Best Happycast Productions Podcasts (2025)

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Ultra Gobi and Ultra Unhinged 1:29:18

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4h ago1:29:18

1:29:18

This week on the HappyCast, we have a special (very) late night episode and a small reunion of sorts that quickly becomes unhinged as we have Aaron Kubala of Speed Project and Moab 240 Pool Boy fame join to talk about his latest undertaking - The Ultra Gobi. Andrew and Aaron sip on some wine all throughout and try to stay on track to talk about thi…

1
The Mammoth 200 Roundtable: Part 2 1:33:39

8d ago1:33:39

1:33:39

Host Andrew Marvin is joined by guest host Isabella Campos-Janovick for Part 2 of our Mammoth 200 Roundtable, featuring two finishers of the inaugural race: Steve Epifano and Amber Bouge. Together they unpack what it was like to take on 200 miles through unpredictable Sierra weather, endless climbs, and the unique camaraderie that forms when everyo…

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The Mammoth 200 Roundtable: Part 1 1:26:15

15d ago1:26:15

1:26:15

By Happy Endings Trail Productions

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Adventures at Wild Goose Trail Festival with Andrew Bondarev and Fra Balbi 1:01:59

22d ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Stephanie takes us to New Jersey for her 22nd state on the journey to all 50 with the Wild Goose Trail Festival 100-miler. What could have been a solo grind turned into a full-on adventure of community, resilience, and unexpected friendships. With her original pacer getting injured, Stephanie found last-minute support in Andrew Bondarev, who drove …

1
When 200 Miles Isn’t Enough: Andrea Moore’s Season of Ultras with Rachel Moore 1:00:07

1M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

This week on HappyCast, Stephanie sits down with returning guest Andrea Moore—fresh off an unbelievable streak of six 200-milers this year alone, including the Arizona Monster, Cocodona, Oregon 200, and the grueling Summit 200 in Colorado. Joined by guest host Rachel Moore, the conversation dives into the infamous “MonsterDona” combo, what recovery…

1
Finding Strength in the Storm with Liesl Standish and Julie Benoit 59:01

1M ago59:01

59:01

This week on the HappyCast, Stephanie sits down with returning guest Liesl Standish and her pacer, Julie Benoit, to dive into Liesl’s unforgettable journey at the Run Rabbit Run 100. From the moment the weather turned to rain, hail, and near-freezing temps, this race tested every ounce of grit and determination. Liesl shares what it felt like to sh…

1
Rising Back Into Action: Rob Goyen Returns with Rise Racing Co 1:13:48

2M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

After several years away from race directing, Rob Goyen is rising back into action with his new company, Rise Racing Co. In this episode, Andrew and Stephanie catch up with one of HappyCast’s very first guests to hear how Rob has spent his time away, why he chose to step back, and what ultimately pulled him back into the trail running scene. From h…

1
Roadside Grit: Vol State, Heart of the South, and Beyond with Lisa Decker and Shashi Reddy 1:20:41

2M ago1:20:41

1:20:41

Sometimes the hardest part of ultrarunning isn’t the miles—it’s just getting an episode recorded. After multiple attempts, the HappyCast crew finally sits down with Lisa Decker and Shashi Reddy to share their stories from two of Laz Lake’s infamous journey races: Vol State and Heart of the South. Both are 300+ mile tests of grit, resourcefulness, a…

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Chasing Big Goals: Aimee Jacobs at the Leadville 100 1:07:26

2M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

In this week’s HappyCast, Andrew and Stephanie sit down with returning guest Aimee Jacobs fresh off her run at the Leadville 100, joined by her pacer and close friend, Mel (“DJ Melly Mel”). From San Antonio to the Colorado Rockies, Aimee recounts her buildup to one of the most prestigious 100-mile races in the country, the challenges of training at…

1
Grinding It Out: Rachel Millman’s Journey Through the Hardest Miles 1:09:51

2M ago1:09:51

1:09:51

In this episode of the HappyCast, Stephanie and Andrew sit down with ultrarunner Rachel Millman, whose race résumé spans mud-soaked DNFs, monster climbs, and fearless returns to the start line. Rachel takes us inside her recent finish at the Ouray 100, a beast of a race boasting over 40,000 feet of elevation gain, where she crossed the line just 23…

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The North Dakota Nomad: Elliott Waldock’s Ultra Trail Journey 1:35:47

