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The Next Mile: Finding Courage in the Unknown with Burr Purnell
Manage episode 496372687 series 3668633
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In this deeply inspiring conversation, Burr Purnell shares his journey—from corporate executive to ultrarunner, devoted dad, and social-impact leader—inviting listeners to ask themselves: What leap of courage are you holding back?
- The Courage to Pivot
- Burr recounts how his daughter’s innocent comment—“I’ve only ever lived in this one room”—sparked a life-altering decision. He and his wife decided to resign from their stable careers, homeschool their daughters, and travel the world doing service work with nonprofits like Yoga & Sport for Refugees .
- Ultrarunning as a Path to Self-Discovery
- A seasoned ultramarathoner, Burr treats extreme running as more than sport—it’s spiritual exploration. He believes races lasting 50‑100 miles force you to “live on the edge” and ask bigger questions about purpose and resilience .
- Vulnerability & Leadership
- In a 2020 interview, Burr emphasized urging men—and all people—to embrace vulnerability. “There is great power in being vulnerable,” he explained, warning against toxic machismo that distances us from ourselves and others .
- Marrying Creativity & Social Good
- As VidMob Gives’ Director of Social Good, Burr leverages digital video to amplify nonprofit missions—supporting causes like charity: water and Movember. They raised over $20K in 13 days for refugees in Lesvos, Greece, funding gym equipment and athletic gear for youth .
- Lessons from Mistakes & Staying Grounded
- With trademark humility, he laughs about accidentally sitting in someone else’s seat on a Virgin Atlantic flight—an event that reminded him not to take life (or himself) too seriously .
🌱 Key Takeaways
- Vulnerability is Strength: Burr urges listeners—especially men—to shed masks and show emotional authenticity.
- Messy Transformations are Worth It: Career shifts and lifestyle changes rooted in courage can lead to richer, more meaningful paths.
- Suffering With Purpose: Ultramarathons aren’t just endurance tests—they’re journeys into identity, purpose, and connection.
- Accessible Creativity: Tech tools (like VidMob) can magnify nonprofit stories and catalyze real-world change.
- Keep Your Heart Open: Small, everyday moments (like his daughter’s question) can reframe life’s trajectory.
🔗 Notable Features
- Authority Magazine Interview (2020):
- Burr candidly discusses the importance of emotional honesty in men, calling out “machismo” and encouraging support for others .
- TEDx Berkshires Talk (2023):
- Delivers a heartfelt narrative on aligning the mind and heart to transform personal and professional life .
- TEDx YouTube Video:
- Explores how a moment of alignment shifted his entire trajectory .
🎧 Quotes Worth Highlighting
“There is great power in being vulnerable… hiding behind a mask… fuels anger and even hatred, igniting a ‘machismo’ in men which distances them from who they are at best.”
“I’ve never been more alive than running a 100‑mile race… the experiences and lessons I learned… have enhanced my life in innumerable ways.”
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