Episode 8: The One Where the Rat Inside Got Quiet
Guest: Dr. Jaimie Lusk, PsyD
In this episode, we dive into the deep end of what fuels us to run — and what we’re sometimes running from. Dr. Jaimie Lusk, a licensed psychologist and ultra-runner, joins us to explore the powerful intersection of trauma recovery, mental health, and endurance sports. We talk about how ultra-running can be a path to healing, a coping mechanism, or, in some cases, a way to avoid the very emotions we need to face. We unpack what it looks like when your drive is tied to past pain, how healing can shift your identity as a runner, and why self-worth shouldn’t be measured in podiums, PRs, or Strava segments. Whether you run to remember, to forget, or to feel something again — this one’s for you. Topics we cover:
• How trauma shows up in running
• When ultra becomes avoidance
• Identity shifts during recovery
• Healthy vs. unhealthy motivation
👉 Follow, rate, and share if you’ve ever felt like the miles were carrying more than just your body.
Dr. Jaimie Lusk Site
Awe- By Dacher Keltner
Mans Search Meaning Viktor Frankl
Tribe by Sebastian Junger
Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion Gregory Boyle
