Russ Cook (Hardest Geezer): I Haven't Told The Whole Truth About Africa!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 พ.ค. 2024
- Russ Cook, also known as the ‘Hardest Geezer’, is an ultra-endurance athlete and the first person to run the entire length of Africa, raising over £1 million for charity. He is also the first person to run from Asia to London.
00:00 Intro
02:03 Russ' Childhood & Being Rebellious
05:50 Relationship With My Parents
12:00 Trying To Get People’s Attention
17:04 Distancing Himself from Family
19:29 The Impact of Russ' Girlfriend
21:06 Moving Out as a Teenager
22:29 Going Down the Wrong Path
26:08 Russ' Mental Health
30:54 What Would Russ Say to His Younger Self
33:11 Russ' Epiphany
36:09 The Feeling of Progressing in Life
36:57 Travelling the World Running
37:53 First Challenges
40:05 Doing Things That Aren’t Considered Normal
43:28 Returning from the First Trip
45:11 What Did Your Dad Think Of You
45:11 Burying Himself Alive
47:16 Russ DM’d Steven Before Going To Africa
49:15 Why Africa?
50:05 Meeting His Girlfriend Before Leaving to Africa
55:40 How Have You Changed
57:27 Preparations to Run the Entire Length of Africa
01:04:15 Getting Robbed
01:08:46 Being Kidnapped
01:25:05 Facing Death
01:30:34 Team Struggles
01:36:50 Was Quitting an Option?
01:39:46 Visa Issues
01:41:27 Nearing the End
01:48:31 Crossing the Line
01:49:03 What’s Next?
01:53:59 What Was the Goal?
01:58:54 Russ Inspiring Others
02:03:38 The Last Guest Question
You can donate to Russ’s charity fundraiser here: bit.ly/3Wr2WJR
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We are going to break the DOAC record of the most likes on a single video for RUSS! Hit the like button on the video above 👆🏽👊🏾❤️
Let's get it!
Have you tried doing a Mr Beast and putting the subscribe request at the end of the video?
He said it's way more effective in one of his videos.
Best video for the men to learn
DOAC is a burst of fresh air! I love this channel so much! What an incredible guest, moved me in ways hard to describe.
sounds like his parents are narcissists. its not much more complicated than that
Russ is an absolute legend. I'm in my 40s and had never ran. Started following project Africa while they were in South Africa and haven't looked back, two half-marathons down and training for my first full marathon.
Fantastic. Running is a great friend to have in your life.
Yesssss
Man you make me want to step my game up! I’m 23 and only do weights, maybe I should give it a go!
Good luck to you man!
thats great im sure you will smash it
Weird saying this as a complete stranger to Russ, but I can't be the only one who is monumentally proud of him. It's hit a different level after watching this with relatable family struggles, questioning your purpose and falling into the same regime the vast majority of people in the UK do - living for the weekend, drinking and repeating.
Breaking that cycle is a huge stepping stone and I know first hand it isn't easy. What he's gone on to achieve through pure grit and determination will inspire everyone. Young, vulnerable lads in particular.
Russ, if you're reading this, you are a hero. A million for charity is nothing short of epic, but it's the effect you've had that doesn't show in the monetary donations, which is was has really struck a chord with people of our generation all over the world.
I really do hope everything settles down to a manageable level, but take every single piece of praise you can, because you (and the team) have worked your bollocks off for it and it's thoroughly deserved.
Top quality as always Mr Bartlett 👏
What cycle was he breaking?
He refused to listen to wise counsel, unless he respected or agreed with how their lives turned out.
That mindset will mean that no child will ever listen to their parents/legal guardians bc everyone's definition of success is different.
@Tee-Star the cycle I'm referring to is the mindset that the majority of the general public have in the UK. Work for the man, drinking, be miserable and repeat. Not once did I refer to his relationship with his parents, which I presume is what you're talking about.
@lookship okay...got it. Thank u.
