On Your Left with Trails of Mississippi

In this episode, Matt sits down with Claire Jungling from RunStrong to spotlight the upcoming “Rez Loop Challenge” on June 6. Joining them is Nancy Hines, who began running in her 60s and is now tackling her longest challenge yet. Nancy shares her inspiring journey from her first 8K to aiming for 24 miles on race day. We’ll talk about the power of starting late, pushing boundaries, and finding com...

In tonight’s episode, Matt welcomes Shane Adams and Bernie Brenneman, the driving forces behind MagRidge BMX, right here in the studio. We dive into the inspiring story of how MagRidge rose from the site of an old landfill—the “North Lagoon”—to become Mississippi’s only BMX track.   For over a decade, MagRidge has fostered a growing BMX community for riders of all ages. We’ll talk about their impa...

This week on On Your Left, the crew breaks down Matt Clem’s epic attempt at the legendary Cocodona 250, a grueling ultramarathon stretching from Black Canyon City, Arizona to Flagstaff, Arizona. Battling brutal heat, destroyed feet, exhaustion, and severe sleep deprivation, Matt pushed himself 180 miles into one of the toughest races in the world before ultimately stepping off the course. But this...

In this episode, we welcome Bethany Madson—the mom of two who just shattered the 100-mile course record at the Mississippi 100 Trail Race.   Bethany’s journey began in high school cross country and track, but it was after her second daughter was born that she truly embraced trail running. Starting in 2018 with a six-hour ultra, she steadily grew her distance. After a brief hiatus, she returned str...

In this episode, Matt sits down with Zach McRaney from the South Mississippi Trail Alliance. They dive into all the exciting initiatives the Alliance has been working on to expand outdoor recreation in the region. A highlight of the conversation is the upcoming “Rattlesnake Rumble,” Mississippi’s only gravel bike race. The event offers distances up to 100 miles and will take place in the scenic Pi...

In this special Coaches’ Corner episode of On Your Left, Matt Clem sits down with Mary Swayze, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist, and Level 2 USA Triathlon Coach. This is not surface-level advice, this is real, earned insight from someone who has lived it at a high level. Mary brings over a decade of clinical experience and elite endurance performance to the table....

As MS 50 race week arrives, On Your Left with Matt Clem brings the story full circle. One year after the show’s first conversation about this iconic race, Matt sits down with ultra running veteran Mike, who is preparing to attempt his staggering 249th 100 mile finish. Joining via Zoom from Santa Fe, New Mexico is Mike’s wife and trusted crew chief, Sandra Bullock Smith, author of Crewing an Ultra...

In this episode of On Your Left, we're thrilled to welcome Chris Mixon, an endurance athlete who has been making waves in the trail running community since 2019. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Chris is not only a dedicated real estate agent, but also a husband, father of three, and the founder of the Jackson Trail Club. Beyond his athletic endeavors, Chris also serves as a pastor at Fondren Church...

Matt Clem is joined by a group of trail and ultra running friends for a laid back, festive conversation as they gather right before Christmas. Together, they look back on the miles, adventures, and lessons from the past year, talk through goals and intentions for the year ahead, and embrace the holiday spirit with plenty of laughter, stories, and a little friendly shenanigans. This episode is all...

In episode number 21 of the On Your Left Podcast, Matt Clem sits down with runner Ricky Morgan to share an inspiring story of change, resilience, and self rediscovery. After a long struggle with weight and body image, Ricky found trail running and it transformed everything. What began as a simple effort to get healthier has turned into a passion that helped him lose a significant amount of weight,...

In episode number 20 of the On Your Left Podcast, Matt Clem sits down with the first and second place finishers of this year’s Pinhoti 100. It was a hard-fought race with Peter Kazery leading for most of the course, only to be passed by first-time 100 miler Jake Russell in the final stretch. Both athletes share the mental battles, strategy decisions, and raw moments that defined their race day.  ...

In episode 19 of On Your Left Podcast, host Matt Clem reconnects with Johnny Davis, Board President of the Tri-County Mountain Bike Association. Since his last appearance in episode 2, Johnny and his team have been hard at work shaping Mississippi’s mountain biking scene—from the Original Trails in Ridgeland to The Quarry in Brandon and Big Butts in Clinton. Johnny also shares his own inspiring tr...

On this episode of On Your Left, Matt Clem sits down with ultra athlete and Sharman Ultra coach Liza Howard to talk about what it takes to prepare for the 100-mile season both mentally and physically. Liza shares her best tips for endurance athletes looking to train smarter, recover faster, and stay grounded through the highs and lows of ultra running.   Beyond her athletic achievements, Liza is t...

