Podcast
My Back 40
Hosted by Steve O'Shaughnessy · EN
A weekly (hopefully) conversations about bikepacking, training, nutrition and mental health.
Subscribe and share to be inspired by conversations with weekend warriors and elite athletes alike.
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Episodes
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184. Svein Tuft - Repost
Jun 17, 2025Tap to summarizeThis is a repost of a conversation I had with Svein Tuft last year after he crushed the BCEPIC 1000 in 2 days and 2 hours. Svein is currently in second place on the 2025 Tour Divide and is in solid contention to setting a new record.My buddy Michael brought it to my attention that many might not know who this unassuming athlete is or his background and this podcast covers that.I hope you enjoy this repost.---------In this episode I have a chat with Svein Tuft, winner of the BC Epic 1000. Svein shattered the record riding 1,044 km with almost 12,000 m of ascent in a time of 2 days and 2 hours.Svein is a retired Canadian road cyclist who competed professionally from 2005 to 2019. He rode for several teams, including Symmetrics, Garmin–Transitions, SpiderTech–C10, Mitchelton–Scott, and Rally UHC Cycling. Tuft won the 2006–07 UCI America Tour and claimed thirteen titles at the Canadian Road Cycling Championships: twice in the road race and eleven times in the time trial.We chat about his childhood, his draw to doing hard things, what is was like riding as a professional cyclist and what drew him to unsupported bikepack racing, which is quite a departure from the pro tour but something that he has fallen in love with.Huge thanks to Mannmade Cycles for sponsoring the My Back 40 PodcastSave 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!
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082. My Dad!
Jun 15, 2025Tap to summarizeIt’s been a long time coming, but I’m so happy to finally be bringing you a conversation with my dad, Darrel O’Shaughnessy. If you want to get to know someone, often meeting the parents is the best way to do that. Let’s just say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You can also listen to a chat I had with my mom back in Episode 14.Born in Bancroft, Ontario in 1946, Darrel O’Shaughnessy grew up in the post war era of opportunity, which he didn’t take for granted. He has worn many hats, from being a chef, to being an officer with the Ontario Provincial Police. He was the Director of Security at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. where something like 80% of the worlds isotopes were derived, and later, branched out on his own to share his security expertise as a consultant. My Dad was always a hard working dude, travelling often to seek out new challenges and opportunities to make a better life for our family.Darrel never fully retired. Later in life, he and my mom built a Dragon Boating community in Kelowna, B.C. Later, when they moved back to Arnprior, Ontario, they founded the Arnprior Dragon Boating Club, dedicated to inspiring health and fitness, for all ages through the sport of dragon boat racing. Dad became an active board member with the Senior’s Active Living Center in Arnprior, which led to him developing “Men’s Sheds”, non profit entities that support senior men by providing a place of camaraderie, purpose and meaning. Members of Men’s Sheds are active in the community and work hard on projects such as building toys for fairs and markets, picnic tables and benches for parks and were active in building screens for various public facing services during the Pandemic.Being in service to others has been an extremely meaningful path for my dad and he has been recognized for his efforts. He was recently named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.” Humbly, he accepts this award on behalf of the team of hard working people he surrounds himself with.Dad was always an active guy and considered being active and staying fit very important. He played and coached hockey and was an avid tennis player, classic cross country and downhill skier and, if I’m not mistaken, did pretty well in the Silver Spoon Ski Fest that the Deep River Cross Country Club has been hosting for the last 50 years. I couldn’t be more proud of my dad and am so happy to be sharing this conversation with you. Despite it not being cycling centric, this chat still reverberates with the importance of being in service to others, finding meaning and purpose in one’s life and the importance of living an active and stimulating life. Envoy.Driving Home for ChristmasK-LiteLight & MotionSave 25% off a consultation at Cycling 101 when you use the code VIP50 at checkout.Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Visit Rollingdale CycleThanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!
