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Matthew Willingham

@matt.willingham

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Learning to America after 10 yrs abroad. Loving beyond bubbles & borders.
Hoping to understand.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

What if I run out of money?
I’ll earn it back.

What if I run out of time?
Cool… let me just respawn real quick. 💀

So I’ll take the trip.
Take the risk.
Chase the crazy idea.

Because one day,
“I should’ve done it” might be the most expensive thing I ever own Travel, Adventure, Freedom, Risk, Experiences, Wanderlust, Exploration, Outdoors, Trekking, SoloTravel, Hitchhiking, NomadLife, BucketList, LifeLessons, Mindset, Motivation, LiveFully, NoRegrets, ChaseDreams, TimeIsLimited, StartNow, TakeTheRisk, UnfilteredLife, WildLife, ExploreMore .#solotravel #mountains #money #explorepage✨ #trekking

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In the day we labor. In the morning we surf.

Happy Labor Day

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💥

📸 @matt.willingham

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Story time: so you wanna know about #2016? Or at least that’s what trend says. Let me start w: it was one of the most formative.

In the very 1st picture, it was less than 48 hours after I’ve been released from detention in Istanbul because I had been picked up & arrested by the Turkish police for being a journalist. oh, there’s definitely a story about how I got my way through it, while being questioned about being the CIA, during an attempted coup on the elected authoritarian government, a government that still exists, but the people did not want the military to take over. I would be held for nearly 16 hours. You can’t tell, but the inside of my wrists had severe marks on them from the zip ties, and I have been sleeping for nearly 2 days while also getting a story to my Editors. I was lucky to be out, to be alive, and generally unscathed, but I had bruises.

It was also the first year I began to cover Iraq. Up until that point, I’d covered Lebanese / Syrian border & the rise of Daesh. Gone to Pal• es• -tine, & that year I was as//ulted by Isr security, worked in Doha and toggled bt Iraq & Turkey.

A tribe was born there of journalists, a tribe that would disperse later and a few of them are closer to me bc we defied death together.

During a 2 wk break, it was also the last I saw my dearest Gramps *in person.* He was my all. He believed in me and the work I did.

Yes: War shaped me. And as a woman, there’s no desire to be admired for going to war or handling the boys club. Tsk. It’s bigger than than, it’s deeper than that. I witnessed a base consciousness of humanity there.

Which then means: It’s the lessons I learned and apply in every aspect of my life to showcase how we as a collective co-create a better world, a revolution, a resistance — overcoming trauma by moving through the wiring of body and soul.

10 yrs ago, I was in the middle of something, but was it also the start of something? Maybe —it gave me heart wrenching stories, it made the previous ones make sense, it added new layers. We keep going, keep unpacking.

#journalism #war #resistance #women

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When suffering is everywhere, the question isn’t who to blame — it’s who we choose to be.

The Return — Teaser (Short Cut)

Across the world right now, fear is being amplified. Pain is being politicised. Hate is being weaponised — by extremists, by politicians and power brokers, by those who benefit when we turn on one another.

This story moves in the opposite direction.

The Return follows a 100-mile journey through Northern Iraq, retracing roads once taken by families fleeing violence — not to reopen wounds, but to remember our shared humanity, and the courage of Waymakers who rebuild despite what they’ve endured.

This is not a film about sides.
It’s about people.
And the choice, again and again, to come together rather than be pulled apart.

Watch with an open heart.
If it stirs something, join the conversation about how we choose humanity over division.

🎬 Feature documentary in development
🎞️ Festival pathway planned for 2026
🤍 In support of You Belong and refugee communities

Director
@kitalewilson

Story & Field Production
@ihsanibraheem
@matt.willingham
@timothykbuxton

Runners & Expedition Crew
@healthetica_coaching
@lum.slo
@t_royjones
Charlie Buxton

# TheReturn #Iraq100 #ChooseHumanity #Waymakers #belonging

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A dawn patrol is universal, but every lineup has its own heartbeat.

Our goal with this platform has always been to represent the early morning surf community, not just our own backyard. That’s why we’re turning the camera toward you and asking for your help.

We’d love to feature your first light surf through your lens - different beaches, different communities, different rituals (and plenty of coffee) all united by the sunrise and waves.

DM us your photos or tag @firstlightsurfclub + #FirstLightSurfClub so we can help spread the morning stoke across this community.

📌 Photos will always be credited to the photographer, and you retain all rights to your images. While we can’t guarantee that every photo you share with us will be featured, we can promise a stoked response from our end. 🤙

📸 @matt.willingham

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🗞️ BIG NEWS!
Our Iraq 100 humanitarian odyssey has officially been featured in the press!
Still surreal to see our story, the purpose behind the run, and the impact we’re chasing out there in print.

Thanks to everyone who’s been part of this movement. #Iraq100 #Move2Belong #RunForGood #HumanityInMotion #UltraRunning #UltraMarathon #UltraRunner #EnduranceAthlete #PurposeDrivenRunning #RunningForChange #AdventureWithPurpose #CommunityImpact #ResilienceInAction #BelongingMatters #RunCommunity #Storytellers #HumanitarianWork #AthletesWithPurpose #RunnersOfInstagram #CoachingLife #TrailRunningLife #EnduranceJourney #TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork #runnerstory @dr.alessya

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DAY TWO | IRAQ 100 🇮🇶

After the chaos and heat of Day One, we knew something had to change.

So we started before dawn — at the ancient Erbil Citadel, the world’s oldest city, standing quiet and timeless under the streetlights.

The air was thick with humidity, the city still asleep. But as soon as we started running, the silence broke — dogs barked, lights flickered, and the first call to prayer echoed across the skyline.

This was a different kind of ultra. Every five kilometres, we stopped — packing our vests and scarfs with ice and pouring ice water down our shirts, cooling our bodies before the heat could win. Our ambulance and police escort stayed close, guiding us through the traffic and narrow roads, always ready if things went sideways again. Their presence was more than practical — it was reassuring. They became part of our team.

By mid-morning, we were climbing — 700 metres of elevation through rugged hills and ancient ruins, where an old Assyrian outpost still watches over the plains. The landscape began to change — rougher, wilder, and more breathtaking with each step.

Our destination was Shaqlawa, a mountain town where the cool air and warm hearts welcomed us like old friends. The mayor and local leaders greeted us with flowers, and locals lined the streets to shake hands and offer encouragement. One man even ran from his shop with a hose and drenched us in cold water as we passed by — a small act that meant everything.

That afternoon, we shared a meal with our entire crew — the runners, camera team, drivers, medics, and the officers who kept us safe. We laughed, swapped stories, and reflected on how many unseen hands had made this mission possible.

Day Two was redemption. We’d adjusted, recovered, and finished stronger than we began. We made it it halfway through the 100 miles, and halfway through one of the most meaningful adventures of my life.

This may be a reflection of a run that is now a memory, but the mission is not over!

We still need to raise $55,000 to finish what we started — helping more Waymakers find safety, belonging, and hope through @youbelongorg

Link in bio to give or share 🙏

📽️ @kitalewilson
📸 @matt.willingham

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IRAQ 100: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RUN | Reflections from Day One

It’s taken me a month to begin sharing this story — partly because I’ve needed time to process what was truly one of the most gruelling and remarkable experiences of my life.

Running 100 miles through Northern Iraq wasn’t just about endurance. It was about belonging, brotherhood, and a shared mission that tested us beyond what we thought was possible.

We called ourselves “The Fellowship of the Run.” Every person on the team played a vital role in getting us to the end of this mission. But as I’ve come to realise — the 100 miles might be done, yet the mission is far from over. We still have $55,000 to raise to complete what we began — ensuring You Belong can continue empowering refugees and newly arrived families to thrive here in Australia.

Day one nearly broke me.
The heat — unbearable. The dehydration — dangerous. By 30km in, I was on the verge of collapse from severe heatstroke. Dizzy, cramping, unable to keep anything down. For a moment, it felt like the whole thing might end right there.

But then came my son — steady, determined, refusing to leave my side. And when I wasn’t sure if I could physically keep moving, he held my hand and reminded me that “this was never gonna be a walk in the park”, as we were literally walking through a park with 5kms to go.

The amazing crew rallied like heroes. Step by step, we finally climbed to the top of the ancient Erbil Citadel — the world’s oldest city — closing out day one just under six hours.

That night, I realised: this journey was never meant to be easy. It was meant to reveal something deeper — the strength we find in others, and the power of a cause that’s bigger than ourselves.

The run might be over, but the work has just begun.
Help us finish what we started.

🎯 We’re still $55,000 short of our $100,000 goal.
You can give or share here: www.move2belong.com

#Move2Belong #Iraq100 #YouBelong #Waymakers #OutrageouslyCourageous #FellowshipoftheRun #NotFinishedYet

📽️@kitalewilson

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104.8 miles in 4 days, a marathon a day. Retracing the route that thousands took when fleeing ISIS in 2014. What an absolute journey. Averaging about 3 hours of sleep a night, stomach bugs, heatstroke, and battling through the hottest weather I’ve ever been in was the best time of my life. To the absolute legends @timothykbuxton @lum.slo @healthetica_coaching, thank you for letting me “crew” you to this incredible feat. What you guys did is truly inspiring, they don’t make em like you anymore. To the beautiful people of this region, thank you for welcoming us with open arms. I’ve never felt more love from strangers and I will never forget that. Many of us have a twisted view of this area of the world. With a history of war, conflict, and division, these people have pushed through some of the darkest acts of evil, yet they are the kindest and loving people you will ever meet. Putting all your political beliefs and views to the side, I hope everyone can see the mission we had going into this; help those who have no choice but to run from terror. I can’t wait to show everyone this incredible journey we took in our upcoming documentary. Even more excited for next year 👀. To all the incredible people I met along the way, you will always have a special place in my heart 🖤

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At Healthetica Coaching we love to talk (Mario especially 😂) and share our wisdom.
Here are a few images from our recent odyssey in Iraq 🇮🇶; a journey filled with connection, endurance, and moments that reminded us why we do what we do.

From the desert heat to the mountain trails & roads, through gorges and canyons, every conversation and every stride carried purpose.
Grateful for the people, places, and lessons along the way 🙏

#healtheticacoaching #ultrarunning #adventure #endurance #connections #runforpurpose #marathons #iraq100 @germguardcare

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IRAQ100 🇮🇶 🦅 ✅
The Yes Quest Continues.

168.94km 🏃‍♂️
Elevation: 2283m
Time Moving: 20hrs56m
4 days, 3-5hrs sleep per night.
Negative Split Days, 🥇 PB Every Day

The fears were real, the concerns were many.
Many people doubting, warning me and unsure if we were able to get it done.

(And whether we would return 😂)

Traveling to a “Do not travel zone”
during the current global conflicts,
with a group of people I’ve never met, to run a distance four times greater than I’ve attempted, with unknown challenges.
The comfort zone was stretched with this one, and the dividends overflowed.

This type of suffering is something we have the privilege to choose, to put ourselves in the shoes of the ones that fled. They…. Not having aid stations, hydration packs, energy gels, and a Ute load of food and water. Had to escape from terror at a moments notice, with all the belongings they could carry. Stepping foot into this country, its deep history of war, conflict and division. I could not have experienced anything more opposite of the way us westerners view the Middle East.
People have these twisted ideas about places and people, and to be honest it does them a disservice to really learn the language of the world. I’ve never met such loving, hospitable, passionate people than the Kurdish people.
Yazidi families and children are the most beautiful and loving, and to think that they were the ones targeted and massacred through Daesh’ reign, I’ve come to realise is some of the darkest acts of evil there is.
Retracing and running this route, 172km over
Averaging around 3-4 hours of sleep a night, with temperatures in the 30-40’s and hotter under foot, truck fumes, car accidents, near misses, feral dog packs, metre deep potholes, hours of Kurdish hospitality food drink and reminiscing of the terrors and joys of their life stories.

An incredible odyssey, we can’t wait to show the world through the documentary that will be produced by the incredible storytelling team.

And possibly future adventures to come, to tell the world about the resilience of 100+million refugees and their stories.

This is only the beginning…. ⛰️ 🦅 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♂️

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