Run The Riot Podcast

Life doesn’t always give us a choice in what happens — but it does give us a choice in how we respond.

In this Midweek Motivation, we talk about what it really means to choose joy, even when life feels heavy. Not pretending things are easy. Not ignoring pain. But choosing gratitude, perspective, and faith in the middle of hard circumstances.

This message is a reminder that joy isn’t a feeling reserved for perfect seasons. It’s a decision we can make — one step at a time.

As we head into Christmas, this episo...

Jeff “Bronco Billy” Browning returns to the Run the Riot podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on staying competitive in ultrarunning for decades, not just seasons. From rebuilding after tendonitis to preparing for Cocodona 250 and another run at Western States, Jeff shares practical insight every ultrarunner and ultrarunning coach can learn from.

This episode covers what it really takes to manage big ultra racing goals, recover from hard efforts like the Colorado Trail, and keep showing up healthy—physically and mentally.

In this episode, we talk about:

Training for Cocodona 250 and managi...

This week on the Run the Riot Podcast, we’re hanging out with ultrarunner Mason Phillips — and what a story this guy brings to the trail! From growing up in California to working remote trail systems in Alaska, Mason’s path to ultrarunning is as rugged and adventurous as the mountains he trains in. At just 26, he’s already crushed a 100-miler at Rio Del Lago and took on the monster that is the Moab 240 — and did it with grit, creativity, and just a little bit of chaos (spoiler: he carried dog food as training weight and wore trash bags for w...

This week, we’re talking about something most of us don’t slow down long enough to consider — identity. Not the surface-level kind. The deep, heart-level “who am I, really?” kind.

A moment at a men’s retreat opened my eyes to how quickly we define ourselves (and others) by what we do. Someone called me “the ultra guy,” and while that’s part of my story, it’s not who I am. That pushed me into some honest reflection.

In this episode, we get into:
• Why performance-based identity is such a trap • How easy it is for good thin...

Chad Bruce is back on the podcast, and this time he’s fresh off the Mammoth 200 — 200+ miles through the high country of the Eastern Sierras. From long stretches of soul-sucking gravel to alpine climbs and a thunderstorm finish that tested every ounce of grit, Chad takes us inside what it really takes to finish a race like this at age 52.

We talk about how his training has shifted with age, what gear and nutrition worked (and what didn’t), how he balances racing with life, and the mental strategies that carry him through the lows. Whether you’re looki...

Welcome back, friends! After a busy season, it’s time for a reset. Today isn’t about perfection — it’s about taking the next step.

What we talk about:

When life gets full and priorities shift

Why stopping for a season doesn’t mean failure

Recap: a powerful men’s retreat and lessons on identity

Family updates (Jennifer’s knee surgery + travel softball chaos)

Why the Heartland 100 got pushed — and why that’s OK

Why comebacks don’t need to be dramatic

The power of a single sm...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we reconnect with Peter Defty, a pioneering force behind the fat-adapted movement in endurance sports. Peter is the man behind Vespa and OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism), and today, he shares powerful insights into how ultrarunners can unlock performance, recover faster, and sustain longevity by training their bodies to burn fat as a primary fuel source.

We dive into:

Peter’s first 100-miler at the hottest Western States ever recorded 🌡️

How Vespa was inspired by a Japanese study of a wasp species

The science behind OFM and...

In this episode of Run the Riot, ultrarunner Andrea Moore shares how a post-Boston road runner became a desert-loving, mountain-climbing 200-miler—finding joy, grit, and community along the way. We talk about the fire-shortened Oregon 200 experience, redemption arcs at Moab 240 and Tahoe 200, and what it really takes—physically, logistically, mentally—to string together Cocodona 250, Monster 300, and Summit 200. Andrea opens up about mindset over mileage, the power of gratitude, and how OFM/Vespa fueling helps her bounce back fast between huge efforts. What you’ll learn

Ever feel stuck? Like you’ve drifted too far off course and don’t know how to get back?

In this Midweek Motivation, we talk about the power of one sentence — and how it can be the spark that changes everything. Inspired by Run the Riot athlete Phil Klinkner, this short episode unpacks the moment he stood still in the woods, took a deep breath, and said out loud:
“Something has to change.”