3M ago1:35:47

1:35:47

In this episode of HappyCast, Andrew and Stephanie are joined by Elliott Waldock — fresh off the Summit 200, one of the most rugged and high-altitude 200-mile races in the U.S. With Dylan notably MIA (possibly launching a Chipotle-based fight club), Andrew drinks wine and scrolls Elliott’s Instagram to dive deep into his running past, landing fortu…

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Reaching New Highs and Overcoming Lows: Melissa Perez & High Lonesome 100 1:15:49

3M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

This week on HappyCast, we welcome Melissa Perez—trail runner, graduate student, community leader, and self-proclaimed lover of the f-word—for a raw and powerful conversation about what it means to run scared and come out the other side stronger. Hot off her recent finish at the notoriously tough High Lonesome 100, Melissa shares how altitude, hypo…

1
Raw Dogging the Vermont 100 1:07:38

3M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of HappyCast, Andrew and Stephanie sit down—just the two of them—for a rare one-on-one reflection. Fresh off completing her 21st 100-miler, Stephanie opens up about her emotional journey through the Vermont 100. From navigating recovery and divorce to running the race entirely without audio, she shares …

1
Folklord: Where Running Meets Mythology 1:13:14

3M ago1:13:14

1:13:14

This week on the HappyCast, we change things up a bit and focus on the business side of running and the colorful apparel it brings by having Elliot Matson, creator and founder of Folklord, join us to tell us all about his up-and-coming business. Folklord and its mythological and storytelling approach to running apparel has been popping up all over …

1
The Copper Kings 100 Recap: Grit, Grace, and a Little Too Much Cheese 1:46:19

4M ago1:46:19

1:46:19

In this special fourth appearance, Wes Plate returns to HappyCast with a full breakdown of the inaugural Copper Kings 100—Montana’s newest hundred-mile race and his most ambitious project yet. With co-hosts Stephanie and Andrew, Wes opens up about what it took to bring this dream to life: from months of preparation and a jam-packed U-Haul to naviga…

1
Trail Therapy and Tantrums in the Rockies 1:29:04

4M ago1:29:04

1:29:04

In this hilariously unfiltered and surprisingly heartfelt episode, Stephanie recaps her post-Cruel Jewel adventure at the Great Divide 100 in Colorado with guests Ben Bridgeman and Liesl Standish. After a last-minute pivot to avoid altitude overload, Stephanie takes us through her thought process behind picking this particular race just three weeks…

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Ladies Sweep Achilles Hill with Alisa Hardy, Jaclyn Lovelady and Lisa Decker 1:20:34

4M ago1:20:34

1:20:34

In this special women-led episode of HappyCast, Stephanie teams up with guest co-host Ben Bridgeman to spotlight the incredible performances at this year’s Achilles Hill ultra event. The spotlight shines brightly on Jaclyn Lovelady, Alisa Hardy, and Lisa Decker—three powerhouse women who not only swept the competition but redefined what grit and co…

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Keepin’ It Cool at Coco with Katie O'Connor, Juliana Masci and Hans Troyer 1:36:57

4M ago1:36:57

1:36:57

This week on a jam-packed episode of the HappyCast, we sit down with Katie O’Connor and talk about her Cocodona 250 experience. We talk about her preparation, race execution, and most importantly, the post-race festivities. Spoiler alert: she could just be the most positive person out on the trail. So naturally, we decide to bring in some firepower…

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The Mammoth is Coming with Hilary Ann, featuring Izzy Campos-Janovick & Kevin Goldberg 57:56

5M ago57:56

57:56

This week on the HappyCast, we are joined by THE Hilary Ann Yang as she talks about the newest 200+ mile race around, The Mammoth! 🦣 With its permits literally approved RIGHT before this recording, we talk about the hype, preparation, course, and increasing the participation of women in the 200 mile scene. Hilary will also be race directing this ev…

1
Arizona Monster Aftermath & Analysis with Candice Burt 1:20:42

5M ago1:20:42

1:20:42

This week on the HappyCast, we keep the 200+ mile ball rolling as we are joined by one of the pioneers of this distance, Candice Burt. She joins us to talk about the recent inaugural Arizona Monster 300, and we dissect this behemoth of a race and everything it entails. Candice opens up and talks about the ups and downs, the positives and negatives,…

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I Beat the Boys: Cruel Jewel Edition with Drew Flowers and Mike Coutu 1:22:51

5M ago1:22:51

1:22:51

This week on HappyCast, the spotlight is on cohost Stephanie, who just completed one of the Southeast’s most brutal ultramarathons: the Cruel Jewel 100. Alongside fellow runners Drew Flowers and Mike Coutu, the trio takes us deep into the Georgia mountains and even deeper into the pain cave, reliving the highs, lows, and everything in between. With…

1
Going Cuckoo for Cocoo with Rachel Entrekin: Cocodona 250 & more 1:32:13

5M ago1:32:13

1:32:13

On this episode of the HappyCast, we talk about a bunch of random stuff (and a little bit of Cocodona) with the Queen of Cocodona herself, Rachel Entrekin. After becoming the first back-to-back and only two time winner of Cocodona, we have a sit down with Rachel where she talks about her current recovery, her incredibly busy future, and her adjustm…

1
The Active (Average) Joe with Libby Jones 1:28:16

5M ago1:28:16

1:28:16

In this deeply heartfelt and eye-opening episode of HappyCast, hosts Stephanie, Dylan and Andrew are joined by trail race director and community powerhouse Libby Jones, the force behind The Active Joe and the beloved Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run. From her accidental start in race directing to founding one of North Texas’s most inclusive and commun…

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Beyond the Distance: Mental Health, Dogs, and the Long Run 1:36:33

6M ago1:36:33

1:36:33

In this unforgettable episode of the HappyCast, hosts Andrew, Dylan, and Stephanie welcome Canadian ultrarunner and mental health advocate Evan Birch, along with his trail-blazing running partner: his seven-year-old Vizsla, Nova. Together, Evan and Nova recently attempted the Orcas Island 100, marking what may be one of the first sanctioned 100-mil…

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Arizona Monster 300: From Tucson to Patagonia 2:06:09

6M ago2:06:09

2:06:09

This week on the HappyCast, we have part two of Andrew’s Arizona Monster 300 course and race recap. After surviving the night on Mt. Lemmon, Andrew make’s his way through Tucson to pound some pavement before heading further south into the Sonoran desert. But don’t worry, plenty of issues arise as always, as Andrew’s fear-based running kicks into ov…

1
Arizona Monster 300: From Superior to Mt. Lemmon 1:34:25

6M ago1:34:25

1:34:25

We’re back! After a few weeks off, the crew returns, and they take on the Monster in the process. This is the first part of three episodes dedicated to the Arizona Monster 300. The first two parts are a very detailed course overview and recap with Andrew, and the third will be an interview with another runner who ran the race MUCH quicker. So we ho…

1
ReCast: 2023 Cocodona 250: From Sedona to Flagstaff 2:17:31

6M ago2:17:31

2:17:31

We’re back for week two of our Cocodona 250 rerun series, and things are heating up—figuratively and literally. With Andrew deep into the Arizona Monster 300, we’re throwing it back to the second half of his first Arizona epic. This is where the race gets real: after pushing through Jerome, Andrew faces crumbling shins, emotional lows, water crossi…

1
ReCast: 2023 Cocodona 250: From the Bradshaws Down to Jerome 1:56:37

7M ago1:56:37

1:56:37

While Andrew is out running 300 miles across Arizona as part of the Arizona Monster 300, we’re giving the HappyCast mics a breather and bringing you a two-part rerun series featuring one of our favorite race recaps: Andrew’s Cocodona 250. Yep, before he faced the Monster, he faced this beast—and we’re revisiting it mile by mile. In Part 1, we follo…

1
No Crew, No Dropbags, No Problem: Trevor’s Southern States 200 1:39:58

7M ago1:39:58

1:39:58

This week on the HappyCast, we talk all things hockey with our favorite runner from up north, Trevor Meding! Not really, though. As cool as that would be, we decide to discuss the latest edition of Southern States 200 with Trevor, who just ran the race and is slowly recovering from his epic trek from Georgia to Alabama. The Southern States 200 is t…

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How to Survive Six 100-Milers (and Still Laugh About It) 1:09:29

