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Russ Cook (AKA Hardest Geezer) is the first person in history to run the entire length of Africa, over 16,000km through deserts, mountains, war zones and everything in between. But this episode isn’t just about the miles. It’s about the mindset behind them.
We dig into how Russ built his pain tolerance, what it really took to push through the darkest moments, and how ordinary people can unlock extraordinary levels of discipline. It’s raw, honest, and wildly motivating, exactly what you’d expect from the Hardest Geezer.
00:00 Introduction
01:40 Kicking off in London and where “Hardest Geezer” came from
03:15 Growing up in sleepy Worthing and building resilience through banter
06:45 The early gym days and getting roasted for self-improvement
08:05 Reigniting running after a rough patch of drinking and gambling
10:10 Running as a mental battlefield more than a physical one
13:00 Influences like Goggins and Gooch and redefining mental toughness
14:01 When the idea to run the length of Africa was born
15:32 Meeting a world-travelling cyclist and deciding to run instead
17:24 Running 66 days from Asia to London with a hammock and little money
20:24 Wild solo travel stories including wolves, prostitutes, and relentless hunger
22:50 The allure and quiet intensity of running alone with your thoughts
25:34 British culture, team sports, and outgrowing binge drinking
28:46 Staying shredded with gym consistency and knowing your limits
31:07 Body dysmorphia, competing, and finding a healthier relationship with fitness
33:54 Life after success and why fulfilment beats chasing numbers
36:40 Realising chasing status symbols like cars and watches means little
41:48 Planning the Africa run and navigating dangerous, unstable regions
46:57 Starting in South Africa with £10k and no sponsors
51:33 Hostage situation in Congo
54:11 Crossing the Tunisia finish line and feeling true fulfilment
58:09 What comes after Africa and why pole-to-pole might be next
01:11:15 Launching Hardest Adventures to help others transform through challenge
01:14:11 Rediscovering discipline, soft patches, and mental toughness post-Africa
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