Run from the Norm

Join host Jayk Reynolds as he talks with Brian T. Morrison—ultra runner, author, and Pacific Northwest trail lover—about his life, Pearl Jam fandom, and the unforgettable 2006 Western States 100. This episode explores identity, gratitude, struggle, and how endurance sports help shape who we become. Brian shares candid stories about growing up in Anacortes, discovering trail running, the mentorship...

I sat down with Eric Orton — coach, runner, writer, and someone who’s had a massive impact on how a lot of us think about running. If you’ve ever read Born to Run, Born to Run 2, or his own work The Cool Impossible, you’ll recognize the name. But this conversation goes way beyond that. We talked about running, identity, music, and the long game... the stuff that keeps us moving forward over time....

In this conversation, host Jayk Reynolds sits down with Nickademus de la Rosa — an accomplished ultrarunner, coach, and one of the few humans on Earth to ever finish the Barkley Marathons. From there he went on to gain sponsorships and ultrarunning acclaim as he continued to tackle some of the toughest races on the planet like the Badwater 135, Tor des Géants, and Arrowhead 135 just to name a few....

From racing for Team USA to co-owning two local running stores, Megan Lacy’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, we talk about the grit behind the glory, how she balances her roles as an athlete and entrepreneur, and what it really takes to build community through running. We also get into her mindset shifts, personal challenges, and what it means to “come home” to your sport. This...

In this episode, I sit down with the one and only Frank McKinney—a full-send, purpose-fueled force of nature who’s built $50 million oceanfront mansions, finished 7 Badwater 135s (going for #8 this summer), written 9 books across 8 genres, and constructed 32 self-sustaining villages in Haiti through his Caring House Project. Frank calls himself a real estate artist. I call him a Renaissance Man on...

In this follow-up to episode 21, Carolyn takes us inside her seven-day journey through the Arizona Monster 300—a brutal ultra that tested every ounce of her strength, patience, and belief. From blistered feet and trail naps to running out of water in the final miles, this is a story about resilience, trust, and the limitless power of the human spirit. This episode is brought to you by Fleet Feet T...

Never Stop Climbing: A Conversation with Carolyn Garriott In this episode of the Run from the Norm podcast, we sit down with Carolyn Garriott—a trail runner, mother, and mountain soul who's built a life around resilience, curiosity, and never backing down from the long climb. From her early days in the Marin Headlands to Bozeman’s rugged ridgelines, Carolyn’s story is layered with love, loss, and...

Austin Reed joins the podcast for a deep dive into adventure, resilience, and personal growth. From an 80-mile trek on the Appalachian Trail—where he earned the trail name No Gear after losing all his equipment—to scaling Wyoming’s remote Gannett Peak, Austin shares his wildest outdoor experiences. We also explore his journey from small-town Idaho to a career in psychology, his battle with depress...

In this episode of the Run from the Norm podcast, we sit down with Kylee Wiscombe , a trailblazer in building community and mental health advocacy. Kylee shares her journey from struggling to run a mile to completing marathons, all while navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder. Through movement and connection, she found strength and purpose, leading her to create Gr8ter , a nonprofit dedicat...

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Lynette McDougal, a seasoned ultra-runner with over 20 years of experience on the trails. Lynette shares her remarkable adventures on the trails, including completing legendary races like the Bigfoot 200, Fat Dog 120, and Grand Canyon Ultras, to name a few. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and a deep love for the running community...

In this episode of the Run from the Norm podcast, host Jayk Reynolds sits down with Leone Rusher, the inspiring owner of Idaho Running Company. Leone shares her journey from growing up in the small logging town of Chawela, Washington, to becoming a dedicated business owner, wife, and mother of three dynamic kids. Discover how running became a source of sanity and balance for Leone as she navigated...

Welcome to the first episode of the Run from the Norm podcast in 2025. Join host Jayk Reynolds as he delves into the remarkable life of Ashley Kate Whittaker, affectionately known as A.K. to her family and friends. A.K.'s journey from a stand out high school student to drug addiction and incarceration is a story that feels like it could be straight out of a Hollywood script. Yet, her tale doesn't...