7M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

In this episode of HappyCast, we welcome Kathryn “Kat” Stewart, Charmin McKee, and Gus Rodriguez—three incredible ultrarunners who completed the 2024–25 Lone Star Slam. This ambitious challenge—completing six 100-mile races across Texas in just eight months, including Habanero Hundred, Cactus Rose, Dinosaur Valley, Brazos Bend, Rocky Raccoon, and G…

1
Texas Women Take on Pennsylvania: The Wild Ride at Rabid Raccoon 100 1:26:31

7M ago1:26:31

1:26:31

The HappyCast team takes on the Rabid Raccoon 100, an ultra in Pennsylvania that delivered relentless mud, unpredictable storms, and plenty of surprises. Stephanie Leake shares her emotional journey through the race, from navigating steep climbs and descents to finding strength in her crew and pacers. Ultimately conquering her fear of the mud with …

1
Arizona Monster 300 Race and Course Preview 1:15:48

8M ago1:15:48

1:15:48

This week on a special edition of the HappyCast, we have our Arizona Monster 300 race and course preview episode! This race is the newest, biggest, and baddest race in the ultra (ultra) distance running world. This is Destination Trail’s first 300+ mile race, and the hype surrounding this event has been palpable. Selling out in a matter of days a y…

1
Back-to-Back 100s? Chuck & Ben’s Wild Idea 1:36:54

8M ago1:36:54

1:36:54

In this episode of HappyCast, we welcome ultra runners Chuck Clark and Ben Bridgeman to recount their epic (and sometimes disastrous) attempt at running two brutal 100-mile races just two weeks apart: Outlaw 100 and Lovit 100. What started as a simple challenge turned into a saga of icy wipeouts, brutal climbs, poor life choices, and a whole lot of…

1
What Do You Mean "The Race Is Canceled?" 1:06:41

8M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

This week on HappyCast, it’s just the core trio—Andrew, Dylan, and our very own Stephanie Leake, who takes center stage to share the wildest race recap we’ve had in a while. Stephanie traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, to take on her 17th 100-mile finish, expecting a straightforward timed event. What she got instead? A logistical rollercoaster i…

1
Wes' Full Plate: Race directing the inaugural Copper Kings 100, preparing for Arizona Monster 300 & more 1:34:43

8M ago1:34:43

1:34:43

This week on the HappyCast, we are joined once again by the Swiss Army Knife of Ultrarunning, Wes Plate, as we discuss everything from his upcoming race director debut at Copper Kings 100, to Arizona Monster 300 training, and a whole lot more! Wes discusses the challenges up preparing for his first ever race directing gig at his inaugural Copper Ki…

1
Rocky Raccoon 100 1:30:08

9M ago1:30:08

1:30:08

In this jam-packed episode of the HappyCast, the whole gang recaps and relives their time at Rocky Raccoon 100, one of largest 100 milers in the country. They are joined by Javier Gutierrez and his crew, Connor Bessell and Michael McGinnis. Javier. Javier returns to Rocky after surviving the onslaught of rain at last year’s edition. He ran a specta…

1
No Shoes? No Problem: Running Ultras in Crocs with Steph Smith 59:25

9M ago59:25

59:25

In this episode of the Happy Cast, hosts Stephanie Leake, Dylan Rueff, and Andrew Marvin sit down with ultra runner Steph Smith, who has taken the trail-running world by storm—by running 100-mile races in Crocs. From her early days as a marathoner to her first ultra, Steph shares how she discovered her love for endurance racing and why traditional …

1
Bagels, Portapotties, and PRs: A Journey at the Florida Long Haul 100 1:17:49

9M ago1:17:49

1:17:49

In this episode of the Happy Cast, we dive into the the Long Haul 100 in Florida with special guests Rachel Grabow and Brandon Veltman. Hosts Stephanie Leake and Dylan Rueff guide the conversation through the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of this challenging ultra-marathon in Florida’s unpredictable January weather. From overcoming flat-cours…

1
A Happy Recap: Snowdrop, Bandera with Hans & Aimee and more 1:38:17

9M ago1:38:17

1:38:17

We’re back for season 4 of the HappyCast! On this episode, the gang recaps their holiday shenanigans, such as Dylan preparing for Rocky Raccoon 100, Stephanie doing the annual Dallas to Cowtown run in hopes of redemption, and Andrew running the incredible Snowdrop 55 hour event for children’s cancer in Houston. And in the main segment, Andrew and S…

1
Big Energy, Big Lessons: HappyCast’s Year in Review 1:05:37

10M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

In this season finale of HappyCast, the team takes a reflective dive into the highs and lows of 2024, celebrating both the victories and the hard lessons learned. Hosts Stephanie, Andrew, and Dylan recount their most memorable moments, from Stephanie’s incredible feat of pacing 377 miles this year to Andrew’s transformative experience battling DNFs…

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Ep. 118: A Bunch of Goofuses 2:03:35

10M ago2:03:35

2:03:35

On this season 11 finale of HappyCast, Ben draws the Walter White line, Brian tries some country exclusives, and Santa loves dank memes.

