What does it take to "suck the marrow out of life"? If you’re ultra running legend Michael Wardian, it means spending 30 years at the absolute peak of endurance sports, winning the World Marathon Challenge three times, and recently breaking the world record for running seven 50K ultramarathons on se…
Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation
by Brian Passenti
Buckle Up: Exploring the World of Ultrarunning Strap on your virtual shoes and join us on a journey beyond the trail. This is Buckle Up, your one-stop shop for everything ultrarunning. Whether you're a seasoned veteran crushing 100-milers or a curious beginner eyeing your first 50k, we've got something for you.
Latest Episodes
In this engaging conversation, Taylor Nichols shares his unique journey as an ultra biker, connecting generations through his biking adventures across America. He discusses his advocacy work for safe streets and the importance of creating a biking-friendly environment. The conversation also delves i…
Welcome back to Buckle Up, everyone! Today I am incredibly excited to share a conversation that gets right to the heart of why we challenge ourselves on the trails.
My guest today is Jake Jackson, and we sat down to talk about everything from the deep philosophies of life to the daily grit of traini…
Join me for an inspiring conversation with ultra runner Sierra DeGroff as she shares her journey from Midwest track athlete to seasoned ultra marathoner. Discover her insights on training, race experiences, community, and her unique approach to the sport.
In this episode, Neal Palles, an ultra-running coach and mental health professional, shares insights on integrating mental health, performance psychology, and athletic training. Topics include acceptance commitment therapy, handling DNF experiences, and building mental resilience for endurance sport…
From 450 pounds to running over 100 miles on foot in less than three years—today’s episode is nothing short of extraordinary.
This week, Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with Josh Lee to unpack his incredible transformation. Josh didn't just change his physical health; he completely revolutioni…
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Marcinek fresh off his incredible finish at the Cocodona 250, where he crossed the line in a staggering 85 hours. We dive deep into Chris’s transition from the Navy to the trails, uncovering the discipline and mental fortitude required to tackle one of the mos…
With the Cocodona 250 just days away, this episode features a deep dive with Stephanie Rosebaugh. Both Mandy and Steph are heading to the starting line this week, and we explore Steph's unique journey to this monumental race. From navigating the mental battlefield of "backyard" formats to the philos…
Join Coach Brian as we explore the vibrant world of community-building in running, ultra events, and the power of authentic connections. Jason Bahamundi shares insights on grassroots races, supporting fellow athletes, and creating inclusive spaces for all levels.
In this episode of Buckle Up, Coach Brian Passenti is joined by ultra runner Ruairi Moynihan for a raw and honest deep dive into one of the most frustrating injuries for endurance athletes: Haglund’s Deformity.
Whether you call it "pump bump" or just a literal pain in the heel, Haglund’s can derail …
This week on Buckle Up, we have a very special "welcome home" episode. Former co-host Simon Guerard rejoins Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen to recount his epic finish at the Arizona Monster 300.
Three hundred miles is more than just a race; it’s a journey through every physical and mental state a human…
What happens when you trade 20 years of trauma nursing stories for 250 miles of desert trail? This week, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with Maia Detmer to explore her incredible evolution from a high-stress career in a Las Vegas ER to becoming a powerhouse in the ultra-running community.
Mai…
This week on Buckle Up, we sit down with a true legend of the trails: Ed Ettinghausen, better known to the community as "The Running Jester." With over 300 hundred-mile finishes and multiple world records to his name, Ed brings a wealth of experience, humor, and heart to the show.
In this episode, w…
Lace ’em up and grab a handheld, because we are hitting the trails for a heavy-hitting (but light-hearted) Episode 104!
This week on Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen are sitting down with the resilient Aaron Nelson. If you’ve ever had a "DNF" (Did Not Finish) bur…
In this episode of Buckle Up, hosts Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with ultra-endurance athlete Wesley Smith to explore his incredible transition from the San Francisco running scene to the rugged, high-altitude trails of Mexico. Wesley shares the grit and grace required to tackle the "Tras l…
Strap in for a high-energy episode of Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation! This week, Mandy and Coach Brian are joined by the man, the myth, the legend: Greg Veregin—better known to the community as Greggi off the Seggi.
We’re diving deep into the secret sauce of the ultra-endurance world: the B…
In this engaging interview, Josh Sprague, founder of Orange Mud, shares his journey from frustration with gear to creating innovative products for endurance athletes. Discover how passion, design, and community-driven feedback have shaped a thriving business in the outdoor sports industry.
Welcome back to the show! In today’s episode, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down for a rapid-fire session with the incredible Dr. Stephanie Howe, PhD. As both a world-class ultra-runner and a registered dietitian with a background in exercise physiology, Stephanie brings a rare blend of elite ath…
In this episode of the Buckle Up Podcast, hosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian welcome ultra runner Ben Niebla, who shares his journey from hiking in New Hampshire to becoming an accomplished ultra runner. Benjamin discusses his early experiences with sports, his transition into trail running, and how…
Buckle up! This week, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with Chris Avery, a man who went from "accidental runner" to planning one of the most ambitious physical feats we’ve ever heard on the show.
Chris shares the story of how a spur-of-the-moment marathon with zero training ignited a fire that …