🙏🏽
That Congo experience is a huge trauma, I’d get a professional to talk that through. Glad everyone got out unharmed. Awesome lad, hats off.
It reminds me of the accounts written by European explorers in the 17 and 18 and 19th centuries in Africa. Unfriendly villagers, and murderous, maniacal and bloodthirsty village chiefs.
I’m just blown away! I so wish that my brother would have seen this podcast😢😢😢😢😊😊😊😊He passed away 2 months ago at the age of 33, a wonderful soul❤❤❤❤Thank you guys! Thank you Ross. All the way from South Africa
So sad to hear that. Your brother sounds like an awesome guy.
Russ is something else, achieving his goals without any hint of self pity. Is grateful for his life, holds no grudges to ward his emotionally stiffled (inter generational trauma) parents. He understands that his childhood could have been better, he could have been heard, but his parents did not have the tools to guide & support his personality. Possible ADHD?over stimulated, down/alone time, or simply not understood. Russ graciously, still holds gratitude, without a hint of self indulgentance or narcissism, which is a growing and very unattractive trait on social media.
I wish him and his lady, love luck goodhealth and happiness always. ❤
Remember fellas. Don;t get married. Don't have kids. It's not worth it. My case proves that.
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This episode was worthy enough to be released on a Monday rather than mid-week. Unbelievable achievement by Russ! 🏃
It’s a holiday period all over the world, so the timing is quite good.
@@millename The timing truly was great.
More worthy of an off-schedule upload because it’s that good
@@adamdrakestudio 100%
The mental strength to drag himself from his previous situation to accomplish what he has just done is incredible. Makes you wonder how much potential there is out there that is being held back by addiction.
So much. A lot of it is crushed in childhood by traumatic experience. I think the bulk of loss is in the form of typically being low income if your parents are on drugs. That means no proper education, not learning anything about money or worse terrible spending habits. That means having a lower iq than if you were born into a healthy family. It could affect how you sleep for your entire life. Arguably one of the most important things we do. Definitely leads to lower self esteem. A lack of confidence is a terrible thing for anyone to live with. Starting off with a support system that can help with housing, food, education etc is the difference between becoming a millionaire and being in poverty your entire life.
@@ISureDont No doubt, but it is never impossible..even with the odds stacked against you. Russ has proved this, the man said himself he felt defeated after 5 months and look what he went on to do. Really is all about focusing on the 1s and 2s as the finish line can feel overwhelming.
Going from being in very successful position work wise and financially since the age of 17 im now 45 and through unemployment and the complete lack of work in my industry over the past nearly 4 years now, I've lost absolutely everything and for a short period became homeless, I'm still struggling every single day to get back on my feet and rock-bottom feels like its got hold of me forever now, this podcast and Steven has genuinely brought hope and shined a light in what felt like absolute darkness, I really cannot thank him and his team enough for the podcast and how the content has inspired me to move forward no matter how slowly day by day. Thank you. ❤🙏🙏
I don’t think people including myself can actually conceptualise how long 7 hours on the back of a motorbike being unable to communicate with anyone apart from your inner thoughts is especially when those inner thoughts are purely telling you that you are most likely going to die
Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!! The daily Jesus devotion has been a huge part of my transformation. God is Good 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌was owing a loan of £47k to the bank for my son's brain surgery(Samuel). Now I am no longer owning after I invested £6500 and got my payout of £290k every month, God bless Sandynadia 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Hello how do you make such monthly, I am a born again Christian and sometimes I feel so down 🙁of myself because of low finance but I still believe in God.
Great to see you guys talking about her, she really changed the game for me.
She's a licensed broker here in the states 🇺🇸🇺🇸
While we can't relate to the feats of the Hardest Geezer, it's incredible to hear his story, which is much more closely related to our everyday lives. It is inspiring to see what putting one foot in front of the other can do for self-worth, happiness, and relationships.
100%! Goes to show the old adage, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,’ is a solid guideline to follow, especially when things feel chaotic.
Steven is like the most wonderful friend to every guest. He's such a gem!
My husband did 13 trips from London to Cape Town and back again in his Landrover along with 3 mates. Each trip a different route through Africa. From living with Bedouins in the Sahara to spending weeks in the Serengeti, to climbing Kilamanjaro and finally enjoying the breath taking beauty of South Africa. On the 13th trip, they hitched a ride on a cargo boat, along with the Landi, from Mombasa to India. From there, they traveled up into the Himalayas through Afghanistan across Europe and back to London.
These were the days back in the late 60's when such adventures were possible and one could take 10 years of your life to experience the world.
Today, he shares endless adventures with photos and old film footage ( no sound 😅) with the grandchildren.
We live in a very different world today.
An incredible story from today's guest.
Thank you
Woww going through Afghanistan for travel would be almost unthinkable today.
@MArca-hj3xv Absolutely unthinkable. Yet the different villages & tribes they stayed with throughout Afghanistan were nothing but hospitable and kind. In fact, this was their experience throughout the Africa trips. As poor as the villages/ people were, they welcomed them with kindness and generosity of hospitality. Even the language barrier to communicate was not an issue. Today, politics has changed everything. Very sad.
Ran 244km bottom to top of bali and back for RaisewithRuss best week and most challenging week of my life! Running every day now, and planning to do it again in september in 72 hours, thanks Russ! And thanks Steve for supporting his journy! ❤
Well in bud * must ride this wave myself. Have you documented this in any way?
you're a beast 💪
Just seen your name on the page now 😂
save up and buy a car bro , or maybe borrow a push bike , wtf
Young British men, myself included, have been screaming out for a conversation like this.
Utterly relatable.
Russ is so relatable in the sense that he used to feel hurt because he never felt loved or understood by his parents who probably wanted but didn’t know how help him so running away from frustration, failure, hurt helped him to take the focus from painful feelings and have the time along to process everything. His girlfriend became his safe person who accepted him but he wanted her to be his person so he is willing to change.
what an inspiration this guy is, i started running 3 years ago. i weighed close to 19st and couldnt run to save myself. now i am 12 stone and i have ran 10 half marathons, 4 full marathons, a 50km and i plan to run the west highland way this summer. i take my hat off to this guy what he acheived is something incredible and he sits here so humble, open and honest in a tshirt from primark. when he probably has every sponsorship offer possible on the table.
Russ has shown the art of the possible and displayed true diligence over a prolonged period of time in tough conditions. What a legend🙌🏼
Absolutely AMAZING interview. My favorite parts were when Russ’s eyes lit up when he talked about the 3 things he loved: running for the first time, Emily, and eating snacks on the side of the road mid run as Tesco. Absolutely love when people get to speak about the things that make their heart flutter, pupils dilate, and sparkle. Also a little worried about Russ and his mental health/cortisol processing. I am not a physician and I am located in America, but happy to help him find a therapist/someone who can help him process the past year or so of his life. Peaks, valleys, and everything in between. Love you Russ!
😊😊
This episode got me so emotional, the DR Congo story is something moment-shaking.
steve, as an old geezer, kudos to you for this interview. it paves the way for the depth of emotional intelligence this world desperately needs to recover from the abuse it has been subjected to. 🙏
Russ is an attestment to the power of positive thinking, focus, determination, resilience and persistence. He has mastered his potential. I think he would make a great Life Coach, Therapist, Expedition Leader, and/or Physical Fitness Trainer. He will serve as an inspiration to many.
I'm amazed this doesn't have millions of views 3 days in.
Such a great interviewer, and I am so proud of Russ for opening up about everything. I am glad that he knew when to be silent and give Russ the space to process and talk. Thank you
I relate to this guy so much! Refreshing to hear. I remember I was married, had a nice house, a big group of friends... and it was honestly the loneliest point in my life. Living for the weekend, medicating with alcohol and buying things I couldn't really afford and definitely didn't really want, and craving attention to feel accepted. It took a lot to decide to make a change, but I left my marriage, got rid of the house, left my friend circle and started again. I spent the next few years trying to figure out who I really was, what I truly wanted in life, and how I wanted to contribute. I realised it takes the willingness to let go of everything you have in order to get the things that you truly want.
