Mind over Miles: Carl Jones on ultra marathon running & Mental health

In this raw and deeply human episode, we sit down with Carl Jones, an ultra-marathon runner, endurance athlete and mental health advocate, to explore what really drives someone to push their body and mind beyond breaking point.

Carl’s story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and absolute determination. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, Carl fell into the darkest period of his life and attempted to take his own life. What followed is nothing short of remarkable. He went on to complete his first ultra marathon of 43 miles, only to suffer a stroke two days later.

What would have broken most people only fuelled Carl’s will to fight back. Even after returning to self-harm and battling through immense physical and emotional pain, he refused to stop moving forward. Not long after, he was rear-ended in a car crash at 60 mph, an accident that tore the carotid artery in his neck and left him facing yet another fight for survival.

From that moment on, Carl channeled every ounce of pain and trauma into purpose. He went on to complete both a 200-mile and a 100-mile ultra marathon, placing in the top 20 in both events. This year alone, he’s completed four 100-mile races, and next year he’s setting out to take on the Welsh Coastal Path — 870 miles — aiming for the world record.

In this conversation, we talk about:
• The connection between endurance running and mental resilience
• Finding purpose through pain and how movement can become medicine
• The impact of brain injury and recovery through discipline
• Honest discussions around suicide, self-harm, and healing
• Alternative therapies including microdosing and psychedelic-assisted therapy
• What it truly means to rebuild your mind and body after being broken

This episode is an unfiltered conversation about suffering, purpose, and the power of the human spirit. Carl’s journey reminds us that no matter how dark life gets, there’s always a reason to keep moving.

Content Warning:
This episode contains frank discussions about suicide, self-harm and traumatic experiences that may be distressing to some listeners. Please take care while listening and reach out for support if you are struggling.
If you are in the UK, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7). In the US, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. This content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Any discussions of psychedelic or alternative therapies are purely anecdotal and not endorsements of illegal activity. Always consult a qualified medical professional before making decisions related to your mental or physical health.