Everyday Athlete Podcast Network

In this powerful episode of Fireside Chat, host Jason Bahamundi sits down with marathoner Anthony Targan, whose story is a testament to resilience. A multiple-time Boston Marathon qualifier, Anthony was on top of his game—until life threw him an unexpected challenge. Diagnosed with high-grade bladder cancer at 63, he faced an uphill battle that tested his endurance in ways running never had. Antho...

What if running could help save a species? In this episode of Running Tales , filmmaker Rodney Fuentes shares the inspiring story behind The Monarch Ultra , a 4,300km relay run from Ontario to Mexico that follows the migration path of monarch butterflies. This ultra-marathon isn’t just about endurance—it’s about conservation. Rodney dives into the environmental threats monarchs face, including hab...

What does it take to run 75 miles with your dog and still push for more? In this episode of Fireside Chat , host Jason Bahamundi sits down with ultra-runner Evan Birch to dive into his journey at the Orcas 100, where he ran alongside his loyal canine companion, Nova. Evan shares the highs and lows of the race, from battling rough terrain and unpredictable weather to making the tough call to stop a...

Ultra running is all about endurance, mental grit, and making some truly questionable mid-race food choices. In this episode of Food Fight Friday at the Aid Station presented by 7 Summits Snacks , hosts Jason Bahamundi and Adam Lee, joined by Josh Cronin (@Oregondad), tackle the ultimate ultra-running dilemma: Eat, Toss, or Carry? This week, we’re deep in the Pacific Northwest at mile 24 of a grue...

Endurance isn’t just about crossing finish lines—it’s about pushing through life’s toughest challenges. In this episode of Enduring Minds , Run Tri Bike founder Jason Bahamundi and co-host Evan Birch sit down with Tom Smoot, a former US Army veteran and biomechanical engineer, to discuss PTSD, mental health, and advocacy. Tom shares his journey from military service to civilian life, highlighting...

Music moves us—literally. In this episode of What’s In Your Earbuds? , host Joe Hardin sits down with runner and endurance event producer Derek Sprau to explore how music impacts training, racing, and the overall running experience. Derek, currently training for the Thumb to Coast 50, shares his eclectic music taste—from classic rock to UK hip hop—and reveals how the right playlist can set the per...

Elite runner and coach Sofie Schunk joins Fireside Chat to share her inspiring journey from Division 1 soccer player to Olympic Trials qualifier—all while managing type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed at 16, Sofie faced the challenge of balancing blood sugar control with high-level athletic performance. In this episode, she breaks down how she transitioned from soccer to running, her approach to managing di...

What does it take to transition from road racing to the rugged world of trail running? In this episode of Running Tales, host Craig Lewis sits down with Adam Lee, an avid trail runner and podcast host, to explore his journey from pounding pavement to conquering the mountains of Alberta, Canada. Adam shares how he found his passion for trail racing in 2014, tackling ultra distances like the 50K and...

In this episode of Beyond The Finish Line , host Joe Hardin sits down with TJ Dailey, a father, event producer, and endurance athlete, to discuss his transformation from a non-runner to an accomplished ultramarathoner. TJ shares his experience at the grueling Barkley Marathons, his rapid progression from marathons to 100-mile races, and his passion for building a strong running community. As the f...

What was it like to race the Ironman World Championships before high-tech gear, road closures, and detailed race plans? In this episode of Fireside Chat , host Jason Bahamundi sits down with endurance sports pioneer Kurt Madden to discuss his journey from competing in the 1980 Ironman—where he finished 6th overall—to becoming a professional triathlete and respected coach. Kurt shares his insights...

Ultra running is tough, but who says it can’t be fun? In this episode of Food Fight Friday at the Aid Station presented by 7 Summits Snacks, hosts Jason Bahamundi and Adam Lee welcome Val Porter, who’s gearing up to crew a 100-mile ultra in Pittsburgh. But before race day, she takes on an even bigger challenge: Pittsburgh’s ultimate ultra-runner food showdown! Can you survive Mile 80 fueled by a P...

Fiery Embers | Marathons, Pizza, & FaceTiming Mid-Race?! What happens when you mix marathons, NYC pizza, and FaceTiming mid-race? You get a laugh-out-loud episode of  Fiery Embers ! Host Jason Bahamundi sits down with Michael Brydges to dive into the lighter side of endurance sports—because it’s not always about paces and mileage. Michael shares his top food picks, from L&B Spumoni Gardens...

