My Back 40
Episodes
191. Listener, Matt Mersch - Tour Divide AMA
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I connect with a listener to chat about all things Tour Divide. Mat reached out to me wondering if I'd be open to answering some quest...
190. Mikey Coulter - Yeti Adventure Films.
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast I reconnect with Mikey Coulter of Yeti Adventure Films. His latest video, FOOL'S GOLD: 4 Days of Winter Bikepacking the...
189. Solo - Where the hell have I been?
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not much to write here. This long overdue episode fills you in in what I have been up to this past summer. A new hip, travel, adventure, bikes and boa...
187. Stephan Kesting - Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic.
26 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as I speak with Stephan Kesting—martial artist, author, and serious outdoor adventurer. In this episode, we’re diving into highlights fr...
188. Nathalie Baillon - Women’s winner of the 2025 tour divide.
26 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Nathalie Baillon, a French ultra-distance cyclist with an inspiring story of passion and perseverance. After spending a few years w...
186. BC's Mike Martin and his 6th Place Tour Divide Finish
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I bring you a conversation with British Columbia's Mike Martin. There Were a number of riders from British Columbia this year and Mike...
185. Sebastien Rolland Asks - What do you Want to Create?
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I have been exchanging asynchronous text and voice messages with my coach Sebastien Rolland since October 2021. During that time, he has been a vital ...
184. Svein Tuft - Repost
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This 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 secon...
082. My Dad!
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’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 t...
183. Getting to Know Alex Burk
14 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In 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....
182. Dr. John Ogrodniczuk - Heads Up Guys
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In 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 a...
181. Solo - Gratitude
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just 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 p...
180. Mikey Coulter - Yeti Adventure Films
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat (finally) with Mikey Coulter, ultra endurance athlete and the filmmaker behind Yeti Adventure Films.Mike started bikepack racin...
179. Drew Raney - Educator, Stagecoach 400 Bikepacking Race Finisher.
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with Drew Raney - Educator, bikepack racer, and supporter of All Kids Bike, a not for profit organizations whose mission is t...
Until Death - A Novelette
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On February 20th, I lost my mom, Betty O’Shaughnessy, to cancer. She fought hard but in the end, cancer won the battle.I was encouraged to write whi...
178. Bob Fletcher - Octogenarian, World Record Holder
12 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I converse with, 83 year old, Bob Fletcher who holds the World Record for longest e-bike ride. Bob Started in Alaska and pedaled hims...
177. Trish Holt - The Baja Divide
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I love Trish. We always have great chats and this one is no exception.We connected a few weeks ago as I wanted to hear about her Baja trip as part of ...
176. Solo - Rants and Raves
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just catching up… Lots to share about life and politics.We live in crazy times right now and I’d be lying if I said that it wasn’t affecting me....
175. Scott Losse - Uncle, Comedian, Biker, Snowboarder, IT Guy
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
These are pretty fucked up times, so what better way to break the tension than with a conversation with Scott Losse.Uncle, Comedian, Biker, Snowboarde...
174. Andy Ward
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Andy 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 at...
173. Solo
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In 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...
172. Have a Good Ride - Connecting the Adventure Cycling Community
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I speak with Nathan Siemens and Dean Dahl about their winter ultra ride called Cold Ride happening February 1st, 2025 with two op...
171. Lakeside Musings
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Well, 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...
170. Graham Mann - Taking the Helm of RollingDale Cycles
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I bring you a conversation with Graham Mann the new man at the helm of RollingDale Cycles.It all started with a titanium hammer. This...
169. Nick Pollard - The People Displeaser
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I bring you a conversation with Nick Pollard. @thepeopledispleaser. Nick focuses on setting boundaries, people pleasing, and personal ...
168. Svein Tuft - Winner of the BC Epic 1000
06 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
167. Meaghan Hackinen - Women's Winner of the 2024 Tour Divide
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I'm so proud to bring you a conversation with Meaghan Hackinen, woman's winner of the 2024 Tour Divide. 4,400 km, 60,000m of elevation gain in just 15...
166. Curtis Litun: Pink Weasel Coffee Company
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with Curtis Litun of Pink Weasel Coffee Company.Curtis is an entrepreneur and has been part of 4 different small businesses. M...
165. 2024 Vibe of the Divide
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Exclusive content announcement. Starting with "Vibe of the Divide', I am going to start offering exclusive content to supporters starting at the $5 le...
164. Solo - Tour Divide Week is Here
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It has been a while since I put out a solo podcast and what better time than the week leading up to the 2024 Tour Divide. I’m simultaneously feeling...
