The Trailhead
Episodes
Philosopher C. Thi Nguyen on Why Ultrarunning Is a Game, and Maybe the Meaning of Life
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
C. Thi Nguyen is a philosopher at the University of Utah, a former food writer for the Los Angeles Times, a rock climber, and one of the world's leadi...
What Running 150 Miles Across Iceland Taught Pavel Cenkl About the Planet
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Pavel Cenkl is a climate writer, ultrarunner, and Dean of Academics at Prescott College who has run hundreds of miles across Iceland, Scandinavia, an...
Science Journalist Christie Aschwanden on What Actually Works for Recovery (And What Doesn't)
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Christie Aschwanden is a New York Times bestselling author, former lead science writer at FiveThirtyEight, and one of the sharpest science journalists...
Brad Stulberg on How to Be Excellent Without Burning Out
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brad Stulberg co-wrote Peak Performance with Steve Magness and has spent over a decade studying what excellence actually requires. He joins Zoë and B...
Why Run 205 Miles? Doug Mayer on Tour de Géants and the Hero's Journey
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you strip away sleep, ego, and every external measure of success for 330 kilometers? Doug Mayer, founder of Run the Alps, former Car...
What a PhD Mathematician Learned About Running 100 Miles
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Pat Cade has a PhD in mathematics, coaches high school cross country in Leadville, Colorado, and has finished the Leadville 100 six times. In this co...
Best of 2025: On Insanity, Effort, and Choosing Your Obsessions Wisely
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the final episode of 2025, Zoë and Brendan share their own year-end reflections, summits, snacks, and slogs, including Zoë's experience hitch...
How DJ Romy Ancona Became Ultrarunning's Party Planner
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Romy Ancona is a DJ, trail runner, and the force behind Broken Arrow's famously joyful finish line. Born in Cozumel and now based in Colorado's Roarin...
Lindsey Freeman on Why Running Is a Practice (and What That Actually Means)
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lindsey Freeman is a sociologist, writer, and lifelong runner whose book Running offers a feminist and queer reading of the sport. In this conversati...
Raziq Rauf on Running Culture and What Really Matters
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Raziq Rauf didn't set out to become a running writer, he set out to avoid burnout as a music journalist covering London's metal and hardcore scene. No...
Nick Thompson on Running, Fatherhood, and Staying Fast at 50
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Thompson has spent his life chasing big stories and finish lines. The CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground joins Zoë and Brenda...
Jared Beasley on Laz Lake, the Endurance Artist
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What kind of person dreams up the hardest race on earth, and then follows it up with one of the weirdest? This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brenda...
Dan Lieberman on The Science of Being Born to Run
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Harvard evolutionary biologist Dan Lieberman is the scientist whose work reshaped how we understand running. His research on human evolution helped po...
Joe Grant: on Running, Creating, and Living in the Moment
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Grant has always blurred the lines between athlete and artist. From racing UTMB and Hardrock to biking between Colorado 14ers, Joe's career has ev...
Junko Kazukawa on Joy, Grit, and Running Into Her 60s
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Trailhead, Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard sit down with one of ultrarunning's most quietly legendary figures: Junko Kazukawa. A two-tim...
Sarah Lavender Smith Finds Meaning in Midlife and the Midpack
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Take our listener survey! It takes just five minutes, and your input helps shape the future of UltraSignup! Take it here: https://docs.google.com/f...
Nick Triolo on Running For No Reason and Not Chasing The Top
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
. 📣 Listener Survey: We want your feedback to keep making podcasts you love! Take our quick listener survey. Take it here! This week on The Trail...
Tommie Runz on Sobriety, The Speed Project, and the Ultra Mindset
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Love our podcasts? Help us make them even better! Take our quick UltraSignup Podcast Listener Survey! What happens when a road marathoner tackles one...
Katie Schide Is All In at Hardrock
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Be part of shaping the future of UltraSignup podcasts. Share your feedback in our quick listener survey. UTMB champion. Western States course recor...
Kofuzi on Being Non-Elite and How Filming Makes Running More Fun
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Be part of shaping the future of UltraSignup podcasts. Share your feedback in our quick listener survey. This week on The Trailhead, we're joined ...
Abigail West on Making Art That Moves
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan talk with Abigail West—trail runner, printmaker, and full-time creative who's showing us what it means ...
Steve Magness on Real Toughness and Why Running Shouldn't Suck
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan are joined by performance scientist, coach, and author Steve Magness for a deep dive into the messy, mean...
