Curious AF
Hosted by Luke Biermann, Curious AF is a podcast for the endlessly inquisitive. What started as a deep dive into the grit behind hard things like building businesses and running ultra marathons has evolved into a broader exploration of life’s most fascinating questions and experiences. From endurance and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and everything in between, Curious AF is a space to follow curiosity wherever it leads.
Each episode features candid conversations with people who inspire, challenge, and stretch our understanding of adventurers, thinkers, leaders, artists, and everyday outliers living life with intention. If it’s interesting, we’re into it.
Connect and follow us on socials:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
Youtube: @CuriousAFPodcast
X: @curiousaf_pod
Curious AF
#25 Bringing 200-Mile Ultra Marathons to Australia with Shaun Kaesler
In this episode, Luke sits down with Shaun Kaesler, founder and race director of Ultra Series Australia. Since 2016, Shaun has been creating ultramarathon adventures across the country, from the first point-to-point 200 miler in the Southern Hemisphere to some of the world’s biggest backyard ultras.
Shaun shares how his own obsession with testing limits, starting with 5Ks and leading to the Tahoe 200 in the US, became the spark for building a thriving ultra running community in Australia. From wildlife encounters and sleep-deprived hallucinations to the quirky traditions that make Delirious 200 so unique, this conversation is packed with stories of grit, growth, and unforgettable human achievement.
Key Takeaways:
- Shaun’s unforgettable Tahoe 200 experience: mountain lions, bears, and family crewing.
- How Delirious 200 grew from a bold idea into a world-recognised ultra with a passionate community.
- Why Ultra Series celebrates not only the winners but also the last finisher with equal respect.
- The unique traditions of Delirious: jet ski crossings, shuttle races, and “paying the ferry master.”
- The rise of backyard and frontyard ultras and why these formats are exploding in popularity.
- What keeps Shaun grounded: the community, the culture, and the belief that every person is capable of more than they realise.
Guest Bio:
Shaun Kaesler is the founder and creator of Ultra Series Australia since 2016, bringing ultramarathons to life across the country. He introduced the first point-to-point 200 miler in the Southern Hemisphere and has built some of the world’s biggest backyard ultras. More than just organising races, Shaun is passionate about creating community, culture, and opportunities for people to discover what they’re truly capable of.
Visit the Ultra Series website - https://www.ultraseries.com.au/
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.
For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast