Episode 171 - For an appetizer, this episode begins with a brief chat with Mark Ballas from The Green Beret Challenge . Matt sat down with Mark at the end of the most recent GBC. It's a quickie, but a goodie where we learn a lot about the Green Beret Challenge. The main course is with Melinda Spencer (Corssino). Melinda and Matt discuss : What is the WNBF? How does the WNBF differ from from the IFBB and other body building associations? How does one get a "pro card" in these organizations? Can s...
Mar 04, 2016•40 min
Episode 170 - The bio from Bob Babbitt's website will tell you : Bob Babbitt started racing triathlons way back when the earth was still cooling, in the late 1970's. He did his first Ironman Triathlon in 1980 on the island of Oahu and ended up completing five more when the event moved to the Big Island. Despite being incredibly slow at swimming, cycling and running, he has somehow found his way into into both the Ironman Hall of Fame and the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame. He also co-founded Competi...
Feb 26, 2016•58 min
Episode 169 - In this episode, we talk to Sandra and Gary Cantrell. You may know Gary better by his race director alias, Lazarus Lake. We talked to Gary and Sandra right after a screening of The Barkley Documentary, in Atlanta, Georgia a couple of weeks ago. If you know what the Barkley Marathons are, great. If you don't, we'll include a bunch of links below to help fill you in. Either way, enjoy this lively conversation recorded at The Majestic Diner . Today's show is sponsored by The Liquid Ru...
Feb 19, 2016•1 hr 18 min
Episode 168 - First up, as promised, Amelia and Carlo join Matt for a chat about Superbowl 50. They really planned on no running talk, but then Amelia went and placed 2nd at The Sean O'Brien 100k. That finish gave her a "golden ticket" into one of the most prestigious 100 milers around, Western States. Then, we chat with Andy Weinberg. Andy co-founded The Death Race with Joe DeSena nearly 10 years ago. Joe and Andy have since split and Andy created The Endurance Society with his new partner, Jac...
Feb 12, 2016•1 hr 24 min
Episode 167 - Jesse Itzler used to leave funny outgoing messages on his answering machine back in college. They were so good , they went viral, the old school way. Pre-Internet, people would tell friends, who would tell friends, who would tell more friends. This led him to a record deal with Delicious Vinyl. To many people, landing a record deal is THE dream. Like, we got a DEAL, MAN! This, however, was just the beginning for Jesse. Jesse and Matt discuss how landing this deal led a lot of cool ...
Feb 03, 2016•1 hr 8 min
Episode 166 - For starters, as promised, its 15 minutes with Carlo and Amelia to talk NFL Championship games. Amelia also expands a little on the whole "enjoying dry needling in her butt" that she eluded to on The Tim Ferris Podcast. For those that hate our football chats, you can fast right the heck forward. For those that love them, enjoy. The main course on this episode is Jesse Fulton. Jesse was a professional snowboarder for 13 years before going on to coach the Canadian Olympic snowboardin...
Jan 29, 2016•59 min
Episode 165 - First up, as promised, its the return of Carlo talking playoff football. He's joined this week by Amelia Boone as she heard we were talking NFL and wanted in. We then have a nice chat with Kyle Railton, better known as Coach from Tough Mudder. He got asked to lead a warm up one morning, and that led to an entire new part of his life. We dig in to find out what he was doing before being tapped by TMHQ, what he's gotten to do as Coach since, and what he's all about when not being Coa...
Jan 22, 2016•1 hr 9 min
Episode 164 - On today's show, we talk to Joe Desena about the Spartan Delta. What is it? Why did he create it? Who is it designed for? How do you earn one? We attempt to answer all of those questions. First up, however, is a new feature which will run from now through SuperBowl 50. Carlo Piscitello joins the show to discuss the previous weekend's NFL playoffs and makes predictions for the upcoming weeks games. Enjoy. Today's show is sponsored by Rugged Maniac - CODE ORM5 gets you $5.00 off regi...
Jan 15, 2016•51 min
Episode 163 - If you have ever attended a Spartan Race, you have most likely had Dustin send you off with his start line speech . Did you know that he wrote that speech and now Spartan has all of their MC's use some version of it? In this episode we learn that Dustin is one of the only current Spartan employees that goes all the way back to 2011. We also learn that he is a self-described nerd, and has been one way before it was cool. You can find him in cosplay costumes at many conventions aroun...
Jan 08, 2016•1 hr 47 min
Episode 162 - Scott Jones is an athlete, coach, race director, podcaster and podcast network producer. How the heck does he do it? Today's show is sponsored by Savage Race - 10% off all 2016 locations with code ORM. Udder Mud Run - RUNORM saves you $10 off this awesome, family friendly event! Show Notes Athlete On Fire blogs and podcast . Scott/Athlete on Fire Twitter...
Dec 30, 2015•51 min
Episode 161 - Lindsay Webster's first ever OCR was The 2014 Spartan World Championships, where she surprised everyone (including herself) and came in 4th. In 2015, she cemented herself as one of the most dominating women in the sport. She made the podium at over 20 races this year, finishing first 13 times. For OCR Championship season, she did not slow down, taking 2nd at Spartan Worlds, 1st in OCRWC, and 1st in The BattleFrog Championship. We talk to Lindsay about having a sweet exterior, and s...
Dec 24, 2015•37 min
Episode 160 - Dean Karnazes became famous in 2006 for running 50 marathons in 50 days and then writing a book about it. He talks about his "haters", his fans, and how little the rest of the world knows (or doesn't know) about ultra marathons. We also discuss OCR, his involvement with the Men's Health Urbanathlon, book writing, and much more. Today's show is sponsored by Obstacle Guard - Free shipping plus 5% off with code ORM. Savage Race - 10% off all 2016 locations with code ORM. Show Notes De...
Dec 20, 2015•49 min
Episode 159 - It's the conclusion of World's Toughest Mudder 2015. We start you off with a little treat from the past. A snippet from Amelia Boone just days after winning her first WTM Crown back in 2012. Then after a convo with Christian Griffith from his 5th Lap, we head straight into Sunday morning/afternoon interviews with Ben GreenfieldDeanna BleggJuliana Sproles Jimmy From BearFace Ryan AtkinsChad TrammellEli Hutchison from TMHQAmelia Boone Today's show is sponsored by Stunt Run - Save $15...
Dec 14, 2015•49 min
Episode 158 - On today's show we bring you the 2nd installment of audio coverage from World's Toughest Mudder. We begin with a Thanksgiving leftover that should have been on Part One as we talked to Joshua "Cox" Cox and Carlo(s) Piscitello prior to the race beginning. We then dive deep into the race already in progress as we follow: Team WolfPackYancy CulpApril HartwigTrevor CichoszAllison TaiChad TrammellTeam 4 EyesRobert KillianAshley SeegerTeam Getting ToughMorgan McKaySara KnightJunyong PakM...
Dec 03, 2015•53 min
Episode 157 - Today's episode features two interviews that are not directly OCR related. First up is Jason Green. Jason talks about how going on a long run touched his soul and ignited a passion within him. Out of that passion he set out to create races for skaters, punk rockers, beer drinkers, and other fun people he wasn't finding in most running communities. Next up is Matt "Bear" Novakovich. After being a champion mountain runner and obstacle racer, Matt wanted to try his hand in The Ring. W...
Nov 25, 2015•47 min
Episode 156 - The coverage of WTM that you have come to count on from the podcast. It's our 4th year in a row talking to as many people as we can get to in the time allotted at World's Toughest Mudder This year's Part I is Saturday interviews with the following people prior to the race, er challenge, starting. (In order of appearance) Will DeanAmelia BooneJunyong PakJosue StephensRobert KillianBen GreenfieldMorgan McKayTeam SinergyTeam Spartan Wolfpack Today's show is sponsored by: Men's Health ...
Nov 20, 2015•49 min
Episode 155 - A true pioneer and visionary of the running industry, Jeff founded the first specialty running store, has written 29 books, and trained hundreds of thousands of runners using his run/walk methods. Jeff sat down with Matt, and gave him advice on hamstring issues as he, himself has not had a running injury in 37 years. Jeff also discussing his latest breakthroughs about mental training, shares his opinion on the latest running fads, and much more. Today's show is sponsored by: Mad An...
Nov 12, 2015•50 min
Episode 154 - Christian Griffith does not do anything quietly or half-assed. When Matt met Christian in 2012, Christian was already living what most consider a "pretty good life". He had a well paying job at an ad agency in which he could dress how he wanted, and travel to races all over the world on any given week. That was not enough for him and in April of this year, he moved from Atlanta to Jacksonville, FL to go work for GORUCK. Sounds great right? Still in marketing, but for a gear and eve...
Nov 05, 2015•1 hr 17 min
Episode 153 - In this episode, we talk to Michael Wardian. Go to his Athlinks and his Ultrasignup page in the show notes to get a glimpse of the volume of races that he runs. (and how well he performs!) In this conversation, we attack such burning questions as: How does he do so many darn races and can you race too much? Which costume and treadmill records are important to him? What are his exercise replacements when he does get running injuries? What was it like to be a Runner's World cover fin...
Oct 29, 2015•53 min
Episode 152 - Our OCR World Championships 2015 podcast coverage continues from last Saturday afternoon. First up, the start of The Journeyman Heat aka "Meet the Spahtens" starring Paul Jones, Sandy "Mama Hen" Rhee and Mario "The Speedo Guy" We then move on to a chat with the world champion, Jon Albon, having had several hours to drink in his victory. The next portion is a casual chat with my new mate, Dirk Schrama from Obstakels.com and his fellow Dutchman, Gertjan van Voorden . We hung out near...
Oct 22, 2015•55 min
Episode 151 - Part I of our 2015 OCR World Championships coverage includes interviews with top finishers :Jon Albon, Ryan Atkins, Cody Moat, Lindsay Webster, Claude Godbout, Robert Killian, KK Paul, Rose Wetzel, and Hobie Call. We continue the finish line interviews with Peter Norris, Marc "The Muddy Highlander" Leinster, Michael Breese, Alena Dawn, Julie Johnston, Greg Kawanishi, Simon Weig, and Yancy Camp, er Culp. Stay tuned for Part II. Today's show is sponsored by: Thrillseeker 5k Stunt Run...
Oct 21, 2015•47 min
Episode 150 - Last weekend, the 2015 Warrior Dash World Championships were held in Pulaski, TN. In this episode we talk to the following finishers. Max King 1st (Also 2014 Champ)Joshua McAdams 2ndBrett Hales 3rdHobie Call 4thCody Moat 6thRyan Atkins 12thYuri Force 13th Bridget Franek 1stKimber Mattox 2nd (2014 Champion)KK Paul 3rdAllison Morgan 4thMary Ballinger 5thRachel Corvington 8thCorinna Coffin 10th Some of these folks, we got to talk to multiple times, including pre race, finish line, and...
Oct 15, 2015•1 hr 19 min
Episode 149 - On today's show we have some hot off the press interviews with the top finishers of the 2015 Spartan World Championships from Lake Tahoe. Robert Killian was introduced to most of us with his 3rd place finish on the televised Spartan race from Palmerton, a few weeks ago. In this episode, we learn about how his previous experience prepared him for success, and how he learned to beat the best of the best. We also learn what he is up to for the rest of the 2015 Championship season. Zuz...
Oct 07, 2015•1 hr
Episode 148 - First up is Eddie Yanick. Eddie is for the most part, a regular dude. He recently went all Forest Gump and ran across the state of Texas as part of the Race Across The USA. He enjoyed it so much, he thought he'd ride his bike across Texas a short time later. Part 2 of the show is a chat with Yancy Culp and Keith Allen. Yancy is the founder of Yancy Camp, where Yancy trains OCR athletes including some of the world's best. Keith Allen, rapper and HVAC guy, is one of Yancy's more will...
Oct 02, 2015•1 hr 13 min
Episode 147 - Several weeks ago, Tough Mudder HQ threw down the gauntlet stating any team that could compete 100 miles (20 laps) at this year's WTM, would split $100,000. So, 2013 and 2014 WTM Champ Ryan Atkins did what any red blooded Canadian endurance champ would do. He called a few buddies to take it on. Listen in to learn who he rounded up. The 2nd interview on today's show is with Ronan Gardiner. He is one of the creators of the Men's Health Urbanathlon. This event launched way ahead of th...
Sep 25, 2015•36 min
Episode 146- Nickademus is returning to World's Toughest Mudder to avenge his DNF from last year. He is also bringing Joe Decker with him. If you don't know who either of these guys are, there is some info in the show notes, but do yourself a favor and do some googling. Then be blown away at their athletic accomplishments. Listen in to learn how Nick put his team of ultra runner badasses together. He also talks about how the hell one paces appropriately to win a 120 mile race, how horrible condi...
Sep 17, 2015•52 min
Episode 145 - Matt Waller has built a resume around endurance challenges. He has completed several Death Races along with crewing for a fellow Death Race finisher. He and his partner in crime, Tanya Bickham, have also gone on to produce their own endurance event, The Gauntlet. This was not always the case, however. Listen in on how frightened Matt was do run a whopping 3 miles and tackle the brutal obstacles at his first Warrior Dash, back in May of 2010. From there, we learn about Matt's journe...
Sep 10, 2015•1 hr 27 min
Episode 144 - Today's episode focuses on last weekend's Asheville Spartan Super . If you were there, you know that this quarry venue made for a very cool experience at Spartan's first ever visit to this city. If you were not, we hope to bring you some of magic in the form of some delicious interviews. You are going to hear from. Heather Williams - 1st place female (Overall) Ryan Woods - 1st place female (Overall) Janet Barry - 3rd place female (Overall) James Turner Norris - 1st place male (Mast...
Sep 04, 2015•48 min
Episode 143 - Today we meet Ben Gray. Ben ran 100 miles around the city of Atlanta one day, for the story not the glory. He also ran in the first AND last wave of this year's Peachtree Road Race . Ben's job for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has him writing and taking pictures at some very cool places and events. Some times running gets to be part of the assignment as well. It is safe to say Matt wants to be Ben when he grows up. Listen in as they discuss running, journalism, and lots of thing...
Aug 27, 2015•50 min
Episode 142 - On today's episode Matt talks with Eric Winkler from Jack Axe Games. Part strongman competition, part Highland games, part OCR, this new event in the Chicago area is something we have never seen before. Learn all about it, and how you can attend as a guest of Obstacle Racing Media. Next up is Alex Nicholas. Matt digs in and finds out what's behind that ridiculously chiseled physique of his. They talk about Alex's athletic background, and how he became a successful personal trainer ...
Aug 21, 2015•50 min
