curtain on ultra marathon mental battles, revealing how pain can be medicine and discomfort a catalyst for growth. You'll discover how running 100+ kilometers a day creates a high that’s almost addictive—like feeling perpetually alive—and why the lows afterward can push even seasoned athletes into darkness.
Dave shares profound insights from his own experiences, including the joy of accepting discomfort and the secret science behind the dopamine cycle.
30 Apr 2026
Unpacking the Journey of a Pro Trail Runner: Jenny Quilty
Discover the story behind Jenny Quilty’s impressive trail running career, her motivations, setbacks, and her unique perspective on racing, mental resilience, and community engagement.
Whether you're aspiring to race at high levels or simply want insight into top-tier ultra running mentalities, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiring narratives.
23 Apr 2026
A 20,000 km Journey: Ria's Epic Ultra Run Across the Silk Road
Discover how Ria transformed her personal struggles into a pioneering ultra adventure from Asia to Europe, pushing the limits of human endurance and exploring the intersection of art, science, and spirituality in extreme sports.
Follow Ria's journey: https://www.instagram.com/whereisriax/ (https://www.instagram.com/whereisriax/)
Connect with Orsy: https://www.stepswithorsy.com/ (https://www.stepswithorsy.com/)
Start Your Podcast: https://www.brookeredelle.com/ (https://www.brookeredelle.com/)
23 Apr 2026
Hurts So Good is HERE! With Orsy Szabo
Discover what drives ultra runners and endurance athletes beyond physical prowess. In this episode, host Orsy dives into the mental resilience, motivations, and psychological boundaries that make long-distance running not just possible but addictive. Perfect for anyone curious about human endurance, mindset, and the intersection of pain and pleasure.
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