Alex Hutchinson on Why Doing Things the Hard Way Feels So Good
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Check out the Cloud Cap Marathon here! Thanks to Running Warehouse for supporting The Trailhead. Check out their great selection of everything from sh...
How Much Running Is Too Much Running? Asking for a Friend (feat. Mario Fraioli)
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan put coach and writer Mario Fraioli in the hot seat with their burning trail running questions. From "H...
The Examined Run: Sabrina Little on Ethics, Excellence, and Everyday Choices
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to live a good life? And can your running practice help you get there? In this episode of The Trailhead, Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonar...
Meet The Rad New Trailhead Co-Host
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome Brendan Leonard to The Trailhead! He's the mind behind Semi-Rad, the master of stick figure cartoons, and now, he's Zoë's new co-host on The ...
A New Adventure Begins With Buzz Burrell
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Big changes are happening at The Trailhead! In this episode, co-hosts Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell reflect on Buzz's legendary career in trail running an...
How to Run (and Love) Your First Ultra
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What makes someone want to run their first ultra? And more importantly—what makes them want to come back for a second? The reality is, most people w...
Love on the Run: Running, Family and Relationship Advice from Trail Running Power Couples
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1:42 – Buzz and Zoë dive into how their relationship with running has evolved over the years. They explore what it takes to sustain a lifelong love...
Scott Jurek and Tina Muir's Advice for Sustainable Running
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Zoë and Buzz dive into their personal journeys toward identifying as environmentalists—exploring why that label can feel complicat...
Keep Trail Running Weird: Celebrating the Trail Community
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Zoë and Buzz dive into what community means to them and why the Keep Trail Running Weird awards matter. Instead of focusing on elite athletes, these ...
Clare Gallagher and Luis Benitez on How Trail Runners Can Save the Planet
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
00:40 Buzz and Zoë chat about how they connect with nature through trail running, and why all trail runners should think of themselves as environment...
The Year in Trail Running and Bold Predictions for 2025
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the end of 2024, and we're wrapping up the year with a deep dive into the biggest trends, moments, and milestones in trail running. Zoë Rom and ...
Why Ultrarunners Find Purpose in Pain, And What Motivates Jamil Coury
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1:00 Zoë and Buzz discuss the technological and cultural shifts that have led to the trail running livestream boom and debate what its impact will be...
Tara Dower Wants YOU To Do the Appalachian Trail
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
0:50:00 Buzz and Zoë talk about what community means to them and how the trail running community can serve as a positive model as people reassess who...
Why Robots Aren't Taking Over The Trails Just Yet
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
:55 Zoë and Buzz discuss the "party platform" that all trail runners can agree on and how athletes can navigate election anxiety. 8:29 Buzz intervi...
Randi Zuckerberg's Main Character Energy
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
00:00:53 Buzz and Zoë chat through advice they wish they had gotten when they first started running, and advice for new and aspiring trail and ultrar...
Kílian Jornet's Biggest Mountain Adventure Yet
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1:00 Buzz and Zoë discuss the intersection of trail running and alpinism, and how runners can stay safe when seeking high adventure. 14:00 Zoë inter...
Jasmin Paris and David Roche on Their Record Breaking Runs
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1:00 Buzz and Zoë break down their favorite moments in ultra running history, from historic race performances to establishing new routes and FKTs. ...
Fix Your Feet To Race Better
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
0:55 Zoë and Buzz discuss Buzz's recent travels around Europe, and why running is such a great way to explore new places. 10:55 Zoë interviews Dr....
Runners Should Protect Public Lands. Here's How.
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1:20 Buzz and Zoë break down the post-Olympics hype, and discuss whether or not trail running should be an Olympic sport, and what it would mean to s...
An American Runner's Guide To Europe
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1:02 Buzz and Zoë break down the differences between trail running in the US and Europe and why the trails in Europe are so awesome (read: hard). 1...
200 Mile Races Are Booming. Candice Burt Knows Why.
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell discuss the rise of races that are 200 miles and longer, why different running goals are valid, and what draws us to d...
Courtney Dauwalter On Hardrock, Big Goals, and Double Cheeseburgers
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
00:49:47 Hosts Buzz Burrell and Zoë Rom discuss why the Western States Endurance run is getting so dang fast, and talk about why the Hardrock Enduran...
Ryan Montgomery on Pride, Balance and Western States, Plus Diana Fitzpatrick on WSER's Evolution
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
00:00:54 Hosts Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell discuss their connection to the Western States Endurance Run and why it's a rising tide for trail running. ...