Step into an intimate conversation as the tables turn on "Run from the Norm" - this week, host Jayk Reynolds takes the guest seat while mentor and friend Sid Sullivan guides us through a deeply personal journey. From Jayk's formative years as a child to his evolution as an ultra trail runner and musician, this episode peels back the layers of a life shaped by movement and melody. Hear the story of...

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Run from the Norm podcast as we sit down with Alex Mimlitz, owner of Fleet Feet Meridian and Fleet Feet Nampa. In this engaging conversation, Alex shares his journey from growing up in Elmhurst, Illinois, to becoming a community leader in the running industry. Discover how a childhood rejection led him to find confidence and community through running, and ho...

In this inspiring episode of the Run From The Norm podcast, host Jayk Reynolds welcomes back Dan Button, a passionate runner whose journey took an unexpected turn. Originally focused on the 2025 World Trail Running Championships, Dan found himself competing in the 2024 World Skyrunning Championships as part of Team USA. Listen as Dan shares the thrilling experience of tackling the unique challenge...

I'm joined by my longtime friend and adventure partner, Ryan Anderson. Known for his unique approach to outdoor adventures, Ryan takes us into his inspiring running journey, remarkable weight loss story, and the deeply emotional battle his family faced during his daughter Hannah's life-threatening medical emergency. Get ready for an episode filled with adventure, resilience, and heart. Tune in, en...

Join us as we chat with Austin Black, an intrepid adventurer who transitioned from hiking to running marathons and beyond. This episode explores his early influences, like his grandfather's century bike rides, and how those experiences shaped his love for the outdoors. Discover Austin's journey through various endurance challenges, from his first half-marathon to ultra-marathons, and the lessons l...

Welcome to another episode of the Run From The Norm podcast, where we celebrate extraordinary individuals who turn the outdoors into their personal playground. In this episode we have an inspiring story to share with you, featuring Mike Shuman, owner of Shu's Idaho Running Company. Mike's journey is one of perseverance and resilience. With the unwavering support of his wife, Kit, and the strength...

Howdy, friends! Welcome to the Run from the Norm podcast, where we celebrate the unique and passionate individuals who turn the outdoors into a playground, one run and one adventure at a time. I'm your host, Jayk Reynolds. In this episode, we dive into the world of coaching, and it is my honor and privilege to share with you my conversation with one of the most successful high school track and cro...

Rich “Richie” Harris never intended on being a runner. After an unexpected visit from Santa left him and his family snow skis under the tree as a boy, he thought his heart was on a ski slope in the mountains. Running was just something he started doing as an alternative to playing football in school.  But once he connected with friend and runner Ken Caldwell, everything changed. Rich joined the tr...

Patti Gray-Bellan has the heart of a champion. With an impressive list of accomplishments both on and off the athletic field, she has never been afraid to push herself to the limit and see just what she is capable of achieving. With a storied running career that includes being inducted into 3 different Halls of Fame(!), she shows no signs of slowing down as she continues to complete at the highest...

I've known Trevor Churchman for decades, and he is one of the most kind hearted, empathic, and optimistic people I know. Trevor is a family man, Veteran, ER nurse, and someone who absolutely loves getting outside for a great running adventure. Oh yeah.. and he has run every single day for OVER 9 YEARS!!! Please enjoy this extremely positive and uplifting conversation with my dude.. Trevor Churchma...

I met Dan face to face 5 minutes before we hit record and enjoyed the conversation immensely!   A few quick notes about Dan..   * 2:33 marathoner * 2nd place @ Race to Robie Creek - 2017 * Ran a 3:03 50k at the 2021 Weiser River Trail Run (8th fastest 50k in the nation for the year) * Competed in USA Mountain Trail Nationals (PB: 2017- 10th place overall) * 2025 World Championship hopeful * Co-Rac...

This episode is extremely special to me and I’m absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to share my conversation with not only a mentor that I hold in the highest regard, but also one of my closest friends, Wayne Rancourt.    We get deep into the philosophical weeds as we always do, and I think when you listen you’ll agree.. there is no limit to the level of compassion, authentic...

Raised just outside of Eugene, Oregon, otherwise known as Track Town, USA, Sid went from a high school JV runner to a walk on at the University of Oregon where he found his speed and ultimately a new perspective on what it means to “win” while working under legendary coach and Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist, Bill Dellinger. 🇺🇸 He took this philosophy from the track and transitioned it into a very s...