Ian Aman is an ultramarathoner, executive coach, and author from Airdrie, Alberta, who has turned personal struggle into a mission of inspiring others to redefine their limits.

In 2016, Ian embarked on "Ian Runs Alberta"—a historic 1,600-kilometre journey from the Alberta/Northwest Territories border that spanned 62 days and raised $25,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association and Centre for Suicide Prevention. Running the equivalent of 38 marathons in a row, Ian chronicled this transformative experience in his book Soul Runner, a raw, day-by-day account of physical endurance intertwined with mental resilience, family connection, and the power of human spirit.

Originally from Medicine Hat, Ian has watched family members struggle with mental health issues while navigating his own battles with anxiety. His answer has always been the same: lace up and run. Inspired by Terry Fox's legacy, Ian believes that "your mind will quit long before your body, if you let it"—a philosophy that drives both his athletic pursuits and his work as a running coach and motivational figure.

After experiencing profound loss and having to rebuild his life from the ground up, Ian emerged with a deeper understanding of transformation through discipline, silence, and internal work. His latest book, Disappear for a Year: Disconnect From The Chaos And Level Up Your Life (January 2026), offers a blueprint for leaders and high-performers who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck—showing them how stepping back from the noise can be the fastest path to becoming their strongest selves.

Through his coaching, speaking, and writing, he continues to challenge others to discover what they're truly capable of when they refuse to let their minds set the limits.

Links:

Ian’s website: https://www.ianamanofficial.com/

His latest book, Disappear for a Year, Amazon link: https://a.co/d/03EDpk33

Airdrie Backyard Ultra: https://www.airdriebyu.com/

Mandy Gill is an adventurer, ultra-endurance athlete, author (Reset with Resilience) and leadership advisor who has built a career at the intersection of high performance, resilience, and human potential. A nationally known media personality and former broadcaster, she has spent nearly two decades turning hard-earned lessons from the mountains and the microphone into practical strategies for teams, leaders, and everyday athletes. As CEO and founder behind the Healthy Habits platform, Mandy has helped people and organizations around the world build sustainable routines that drive meaningful, long-term change.

On the adventure side, Mandy has tested her limits on some of the world’s toughest terrain—from ultra-trail races well over 100 km to high-altitude expeditions in the Himalaya, including an attempt on Ama Dablam. Those experiences inform her work as a sought-after keynote speaker on resilience, mental toughness, and performing under pressure in uncertain environments. She draws clear parallels between navigating risk in the mountains and leading through volatility at work, making her a go-to voice for organizations looking to strengthen culture, wellbeing, and team cohesion.

www.mandygill.com

@mandygilldotcom

Today's guest is Maxime Chaya, Lebanon’s foremost adventurer and the first person from his country to stand atop Mount Everest, which he summited in 2006. That Everest climb was actually featured on Discovery Channel's reality series "Everest: Beyond the Limit," but it was just one chapter in an extraordinary career of exploration.

Max went on to complete the Seven Summits—the highest peak on every continent—and then pushed further, adding ski expeditions to the North and South Poles to achieve what's known as the Three Poles or the Explorer’s Grand Slam .

In 2013, he took to the ocean, rowing across the Indian Ocean with two crew mates and setting a Guinness World speed record in the process—covering over 5,800 kilometers in just under 58 days.

But one of Max's most remarkable adventures came on two wheels. He and British ultra-runner Steve Holyoak completed not one, but two bikepacking expeditions across the Rub' al Khali—the Empty Quarter, the world's largest sand desert. Their first crossing in 2016 took them 1,500 kilometers from Abu Dhabi to Salalah, Oman in 21 days. They loved it so much they went back for more, this time riding 2,500 kilometers from Jeddah to Muscat over 33 days.

Back home in Lebanon, Max continues to promote adventure sports throughout the region. He's also a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing his philosophy that "There is an Everest for Everyone."

Please welcome Maxime Chaya.