163. Drew Raney on the Tour de Los Podres and Getting Kids on Bikes
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Drew Raney @raneydayss.Drew recently helped put on a bikepacking event in the Los Padres National Forest ...
162. Bill Donahue, Author: Unbound: Unforgettable True Stories from the World of Endurance Sports
25 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am speaking with Bill Donahue about his book Unbound: Unforgettable True Stories from the World of Endurance Sports.Bill Donahue is...
161. Jeff Woodgate - Protecting West Bragg Creek and Moose Mountain Trails
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m speaking with Jeff Woodgate, Instructor, guide and owner of Alberta 66 Mountain Biking and a key player in the Grow Kananaskis ...
160. Mike Dion - Ride the Divide Returns
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I connect with Mike Dion, Director of Ride the Divide (2010), the movie we all know and love and, for many of us, was the catalyst fo...
159. Nathan Siemens on The Lost Elephant Ultra Race
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast I connect with Nathan Siemens of the Lost Elephant Ultra Race (drink). We chat about the race itself and the logistics ...
158. Dean Anderson on Creating Balance and the Benefits of Riding Solo
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I have been wanting to talk to Dean Anderson for some time now. Finally, we were able to connect and we had a great conversation.I have admired Dean's...
157. Katrina Readman on Changing Your Relationship with Food</a#x3E;
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Katrina @nutrition_with_katrina wants to change your relationship with food.Our relationship with food goes beyond mere sustenance; it's intertwined w...
156. 24 Hours on the Old Coach Road
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just a little self promotion for a 24 hour ride I’ll be doing next week on the Old Coach Road here in the Columbia Valley to raise awareness and don...
155. Doug Dunlop - The Silk Road Mountain Race, Mortality, and Motivation</a#x3E;
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Doug Dunlop @coldbike, renaissance man, is a dad, adventure cyclist, musician, and bike mechanic. He is also a sewist specializing in pogies for flat ...
154. Solo - Scattered
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Apologies for a somewhat scattered podcast. Spinning off a voice intro, I chat about a 24 hour ride I'm planning for February, thanking folks for a gr...
153. Julia Halwa on Disordered Eating
06 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hello My Back 40 Community and Happy New Year!2024; You know they say time flies and what I am finding is that the older I get, the faster it flies. T...
152. Mike Gurnham - Thief Bikepacking Bags & The Japanese Odyssey</a#x3E;
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Apologies for taking so long to get this one out to you!It's been around around 4 years since Mike and I first chatted on the Bikepack Canada Podcast ...
151. Julian Vicente - Shaka Packs
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I shoot the shit with Julian Vicente from Shaka Packs.American born but now living in Canada, this entrepreneur identified a niche in...
150. Allan Shaw - Kyrgyzstan by Cargo Bike</a#x3E;
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Riding the SIlk Road Mountain Race is hard enough, but to choose to do it on a cargo bike would make most of us run the other way. For someone like Al...
149. Dangerbird, Audiobooks, and Creationships
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is just a short podcast to talk about some things that have recently been on my mind. As well, we hear from my buddy Allen Green about the Danger...
148. Louise Philippe Landry - Finding Balance
15 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
LP Landry @lplandry_overcomecafe is a Psychotherapist and Leadership Coach at Overcome Café, where he helps leaders and cyclists better balance life ...
147. Vann-Marie - Nomadic Living
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I have something a little different for you this week. A friend connected me with Anne-Marie and Abby Berger who needed a place to reset and do some l...
146. Jennifer Schmidt - Mental Health Beyond Exercise
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jenifer reached out to me a couple of weeks ago wanting to have a chat. Here's what she wrote in her message to me."My name is Jennifer, I am the owne...
145. Trish Holt - The Big Sky Spectaculaire & Sobriety
16 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The last time Trish was on the podcast we had a fantastic conversation and this time around did not disappoint.I was out on a ride and I sent her a vo...
144. Fred Chagnon - Randonneuring 101
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I love podcasting because it gives a platform where the listener feels like a fly on the wall, listening to two people getting to know one another. Fr...
143. Jocelyn De La Rosa - Life Behind Broken Bars</a#x3E;
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I speak with Jocelyn De La Rosa about his 2023 Lost Elephant experience.Jocelyn was riding head to head with winner, Meaghan Hackinen ...
142. Jay Petervary - Great Divide Ride Unearthed
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week I have a conversation with Jay Petervary about his new project, Great Divide Ride Unearthed. Jay is planning an ITT of the American Cyc...