Whether you’re battling self-doubt, stuck in a rut, or just coasting through your week, this episode reminds you that you...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Christopher Ange from Sulphur, Louisiana. Chris shares his journey from growing up in Lake Charles surrounded by Cajun and Sicilian culture to becoming a passionate ultrarunner and race director.

We talk about:

His early days running the Crescent City Classic with his dad.

Pacing a friend at his first 50K and discovering the trail running community.

Founding the No Man’s Land Trail Run after hurricanes nearly destroyed local trails.

The unique challenges and beauty of running in So...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we dive deep into the powerful story of Phil Klinkner, an everyday guy with an extraordinary mindset. From growing up with the nickname "Fatty" to transforming into a determined ultrarunner who finished the Badger 100, Phil’s journey is raw, real, and undeniably inspiring.

Phil opens up about:

His early days growing up in a trailer park in Wisconsin

Discovering confidence through martial arts as a kid

The struggles of post-COVID life, drinking, and feeling stuck

How a wake-up moment during deer season spar...

Feeling stuck in your training? Wondering if all those miles and early mornings are actually getting you anywhere?

In this episode of Midweek Motivation, I’ll remind you that you’re further than you think — in running and in life.

We’ll talk about:

Why progress often feels invisible until you look back

How to recognize the ground you’ve already covered

The “messy middle” and why it’s where strength is built

A simple exercise to see just how far you’ve really co...

This week on the Run the Riot Podcast, we’re joined by ultrarunner and ultrarunning coach Jackson Wolf, fresh off the legendary Badwater 135. We catch up with Jackson as he bounces between major ultras, pacing gigs, and planning his next adventures, including new races with Rougarou Running. Jackson shares: • A raw recap of his 2024 Badwater 135 experience • Thoughts on struggling with sleep deprivation at Badwater, despite success at races like Cocodona 250 and Oregon 200 • His unique approach to training: racing as training vs traditional long runs • Valuable lessons in mental toughness, race problem-solving, and how stoic philosophy transformed his racing mindset • Transitionin...

Ever had a race—or a life plan—go sideways? You laid out the spreadsheets, packed the drop bags, prepped the fuel… and then something unexpected knocked it all off course?

In today’s Midweek Motivation, we’re talking about the power of planning—and the wisdom of pivoting.

Coach David Theriot dives into:

• Why a solid plan shows discipline and intention

• Real-world ultrarunning examples of when a plan breaks down

• What we can learn from Cam Ridley’s support of Angela Smith at the Prairie Spirit 100

•...

Ever had a race—or a life plan—go sideways? You laid out the spreadsheets, packed the drop bags, prepped the fuel… and then something unexpected knocked it all off course?

In today’s Midweek Motivation, we’re talking about the power of planning—and the wisdom of pivoting.

Coach David Theriot dives into:

• Why a solid plan shows discipline and intention

• Real-world ultrarunning examples of when a plan breaks down

• What we can learn from Cam Ridley’s support of Angela Smith at the Prairie Spirit 100

•...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we hang out with Cam Riddle, a passionate strength coach who's making a difference in the ultrarunning world—without running ultras himself! Cam brings years of experience from the private and collegiate strength and conditioning world and shares how he’s now applying his knowledge to help ultrarunners build stronger, more resilient bodies.

We first met Cam while he was crewing ultrarunner Angela Smith at the Prairie Spirit 100. From the jump, his excitement for the sport and love for people was evident. Cam talks about how he got involved in ultr...

You wouldn’t walk into a job interview without practicing your answers… so why would you show up to race day without testing your gear, your fuel, and your mindset?

In this Midweek Motivation episode, David breaks down why your long run isn’t “just another Saturday” — it’s your dress rehearsal for the big day. You’ll hear how to use those miles to prepare wisely and avoid avoidable mistakes. From shoes to stomach issues, from pacing to pre-run routines — this one’s all about being intentional so you can be confident when it counts.

Why do we run from pain? In this Midweek Motivation, we talk about how pain isn’t your enemy—it’s your invitation to growth and purpose. Hear how ultrarunner Sean Rowe turned a health crisis into a life of meaning, running, and giving back.

Whether you’re facing a tough workout, a setback in life, or just feel stuck, this episode will remind you: the fire that burns is the fire that builds.