Thank you for this episode.
We can hear when we are hollow!
Did that and now im back in the same routine 😢
Awww bless your little cotton socks
I think something a lot more serious happened in drk
@@MrAlexClementsa
Just a normal guy doing extraordinary things!! What an incredible story, the amount of emotions I got watching this and listening to every word is amazing and it’s real life! What a guy honestly 👏🏼👏🏼
I love the way they both recogize their “lack of tools” rather than passing judgement on themselves or their character,
Oh my, what a nice young man.... He's a very true and honest man. That is very rare in this society right now ...Hat off to you darling boy...An emotional interview, one you kept it together, well done you...... Blessings darlings from Granny Linda in OZ
I don’t know Russ but I am so proud of him. A real life legend. Well done Stephen for helping him out.
Steven does such a good job of warming guests up, putting them at ease and coaxing out their truth in their own words. I felt Russ relax into the interview as I watched it. Great interview, what an inspiring man Russ is.
The lighting and the editing , the shots , game on this episode are from a whole another planet. This is a movie scene ! Steven and your surely done great nonetheless your team is levelling up episode after episode! Kudos to all .
It's definitely quality but ends up looking like reality tv. Not a huge issue for me as I only listen.
@@ryanalexander5438 thanks for sharing.
I bet the team is happy regardless of our different povs
We both got to enjoy the episode, so I guess is their win here.
No one cares, but it’s a little too dark for me.
Possibly the best podcast that has been. Bold statement but I back it.
❤️👊🏾
Love this guy. I was told about him the day he finished in Tunisia. Having lived in East Africa for over a decade I proceeded to binge the entire series. What an adventure! So happy to see him on your channel! 🙏🏼✨
Best episode yet! Amazing.
No one in their right one would think you’re on Ozempic. You have been the same all the way through. Healthy & hard working . We love you x
This might be one of the best podcasts I’ve ever seen of yours. started following Russ’s journey at the beginning and it’s so amazing to see what he has achieved. so refreshing to see an interview with somebody who is not used to being a public figure. Great interview.
Russ you are a shining example of how we can all make the changes and lift the darkness. You are an inspiration bloody love you ❤
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this! As a mom, I can say, now there are two great kids! Congratulations to both of you for all you have accomplished!
Remember fellas. Don;t get married. Don't have kids. It's not worth it. My case proves that.
sdfgsdfgdfsgf
sdfgsdfgf
We all love Russ. ❤
This is a movie!! 🤯 Russ is amazing and so inspirational, cool to hear about his story so in depth
Russ and Steven are inspiration and humility personified. Thank you both (and your teams as well). Keep up the good work, the world needs people like you.
Easily the best DOAC podcast yet. Inspirational. What an amazing story and person. Hardest Energy is a brilliant touch too.
The absolute rollercoaster of this interview was so much like his Project Africa series. I’m left feeling inspired, motivated, and telling myself not to be so hard on myself and to just BEGIN.
What a BEAST!
The mental and physical strength of this man is extraordinary!!
Inspiring.
A true inspiration ❤
Not just a great podcast, or a great story, or a remarkable guy, but a totally brilliant and uplifting video - period. Congrats to Russ and I'm so glad Steven came across him and he found that platform to help him.
There was tears coming down my face but I wasn't crying watching this. Best podcast I've ever watched, what a human being. Please make a movie about this.
I'd love to see a movie of his life.
This was honestly one of the most inspiring podcasts that I’ve ever heard. Thank you for this Masterpiece!! :)
OH MEN ! WHAT A CHAT .... SPEECHLESS AND ALOT GOING ON MY MIND!! ONE OF THE BEST PODCASTS OF MY LIFE... A BEAUTIFUL LIFE STORY... IT REALLY MOVED ME. THANK YOU!
