In this deeply personal and motivating conversation, marathon runner Ryan Carney opens up about the experiences that shaped him — from getting cut from his childhood soccer team, to losing his father at just ten years old, to discovering running as a lifeline, a discipline, and eventually a mission.

Ryan shares how running became the place where he could confront grief, build identity, and learn who he truly was. He explains why he believes running is the only sport where everyday people can truly measure themselves against the best in the world, and why “never finding your ceiling” is what keeps him pushing harder.

The episode dives into fatherhood, resiliency, and mental health as Ryan reveals the real stories behind his self-belief: the shame of hiding his father’s death as a kid, the lessons his mother taught him about holding pain, and how running became both therapy and purpose. He talks about burnout, discipline, and the myth that fitness can fix everything — emphasizing that running alone doesn’t solve mental health struggles.

By the end, Ryan reflects on what it means to show up for your kids, how self-belief borders on healthy delusion, and why ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things by simply — and consistently — taking the next step.

It’s raw, emotional, inspiring, and a powerful look at what running, fatherhood, and healing truly teach us.

You can find Ryan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ryjcarney/

As well as the Hudson Valley Track Club: https://www.instagram.com/hudsonvalleytrackclub/

Support the show

Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions

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Shout out to our favorite neighborhood screen printer JOKER INK https://www.jokerink.com/

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Please Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!

In this powerful episode of Who Thought We’d Be Here?, Brian Galligan is back again to talk about what it really means to rebuild yourself from the ground up. From battling insecurity and addiction to launching the Ikonical podcast and Top Dog Coverage, Brian opens up about the mindset shifts that helped him transform his pain into power.

We talk about what happens when you stop chasing “Plan B” and finally make your dream your “Plan A.” From quitting drinking to finding clarity in purpose, Brian shares how staying curious, disciplined, and passionate helped him turn his creative vision into a reality.

The conversation dives deep into:
🔥 The power of reinvention and personal growth
🏈 How football and scouting became his purpose
💬 Why authentic storytelling and integrity matter in podcasting and media
💡 How to keep learning and evolving at any age
🧠 What it takes to stay disciplined after overcoming addiction
❤️ Why vulnerability and connection are the keys to creativity
🎯 How to balance ambition with presence and gratitude

Brian also breaks down the “Who, What, Where, When, Why” method he uses to ask better questions — a masterclass in interviewing and human connection that every podcaster or creator can learn from.

This episode isn’t just about football or podcasting — it’s about how to show up for yourself when no one else does. It’s about turning setbacks into stepping stones and staying true to your values even when it’s not the popular route.

If you’re chasing a dream, reinventing yourself, or trying to find meaning in the chaos — this episode will light you up.

Check out Brian's NFL scouting coverage and podcast here:
https://topdawgcoverage.com/podcast
https://www.instagram.com/topdawgcoverage

And the Ikonical brand here:
https://ikonicalwear.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ikonicalwear

00:00 – Welcome Back
03:00 – The Story Behind Ikonical
08:15 – Turning Passion Into a Career
11:45 – Escaping Negativity & Comfort Zones
16:00 – Discovering Purpose Through Football
22:00 – Integrity Over Clickbait
28:45 – Hot Takes & Sports Media Debates
34:30 – Accountability and Respect in the Industry
39:00 – The Power of Mentorship
44:00 – Staying a Lifelong Learner
50:00 – Childhood Struggles & Feeling Underestimated
58:30 – Quitting Drinking & Rebuilding Focus
1:03:00 – Vulnerability and Storytelling in Podcasting
1:10:30 – The Art of Asking Better Questions
1:18:00 – Authenticity and Friendship
1:25:00 – Learning to Be Present & Read the Room
1:31:00 – What’s Next for Iconical and Top Dog Coverage
1:38:00 – Behind the Scenes of College Scouting
1:46:00 – The Passion and Energy of Game Day
1:53:00 – Final Reflections on Growth and Purpose

Support the show

Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions

https://app.grouped.com/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Join Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free!

https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/

Sign up for online therapy with our referral link.
Get 20% off your first month with our podcast's link:

Shout out to our favorite neighborhood screen printer JOKER INK https://www.jokerink.com/

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Please Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!

In this episode, the guys take a breath and reflect on two big turning points in their lives — Steve running his first marathon, and JP stepping into a new relationship. What starts as a casual catch-up unfolds into a deeper conversation about showing up for yourself, embracing discomfort, and learning how to open your heart again.

Steve shares the highs and lows of race day: the nerves at the start line, the mental walls at mile 20, and the quiet pride that comes from finishing something that once felt impossible. Meanwhile, JP talks about the vulnerability and excitement of being in a new romantic relationship, learning to let go of old patterns, and what it means to build something real while still figuring yourself out.

Together, they explore how discipline, patience, and presence are universal — whether you’re chasing a finish line or opening up to someone new. It’s an honest, grounded reminder that growth doesn’t always look the way you expect, but it’s always worth it when you keep showing up.

Support the show

Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions

https://app.grouped.com/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Join Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free!

https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/

Sign up for online therapy with our referral link.
Get 20% off your first month with our podcast's link:

Shout out to our favorite neighborhood screen printer JOKER INK https://www.jokerink.com/

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Please Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!