Mikey Mitchell On The Toughest Double You've Never Heard Of, And How Luis Escobar Captures Trail Running History
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Host Buzz Burrell and new co-host Zoë Rom ask each other rapid-fire questions to get to know one another and share hot takes about the best trails, r...
Healing Grief With a 460-Mile FKT
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Corrine and Buzz chat about Corrine's finish at Transvulcania, and an exciting update for the Trailhead. Corrine shares what she's learned from host...
Taper Tantrums, Cat B and Fat Dog
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Buzz and Corrine chat about taper tantrums ahead of Corrine's upcoming spring A race, and everything that goes into a successful taper. Corrine interv...
Comebacks, AI Coaching, Short & Steep Running
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Buzz and Corrine chat about staying in the game when you hit a setback, physical, mental or emotional. Corrine talks with Tracer co-founder Joey Wil...
Spring DOMS, Mammoth Trail fest & Cheap Shoes
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Corrine and Buzz chat about spring training, how to think about tune-up races, and everything you need to know about that familiar heavy muscle feelin...
The Most Epic Barkley yet? and Adaptive Running with Zach Friedley
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Buzz and Corrine talk about what we are all talking about, Jasmin Paris's epic finish at this year's Barkley Marathon, a record 5 finishers, and the l...
Lululemon's FURTHER, rising star Anna Gibson and Sleep vs. Eating
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Corrine and Buzz talk about the FURTHER ultra event last week in Palm Springs, records shattered by Camille Herron and how the event sought to push sc...
Community Racing, and the low down on run coaching with CTS's Jason Koop
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Race season is upon us, and Buzz and Corrine chat about how races are the cornerstone of the trail running community and they touch on some of the "cl...
Shoes, Strava Legend Larissa Rivers, and All Age Running
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Buzz and Corrine chat about their favorite shoes and how you can find your perfect pair. Corrine talks with Strava's Larissa Rivers about community, s...
Mental Health and Ultras with Drew Petersen and KTRW Award Winners
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Corrine and Buzz talk all about gear! What you need and what you can leave at home. Corrine interviews professional skier and lifelong runner Drew Pet...
Winter Training, Callie Vinson and KTRW Winners
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Buzz and Corrine discuss how they use the dreadmill and maintain motivation during the winter months. For more information about Up For Air, check o...
The Joy of Midwest Trail Running & Questions from Semi-Rad
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're back! Welcome to Season 3 of The Trailhead. Buzz and Corrine come clean for 2024. There were lots of surprises at the end of 2023. Corrine speak...
UltraData: Reflecting on 10 Years of UltraSignup Data
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we enter 2024, (how???) we began to realize that the world has changed a lot in the last 10 years. Our data guru, Matt Abbott, decided to take a lo...
2023 Wrap-Up & 2024 Predictions
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Corrine and Buzz reflect on the most inspirational moments of 2023, share their hot takes from 2023 and look forward to 2024. You'll a...
UTMB, BTP and Paragliding
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Corrine and Buzz chat about the UTMB/WAM controversy. Then Corrine puts Andy Pearson and Dominic Grossman in the hot seat. She gets all the info on th...
Rest, Andy Wacker & The Trail Team, Hiking As Training
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Buzz and Corrine chat about when to run and when to take time to recover from illness. Corrine interviews professional runner and Trail Team mentor A...
Trailrunning Saves the World & Spiritual Strength
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we head into the off season, Buzz and Corrine discuss the benefits of road running and cross training. Corrine interviews Dylan Bowman of Freetrail...
Where Buzz's Been, Sacred Stoke, and a Doomed Runner
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Buzz has just returned home after a successful trip to the Master's Trail World Championships. He and Corrine talk about what "World Championship" mea...
Walmsley & Dauwalter Rule UTMB, Semi-Rad and Baked Beans
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Buzz and Corrine marvel over Jim Walmsley, Courtney Dauwalter, and Zach Miller's performances at UTMB. Then, Corrine talks with artis...
UTMB, Soft Rocking, and Racing a 50k
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Buzz and Corrine are in Chamonix. UTMB is all anyone is talking about. They discuss who to watch and try to make sense of the "stones" qualification s...
Zoë Rom, Tina Muir, and Buzz's Skyrace
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Buzz and Corrine chat about Buzz's skyrace experience in Norway. Then Corrine interviews Zoë Rom and Tina Muir about their new book, Becoming a Susta...
The Leans, Otter Pops, and Goldfish Memory
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After Corrine placed 3rd at the Cascade Crest 100, Buzz and Corrine discuss whether running 100 miles is fun or just hard? And we learn how useful "g...
