The Ultra Crewed Podcast

This week, the Murder Mile Studios accidentally become headquarters for the Big East Fork River Patrol.Jon returns from a long drive to find three police cars in the yard, while Miss Jones explains an entirely reasonable series of events involving trespassers, fishing poles, outstanding warrants, teenage ATV diplomacy, private waterways, neighborhood donkeys, and the Silverado-based enforcement of personal accountability.Eventually, because this is allegedly an ultrarunning podcast, the conversation turns to road-trip math, unrealistic GPS arrival times, slowing pace, aid-station delays, and why your finish-time prediction probably ignores the twenty minutes you’ll spend sitting in a chair eating potatoes and reconsidering every decision that brought you there.Come for the ultrarunning. Stay because River Patrol has questions.

This week we’re covering everything from the sacred and highly specific rules of a Becca birthday to dump runs, bacon, roadside water hemlock, zebras, mushroom hunting, prosecco naps, and Jon successfully identifying a mushroom like a man who would now like that achievement entered into the permanent record. We also get into school, the absolute delight of having your own writing flagged as AI-generated, and the strange new reality where apparently sounding organized is grounds for suspicion. Then we turn toward ultrarunning, missing races, learning when not to do everything, and finally feeling ready to put some goals back on the calendar without immediately signing up for seventeen terrible ideas. We talk A, B, and C goals, getting back into training, Fierce Dragon, why races always seem to have perfect weather until we register for them, and, naturally, we close with an offer to take home one of our barn cats. Really, we’re providing a public service at this point.

This week we’re covering everything from the sacred and highly specific rules of a Becca birthday to dump runs, bacon, roadside water hemlock, zebras, mushroom hunting, prosecco naps, and Jon successfully identifying a mushroom like a man who would now like that achievement entered into the permanent record. We also get into school, the absolute delight of having your own writing flagged as AI-generated, and the strange new reality where apparently sounding organized is grounds for suspicion. Then we turn toward ultrarunning, missing races, learning when not to do everything, and finally feeling ready to put some goals back on the calendar without immediately signing up for seventeen terrible ideas. We talk A, B, and C goals, getting back into training, Fierce Dragon, why races always seem to have perfect weather until we register for them, and, naturally, we close with an offer to take home one of our barn cats. Really, we’re providing a public service at this point.

We’re getting unusually honest this week, which is dangerous because we normally protect ourselves with Fresca, profanity, and deeply unnecessary arguments about driving distances. After Jon’s birthday escape to Chattanooga, we talk about what it feels like to build a community while still feeling outside of it, how race directing can leave us alone together, and why finding time for each other sometimes feels harder than running all night.We also build Becca a caving squeeze box, survive an aggressively confusing hospital parking garage, and wade directly into the backyard ultra controversy involving disqualifications, integrity, and rules people apparently believed were decorative. It’s funny, vulnerable, and probably our most honest conversation yet. A must-listen for runners, race directors, couples, and anyone who has ever created something beautiful only to wonder where they fit inside it.

We’re getting unusually honest this week, which is dangerous because we normally protect ourselves with Fresca, profanity, and deeply unnecessary arguments about driving distances. After Jon’s birthday escape to Chattanooga, we talk about what it feels like to build a community while still feeling outside of it, how race directing can leave us alone together, and why finding time for each other sometimes feels harder than running all night.We also build Becca a caving squeeze box, survive an aggressively confusing hospital parking garage, and wade directly into the backyard ultra controversy involving disqualifications, integrity, and rules people apparently believed were decorative. It’s funny, vulnerable, and probably our most honest conversation yet. A must-listen for runners, race directors, couples, and anyone who has ever created something beautiful only to wonder where they fit inside it.

We’re officially post-race, which means we’re pretending to relax while still surrounded by unfinished cleanup, schoolwork, farm chores, and whatever new project Becca has emotionally bonded with this week. This time, it’s a stock tank pool—because nothing says “recovery” like turning a giant farm bucket into a luxury outdoor lounge while Jon questions every life choice that led here.We talk post-Mid State Mile blues, finding our rhythm again, ultra running identity, recovery, reflection, birthday miles, cave adventures, cold plunges, and why explaining a 100-mile race to normal people is basically conversational CrossFit. It’s part race decompression, part life update, and part reminder that sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is sit outside in water and call it personal growth.

