Best Justin Beard Podcasts (2025)

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One Year Of Three People | AidStation 040 53:20

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13h ago53:20

53:20

Kia ora e te whānau. We had a particularly nice time on this week’s AidStation podcast, celebrating one year of Ali and Andrew jumping on board. Matt had the opportunity to ask them a mix of longer-form and quick-fire style questions about the last 12 months, and what they were looking forward to in the next 12 months and beyond. If you are after a…

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COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY SIMPLIFIED 18:49

3h ago18:49

18:49

Dr. Rachel Rubin of Spark Admissions, earned international media attention in 2012, while at Harvard, for her groundbreaking research on how the 75 most selective U.S. colleges and universities make admissions decisions. Using a strategic, data-driven approach, she talks maximization of college financial aid/scholarships, financial trackers/data/ti…

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Vancouver Island Trails, PCT Pie Record, and Canadian Culture with Spencer "Boiler" Dunn (BPR #325) 2:29:22

7d ago2:29:22

2:29:22

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Spencer “Boiler” Dunn. Boiler, is a self-described “pro-yapper”, improv leader, former employee of Parks Canada, pie enthusiast, and of course, a backpacker. Spencer takes us through his long trail adventures across Canada, including the Bruce Trail, West Coast Trail, No…

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James Inwood vs. the Badwater 135 | Dirt Church Radio 344 57:13

10d ago57:13

57:13

Kia ora e te whānau. James Inwood is no stranger to challenge. The Greytown runner has completed numerous ultramarathons, including the infamous Coast to Kosci; however, nothing could have prepared him for the challenge of Badwater 135. 217 kilometers of road from Death Valley Basin, finishing on the road to Mount Whitney, the race starts at the lo…

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Fighting a Grizzly Bear and Leaving the Mormon Church with Wesley "Megaman" Tils (BPR #324) 2:18:58

8d ago2:18:58

2:18:58

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Wesley Tils, known on trail as Megaman. Buckle in because oh boy does Megaman have an origin story. After growing up in the Mormon church, leaving the church to become a pro boxer, quitting boxing to give the church another shot and going …

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The Good,The Bad & The Ugly | Aid Station 39 40:10

11d ago40:10

40:10

Kia ora e te whānau. Mistakes were made. The first of many in this week’s episode of the AidStation was Andrew McDowall describing Matt as having a “water off a duck’s back” mentality. This is not true. Especially when the water is the wider response to the Joyline Chepgnego doping saga.That water really sank in. The duck was soaked. . Ali, Andrew,…

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MEDITATION: HEART RHYTHM MEDITATION-Un-stick emotions, magnetize heart energy to influence those who control your lives and finding your purpose 18:24

13d ago18:24

18:24

Puran and Susanna Bair of iamHeart school, authors Living from the Heart: A Guide to Heart Rhythm Meditation and Energize Your Heart in 4 Dimensions, meditation, health, women’s health, mental health, destress, control emotionsBy Mary Insprucker

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Jeff Oliver aka IBTAT on Sober Triple Crowning, The Scottish National Trail, and Kungsleden Trail (BPR #323) 2:18:07

21d ago2:18:07

2:18:07

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, we’re joined by Jeff Oliver, better known on trail and online as IBTAT. In addition to building a large following on YouTube and Instagram, IBTAT will be a familiar voice to long-time Backpacker Radio listeners, as he was part of our first season of Trail Correspo…

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Justin Grunewald - The Only Way Out is Through | Dirt Church Radio 342 1:14:37

21d ago1:14:37

1:14:37

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Ali Pottinger speaks with elite ultra runner and physician Justin Grunewald. Fresh off a second-place finish at the Leadville 100, Justin talks to Ali about managing his life as a parent and doctor when his wife, Amanda Basham (DCR 311) is also an elite runner. Justin’s story is intertwined with the loss of his first…

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Liz "Handstand" Kidder: Scary Moments in the Sierra, Skydiving Near Miss, and Donating a Kidney (BPR #322) 2:19:39

27d ago2:19:39

2:19:39

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by social media and YouTube sensation, Liz “Handstand” Kidder. Liz is a thru-hiker, vlogger, dreadlock artist, former skydiving fanatic, and a handstand-expert. Liz gives us her full story, including the events that lead to her becoming sober…

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Hail To The Chief | Aid Station 38 45:49

25d ago45:49

45:49

Kia ora e te whānau. We make no bones about it. Dirt Church Radio is, was, and always will be Ruth Croft Positive. Over the (at least) 7 times Croft has appeared on DCR, there has always been one constant- a focus on moving forward. Ruth is on par with the best to take the gig, a wonderful human being, and an asset to our sport. The only criminal e…

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Dan Durston 2.0: Durston Gear's Cult Following, Gear Innovations, and Design Philosophy (BPR #321) 2:30:39

29d ago2:30:39

2:30:39

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined once again by Dan Durston. Dan is the man behind Durston Gear, a backpacking gear brand that has exploded in popularity amongst long-distance backpackers over the last handful of years. Dan gives us the rundown on how his business and life have chang…

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Sean Conway– Beard, Belief, and Bad-Assery | Dirt Church Radio 340 1:19:14

1M ago1:19:14

1:19:14

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Ali Pottinger and Matt Rayment speak to Sean Conway, the Zimbabwe-born, UK-based endurance adventurer whose life has been one long refusal to do things by halves. Sean’s palmarès reads like a dare whispered at closing time: cycling around the world, swimming the length of Great Britain, running across it, and then be…

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The Wonderland Trail with Sassafras: Permits, Campsites, and Gear (BPR #320) 2:21:36

1M ago2:21:36

2:21:36

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are chatting all things Wonderland Trail. The Trek’s very own Jess Stone is fresh off her thru-hike of this near-100 mile lap around Mt. Rainier in Washington, and gives us a detailed breakdown of her journey and the trail at large. We cover the ideal n…

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For Those About To Rock, We Salute You | Aid Station 37 42:29

1M ago42:29

42:29

Kia ora e te whānau. It’s that time of year when we start to see the end of winter and the earliest glimpses of spring. Thoughts turn to the new year, big events, and the lead-up to those events. Does one size fit all when it comes to peak months and loading during the macrocycle? This doesn’t even begin to touch on the double-edged sword of Strava…

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ARTIST-CHAS FAGAN—STATUES: Capitol’s Reagan, Billy Graham-Young Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, Freedom’s Charge 22:33

1M ago22:33

22:33

Chas Fagan talks about being self-taught, researching subjects, incorporating history, Portraits of US Presidents & Barbara Bush US Stamp, The Pursuit of Happiness, memories, stories, art, sculpturesBy Mary Insprucker

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Top National Park After Dark Stories: Night of the Grizzlies, Grandma Gatewood, and Cocaine Bear (BPR #319) 2:18:54

2M ago2:18:54

2:18:54

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Danielle and Cassie, the hosts of the popular podcast, National Park After Dark. In this episode, Chaunce gets the lowdown on some of the most outrageous stories from the our beloved national parks, including the infamous cocaine bear, tuberculosi…

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Phil Gore – To Infinity And Beyond | Dirt Church Radio 338 1:17:21

2M ago1:17:21

1:17:21

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Ali Pottinger and Andrew McDowall sit down with the one and only Phil Gore. You’ll know Phil from his two epic showdowns with our very own Sam Harvey at Dead Cow Gully — both times pushing themselves to the ragged edges of what we thought humanly possible. This time, they didn’t just flirt with the record — they obli…

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Quitting a Thru-Hike, Living Nomadically, and Working as a Chef with Juliette "Scorpion Queen" Kerven (BPR #318) 3:15:08

2M ago3:15:08

3:15:08

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re joined by Juliette Kerven, known on trail as Scorpion Queen. Juliette is a Michelin-trained chef, former yacht crew member, full-time nomad, and a thru-hiker of both the PCT and AT, and we caught her during her CDT thru-hike attempt for this conver…

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The Olympics, Overtraining, and that F*%king Kelpie Dog I AidStation 36 39:23

2M ago39:23

39:23

Kia ora e te whānau. I mean, the co-hosts of your third favourite trail and ultrarunning podcast haven’t gotten together for a chinwag for a while, and, if the universe has had a say in 2/3rds of our days, things are bound to get chaotic. Ultras at the Olympics, The legacy of Backyard Ultras, Overtraining and being Over Training, Plus Andrew’s bad …