Brings back sad memories Russ, @hardestgeezer my fiancée’s parents got kidnapped and murdered in the Congo back in 1999.
U are blessed and I’m happy that you are safe! Keep rocking!❤
BEST PODCAST EVER...i could not pause or stop listening...God Bless you, Steve for your seed, support..etc...but so thankful for Russ, Emily and the wider family and friends......hope all is well between him and those that had a bit of a fallout. God bless. Yes a great story for 19 year olds, especially the amazing young men across the world...u can turn your lives around and to those ladies like Emily that inspire change in these peoples lives. Well done..... Facedown
..
What an amazing story . I’ll think of this guy every time I want to quit
This was honestly fantastic, thank you Russ and Steven for letting us be part of that conversation. Both me and my wife watched every episode on youtube from the start after hearing about Russ starting this and listening to this feels like it gave insight behind it all. It told a story behind the run and closure on moments in the congo! A brilliant way to round things off. ❤
ok, so I am 1 in 8,000,000,000 people and I just subscribed to this channel and this fella is the reason why I did so.
Watching from Aotearoa New Zealand, thank you Steven for using your connections to fulfill Russ's dhama. Congratulations to ALL you hero's making the world a better place one step at a time 🎉❤❤❤
One of the BEST episodes I've ever watched (and I've watched dozens by now). Russ Cook truly is the Hardest Geezer 🔥💪🏼
Steve really got Russ Cook on the podcast the moment he got off the boat.
Man doesn't waste ANY time.
What are you on about he's been finished weeks
@@MODAFINILYT first time I heard about Russ Cook was last week. DOAC is fast at getting to headline news.
i can't believe jaaackmate got him on a podcast in tunisia haha
Stephen sponsored russ via different companies whilst running so it was always going to happen
@@JUSTDOITdaily. he's been on BBC for the past few months
On the edge of my seat the whole time. Podcast came out first so I listened and then the video. Had to check out video for the ending. Thank you Russ!! Can’t wait to hear about all those you will help in the future. 🙏 for the right team for you. People will still have to serve you while you are helping and serving others. Try and enjoy all the incredible people along the way.
Best chat I’ve ever watched in my life ❤
By far, the most inspirational interview I've ever seen! What a diamond geezer! ❤️ 💪 🏃
I watched Russ and the team's journey on TH-cam, from start to finish. I felt so invested and emotional about the journey and Russ' achievement. When it ended I had so many questions, which none of the interviews with Russ to date have hit on (as a result of the interviewer, not Russ), except this one. Thank you DOAC for holding space for Russ' story and to Russ for being so raw, brave and inspirational. Your story will inspire the world for years and years to come. Legend.
Thanks so much folks, you made my morning, trying to start of biz in another country at 67, broke my phone and got a stomach virus last week, was feeling pretty down listening to you folks gonna just keep on pushing where I’m at, so proud of you all!
Most authentic and riveting interview yet. Gret job all involved. Keep it up! ❤❤❤
I really appreciate this guy's dedication for work
Russ is the biggest legend. I have never been more inspired to get after my goals after witnessing his journey. Thanks so much Russ and the team behind Project Africa!
What an amazing experience! Russ Cook, I've never heard about you before. I am a Capetonian and sorry that you had that negative experience in South Africa. Your stories about being accepting to deal with whatever your Maker has set out for you, through extreme difficulties, brings one back to realizing how a lot of things in life are out of our control and call for surrender.
You're a beautiful, vulnerable, real human being. Thank you for sharing your highs and lows with us.
Good to meet you!
The Congo story was properly frightening. Bleugh. Apart from that, one of the best stories I've heard in ... forever?
Amazing video, thanks for creating it for us!
This is absolutely the best one so far and Steven's gorgeous happy giggle at the end is so precious. Incredible story.