We’re officially post-race, which means we’re pretending to relax while still surrounded by unfinished cleanup, schoolwork, farm chores, and whatever new project Becca has emotionally bonded with this week. This time, it’s a stock tank pool—because nothing says “recovery” like turning a giant farm bucket into a luxury redneck outdoor lounge while Jon questions every life choice that led here.We talk post-Mid State Mile blues, finding our rhythm again, ultra running identity, recovery, reflection, birthday miles, cave adventures, cold plunges, and why explaining a 100-mile race to normal people is basically conversational CrossFit. It’s part race decompression, part life update, and part reminder that sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is sit outside in water and call it personal growth.

* video We are back in Murder Mile Studios for the official Mid-State Mile debrief, which means we are tired, grateful, mildly unwell, and once again pretending this is a professional operation.This episode is part race recap, part thank-you note, part therapy session, and part warning label for anyone who thinks “it’s just a mile” sounds easy. We talk about what made the 2026 Mid-State Mile such a huge year, from the livestream reach and social media numbers to the runners, crews, sponsors, volunteers, and friends who helped turn a backyard race in Tennessee into something people all over the world were watching.We get into the heart of what Mid-State really is. Yes, it is a one-mile loop on a twenty-minute clock. Yes, it is hot, hard, dramatic, and slightly ridiculous. But it is also a pressure cooker that shows people who they are, how they handle adversity, and whether they can keep saying yes when the only relief is stopping.We answer listener questions about the future of the race, whether the 50-hour mark will fall, what crews need to know, who surprised us, who impressed us, how much Fresca is too much Fresca, and why everyone thinks they are hiding their suffering better than they actually are. Spoiler: you are not. We can see your face.At the end of the day, this episode is about Mid-State, but it is also about community, humility, leadership, vulnerability, and learning how to carry each other through hard things.It’s just a mile.

We are back in Murder Mile Studios for the official Mid-State Mile debrief, which means we are tired, grateful, mildly unwell, and once again pretending this is a professional operation.This episode is part race recap, part thank-you note, part therapy session, and part warning label for anyone who thinks “it’s just a mile” sounds easy. We talk about what made the 2026 Mid-State Mile such a huge year, from the livestream reach and social media numbers to the runners, crews, sponsors, volunteers, and friends who helped turn a backyard race in Tennessee into something people all over the world were watching.We get into the heart of what Mid-State really is. Yes, it is a one-mile loop on a twenty-minute clock. Yes, it is hot, hard, dramatic, and slightly ridiculous. But it is also a pressure cooker that shows people who they are, how they handle adversity, and whether they can keep saying yes when the only relief is stopping.We answer listener questions about the future of the race, whether the 50-hour mark will fall, what crews need to know, who surprised us, who impressed us, how much Fresca is too much Fresca, and why everyone thinks they are hiding their suffering better than they actually are. Spoiler: you are not. We can see your face.At the end of the day, this episode is about Mid-State, but it is also about community, humility, leadership, vulnerability, and learning how to carry each other through hard things.It’s just a mile.

* Video & not for listeningMid-State Mile is almost here, which means we’re officially in the part where every detail matters and everyone starts checking the weather like it personally owes them money.We’re talking hats, sponsors, porta potties, Fooster joining the race, live documentary plans, course conditions, and whether this year’s field could push the race into Monday and somewhere near the 50-hour mark.But this episode isn’t just about who’s running or how long they might last. We also talk about what it takes to make a race like this happen in the first place: volunteers, trail work, local support, and people willing to pour something back into the sport.

Mid-State Mile is almost here, which means we’re officially in the part where every detail matters and everyone starts checking the weather like it personally owes them money.We’re talking hats, sponsors, porta potties, Fooster joining the race, live documentary plans, course conditions, and whether this year’s field could push the race into Monday and somewhere near the 50-hour mark.But this episode isn’t just about who’s running or how long they might last. We also talk about what it takes to make a race like this happen in the first place: volunteers, trail work, local support, and people willing to pour something back into the sport.

*Not for Apple listeningWe kick things off by putting the raw milk subscription out of its misery, then get into cave talk, race prep, and the kind of pre-event problem solving that makes us stare into the middle distance like haunted farm equipment. JibJab joins the Mid-State Mile lineup as the porta-potty sponsor, which naturally leads to poop videos, “King of the Throne” jokes, and the uncomfortable possibility of Jon becoming the official face of bathroom activities. We also cover getting the spring-water system working, finishing the new arena setup, last-minute trail work, and the pressure of making the race experience better without turning it into something fake or overproduced. We wrap things up with a fallen hollow tree becoming an accidental sermon on influencers, integrity, and why looking impressive means nothing if the inside is rotted out.

We kick things off by putting the raw milk subscription out of its misery, then get into cave talk, race prep, and the kind of pre-event problem solving that makes us stare into the middle distance like haunted farm equipment. JibJab joins the Mid-State Mile lineup as the porta-potty sponsor, which naturally leads to poop videos, “King of the Throne” jokes, and the uncomfortable possibility of Jon becoming the official face of bathroom activities. We also cover getting the spring-water system working, finishing the new arena setup, last-minute trail work, and the pressure of making the race experience better without turning it into something fake or overproduced. We wrap things up with a fallen hollow tree becoming an accidental sermon on influencers, integrity, and why looking impressive means nothing if the inside is rotted out.

We had recorded this before Mark & Harvey told us they wanted to do a social media announcement about them running Mid-State. So here is that unreleased episode.

We had recorded this before Mark & Harvey told us they wanted to do a social media announcement about them running Mid-State. So here is that unreleased episode.

* Not for Apple listeningOur weekend started with promise, a conservative plan, good weather, and even a rattlesnake encounter, because Georgia likes to add side quests. Then my race turned sideways when post-viral vagus nerve issues made swallowing, drinking, fueling, and generally existing like a normal mammal impossible. What looked like stomach trouble was actually a neurological throat-and-body revolt, complete with choking, puking, and the deeply glamorous experience of trying not to become a full-body disaster on the side of the road. Ultra running: it’s basically wellness, if wellness hated you.After the DNF, instead of disappearing into the Airbnb to sulk like a reasonable person with Wi-Fi and emotional boundaries, Jon and I jumped into crew mode, helping friends, supporting runners, and staying in the race community even after my own race was over. Then we take a hard left into one of the great endangered species of ultra running: crew people with spatial awareness. We get into people parking over white lines, trucks blocking access, nervous drivers, one aggressively awful tailgater, and why race volunteers should not have to teach adults how roads work. If your crew setup requires state troopers, a tow truck, and a community meeting, congratulations, you are now the aid station hazard.

Our weekend started with promise, a conservative plan, good weather, and even a rattlesnake encounter, because Georgia likes to add side quests. Then my race turned sideways when post-viral vagus nerve issues made swallowing, drinking, fueling, and generally existing like a normal mammal impossible. What looked like stomach trouble was actually a neurological throat-and-body revolt, complete with choking, puking, and the deeply glamorous experience of trying not to become a full-body disaster on the side of the road. Ultra running: it’s basically wellness, if wellness hated you.After the DNF, instead of disappearing into the Airbnb to sulk like a reasonable person with Wi-Fi and emotional boundaries, Jon and I jumped into crew mode, helping friends, supporting runners, and staying in the race community even after my own race was over. Then we take a hard left into one of the great endangered species of ultra running: crew people with spatial awareness. We get into people parking over white lines, trucks blocking access, nervous drivers, one aggressively awful tailgater, and why race volunteers should not have to teach adults how roads work. If your crew setup requires state troopers, a tow truck, and a community meeting, congratulations, you are now the aid station hazard.

*VIDEO Not for Apple listening We start with the kind of enormous race announcement only true professionals would lead with: Mid-State Mile has officially entered the water tote era. Yes, a 275-gallon tote. Yes, it required a country drive, cash, accessories, and somehow ice cream. This is event logistics, but with more emotional damage and Facebook Marketplace energy. Then we get into the real Mid-State Mile news: Harvey Lewis and Mark Dowdle are coming to town, and the field is getting spicy. We talk about what makes Mid-State different from a traditional backyard race, why the 20-minute loop changes everything, and why experience on this course matters more than whatever shiny resume somebody brings to the start line. Whistle to whistle, there is no room to hide, nap, scroll, or build a private little emotional support fortress. We also dig into Rachel’s monster Cocodona performance, the “women vs. men” hot-take fallout, downtime efficiency, sleep, electrolytes, and why “why not me?” might be the most dangerous and useful thought an ultra runner can carry into a race. Finally, Becca gets ready for Cruel Jewel, the race that has become part suffering ritual, part relationship scrapbook, and part annual trip into the mountains to see what still works. There’s also cave digging, because apparently ultra running wasn’t already enough of a cry for help. 

We start with the kind of enormous race announcement only true professionals would lead with: Mid-State Mile has officially entered the water tote era. Yes, a 275-gallon tote. Yes, it required a country drive, cash, accessories, and somehow ice cream. This is event logistics, but with more emotional damage and Facebook Marketplace energy. Then we get into the real Mid-State Mile news: Harvey Lewis and Mark Dowdle are coming to town, and the field is getting spicy. We talk about what makes Mid-State different from a traditional backyard race, why the 20-minute loop changes everything, and why experience on this course matters more than whatever shiny resume somebody brings to the start line. Whistle to whistle, there is no room to hide, nap, scroll, or build a private little emotional support fortress. We also dig into Rachel’s monster Cocodona performance, the “women vs. men” hot-take fallout, downtime efficiency, sleep, electrolytes, and why “why not me?” might be the most dangerous and useful thought an ultra runner can carry into a race. Finally, Becca gets ready for Cruel Jewel, the race that has become part suffering ritual, part relationship scrapbook, and part annual trip into the mountains to see what still works. There’s also cave digging, because apparently ultra running wasn’t already enough of a cry for help. 

*NOT for Apple ListeningJon and Becca kick things off with Home Depot parking lot tension, Walmart aisle rage, and the ongoing reality that some humans should not be released into public before coffee. From there, they dig into Mid-State Mile prep, arena upgrades, shaky foundations, training mistakes, overdrawn energy banks, and why your body may not care that your ego signed up for something stupid.They also get into women in backyard ultras, the problem with comparing yourself to everyone else’s “fancy house,” and why Mid-State is less about beating the field and more about finding out what kind of foundation you actually built.

Jon and Becca kick things off with Home Depot parking lot tension, Walmart aisle rage, and the ongoing reality that some humans should not be released into public before coffee. From there, they dig into Mid-State Mile prep, arena upgrades, shaky foundations, training mistakes, overdrawn energy banks, and why your body may not care that your ego signed up for something stupid.They also get into women in backyard ultras, the problem with comparing yourself to everyone else’s “fancy house,” and why Mid-State is less about beating the field and more about finding out what kind of foundation you actually built.

* Not for audio listeningJon and Becca sit down for a tired evening episode after a week of dead cars, derailed plans, and questionable productivity. They dig into post-race food expectations, the outrage of finishing after cutoff and still wanting a sandwich, Becca’s official stance against food trucks, and why eating a $20 cheeseburger beside bird poop is not the luxury experience society promised.They also talk Mid-State Mile buzz, fake gentleman haircut rules, crowded corrals, race identity, community growth, wait lists, stump removal, and the very real need for more porta potties. Naturally, this leads to the proposed Gold & Brown sponsorship tier, because ultra running is glamorous and definitely not held together by Fresca, duct tape, and portable toilets.

Jon and Becca sit down for a tired evening episode after a week of dead cars, derailed plans, and questionable productivity. They dig into post-race food expectations, the outrage of finishing after cutoff and still wanting a sandwich, Becca’s official stance against food trucks, and why eating a $20 cheeseburger beside bird poop is not the luxury experience society promised.They also talk Mid-State Mile buzz, fake gentleman haircut rules, crowded corrals, race identity, community growth, wait lists, stump removal, and the very real need for more porta potties. Naturally, this leads to the proposed Gold & Brown sponsorship tier, because ultra running is glamorous and definitely not held together by Fresca, duct tape, and portable toilets.

This is what happens when Jon and Becca sit down to discuss ultrarunning and immediately get distracted by beavers, groundhogs, AI, gender politics, bad race math, and the highly sensitive issue of proper Fresca placement in the fridge. Somewhere in there, they also share legitimately useful advice on Mid State training, crewing, downhill running, and backyard ultra standards. A real grab bag of trail wisdom and lovingly aired grievances.

Listen to what happens when Jon and Becca sit down to discuss ultrarunning and immediately get distracted by beavers, groundhogs, AI, gender politics, bad race math, and the highly sensitive issue of proper Fresca placement in the fridge. Somewhere in there, they also share legitimately useful advice on Mid-State training, crewing, downhill running, and backyard ultra standards. A real grab bag of trail wisdom and lovingly aired grievances.

This week we break down Snaketail, a trail race set on private land in Summertown, Tennessee, hosted at The Farm Community—a well-known hippie commune with decades of history and thousands of acres of protected land. The race exists to do more than just put on an event—it helps support the Swan Conservation Trust and their work preserving land across the Highland Rim. The weekend itself was a mix of chaos and purpose—accidentally gassing ourselves with wasp spray, arguing over outrageously expensive milk, and dealing with a drum circle that made sleep optional—but the race delivered where it counts. With distances from a 5K up to a 50-miler, it brought in first-time trail runners and experienced ultrarunners alike, including one guy who accidentally ran a half marathon and had to own it. The course looks runnable but slowly wears you down, and the entire event is built around community, access to land you normally wouldn’t see, and a bigger mission that goes beyond the finish line. It’s not trying to be the biggest race out there—but it is trying to make sure places like this still exist.

This week we break down Snaketail, a trail race set on private land in Summertown, Tennessee, hosted at The Farm Community—a well-known hippie commune with decades of history and thousands of acres of protected land. The race exists to do more than just put on an event—it helps support the Swan Conservation Trust and their work preserving land across the Highland Rim. The weekend itself was a mix of chaos and purpose—accidentally gassing ourselves with wasp spray, arguing over outrageously expensive milk, and dealing with a drum circle that made sleep optional—but the race delivered where it counts. With distances from a 5K up to a 50-miler, it brought in first-time trail runners and experienced ultrarunners alike, including one guy who accidentally ran a half marathon and had to own it. The course looks runnable but slowly wears you down, and the entire event is built around community, access to land you normally wouldn’t see, and a bigger mission that goes beyond the finish line. It’s not trying to be the biggest race out there—but it is trying to make sure places like this still exist.

This week we break down Snaketail, a trail race set on private land in Summertown, Tennessee, hosted at The Farm Community—a well-known hippie commune with decades of history and thousands of acres of protected land. The race exists to do more than just put on an event—it helps support the Swan Conservation Trust and their work preserving land across the Highland Rim. The weekend itself was a mix of chaos and purpose—accidentally gassing ourselves with wasp spray, arguing over outrageously expensive milk, and dealing with a drum circle that made sleep optional—but the race delivered where it counts. With distances from a 5K up to a 50-miler, it brought in first-time trail runners and experienced ultrarunners alike, including one guy who accidentally ran a half marathon and had to own it. The course looks runnable but slowly wears you down, and the entire event is built around community, access to land you normally wouldn’t see, and a bigger mission that goes beyond the finish line. It’s not trying to be the biggest race out there—but it is trying to make sure places like this still exist, which is something most races can’t say.

* Not for Apple listeningIn this episode, we take you inside Big Al’s 100 & 200—a race that doesn’t feel like a race at all. It’s five days of living in an aid station, running a brutal two-mile loop stacked with relentless climbs, unpredictable weather, and zero places to hide.We break down what makes this event different—and why it might be one of the hardest, most honest challenges in ultra running.From first-timers who underestimated the course… to seasoned runners forced to adapt, slow down, and rethink everything… to unforgettable performances like April becoming only the third-ever 200-mile finisher—and the first female finisher of the 200… and Chet’s gritty, hard-earned 100—this episode is about more than miles.It’s about what happens when things don’t go to plan, when you’re forced to adjust just to keep moving, and when finishing requires more than just fitness—it takes patience, humility, and relentless forward progress.

In this episode, we take you inside Big Al’s 100 & 200—a race that doesn’t feel like a race at all. It’s five days of living in an aid station, running a brutal two-mile loop stacked with relentless climbs, unpredictable weather, and zero places to hide.We break down what makes this event different—and why it might be one of the hardest, most honest challenges in ultra running.From first-timers who underestimated the course… to seasoned runners forced to adapt, slow down, and rethink everything… to unforgettable performances like April becoming only the third-ever 200-mile finisher—and the first female finisher of the 200… and Chet’s gritty, hard-earned 100—this episode is about more than miles.It’s about what happens when things don’t go to plan, when you’re forced to adjust just to keep moving, and when finishing requires more than just fitness—it takes patience, humility, and relentless forward progress.

* Not for audio listeningOf course. Same thing, just now with a little personality so people don’t feel like they’re being scolded by a disappointed gym teacher.You can’t out-train a messy life. This episode gets into the stuff people don’t want to hear—how your habits, mindset, and personal growth (or lack of it) show up when things get hard in a race. You can follow the perfect training plan, hit all your miles, and still fall apart the moment things stop going your way, because training doesn’t magically fix inconsistency, avoidance, or your ability to panic the second something feels uncomfortable.When the race gets tough—and it always does—you don’t rise to the level of your fitness, you fall back on your patterns. The way you cut corners, the way you deal with stress, the way you talk to yourself… all of that shows up whether you invited it or not. It’s like bringing your entire personality to the start line and hoping no one notices. Spoiler: the race notices.If you keep blowing up mid-race, it’s probably not just bad luck or that one gel you ate at mile 17. It might be worth asking if there’s something deeper going on. Because at some point, the race stops being about running and starts exposing everything else—and unfortunately, you can’t blame that on your shoes.

You can’t out-train a messy life. This episode gets into the stuff people don’t want to hear—how your habits, mindset, and personal growth (or lack of it) show up when things get hard in a race. You can follow the perfect training plan, hit all your miles, and still fall apart the moment things stop going your way, because training doesn’t magically fix inconsistency, avoidance, or your ability to panic the second something feels uncomfortable.When the race gets tough—and it always does—you don’t rise to the level of your fitness, you fall back on your patterns. The way you cut corners, the way you deal with stress, the way you talk to yourself… all of that shows up whether you invited it or not. It’s like bringing your entire personality to the start line and hoping no one notices. Spoiler: the race notices.If you keep blowing up mid-race, it’s probably not just bad luck or that one gel you ate at mile 17. It might be worth asking if there’s something deeper going on. Because at some point, the race stops being about running and starts exposing everything else—and unfortunately, you can’t blame that on your shoes.

* Not for Apple or Spotify listeningThis week we talk about what it really looks like getting the property ready for Big Al’s and Snaketail. Trails buried in storm debris, dragging piles of limbs off the hills, a tractor deciding to break right when we needed it most, and Jon getting into a philosophical disagreement with an ACE Hardware employee about chainsaw chains.In between the chainsaws and brush piles, we get into something we care a lot about — the kind of people we want showing up at races like Mid State. Résumés and race results are one thing, but character, community, and how you treat the people beside you on the trail matter a whole lot more.Also covered: snakes in the yard, why big jobs only get done one bite at a time, and the kind of friends who show up with excavators when you really need them.

In this episode, we set out to talk about ultra running… and immediately don’t.Instead, we get into where we’ve been mentally lately—which is somewhere between “functioning adult” and “staring into the void but still mowing the yard.” Turns out you can have everything technically fine and still feel completely off. Love that for us.We also discover that a broken chainsaw is basically the perfect metaphor for training. It worked great… until it absolutely didn’t. And that’s kind of how we approach running too—ignore the small problems, hope for the best, and then act surprised when everything falls apart on race day.We talk about the classic ultrarunner mistakes: repeating the same bad training, pretending nutrition doesn’t matter, and blaming the race instead of admitting we might be the problem. (We said might. Relax.)Somewhere in there, we also spiral into the mental side of things—how easy it is to get stuck in your own head, convince yourself you’re the only one suffering, and forget that literally everyone else is also tired, hot, and questioning their life choices.

This week we talk about what it really looks like getting the property ready for Big Al’s and Snaketail. Trails buried in storm debris, dragging piles of limbs off the hills, a tractor deciding to break right when we needed it most, and Jon getting into a philosophical disagreement with an ACE Hardware employee about chainsaw chains.In between the chainsaws and brush piles, we get into something we care a lot about — the kind of people we want showing up at races like Mid State. Résumés and race results are one thing, but character, community, and how you treat the people beside you on the trail matter a whole lot more.Also covered: snakes in the yard, why big jobs only get done one bite at a time, and the kind of friends who show up with excavators when you really need them.

* not for listening on AppleIn this episode Jon and I are back with a new setup, strong coffee, and absolutely no shortage of opinions. We talk Music City Trail Ultra, questionable aid station pickle etiquette, a brand we’re genuinely obsessed with, and some of the wildest recent chaos in the running world—from wrong turns and race drama to medals, integrity, and the real risks people love to ignore.It’s a little ridiculous, and somehow includes pubic hair and pickle jars.

In this episode Jon and I are back with a new setup, strong coffee, and absolutely no shortage of opinions. We talk Music City Trail Ultra, questionable aid station pickle etiquette, a brand we’re genuinely obsessed with, and some of the wildest recent chaos in the running world—from wrong turns and race drama to medals, integrity, and the real risks people love to ignore.It’s a little ridiculous, and somehow includes pubic hair and pickle jars.

This week: we officially got moved. Not “we’re almost there.” Not “we’re transitioning.” Fully moved. Living at the farm. Yes, the one affectionately (or concerningly) nicknamed Murder Mile. Which sounds like a true crime podcast but is actually just… our address now.We’re talking about what it feels like when a place stops being an idea and becomes your real, everyday life. The mental shift. The quiet shift. The “oh, this is permanent” shift.We get into the two-hour raw milk drive — because apparently this is who we are now. People who will commit two hours round trip for dairy. Is it about the milk? Is it about the ritual? Is it about needing a reason to leave the property and remember civilization exists? We unpack it.There’s running. There’s long stretches of thinking. There’s that strange recalibration that happens when life slows down but your brain doesn’t immediately get the memo. What feels different. What feels the same. What feels slightly unhinged but in a growth-oriented way.It’s about choosing a life on purpose. Even when it’s inconvenient. Even when it’s far. Even when your GPS looks concerned.Press play if you’ve ever committed to something big and then had to sit with the reality of it.

This week we’re recording our final episode from the original Murder Miles studio — don’t panic, we’re not leaving Nashville, we’re just relocating operations like slightly more organized feral adults. What starts as a sentimental moment about neighborhood miles and familiar running routes quickly devolves into chainsaw talk, masculinity rants, gluten grievances, and a full-blown debate about whether elite runners should be allowed pacers or just be big kids and carry their own stuff. We get into the 100-mile record drama, integrity in the sport, Golden Ticket nonsense, and whether ultra running is getting a little too shiny for its own good. Somewhere between nostalgia and near-argument, we question the future of the sport, roast each other, and remind ourselves why we love doing hard things in the first place. It’s chaotic, mildly unhinged, occasionally controversial, and exactly what happens when you give two ultra runners microphones and zero supervision. Same city. New setup. Same reckless opinions.

* (video) Not for Apple or Spotify listeningThis week we’re recording our final episode from the original Murder Miles studio — don’t panic, we’re not leaving Nashville, we’re just relocating operations like slightly more organized feral adults. What starts as a sentimental moment about neighborhood miles and familiar running routes quickly devolves into chainsaw talk, masculinity rants, gluten grievances, and a full-blown debate about whether elite runners should be allowed pacers or just be big kids and carry their own stuff. We get into the 100-mile record drama, integrity in the sport, Golden Ticket nonsense, and whether ultra running is getting a little too shiny for its own good. Somewhere between nostalgia and near-argument, we question the future of the sport, roast each other, and remind ourselves why we love doing hard things in the first place. It’s chaotic, mildly unhinged, occasionally controversial, and exactly what happens when you give two ultra runners microphones and zero supervision. Same city. New setup. Same reckless opinions.

* video and not suitable for listeningOne year into the Ultra Crewed Podcast (which we completely forgot to celebrate because of course we did), this Sunday night episode spirals through Daytona engines, fallen trees on the farm, relationship stress-tests disguised as furniture assembly, and the brutal reality of the Barkley Marathons—where nobody finished and that’s kind of the point. We get honest about chasing validation, why “harder” doesn’t always mean “better,” and how social media has convinced runners they need to go longer, suffer louder, and inspire harder just to matter. Somewhere between rebuilding a chainsaw and arguing about wet socks at mile 38, we land on the lesson that actually counts: stop worrying about what you can’t control and solve the problem in front of you. This one’s about failure, ego, resilience, choosing each other, and understanding that not everything epic is meant for you—and that might be the most freeing thing you hear all week. Press play if you’re tired of pretending you’ve got it all figured out.

One year into the Ultra Crewed Podcast (which we completely forgot to celebrate because of course we did), this Sunday night episode spirals through Daytona engines, fallen trees on the farm, relationship stress-tests disguised as furniture assembly, and the brutal reality of the Barkley Marathons—where nobody finished and that’s kind of the point. We get honest about chasing validation, why “harder” doesn’t always mean “better,” and how social media has convinced runners they need to go longer, suffer louder, and inspire harder just to matter. Somewhere between rebuilding a chainsaw and arguing about wet socks at mile 38, we land on the lesson that actually counts: stop worrying about what you can’t control and solve the problem in front of you. This one’s about failure, ego, resilience, choosing each other, and understanding that not everything epic is meant for you—and that might be the most freeing thing you hear all week. Press play if you’re tired of pretending you’ve got it all figured out.

* video not for Apple or Spotify listening Becca Jones and Jon are back, broadcasting from the chaos command center known as Murder Mile Studio. This week, we’re talking about the slippery slope of sacrificing tomorrow’s potential for today’s pride. Whether that’s overtraining at the Black Toe Ultra, running through actual lung pain, or committing to a weekly raw milk pickup like it’s a damn ultramarathon. From butter bartering and Fresca diplomacy to the cult of the pain cave, this one’s got everything. Warning: You might end this episode questioning your relationship with dairy, discomfort, and your own decision-making process. Don’t worry we question all of yours, too.

Becca Jones and Jon are back, broadcasting from the chaos command center known as Murder Mile Studio. This week, we’re talking about the slippery slope of sacrificing tomorrow’s potential for today’s pride. Whether that’s overtraining at the Black Toe Ultra, running through actual lung pain, or committing to a weekly raw milk pickup like it’s a damn ultramarathon. From butter bartering and Fresca diplomacy to the cult of the pain cave, this one’s got everything. Warning: You might end this episode questioning your relationship with dairy, discomfort, and your own decision-making process. Don’t worry we question all of yours, too.

* video - Not for Apple or Spotify listeningWhat happens when two ultra runners try to move, renovate a house, run a business, and still show up for each other without completely losing it? You get this episode.This week we get honest about what it really takes to build a life together—on and off the trails. We talk about being equally yoked (and what that actually means in real life), the myth of "doing it all," and how saying yes to the wrong job at 15 could’ve changed everything. There’s some rage, some gratitude, some laughter, and a wood chipper wish list.Also: dogs off leash, coyotes in public parks, hydrogen water that may or may not be science, and a strong case for Fresca as a lifestyle.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, under appreciated, or just plain tired—this one's for you. It’s raw, real, and full of dirt under the fingernails. Hit play. Let’s go.

What happens when two ultra runners try to move, renovate a house, run a business, and still show up for each other without completely losing it? You get this episode.This week we get honest about what it really takes to build a life together—on and off the trails. We talk about being equally yoked (and what that actually means in real life), the myth of "doing it all," and how saying yes to the wrong job at 15 could’ve changed everything. There’s some rage, some gratitude, some laughter, and a wood chipper wish list.Also: dogs off leash, coyotes in public parks, hydrogen water that may or may not be science, and a strong case for Fresca as a lifestyle.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, under appreciated, or just plain tired—this one's for you. It’s raw, real, and full of dirt under the fingernails. Hit play. Let’s go.

This week, things got... real. Like, power-outage-tree-across-the-road-hope-is-flickering real. We talk through how we navigated the unexpected ice storm that knocked out power across Nashville, how it exposed just how prepared (or not) we really were, and why mindset matters way more than how many AA batteries you can cram in a buggy at Home Depot.From scrambling for firewood and testing a fireplace for the first time in five years, to watching neighbors bail out in the middle of the night, this was a crash course in staying calm, adjusting plans, and not letting panic drive the car (literally).We get into how ultra running teaches us to assess, adapt, and survive—not just on the trail, but when life throws ice at your power lines. We talk about what happens when the plan falls apart, why preparedness isn’t selfish, and how having someone to lean on makes the difference. Also, one of us might have wandered into the street to investigate a suspicious light because, obviously, that’s who we are.Come for the chaos, stay for the reflection. And maybe check your emergency kit, y’all. The storms are coming—are you ready?

Jon celebrates a long awaited milestone: new pants. Unfortunately, they’re loud enough to ruin any chance of sneaking through the house, and somehow spark a full blown color theory debate that turns into relationship counseling for your living room decor. Meanwhile, Becca’s dealing with a brutal tailbone injury that has her sidelined from running and learning way more about “pressure relief” than anyone asked for.From there, the chaos gets productive. We hit listener questions, including the most important one of all: favorite soup. Then we talk Nashville’s snow forecast, why local weather can’t commit to anything, and whether it’s better to be stuck in a winter wonderland or stuck with an ice storm and no power.The big conversation, though, is about what happens when you stop chasing race calendars and start chasing the “boring work” that actually changes your life. We dig into social media, buckles, dopamine, authenticity, and why the quiet consistency matters more than the highlight reel.We wrap with a Mid-State Mile question about who’s showing up this year, plus a reminder that Mid-State isn’t about one name, it’s about the whole community and the magic that happens out there every single year.

* Not for audio listeningJon celebrates a long awaited milestone: new pants. Unfortunately, they’re loud enough to ruin any chance of sneaking through the house, and somehow spark a full blown color theory debate that turns into relationship counseling for your living room decor. Meanwhile, Becca’s dealing with a brutal tailbone injury that has her sidelined from running and learning way more about “pressure relief” than anyone asked for.From there, the chaos gets productive. We hit listener questions, including the most important one of all: favorite soup. Then we talk Nashville’s snow forecast, why local weather can’t commit to anything, and whether it’s better to be stuck in a winter wonderland or stuck with an ice storm and no power.The big conversation, though, is about what happens when you stop chasing race calendars and start chasing the “boring work” that actually changes your life. We dig into social media, buckles, dopamine, authenticity, and why the quiet consistency matters more than the highlight reel.We wrap with a Mid-State Mile question about who’s showing up this year, plus a reminder that Mid-State isn’t about one name, it’s about the whole community and the magic that happens out there every single year.

We’re back at Falcon’s Nest talking snow, family chaos, and what it really means to do hard things. From crawling through tight caves to navigating life when there is no obvious way forward, this episode is all about finding the right people to guide you when things get uncomfortable.We get into mentors, trust, learning as you go, and why having someone who can see the next step for you matters more than being the best in the room.