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The Galloping Gals: How Friendship and Grit Broke Records at Dino Valley with Aimee Jacobs and Marina Germain 1:42:36

10M ago1:42:36

1:42:36

In this powerful episode of HappyCast, the team welcomes two extraordinary guests: Aimee Jacobs, the new overall course record holder at the Dinosaur Valley 100 Miler, and her crew chief, Marina Germain. Fresh off her incredible sub-20-hour performance, Aimee shares her deeply moving journey from early beginnings in triathlons to her rise in the ul…

1
Dino Valley Recap: Triumphs, Challenges, and Community Spirit 1:07:50

11M ago1:07:50

1:07:50

In this episode of HappyCast, we dive into the incredible stories from the Dino Valley 100, a race that’s captured the hearts of the ultra-running community. Aimee Jacobs’ record-breaking performance takes center stage as she not only sets a new female course record but breaks the male record as well, solidifying this year’s race as a historic mome…

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Ep. 117: What Is A Burger If Not A Meat Smudgie? 2:03:44

11M ago2:03:44

2:03:44

Ben joins the Mac 'n' Cheese Crime Unit, Brian drinks some liquid donuts, and Santa asks the boys to help save Christmas!

1
Podcast Showcase: Ultra Runs in the Family 1:26:43

11M ago1:26:43

1:26:43

This week on the HappyCast, we’re excited to feature an episode from another inspiring ultra-running podcast, Ultra Runs in the Family. Liz and Ben Bridgman, the hosts of this heartfelt and humorous show, share the unique challenges of balancing life as a family with their love for running. In this featured episode, ‘No Whiners, Wimps, or Wusses! T…

1
Indiana Trail 100: Forgotten Gear, Final Exams, and Friends 49:38

11M ago49:38

49:38

Buckle up for an episode full of laughter, reflection, and incredible trail vibes as Dylan Rueff and Stephanie Leake take you on a journey through the Indiana Trail 100, the only 100-mile ultramarathon in the Hoosier State. Known for its welcoming community and scenic yet approachable trails, this race is a favorite among runners seeking camaraderi…

1
Ep. 116: The Duality of Weird 1:54:25

11M ago1:54:25

1:54:25

As they commentate the HappyCast Thanksgiving Podrade, Ben eats the crumb de la crumb, Brian meets Camel Fonzarelli, and Good Al Weirdovic tries some braided jerky with Marshalls.

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Desert Dreams: Addy’s Plan to Beat the Clock at the Javelina Jundred 1:14:26

11M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

In this episode of HappyCast, we dive into the incredible journey of Addy and her triumphant finish at the Javelina Jundred. Known for its party atmosphere and relentless desert heat, Javelina pushed Addy to her limits as she tackled high temperatures in the 90s, fully exposed trails, and the goal of breaking the coveted 30-hour mark. With determin…

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Moab 240: Behind the Scenes and a chat with Jess Greene 1:43:23

12M ago1:43:23

1:43:23

This week on the HappyCast, we recap the most recent Moab 240, which ended up being one of the hottest years on record! Our very own Andrew was sent over to volunteer and was on-site for over a week witnessing the beauty and carnage of this race. But more importantly, and impressively, we have Jess Greene join us to recap her experience. This was J…

1
The Eckerts’ Ultra Story: Grit, Support, and a Backyard World Record 1:22:05

12M ago1:22:05

1:22:05

In this powerful and inspiring episode, Andrew, Stephanie, and Dylan sit down with Meg Eckert, an ultrarunner who recently achieved a stunning feat at Big’s Backyard Ultra by completing 87 laps, setting a new women’s world record with a total of 362.5 miles. Known for its grueling format, the backyard ultra challenges runners to complete a 4.167-mi…