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TRAVEL: BACKYARD JOURNEYS-SCOTT MASON, WRAL-TV’s Tar Heel Traveler 19:07

2M ago19:07

19:07

Travel, North Carolina, local exploring, gems to find, money saving tips, unique travel, travel pros and consBy Mary Insprucker

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The Pinhoti Trail with Nathan "Switchback" Wright (BPR #317) 2:13:41

2M ago2:13:41

2:13:41

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Nathan Wright, known on trail as Switchback. Nathan is an ambassador for the Pinhoti Trail and Alabama trails more broadly, wearing almost too many hats to count. He is the co-founder of the Pinhoti Outdoor Center - a hostel he runs with his wife,…

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Sage Canaday – Any Surface, Any Distance | Dirt Church Radio 337 1:17:40

2M ago1:17:40

1:17:40

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Ali and Matt sit down with the legendary Sage Canaday. Since turning pro in 2012, Sage has been a defining presence in the trail and ultrarunning world. With a strong background in road racing and tidy marathon times, he helped usher in a new era of professional athletes in trail running. An outspoken advocate for cl…

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The Northern Colorado Trail with Kevin "Sunshine" Silvernale (BPR #316) 2:02:15

2M ago2:02:15

2:02:15

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Kevin “Sunshine” Silvernale. Originally a commercial pilot from Seattle, Kevin thru-hiked the PCT in 2016 and immediately fell in love with the Hiker Trash lifestyle. That passion led him to put his flying career on hold to hike the AT, C…

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Maree Connor – Spartathlon, Badwater, and Beyond | AidStation 35 1:28:21

2M ago1:28:21

1:28:21

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, we’ve got another special edition of the AidStation for you. Ali and Andrew caught up with Australian endurance legend Maree Connor to talk about her amazing ultramarathon career. From the iconic Spartathlon to the punishment of Badwater 135 to the World 24-Hour Championships, Maree has conquered some of the most inc…

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COLLEGE PLANNING SIMPLIFIED 16:14

2M ago16:14

16:14

Dr. Rachel Rubin of Spark Admissions, earned international media attention in 2012, while at Harvard, for her groundbreaking research on how the 75 most selective U.S. colleges and universities make admissions decisions. Using a strategic, data-driven approach, she talks the when, how to apply, tips on admission process, college essays, etc.…

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Impacts of Climate Change on the Colorado Trail with Triple Crowner and Scientist Karl Ford (BPR #315) 2:22:44

3M ago2:22:44

2:22:44

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Karl Ford. Karl is a retired environmental scientist, conservationist, and author of Triple Crown Hiking Adventures and The Colorado Trail in Crisis: A Naturalist's Field Report on Climate Change in Mountain Ecosystems. In this conversation, we di…

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Marianne Hogan – The Will to Endure | Dirt Church Radio 335 1:09:12

3M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Ali Pottinger catches up with the mighty Marianne Hogan. We first tried to record this conversation before Tarawera Ultra Trail, but a patchy internet connection and a tight schedule meant we had to hit pause. Thankfully, we’ve picked it back up—and what a time to do it. Marianne has just come off an epic third-place…

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Fascinating Colorado Outdoor Recreation Stories with OutThere Colorado's Spencer McKee (BPR #314) 3:22:13

3M ago3:22:13

3:22:13

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Spencer McKee, the Director of Content and Operations for OutThere Colorado. If you’ve been to Colorado and have Instagram, you’ve likely already come across Spencer’s videos - he’s mastered the art of packaging interesting Colorado news …

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Ep: 49 - Humble and Hungry, Brick by Brick w/ Benjamin Holmgren 1:14:44

3M ago1:14:44

1:14:44

We sit down with Benjamin Holmgren of Ground Crew to uncover his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to building a community that supports contractors for long-term success. Topics: From Mini Excavators to Ground Crew: Benjamin’s Unique Path Life-Altering Moments: Resilience and a Shift in Perspective The Ground Crew Model: Connecting Contractors…

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WRINKLES: SUN WRINKLE ADVISE & FIXES 12:52

3M ago12:52

12:52

Sun Wrinkles/Wrinkle prevention, treatment, fixes, sun protection from diet to clothing, health, women, UV, summer safe fun, Botox, Retinoids, dermabrasion, chemical peels, vitamin C serumsBy Mary Insprucker

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Dan Jones. Western States Endurance Run And The Year Ahead- AidStation Special. 39:30

3M ago39:30

39:30

Kia ora e te whānau. This week we’ve something super special for you. Ali and Matt had the chance to catch up with Dan Jones about his third consecutive top-five finish at the Western States Endurance Run. We talk about the day that was, the lead up, his recovery, and what’s in store for the coming year in this extra special edition of the DCR AidS…

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20,000+ Miles in under 10 Years, a Desert Hike from Tucson to San Diego, and Life as a Mariner with Leah "Twig" Harman (BPR #313) 3:02:27

3M ago3:02:27

3:02:27

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Leah Harman, known on trail as Twig. Although Twig is relatively new to the world of thru-hiking, with less than 10 years of experience, she’s hit the ground running, accruing well over 20,000 miles in the process. In addition to all the usual su…

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Sam Harvey and Stephen Redfern- To The Well We Go. Dirt Church Radio 333. 1:25:27

3M ago1:25:27

1:25:27

Kia ora e te whānau. As the sport of trail and ultramarathon running evolves, we find ourselves searching for that extra 1%. Whether it's in efficiency and speed (just witness the spectacle of the elite aid stops at Western States) or pushing that bit further, it seems like we are heading towards uncharted territory. This week on Dirt Church Radio,…

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Thru-Hiking for 30 Years, Working for ALDHA-West, Six Moon Designs, & FarOut, and Ridgerunning with a Dog with Whitney "Allgood" La Ruffa (BPR #312) 2:06:25

3M ago2:06:25

2:06:25

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Whitney La Ruffa, better known in the world of backpacking as “Allgood.” Allgood is the former president of ALDHA-West, the current Chief Revenue Officer at FarOut, and a certified backpacking OG—his first thru-hike dates all the way back to the early ’90s (some of you w…

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119 Not Out- AidStation 033. 35:44

3M ago35:44

35:44

Kia ora e te whānau.This episode of the Aidstation leaves more questions unanswered than answered. Is finding your attention waning at a race with no end the same as disliking it? Why does Test Cricket suck? What’s wrong with Corriander? Will it be a kiwi double at Western States? Hey Andrew, can we see your buckle? Did the wikipunishment meet the …

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UKRAINE/RUSSIA WAR: HEALING UKRAINE: BOTANICAL GARDENS IN A TIME OF WAR—Hurry, opp for webinar on same 13:04

3M ago13:04

13:04

Since the Russian invasion in early 2022, Ukraine’s botanical gardens have been serving as centers of respite& recovery. Ukraine gardens & stories featured, Emilee Weaver/Therapeutic Horticulture North Carolina Botanical Garden, Tony Allison/Partnerships for Nature, Duke Gardens—HURRY, OPP FOR WEBINAR ON SAME…

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Julia "Rocket" Sheehan on Her Social Media Fall from Grace, Quitting on a Thru-Hike, and Her New Book (BPR #311) 1:54:31

3M ago1:54:31

1:54:31

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Julia Sheehan, known on trail, as Rocket. Julia is a thru-hiker, former Trek Vlogger, social media sensation, nurse, and now a published author. Julia details how impulsive decision-making lead her to the wonderful world that is thru-hiki…

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Camille Herron. Dirt Church Radio Episode 331. 1:38:01

4M ago1:38:01

1:38:01

Kia ora e te whānau. It would be easy to start this post off with something like “the internet sucks” and again, that would date us. In today’s context, the internet is, and with that comes its joys, its horrors, and the amplification of the worst angels of our psyche. In the physical world, moments come and go; in the digital world, a senseless ac…

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A Lifetime of Trail Maintenance: the Blackburn Trail Center, Building the AT Rollercoaster, and the Potomac AT Club with Chris “Trailboss” Brunton (BPR #310) 1:40:25

4M ago1:40:25

1:40:25

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Chris Brunton aka “Trailboss”. Trailboss is a legendary force in the construction and maintenance of the Appalachian Trail, most notably, the infamous Rollercoaster section of the trail through Virginia. Trailboss enlightens us with some history o…

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The 2025 Ultra Trail Australia Women in Trail Live Show Special. AidStation 32. 1:04:05

4M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Kia ora e te whānau. Join Ali Pottinger, Lucy Bartholomew, Jessie Speedy, and Nicole Bunyon for the Ultra Trail Australia Women in Trail Panel. As our Ali says at the top, there is always more to say, and this is a good place to start. Join our incredible panel for this awesome discussion on the current state and the hopeful future of women in trai…

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SPECIAL OLYMPICS: A Night for Special Olympics-an evening of culinary delight—Police Depts/Flame of Hope/Athlete Strength/Stories. 15:45

4M ago15:45

15:45

Cary Police Dept (Chief Terry Sult), Sheila Ogle, Ralph Ashworth, Alisa Wright Colopy, Fit & Able Productions, Academy Street Bistro, Special Olympic athletes’ stories, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics https://bit.ly/nightforsoncBy Mary Insprucker

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Thru-Hiking with Your Sister, Triple Crowning without a Trail Name, and Tour du Mont Blanc with Jamie Lambert (BPR #309) 2:00:01

4M ago2:00:01

2:00:01

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jamie Lambert. We learn why Jamie doesn’t have a trail name, and why it’s definitely not Strap On, what it’s like to thru-hike with your sister- which she did on the PCT in 2018, what it is about thru-hiking that makes it so addictive fo…

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Gary House-Cutting Through The Noise. Dirt Church Radio 329. 1:22:36

4M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

Kia ora e te whānau. You’d need to have been living under a rock over the last year not to have seen one of Gary House’s videos in the ultrasphere. From satirical stitches that poke fun at the absurdity of running media to no-nonsense and practical advice to aid in your running, e.g., “Stop being so British when climbing hills” Ali and Matt speak w…

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Lightning Safety and Myth Busting with NOAA Meteorologist Charlie Woodrum (BPR #308) 2:04:25

4M ago2:04:25

2:04:25

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are giving you the lowdown on everything to do with lightning safety. We are joined by Charlie Woodrum who is the Preparedness and Resilience Lead with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service. We learn all about the biggest my…

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The Ultrasphere Is Getting Spicy. Aidstation 31. 1:24:03

4M ago1:24:03

1:24:03

Kia ora e te whānau. All Matt knew is that he went to Ultra Trail Australia, got home, and then a couple of hours later went to work. What he missed in that very full-on week was a cavalcade of what Men In Blazers’ podcast would only describe as sheer ultrarunning shithousery. From the William Goodge trans-Australia beef, to the Avaripa running sag…

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BEES: HOTELS, COFFEE CAN BEE HOUSES, HOW TO INCREASE BACKYARD FRUIT YIELDS 16:06

4M ago16:06

16:06

Karen DiDonato, backyard orchardist and founder Nurtured By Nature Growers, talks pollinators and propagating fruit trees, increasing yields, social bees and solitary bees, the Mason bee and Leaf Cutter bee, 'keeping' backyard native bees, bee hotels, J C Raulston ArboretumBy Mary Insprucker/Karen DiDonato

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Making Custom Packs, Setting FKTs, Escaping Death, and Starting an Outfitter with Jonathan "Janis Joplin" Thomas (BPR #307) 3:24:37

4M ago3:24:37

3:24:37

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jonathan Thomas, known on trail as Janis Joplin. Janis Joplin is a thru-hiker, FKT record holder, D1 collegiate track and field athlete, former news cameraman, Boston Marathon bombing survivor, CDT trail angel, and owner of Exotic Pax, an…

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The 2025 Ultra Trail Australia Live Special. Dirt Church Radio 327 1:31:45

4M ago1:31:45

1:31:45

Kia ora e te whānau. It’s always a party in the Blue Mountains. From the out-of-this-world scenery, to the amazing people, to the exceptional country that carries you, the Blue Mountains have it all. Add to this mix the atmosphere and celebration of Ultra Trail Australia being a UTMB world major, and you have a recipe for an incredible time. This y…

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Working as a Death Doula and Managing Death Anxiety with Niki DiGaetano (BPR #306) 1:36:56

4M ago1:36:56

1:36:56

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Niki DiGaetano, known on trail as Phoenix. In addition to being a long distance backpacker, the bulk of today’s conversation centers around Niki’s work as a death doula. We learn, of course, what that work entails, how her experiences working with…