Probably one of my favourite episodes. The guy is a legend and the conversation seemed like it's between two good friends. Kudos.
What an inspiring interview. Russ - your words really resonate with so many, including myself. Set goals and achieve them. Steven is such a great interviewer, brings the best out in people.
Amazing work Steven. Best podcaster out there. So well prepped, great follow up questions. Loved it.
by far and away the neatest interview i’ve ever seen! thank you so so much for this episode and holding the space for each question.
I just cried so many times while listening this interview... I felt inspired, compassionate and just WOW. Russ, you are a so important, your life is a beacon, even though I know the price you pay is also high but it's definitely leaving a legacy and a massive impact behind you. Thank you !!!!
This is your best work, Steven. What a well executed interview.
I think one of the best interviews you have done. Really enjoyed this. Thank you too Russ because like many others and Steven said I have used his run as my inspiration and motivation as well. Great job both of you. Thanks!
Its so extraordinary the impact Russ has had on us all. I cried a few times watching this. Just as i did at the finish line video and many videos before. Thank you for everything Russ 🙌
What an amazing interview! I followed project africa from the first video on and it was truly an honor to have been part of it in watching it every week! Russ is amazing & humble yet he made history , what a legend🎉
Rebrand is the bang bang 🎉 love the camera angles
This is amazing. Watched the whole thing and made me so emotional. Russ is from our home town Worthing and to see someone from our little town be such an inspiration is beautiful ❤️
Im a great grandmother who woke up to this interview playing in the middle of thenight. Now im watching it over.
What an inspiration Russ, you got me straight to the heart.
Such a genuine young man.
What a great finale and a heck of a great interview by one of the best.
I've been following this journey from the first week, and have been patiently waiting for this podcast. It did not dissapoint. Russ is an absolute inspiration
Love it, been following Russ's Africa Project from start to end. Great to see a person honest to himself, which is hard in today's society.
This guy!
Modern Day Rebel Running Hero
been watching his run and celebrated his amazing completion of running across Africa!
THRILLED to see him here with you!
Best episode of all! Truly inspiring!!!
What a great interview!!!!!! Thankyou for all the wonderful characters that you bring to us. We are more than we think we are.❤
What a wonderful interview. Russ, you are a glorious human being. Steven, your emotional intelligence is of the charts. Funny, intelligent, honest and sensitive from both of you. Maybe I'm being dramatic but it feels like a turning point for the portrayal of masculinity on social media.
There's not many podcasts where I hang on every word. The achievement is incredible and Russ seems like his emotional intelligence is much higher than before, perhaps thanks to his partner, but it also sounds like he still has a lot of things to figure out. It must be tough to complete something monumental and have to figure out where to go next. Huge respect to him and his team.
What an amazing story, Steve, Russ, thank you for this!!
CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS!!!!
Best Russ interview to date! Bravo.
Finally you fixed the lighting in the studio 🙏🏼😍 Far side key is so much better!
Loved this interview. Russ you're a powerhouse of a human. Thank you for sharing yourself and your journey.
What an absolute legend, Where ever you go from here Russ I really hope you find happiness & enjoyment in what ever you do, which I'm sure you will!
Mo said one a week Steven! I need time to process the last one😂
This guy made me weep all kinds of tears. I don't know if you know the term "The Fools Journey", it comes from the spiritual path of the Tarot. Basically it is the innocent confronting the shadow side of their soul. Not only has he gone through the physical side of this but also the spiritual side. You and your team are doing a great service. Would that all CEO's could do the same. Hit that like button.
This is the best podcast you have done to date DOAC!! I was so immersed in the story that I don't know where the last 2 hours have gone :D Thank you I needed this inspiration, absolute legend Russ!
Respect for this men to be so honest and open about himself in front of a wide audience - and for the interviewer to be genuinely interested and respectful. Interviews like this are able to help the next generation gind purpose.
The Congo lads took the Custard Creams and darted. Payload secured!