Join us for a powerful conversation with Shannon Booker on the Enduring Minds Podcast, presented by Run Tri Bike. As an endurance athlete, community leader, and city captain for Adidas Runners Atlanta, Shannon opens up about his journey with mental health, the pressures of masculinity, and the healing power of movement. In this episode, Shannon shares how he once used running as an escape but ulti...

Can music power you through an ultra? Liz Myers proved it can! In this episode of What’s in the Earbuds? , hosts Joe Hardin and Lori Hauck sit down with Liz, who set the fastest known time at the Across Florida Trail 200-mile race—finishing in 69 hours, 7 minutes, and 51 seconds. Her secret weapon? A perfectly curated and timed running playlist. From 80s hair bands and NSYNC to Nicki Minaj and Flo...

Can running just one mile at a time change a child’s life? In this episode of  Fireside Chat , Jason Bahamundi sits down with Kara Lubin, founder of 100 Mile Club, to discuss how this transformative program is building confidence, resilience, and a stronger running community. Kara shares how 100 Mile Club helps students set goals, push past limits, and experience personal growth through running. M...

What does it take to run 42 marathons, 17 ultramarathons, and earn the prestigious six-star finisher status? In this episode of  Beyond the Finish Line , host Joe Hardin interviews Christy Dee—runner, author, race organizer, and coach—about her incredible endurance journey. Christy shares how she discovered running through peer pressure and personal loss, eventually finding it to be a source of he...

Fireside Chat | Mastering the Mental Game in Endurance Sports Welcome to the 150th episode of  Fireside Chat ! Host Aum Gandhi is joined by Dr. Erin Ayala, Dr. Joanne Bullard, Landon Hildebrand, and Pat Spencer for a deep dive into the mental side of endurance sports. This episode covers everything from pre-race rituals and how they impact performance to the importance of understanding your motiva...

 Running Tales | Amplifying Women’s Voices in Sports Women’s sports are filled with talent and resilience, yet many female athletes—especially women of color—struggle for recognition. In this episode of  Running Tales , host Craig Lewis sits down with Angela Hollowell, creator of the Melanin MVP Podcast, to discuss the power of storytelling, representation, and community in sports. Angela shares h...

Fueling Ultras with Laughter: Eat, Toss, or Carry? Ultra running is tough, but who says it can’t be fun? In this episode of  Food Fight Friday at the Aid Station , hosts Jason Bahamundi and Adam Lee welcome Troy Meadows for a hilarious game of  Eat, Toss, or Carry? —this time, with airplane food! Which snack gets eaten for energy? Which one is so bad it’s tossed? And which is worth carrying to the...

What’s the perfect song for a long run? In this episode of What's In Your Earbuds?, hosts Joe Hardin and Lori Hauck talk about the power of music in endurance sports. From Meatloaf’s Bat out of Hell to classics from Bruce Springsteen and the Black Crowes, they break down the ultimate long-run playlist. Can music actually improve your running performance? Science says yes! The right songs boost end...

Mental health is often overlooked in endurance sports, but for first responder and cyclist Toby Oehler, it’s been a defining part of his journey. In this episode of Enduring Minds, hosts Jason Bahamundi and Evan Birch sit down with Toby to discuss how he’s navigated trauma, weight loss, and imposter syndrome—all while balancing the intense demands of his profession. Toby shares his struggles with...

How do you train for a triathlon when the course is covered in snow? In this episode of The ‪@runtrimag‬ Fireside Chat, host Jason Bahamundi sits down with triathlon coach Rich Soares to dive into the unique world of winter triathlons. From gear selection and training adaptations to mental resilience and nutrition strategies, this conversation is packed with insights to help athletes of all levels...

Are you looking for motivation to lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement? In this episode of Beyond The Finish Line, host Joe Hardin sits down with Ally Brettnacher to discuss her incredible journey from tech sales to becoming a key figure in the running community. Ally shares how she transitioned from playing soccer to conquering marathons, what inspired her to create Athlete Bouquets, a...

In this episode of Fiery Embers, Jason Bahamundi welcomes the one and only Raziq Rauf, the mastermind behind Running Sucks 101, for an entertaining and insightful conversation that proves endurance sports aren’t just about pace and miles—they’re about culture, food, and fun! From the start, Jason and Raz dive into the cultural impact of writing about running, emphasizing inclusivity and storytelli...

What does it take to break barriers and leave a lasting legacy? In this powerful episode of Running Tales With Craig Lewis, we uncover the inspiring journey of Tidye A. Pickett, a trailblazer in Olympic history, through the eyes of Dr. Terrence House. Dr. House shares his personal connection to Tidye, who was not only an Olympic track star but also his elementary school principal—a woman whose sto...