Endurance State of Mind

What do you get when you combine sub-2:30 marathons, high school cross country chaos, and a son named Miles? You get Jacob Plocher —state record holder, school counselor, coach, and Mississippi’s own marathon man. In this episode of Endurance State of Mind , Jacob takes us through his journey from overweight middle schooler to breaking state records and chasing finish lines at world majors. We tal...

This week on Endurance State of Mind , we sit down with Louis Gagne—a cyclist, KOM chaser, and all-around ambassador for two wheels and transformation. Louis opens up about rediscovering cycling during COVID, trading in beers for big climbs, and how the bike became his therapy and his mission. From mountain biking in Mississippi to riding team-issued EF Education bikes through the streets of Calif...

Sometimes, the quietest room is the loudest place we’ll ever be. In this gripping episode, co-host Anthony Herrington opens up about the emotional spiral that followed the loss of his mother, the end of a long-term relationship, and the isolation that nearly consumed him. It was in the silence of an empty house—alone with his thoughts—that Anthony realized something had to change. What followed wa...

From drumline director to gravel grinder, Andy Gilstrap didn’t just dip his toe into cycling—he cannonballed in. In this episode of Endurance State of Mind , we sit down with Andy to hear how he went from casual Trace rides with his family in 2023 to finishing the brutal 200-mile Unbound Gravel race just a year later. We talk Saturday group rides, training with coach Jed, surviving (and thriving)...

In a powerful turn of the mic, co-host Zach Vogt steps into the spotlight to share his deeply personal journey—from a childhood rooted in love and discipline to a decade-long battle with addiction. Zach opens up about his rock bottom moment on a business trip to Canada and how it sparked a complete transformation. With raw honesty, he details how running, faith, and grace helped him rebuild his li...

In this milestone 10th episode of Endurance State of Mind , Zach and Anthony sit down—just the two of them—for an honest conversation reflecting on their podcast journey so far. From their surprise nomination to the “Best of the Pine Belt” awards to building an organic listener base through Strava and real-world connections, the duo opens up about what they’ve learned, what they’d do differently,...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with David Slowik—a high-energy force in Mississippi's ultrarunning scene and a beacon of resilience. From battling addiction to toeing the line at 100-mile ultras, David opens up about the micro habits that saved his life and the running community that helped him rebuild it. He shares the emotional story behind his transformation, the spreadsheet that ke...

In this episode of Endurance State of Mind , we sit down with Michael Yarbrough—veteran of over 100 races, trail running advocate, and associate dean at Pearl River Community College. From his first steps in a post-Katrina Crescent City Classic to multiple finishes at the Mississippi 50 and beyond, Michael shares a two-decade journey of growth, grit, and giving back. We dive into how trail running...

On this inspiring episode, we sit down with Brian Murphy—classical pianist, professor of music at William Carey University, and newly-minted ultramarathoner. Brian shares how his endurance journey began not on a racecourse, but during a deeply personal season of struggle as a father navigating his son’s diagnosis with PANDAS, a rare autoimmune disorder. What started as a desperate run for clarity...

On this episode of the Endurance State of Mind podcast, we sit down with Jackson Wolf, a relentless ultra-endurance athlete who has conquered some of the sport’s most iconic races, including the Western States 100, Badwater 135, and the grueling Cocodona 250. Jackson shares his unique approach to training, why he often races without a crew, and how a shift in mentality turned him from a struggling...

In this episode, Rhonda Hayden shares her inspiring journey in the endurance sports world, detailing how her father's influence led her to embrace running and triathlons. She discusses the significant health challenges she has faced due to autoimmune disorders and how exercise has been a vital part of her coping strategy. Rhonda emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body in tra...

In this raw and reflective episode, Anthony and Zach break down their full experience at the Fondren Urban Ultra — from unexpected setbacks to mile-by-mile strategy and emotional turning points. Anthony opens up about caring for his father after a heart attack just two weeks before the race and how that shaped his mindset going in. Zach shares what it felt like chasing the course record in brutal...

In this inspiring episode of Endurance State of Mind , we sit down with Melinda Howard — founder of Mississippi Coffee Runners and a true champion of positivity in the endurance community. Melinda shares her incredible journey, from lacing up her shoes for a Couch to 5K program in 2011 to losing 170 pounds and becoming a marathoner, ultrarunner, and community leader. She talks about her life-chang...

In this episode of Endurance State of Mind , we sit down with Mississippi running legend and race director Tim Irvine. From blazing 5Ks in the deep South with a 15:09 PR to crafting some of the most thoughtfully designed trail races in the region, Tim shares his journey through decades of endurance sport. He opens up about early inspirations, the discipline behind sub-5 minute training paces, and...

This week on Endurance State of Mind , co-host Anthony Herrington kicks things off with big news—he got married! Then, he and Zach Vogt dive into a brutally humid Hattiesburg Half Marathon recap, sharing race-day lessons, heat management strategies, and reflections on staying mentally tough when conditions go south. The duo also preview their next challenge: the Fondren Urban Ultra. Zach reveals h...

In this episode of Endurance State of Mind , we sit down with Mississippi running legend Joshua Moore—an athlete whose journey into endurance sports began not with a trophy, but with a pair of swim trunks and borrowed walking shoes. From that humble start, Josh has blazed a trail through the ultra-running world, recently setting the 50-mile course record at the Mississippi 50 and earning a reputat...

Welcome to the very first episode of Endurance State of Mind ! Hosts Zach Vogt and Anthony Herrington kick off the show by sharing the stories that led them to this moment—one born-again runner logging 100-mile weeks and a former 315-pound college athlete-turned-Ironman. With no guests this week, it’s all about getting to know the voices behind the mic. Zach and Anthony open up about their persona...