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183. Getting to Know Alex Burk
Jun 14, 2025Tap to summarizeIn this episode, by popular demand, I connect with Alex Burk. This was one of those cold call episodes where we connect and just shoot the shit about... well, about a ton of things!Topics include; Cycling, bikepacking, her journey to becoming a Veterinarian, the "why" of doing hard things, the inclusiveness and safety of bikepacking events, her Lost Elephant experience as well as her recent ride of Caves and Coves.I had a blast connecting with Alex and I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I did.Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!
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182. Dr. John Ogrodniczuk - Heads Up Guys
Jun 2, 2025Tap to summarizeIn this episode I bring you another great conversation with Dr. John Ogrodniczuk. This is the third time he’s been on the podcast and it’s always an honour to speak with him.John is a Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the UBC Psychotherapy Program, one of North America’s largest medically based psychotherapy training programs. His research program focuses on a variety of psychotherapies and patient populations, with a particular focus on personality disorders and men’s mental health. Dr. Ogrodniczuk has held several grants to support his research, which has led to over 300 scientific publications. John is also the Founder of HeadsUpGuys, a leading global resource for supporting men with depression. This episode marks a special occasion as his organization, HeadsUpGuys, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.In addition to his research, Dr. Ogrodniczuk is involved with teaching medical students and psychiatry residents, serves as a mental health consultant for various organizations, and maintains a psychotherapy practice.We had a lot to talk about in this episode, including a Heads Up Guys campaign called Step up for Him a campaign taking action in support of the millions of men across the globe – our brothers, fathers, partners, sons, friends, colleagues – who struggle with their mental health, often in silence. Clink the link to learn more about how you can get involved.HeadsUpGuys is the world’s leading online resource for men’s mental health. Over 10,000 people use it every week—but they have so many more men that we need to reach. STEP UP FOR HIMHey there! Want a simple way to support men’s mental health while also taking care of your own? Heads Up Guys has something for you — it’s called Step Up For Him, and it’s all about moving with purpose.Here’s how it works:First — get moving.Walk, run, hike, bike — whatever feels good. You can join in anytime between June 1st and 15th. Do it once, every day, or just when you can. Totally your call.This two-week stretch includes Men’s Health Week and wraps up on Father’s Day, so it’s a meaningful way to show up — for yourself, and for the men in your life.Next — bring a buddy.Grab a friend, coworker, partner, whoever. Movement is always better with someone else, and sharing the experience does wonders for mental health. It’s a simple way to build connection and have some fun along the way.Then — share it.Take a photo or video of your movement, add some of our custom “HeadsUpGuys” stickers (just search us up), and post it using the hashtag #StepUpForHim. Tag some friends to join in, and help spread the word.Head’s up guys will be on the lookout for your posts to share on our socials — so yeah, you might get a shoutout!And finally — if you’re able, consider donating.Every dollar goes directly toward programs that help men heal, cope, and thrive. Just $1 helps us get self-check tools to 8 guys. $5? That can help one man connect with a qualified therapist. That’s a real impact.So, however you choose to Step Up — by moving, sharing, donating, or just talking about it — you’re helping change the conversation around men’s mental health.Let’s do this together. Let’s Step Up For Him.Huge thanks to Mannmade Cycles for sponsoring the My Back 40 PodcastSave 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!
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181. Solo - Gratitude
May 21, 2025Tap to summarizeJust a short solo podcast to express my gratitude to the My Back 40 community for their support as I wait for some chassis repairs.I often encourage people to reach out and open up when things are difficult. We all go through difficult times and it’s okay to share those struggles. Being temporarily disabled has been difficult for me and when I reached out to share, you all stepped up to give me hope and encouragement. This is just to say thank you.Huge thanks to Mannmade Cycles for sponsoring the My Back 40 PodcastSave 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!
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175. Scott Losse - Uncle, Comedian, Biker, Snowboarder, IT Guy
Feb 26, 2025Tap to summarizeThese are pretty fucked up times, so what better way to break the tension than with a conversation with Scott Losse.Uncle, Comedian, Biker, Snowboarder, IT guy - After seeing a string of laughable Reels about gravel bikes, anodized parts making you a better rider, and the joys of chihuahua ownership, I had to reach out to connect for a chat to get to know him better.Scott started doing stand-up in 2009 after being motivated by a person you wouldn’t expect, and since then has been featured on Dry Bar Comedy, Laughs on Fox, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. You can also check out his album Popular Doughnuts on SpotifyThis renaissance man was a blast to talk to and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 PodcastSave 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!
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174. Andy Ward
Dec 24, 2024Tap to summarizeAndy Ward is a ferocious beast with the energy and fervour of a Scottish Red Squirrel. His speed and race results may be the first thing that catch attention, but it is his boundless positivity and joy that everyone remembers. Andy is the first to offer encouragement. He loves nothing more than discussing gear choices and ride strategy, and he is right there to celebrate everyone's victories with equal stoke. Mr Ward single handedly blew the doors off of the Lost Elephant by turning what was once a 2 plus day race into a 35 hour race, many people will never forgive him for this, but we will all respect him for it. The aspect of Andy that may have surprised me the most is his attention to detail and preparedness. He seems to always be tinkering and finding ways to make his setup more efficient. I really admire his grit and determination, his fitness speaks for itself, but most of all I am thankful for his friendship.This bikepacking world is a funny one filled with even funnier individuals and at the outer edges are the extra unique ones. Andy is leading the parade of that fringe group within the fringe. He is one of our fiercest competitors, our most courageous adventurers and our most eager cheerleaders. Thank you Andy for being you. There is no one that could do it better.Hugs and kisses.Nathan Siemens.Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 PodcastSave 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!
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173. Solo
Nov 20, 2024Tap to summarizeIn this episode I chat about winter riding, politics, motivation and mental health.This can be a hard time for many folks dealing with S.A.D.D. Thanks to the earth's tilt, we're seeing colder temperatures and less light. Just keep in mind that as if December 21st days are going to start to get longer again, so hang in there.Another significant date that is coming up is Blue Monday which happen on January 20th, 2025. Here's a Wiki about it. Deemed the saddest day of the year based on a multitude of factors, it's a time of higher than normal suicide levels. With this in mind, keep an eye on your loved ones.My advice? Try to find beauty in all things this winter. Layer up and get outside, especially on those blue bird sunny days. I guarantee it will give you a lift.Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 PodcastSave 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!
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172. Have a Good Ride - Connecting the Adventure Cycling Community
Oct 30, 2024Tap to summarizeIn this episode I speak with Nathan Siemens and Dean Dahl about their winter ultra ride called Cold Ride happening February 1st, 2025 with two options.FREEZIE 55km. 870m. Roll through beautiful single-track trails and quiet backroads for a fun adventure with amazing people. You got this!THE BIG CHILL 130km. 1700m. Take winter adventure to the next level riding epic backroads and trails showcasing postcard views of sweeping East Kootenay vistas. This route will challenge your limits in one of your most unique cycling adventures! Race for podium cash, or take your time to savour this unforgettable day out.We all know Nathan and his crew who develop the lost elephant ultra series so we don't need to go on about him haha. Dean is the founder of Have a Good Ride haveagoodride.com. They build experiences that connect great people, and beautiful places and help you accomplish good things in the world by doing something you love.All Goodride events support local charities who serve their community. Proceeds from your event registration will contribute to the good work of local volunteers who you will meet at the event!Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 PodcastSave 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling.
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171. Lakeside Musings
Oct 2, 2024Tap to summarizeWell, it's been a summer of adventure and change. I haven't been around much taking a much needed sabbatical as I evaluate the next chapter of my life.There were many balls in the air the last few months; Unemployment, kid's being off for the summer, parenting schedule, coparenting challenges, potential re-education, travel and adventure.For those of you continuing to support me here on Patreon, I appreciate you. My hope is that this podcast is somewhat coherent and enjoyable.Thanks againSponsored by Rollingdale CycleSave 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support.Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!
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