Gary Brecka interviews Matt Johnson, an ultra-endurance runner who holds the record as the fastest man to cross Texas (842 miles in 17 days) and the only person to complete the crossing in both directions. Johnson served in the Iowa National Guard and overcame significant childhood trauma including abuse and his mother's suicide attempt.

The conversation explores Johnson's transformation from a troubled young adult struggling with drugs and alcohol to becoming an elite ultra-marathoner. His journey began after discovering Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins in 2021, which he credits with changing his entire perspective on pain and possibility.

Johnson gained national attention for moving in with country music star Jelly Roll to provide 24/7 training accountability, helping the 350-pound musician progress from barely walking to completing a 5K. The interview takes place after Johnson successfully guided Gary's son Cole and five other runners through a 100-mile desert race in 24.5 hours.

From Childhood Trauma to Military Service

Johnson was born to a 17-year-old single mother in a small Iowa town without stoplights, living in a double-wide trailer with his mother working two jobs to survive.

At age 12-13, Johnson's stepfather became abusive, locking him and his brother in a bedroom for 10 hours and eventually physically abusing their mother, knocking out her teeth.

Johnson's mother became addicted to pills trying to cope with the abuse and attempted suicide when he was 16, leading him to find her face-down on the kitchen floor.

Johnson joined the National Guard at 18 to escape his toxic environment but returned home to partying, drinking, and drug use, getting arrested twice while somehow avoiding military discharge.

The Goggins Book That Changed Everything

In 2021, Johnson's brother Marcus dropped out of high school and gained 150 pounds after his two best friends were murdered, prompting Johnson to search for self-help solutions.

Johnson discovered Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins and immediately connected with the similar childhood abuse and poverty described in the first three chapters.

"I related to, I'm like, how in the hell did this guy write a book and go through this? And I'm like, who am I? I'm like, that was me" - Johnson on finding his transformation catalyst.

Johnson began running 8-mile loops three times per week while listening to Can't Hurt Me, eventually listening to the book 15 times over several years.

Running as Pain Control and Identity

"The reason I fell into the love of running is because it was the only time in my life that I was able to control the pain that I was in" - Johnson on why he became obsessed with ultra-running.

Johnson was running 70-90 miles per week without proper nutrition or training knowledge, using the time to escape his hatred of military life and personal dissatisfaction.

After his wife asked for divorce in February 2023, Johnson loaded a shotgun and nearly took his life before receiving a text from a friend in Austin that changed everything.

Johnson moved to Austin with $3,000, lived in five Airbnbs over 61 days, and slept on a mattress pad on the floor while building his coaching business from zero.

The Texas Challenge and Ultra Racing Philosophy

While recovering from three leg fractures, Johnson texted a friend saying "I want to run across the whole state of Texas" - the idea came spontaneously while sitting outside a gym.

Johnson secured $60,000 in sponsorships from 40 brands for the Texas crossing, clearing only $1,000 profit after expenses which he donated to charity.

"I truly believe any fit person can run 100 miles, but I don't believe that the reason why they don't is because you can't beat this right here" - Johnson pointing to his head.

Johnson has DNF'd more ultra marathons than he's finished, completing only 2 out of 5 official 100-mile races, demonstrating his philosophy that failure is part of the process.

Living with Jelly Roll and Transformation Coaching

Johnson connected with Jelly Roll through Ian Larius, the musician's chef, who Johnson was coaching for a run around Bali while Ian was touring.

When Ian couldn't be present for training, Johnson moved into Jelly Roll's $30 million Beverly Hills mansion to provide 24/7 accountability and training support.

Johnson's first workout with the 330-pound Jelly Roll was "a five-minute walk and like 10 seconds of, like, and we use the term run very loosely."

By the end of Johnson's time with Jelly Roll, the musician had progressed to running one mile without stopping - a major achievement given his starting fitness level.

Mental Strategies and Post-Achievement Depression

Johnson estimates ultra-endurance is "95% mental and 5% physical" once you have the base fitness to cover the distance.

"When you are doing something and you're suffering, when you know that the person next to you is suffering, it changes everything" - Johnson on the power of shared struggle.

Johnson experienced severe depression after his Texas accomplishments because "when it ends, no one cares" and the constant validation and attention suddenly stops.

"I don't want to be Matt Johnson, the ultra runner, the Matt Johnson underscore, underscore, the Instagram guy. I want to be Matthew" - Johnson on avoiding identity attachment to achievements.

Future Goals and Philosophy of Service

Johnson plans to run 250 miles from Times Square to the White House on July 4th, carrying a deployment flag from Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in Syria.

The run will honor America's 250th birthday while raising money for veteran charities, combining Johnson's military background with his ultra-running platform.

Johnson and Jelly Roll's "Losers Run Club" aims to break a Guinness World Record on April 19th in Vegas, with Dana White committing to run his first 5K in 15 years.

"To me, like being the ultimate human is helping others. I never had anyone there for me. If you know something, share it with somebody" - Johnson on his definition of ultimate human.