141. The 2023 Lost Elephant Jumbo - Rider Conversations
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
July 22, 2023, I headed out to Fairmont BC to meet up with folks racing the Lost Elephant Bikepacking Race here in the East Kootenays.Similar to the 2...
140. Dr. John Ogrodniczuk - Silence and its Manifestations in Men’s Mental Illness
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, I’m speaking with John Ogrodniczuk Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the University of British Columbia Psycho...
139. Motivation, Grace, and Gratitude
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, I explore a couple of voice intros and delve into some thoughts that have occupied my mind recently.I am aware that it's been...
138. 2023 Tour Divide Grand Depart
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Something a little different this week. Last week I hung out at the 2023 Tour Divide Grand Depart to take in the energy, and to wander around with my ...
137. Voice Intro Inspired Ramblings
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Just a short one for you this week. I was inspired by a voice intro from Steve in Manitoba to record some ramblings.Life has been pretty hectic lately...
136. My 2023 Buckshot Experience
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
135. Matthew Kadey - The Great Northern Bikepacking Route
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm speaking with Matthey Kadey, dietician, author, bikepacker, and route developer. It's been a while since we've had a chat and it ...
134. James Folsom - Life Sentence
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast, I'm speaking with James Folsom, ultra-endurance cyclist, and bikepacker. I've been wanting to connect with James for so...
133. Salty Beard Bikepacking - Caves and Coves TT
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week I chat with Rob Biron, aka Salty Beard Bikepacking @saltybeardbikepacking about his new route on Vancouver Island, Caves and Coves TT. Caves...
132. Solo Episode
02 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Thought I would just sit and go in cold with a few things that have been on my mind. I share a couple of voice intros, talk a bit about eating during ...
131. Stefan Barth - Author of Ultracycling & Bikepacking
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week I’m speaking with Stefan Barth, Coach at SBU Coaching and Author of Ultracycling & Bikepacking.Stefan is an entrepreneur who started h...
130. Sleepless
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The last couple of days have been hard. Last evening I decided I’d put on Ride the Divide and escape into that world for a bit. It was very cool to ...
129. Jerry Kopack - 86,400 seconds
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I bring you a conversation with Jerry Kopack. Jerry reached out to me a few weeks ago requesting to connect on the podcast. He wanted to sh...
128.5 RJ Sauer - Back in Anchorage
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Those of you following the Iditarod Trail Invitational may have noticed a couple of riders heading back to Anchorage, RJ Sauer being one of them. On t...
128. RJ Sauer on the 2023 Iditarod Trail Invitational
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the fringe benefits of doing this podcast is having my guest’s phone numbers. I saw that RJ Sauer was getting ready for the Iditarod Trail in...
127. Jonathan Hogg - Dollar for a Difference
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I chat with Jonathan Hogg. Jonathan is riding the Tour Divide in 2023 and wants to raise a million dollars for Rocky Mountain Adaptive, a c...
126. Joy, Validation, Obstacles and Human Design
11 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Joy, Habits, Life Obstacles, Validation, Trauma, Human Design. This chat with Ryan Draper, despite being truncated by family duties, is a doozy and on...
125. Repost - Ryan Draper - Cycling 101
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From time to time Ryan and I connect for a chat to catch up on things that are going on in our lives and there are great things happening for him. Nam...
124. Meaghan Hackinen - 21 Countries, 2 Continents.
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, I connect with Meaghan to talk about some of her 2022 cycling highlights, including the World 24-Hour Time Trial Champ...
123. Solo Episode - Why You Need a Fatbike
18 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week I thought I would chat a little about Fat Bikes and why you need one. I have had a Fat Bike in my quiver for the last 8 years or so and it’...
122. Paige Royal - Mindset Coach - Paige Royal Coaching
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with one of my Mindset Coaches, Paige Royal. Paige and I have known each other for a many years. Last year, after being disco...
121. Valorie Masuda - Psychedelic Therapist
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, I bring you a fantastic conversation with Valorie Masuda, Psychedelic Therapist with Roots to Thrive, “Roots to Thri...
120. Eddie O’Dea - The Eastern Divide Trail
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40Save 25% off a consultation at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.Save 25% at Dy...
119. Solo Episode - Navigating Murky Waters
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I just wanted to check in to give some thanks to everyone for all of their support while I navigate some murky waters. It’s been super tough for me ...
118. Erik de Brun - Redshift Sports
07 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I was privileged to receive a Redshift Sports ShockStop Suspension Stem in the mail the other day, thanks to my buddy Jim from MTXC in Missoula, MT an...
117. Solo Episode - Motivation, Being Selfish and Psychedelics
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hey everyone!It’s been pretty quiet out here at My Back 40. I tend to withdrawal when things get hard in life. Finding the balance during these time...
116. Steve Halligan on the Silk Road Mountain Race
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I bring you a conversation with Steve Halligan @halligan.steve about his experience on the Silk Road Mountain Race, A grueling 1895km route...
115. Kyle Messier on his AR700 Preparation
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It has been a while since Kyle @kyle_mess and I connected on the podcast, and this one, where we discuss his recent win on the Alberta Rockies 700, di...
114. Reframing Failure
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The image above always takes me back to my first bikepacking event, the 2017 AR700. Here, head hanging low, I soft pedal my way to Canmore where I dec...
113. Shawn Cheshire on Riding the Divide
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the podcast, I bring you a conversation with Shawn Cheshire, United States Army military veteran and para-athlete.This past June, S...
112. Jillian A. Brown on the Healing Powers of Movement Through Nature
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jillian A. Brown is a Canadian born Explorer, Photographer, Writer, Mental Health & PTSD Educator, and Public Speaker. After being diagnosed with ...
111. More Tour Divide Talk with Ty Domin
29 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I have another TD conversation with you. I know, I know… I just put one out with Bonnie, but the two conversations are a little different and talk a...
110. TD Recap with Special Host, Bonnie Gagnon.
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I had the pleasure this past week to have two great conversations about my Tour Divide experience. In this episode, Bonnie takes over hosting duties a...
109. Nat Rainbow - Tour Divide Lantern Rouge - Repost
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Originally published on September 5, 2019, on the Bikepack Canada Podcast, this conversation was one for the books. I wanted to schedule this podcast ...
108. Josh Kato - The Heart of the Matter - Repost
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I scheduled this podcast to come out on June 23rd and for all of you riding the TD right now, I hope this one inspires you. It amazes me to think that...
107. Sofiane Sehili - Armistice at Brush Mountain Lodge - Repost
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This was a fun one that I recorded back on the Bikepack Canada Podcast #54. Originally published on June 27, 2019, I connected with Sofiane Sehili @so...
106. Michael Devitt, Divide by Two Wheels - Repost
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Since I’m out on the trail with all y’all, I thought I would republish a couple of Tour Divide related conversations from the My Back 40 Archives....
105. John Stamstad - Rules and Boundaries of Ultra Distance Bikepack Racing
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast I bring you a conversation with Mountain Bike Hall of Fame’s, John Stamstad. I wanted to talk to him about the evolut...
104.5 Dairy Queen and Vaseline
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Me again. I just wanted to share some thoughts and some audio I dug out of my phone from last year’s Yoyo. (drink)My intention was to record audio e...
104. Nakaggwa Florence - No Retreat. No Surrender
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I’m so excited to bring you a conversation with Team Amani’s, Nakaggwa Florence. @florence_nakaggwa Back in March, she was signed to Team Amani’...
092. Bonnie Gagnon - Inspirational Update
21 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I want to bring you a catch up conversation with Bonnie Gagnon to see how things were going as she tries to recover from Spinal Fluid Leaks...
103. Solo Episode - Listener Questions, Stories, Music and More
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the 2022 Tour Divide less than 3 weeks away, I haven’t had a lot of time to connect with folks to have conversations. That said, I did get a gr...
102. Solo Episode - Waxed Chains and Sleepy Soldiers
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by Anthony Walsh’s recent podcast episode, Can Cycling Cause Erectile Dysfunction on the Roadman Cycling podcast, I wanted to break the ice...
101. Adam Hokin & David Harper - PedalCell
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week I am speaking with Adam Hokin and David Harper from PedalCell. I have only been using a dynamometer since last year and there’s no going b...
100. One Hundredth Episode!
08 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It took a little longer than I anticipated, but I have hit the 100 mark. In this episode, I just wanted to thank you for letting me into your ears ove...
099. Kris Wheeler, Filmmaker - Grace & The Great Divide
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the podcast I bring you a conversation with Documentary Filmmaker, Kris Wheeler of Liquid Coast Films about his adventure documentary, Grace ...
098. Jack Zakrajsek - Tracing the Divide
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I bring you a conversation with filmmaker, Jack Zakrajsek @jackzakra, creator of Tracing The Divide | A Tour Divide FIlm, whi...
097. Matt Smith - Endurance Tap
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the pieces of the puzzle, when it comes to endurance athletics, is nutrition. Long days in the saddle require ample calories to keep the body m...