Imagine standing on the start line of your very first Ironman and the 3rd in history in Oahu in 1980—no high-tech gear, no fancy nutrition plans, just raw endurance and a relentless drive to push human limits. Now, fast forward 44 years, and that same athlete has just completed his 50th Ironman in Kona in 2024. Kurt Madden—also known as Coach K or Mad Dog—is an endurance sports pioneer, a champion ultraman, and a world-class triathlon coach. In this episode, we dive deep into his journey: what led him to that historic start line in 1980, the lessons learned from five decades in endurance sports, and the business and life principles he’s extracted along the way. We’ll explore what it takes to endure—both as an athlete and as a coach—why he is devoted to helping others achieve their peak performance, and how AI is about to change the future of coaching. Whether you’re an aspiring triathlete, a business leader, or someone looking for the mindset to go further, this episode will inspire you to redefine your own limits.

Highlights:
- Kurt's Journey to His First Ironman
- The Challenges of the First Ironman
- The Evolution of Ironman and Kona
- Racing in Kona: A Special Experience
- The Meaning of Ohana on a Race Day
- Lessons from The Ultraman: A 100-Mile Run
- The Hard Rock Race Experience
- Leadville and the Taharamar Indians
- Coaching Influences and Personal Growth
- TriDot and AI in Training vs a Coach
- Reflections on Kona and World Championships

Links:
Connect with Kurt Madden through Instagram.

Explore The Limitless Life Workshop
We are living in a time of abundance, where entrepreneurs have more opportunities than ever before. With the rise of AI, colossal advancements in technology and the scope to reach millions of people in seconds, it has never been a more exciting or easily accessible time for your business to thrive. But are you riding that wave of exhilaration, or are you crashing and burning in a downhill spiral?

Please Subscribe to Business of Endurance on Apple Podcasts, leave a comment, and give us a 5-Star review.

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

Today’s guest is a master of endurance—not just in sport, but in business and life. Ed Chang was a successful lawyer, an Ironman triathlete, and the co-founder of Varlo Sports, a rising force in endurance apparel. But what makes his story remarkable isn’t just the accolades—it’s the mindset, the strategy, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. How do you balance a legal career, a start-up, and training for one of the toughest endurance events on the planet? What can triathlon teach us about building businesses, and what can business teach us about racing smarter? Ed breaks it all down. Not only that, but Varlo as a business really know their 'Why' and they are on a mission to change the sport for good. Stick around to hear how Ed applies endurance thinking to every area of life and how you can do the same.

Highlights:
- Ed's Journey into Endurance Sports
- Building a Community-Centric Brand
- Advocacy and Community Engagement
- Balancing Law and Endurance Sports
- Embracing Challenges and Growth
- The Role of AI in Endurance Sports
- The Irreplaceable Human Touch
- Utilizing AI in Business Communications
- Balancing Endurance Sports and Busy Careers
- Memorable Triathlon Moments and Highlights
- Books That Inspire: From Triathlon to Business
- The Power of Community and Mental Endurance
- Reflections on Personal Growth and Future Goals

Links:
Connect with Ed Chang through Instagram.

Explore The Limitless Life Workshop
We are living in a time of abundance, where entrepreneurs have more opportunities than ever before. With the rise of AI, colossal advancements in technology and the scope to reach millions of people in seconds, it has never been a more exciting or easily accessible time for your business to thrive. But are you riding that wave of exhilaration, or are you crashing and burning in a downhill spiral?

Please Subscribe to Business of Endurance on Apple Podcasts, leave a comment, and give us a 5-Star review.

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

What does it take to not only survive but thrive against impossible odds? Imagine being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer—not once, but four times. Now, imagine taking on the world’s toughest endurance races in the middle of that battle. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Richard Wright, has done. Richard is more than an endurance athlete; he’s a radical optimist, bestselling author of The Power of Purpose, and a man who refuses to be defined by his diagnosis. In this conversation, he reveals the mindset shifts that separate survivors from victims, the power of endurance in life and business, and the deeply personal story behind his “I Am” tattoo. This episode will change how you see adversity. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone fighting your own battles, Richard’s wisdom will leave you with practical strategies to redefine resilience, rediscover purpose, and push your own limits. Let’s dive in.

Highlights:
- Competing in Ironmans While Battling Cancer
- The Power of Purpose: Endurance Sport and Cancer Treatment
- The Gifts of Cancer: Mental Resilience and Endurance
- The Importance of Physical Activity During Cancer
- Overcoming Personal Challenges and Discovering Ironman
- A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Survivor vs Victim Mentality
- Facing a Terminal Diagnosis vs The Power of Mindset
- Balancing Parenthood and Treatment: Overcoming Obstacles
- The Ironman Challenge and A New Perspective on Survival
- The Return of Cancer vs The Power of 'I Am'
- Questioning Beliefs and Identity: Conditioning and Expectations
- The Gift of Authenticity: Embracing Vulnerability Power
- Books That Shaped the Journey and The Importance of Purpose
- Lessons from Bonsai Trees: Endurance and Reinvention

Links:
Connect with Richard Wright through his website.

Explore The Limitless Life Workshop
We are living in a time of abundance, where entrepreneurs have more opportunities than ever before. With the rise of AI, colossal advancements in technology and the scope to reach millions of people in seconds, it has never been a more exciting or easily accessible time for your business to thrive. But are you riding that wave of exhilaration, or are you crashing and burning in a downhill spiral?

Please Subscribe to Business of Endurance on Apple Podcasts, leave a comment, and give us a 5-Star review.

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline