THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST Nicholas Thompson: How Running Taught Me to Lead, Endure, and Find Meaning
Nov 20, 2025
Nicholas Thompson, a runner, writer, and CEO of The Atlantic, shares profound insights from his new book. He discusses how running has been a mirror for his leadership, emphasizing patience and resilience. Thompson reflects on the lessons of forgiveness from his relationship with his father, and how running shapes empathy and personal growth. He emphasizes the discipline from running that translates to both professional and personal realms. With stories from pivotal runs, he reveals the deeper meanings of endurance and its impact on life decisions.
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Running Toward — Then Beyond — His Father
- Nick began running to spend time with his father and later used running to seek self-confidence.
- Running evolved from connection to self-actualization and later to mourning and stress relief.
Forgiveness Frees Mental Space
- Forgiveness frees mental energy and reduces ongoing costs to your wellbeing.
- Thompson forgave his father because he believed his father loved him despite serious failings.
Daily Running Builds Stoic Habits
- Running builds a stoic habit: show up, do hard work, and improvement follows.
- Thompson links daily training discipline to better professional resilience and health.