In this episode of On Your Left, host Matt Clem sits down with trail running legend John Brower. As one of the first athletes in the region to embrace ultra running, John helped spark the growth of trail running many years ago. He shares stories from his journey, the challenges and triumphs of the sport, and the lessons learned from pushing beyond limits.    #OnYourLeftPodcast #TrailRunning #Ultra...

On this episode of On Your Left, Matt Clem sits down with Mississippi artist Robin Whitfield, whose life and work are rooted in the rivers, swamps, and forests of the South. Robin is more than a painter; she is a storyteller of the natural world, using watercolors and pigments foraged from plants and minerals to capture the rhythms and relationships of wild places. From her Grenada studio to the c...

In this special episode of On Your Left Podcast, host Matt Clem sits down in the Line Shot Photography studios with PK and Cooper, while Pinhoti race directors Jamie and Todd Henderson join remotely. Together, they dive deep into the rich history of the Pinhoti Trail and the legendary Pinhoti races that have captured the hearts of trail runners everywhere.   From the rugged terrain and unique chal...

In this episode of On Your Left with Trails of Mississippi, host Matt Clem sits down with Tim and Caroline Irvine, the powerhouse duo behind Time2Run. What started in 2010 as Tim Irvine Race Timing has grown into a premier race timing and event company serving Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. From fun runs to marathons, ultras, cross-country meets, bike races, and even stair climbs, Tim and Ca...

In Episode 13 of On Your Left, Matt sits down with Big Butts Trail Race Director Kara Hankins for an inside look at this year’s event. Joining the conversation are both 100K champions—Lindsey Norris and Peter Kazery, who not only claimed victory but also set a new course record. From trail conditions to personal grit, they break down what it takes to conquer one of Mississippi’s most beloved endur...

Matt sits down with Michelle Williams and Selena Swartzfager, cofounders of the Mississippi Interscholastic Cycling League, to explore how this statewide movement is reshaping youth development through the power of mountain biking. Rooted in the values of inclusivity, equity, respect, and community, the league is more than a sports program; it is a launchpad for building strong minds, bodies, char...

In Episode 11, Matt sits down with Memphis native, Ole Miss alum, and Jackson community builder Dallis Ketchum. What began as a career path in medicine transformed into a deep dive into the rhythms of human movement, property, and place. Dallis shares how his sociology background, paramedic days, and a timely entry into real estate in 2005 all collided to shape a unique career rooted in resilience...

In this episode, Matt sits down with two powerhouse women who embody grit, heart, and a love for the long haul—Selena Daniel and Deanna Boyles. Selena, Director of Business Operations at Children’s of Mississippi, is a seasoned endurance runner, devoted wife, proud mom and grandma, and Race Director for Run the Rainbow. From 5Ks to 50Ks, she’s done it all—and now she’s training for a 100-miler. He...

Today on On Your Left, Matt Clem, Zed Thompson, and David Sugg sit down with an inspiring guest—Jody Penton, a lifelong runner, recovering addict, and passionate advocate for healing through movement. As co-founder of Magnolia Recovery & Wellness Foundation, Now I See Interventions, and Run 4 Recovery JXN, Jody shares his powerful journey from managing sober living to helping others find hope...

In this energizing episode of On Your Left, host Matt Clem sits down with Arree Williams, Board President of Soul City Cycling, and Cedric Chaffee, Director of Memberships. Together, they dive into the heartbeat of Central Mississippi’s cycling culture—how Soul City Cycling is more than just a club, it’s a movement. Founded in 2021 and proudly affiliated with the Major Taylor Cycling Club, Soul Ci...

In this episode, host Matt Clem dives into the heartbeat of Mississippi’s endurance scene—the Mississippi Triathlon Club. Whether you’re a seasoned Ironman or thinking about signing up for your first 5K, MSTC has a place for you. Matt sits down with club members to talk about what makes this group special—from year-round training sessions and social events to the powerful community that lifts ever...

Join us on the On Your Left Podcast with Matt Clem as we dive into the incredible stories of local doctor and ultra-distance athlete Rick Yelverton and Mississippi native turned Flagstaff resident Jackson Wolf . Both have conquered the legendary BadWater 135 and are gearing up for the upcoming Cocodina 250 in Arizona. Although Rick had to withdraw from this year's race, he shares valuable insights...