Pacing Style, Elk Traverse, and Advice for Young Runners
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After Courtney Dauwalter set a new record at Western States without a pacer, Buzz and Corrine discuss the pros and cons of having someone run with you...
Courtney's Run for Office, Salt, and Rattlesnakes
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"Courtney wasn't running out of her mind," said Corrine in this week's episode, "but her running was making us lose our minds." This week, Buzz and ...
Broken Arrow Recap, UTMB History, and Buzz's Ember
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our podcast hosts, Buzz Burrell and Corrine Malcolm, discuss all the action that took place at the Broken Arrow Skyraces. (Buzz won his age group and ...
Broken Arrow, Skyraces, Via Ferratas, and Race the Cog
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Corrine chats with Brendan Madigan and Scott Rokis about the Broken Arrow Skyrace and UltraSignup's live coverage of the event star...
Drop Bags, DNFs, and Barefoot Shoes on Techy Terrain
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode of The Trailhead, Corrine and Buzz ask a tricky question: Who's the most important runner in the sport? Then, we hear from He...
Livestreams, Running with Dogs, and Birthday Run Projects
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Race season is here! And with live events, comes live streaming. Corrine and Buzz go over the latest news in livestreams from UTMB, Golden Trail Serie...
Women Who FKT, Mandatory Gear, & Leaping From 100K to 100 Miles
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of The Trailhead, Corrine and Buzz dive into safety and mandatory gear lists. They may seem overwhelming, especially depending on the ...
Snowpack, Hellah Run Streaks, and Base Building
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we creep towards peak race season, Corrine and Buzz discuss how record snowfall this year could affect this summer's events. Then, Corrine intervie...
Trail Lore: Barkley, Learning Moments, and Racing Culture
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Two weeks ago, we were all glued to Keith Dunn's twitter page refreshing for updates on ultrarunning's best-known secret. So this week, Corrine and Bu...
Becoming a Pro, Taming Dragons, & New England Gnar
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Corrine and Buzz talk about what it takes to become a sponsored athlete—is it really just follower count? Corrine interviews Jenn Hughes...
How to Cope: Injury, Runner's Low and Racing at Altitude
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Buzz and Corrine get real about how they tackle injury and the healing process. Then, Corrine interviews Emily Halnon about the emotion...
Pro Runners Unite, Andrew Drummond, and KTRW Award Winners.
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Buzz and Corrine talk about the Pro Trail Runners Association (PTRA), a non-profit based in Switzerland that Corrine helped found. Cor...
Arlen Glick and our Keep Trail Running Weird Award Winners
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week is a fun one! Buzz and Corrine discuss the best trail runners of 2022. You can read Buzz's Top 10 Cliff's Notes here: https://news.ultrasig...
Year in Review, Predictions Ahead, and Allie Mac!
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're back for Season 2! Buzz and Corrine talk "best of the year" 2022 and run through their 2023 predictions. Corrine predicts an increase in tibial ...
BONUS - UltraData Podcast: The Hardest Trail Races of 2022
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
***NEW PODCAST*** This ain't your normal Trailhead! We'd like to introduce a new podcast that we thought you might enjoy, UltraData. Matt Abbott walks...
Doping up, staying resilient, and starting again.
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Illegal drugs are cropping up in the running world again; Buzz and Corrine talk testing and their own performance enhancing strategies. Then Corrine i...
World Record DNFs, being a Long Run dad, and when to "just smile"
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Corrine and Buzz chat about the recent Backyard World Championships and how it's possible to set a world record and DNF at the same time?! Corrine tal...
What's the name of the game?
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Corrine and Buzz talk about "crushing" and "dominating" on the trails with writer and pro-athlete Meg Mackenzie who penned the thought provoking artic...
Advice from another planet, the lure of 4.167, and running's most common injury.
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Description: Corrine and Buzz break down Kilian Jornet's exhaustive new blog recapping his 2022 training with micro-details including his workouts, ...
The Growth of Trail Running, Carbon Fiber Shoes and Real Runner Questions about The Bear
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Corrine and Buzz chat about the expansion of trail running media coverage and how runners can "vote with their feet" to keep the smal...
UTMB Recap, Reimagining the FKT, and a Fast Hike with Jelly Beans
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, fresh off her role as a live commentator, Corrine and Buzz go behind-the-scenes at UTMB. Then Corrine sits down with Oregon PCT FKT holder ...
Coming Soon - The Trailhead From UltraSignup
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Buzz Burrell and Corrine Malcolm team up to bring you a lively mix of trail topics, stories, and real runner questions. Whether you're an experienced ...