We talk about:

Why comfort can keep you stuck

How pain clarifies your real priorities

The role...

In this powerful episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Sean Rowe—an inspiring ultrarunner who's living proof that transformation is possible at any stage in life.

Sean opens up about his journey from nightclub promoter to endurance athlete, detailing how a health scare at 42 sparked a dramatic lifestyle change. After battling smoking, drinking, and unhealthy habits, Sean committed to fitness, dropped over 90 pounds, and found redemption through running.

We talk about:

Sean’s transformation from 305 lbs to ultrarunner.

His upcoming solo 100-mile run to raise funds for the Woun...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we catch up with ultrarunner Suzan Brydon, who’s currently 19 days into a massive and meaningful mission—running over 1,920 miles across the American Discovery Trail as part of a community health initiative supported by her employer, The Cigna Group. This isn’t just a solo adventure—Suzan’s run is empowering young girls through Girls on the Run, raising awareness about rural health gaps, and bringing visibility to women ultrarunners tackling big goals.

Suzan shares how she trained by completing the Southern States 200, and how she prepared her body and mind for this endu...

In this episode of Midweek Motivation, David gets real about the kind of training that doesn’t get likes on social media — the cold, quiet, ordinary miles. You know, the ones where you lace up before dawn, even when you're tired, sore, or just not feeling it. He reminds us why boring runs are the foundation of breakthrough performance and why ordinary effort, done consistently, is anything but small.

David breaks down four powerful truths:

Consistency builds capacity – showing up, even when it’s not glamorous, is where real growth happens.

Boring runs train yo...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we catch up with an incredible ultrarunner and returning guest — Amanda Lynch! It's been a few years since Amanda last joined us, and she’s been busy stacking up strong finishes and incredible experiences. From winning first female at the Loup Garou 100 to tackling technical trails at Lovit 100, Amanda has stayed consistent, positive, and resilient.

We dive deep into her racing adventures — from the rocky, rolling terrain of Southern States 200 to her methodical preparation for the upcoming Western States 100. Amanda shares practical lessons about training smarter (with the help of hypoxi...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Matt Pruitt, who recently achieved the supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 223-mile Ouachita Trail, spanning Oklahoma to Arkansas. That’s right—Matt didn’t just try it. He got it done.

Matt walks us through every gritty, inspiring detail of the journey. From dialing in logistics to managing exhaustion and weather, he shares what it takes to go all-in on a dream and make it happen.

Here’s what we talk about:

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Angela Smith, an amazing ultrarunner and mother who recently set the Kansas state record for the 100-mile race at Prairie Spirit 100. Angela’s journey from her first ultra race to conquering this major milestone is nothing short of impressive. We dive into her story, from pushing strollers during training to her unwavering determination to balance family life, faith, and ultrarunning.

Angela shares her experience of running the Prairie Spirit 100, revealing the mental and physical challenges she faced, the importance of a structured fueling plan, and how he...

On this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, we sit down with Leah Vincent, an adventurous ultrarunner, backpacker, and all-around endurance junkie. From hiking the John Muir Trail to tackling Moab 240, Leah shares her wild journey of overcoming extreme conditions, hallucinations, and the unexpected challenges that come with pushing human limits.

We chat about:

The Finish Line is Worth It – Why You Should Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard

Every race has a moment when quitting feels like the best option. The pain sets in, the miles drag on, and the finish line feels impossibly far away. But here’s the truth—the struggle is temporary, but the finish line lasts forever.

In this episode, I’m sharing stories from my own races—times when everything in me wanted to stop, but I pushed through. We’ll talk about:

- Why the...

Becca Pizzi is an endurance legend. The first American woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge, she went back and set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest time.

In this episode of Run the Riot, we talk about:

If you love running and pushing limits, you do not want to miss this one.

Show Notes...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Run the Riot athlete Jen Johnson to talk about her inspiring journey to conquer her first 100-mile ultramarathon at the iconic Rocky Raccoon 100. From her early days running loops around her neighborhood as a kid to lining up at one of the most popular ultra races in the U.S., Jen’s story is one of grit, joy, and an unshakeable passion for trail running.

Jen shares what it was like preparing for her first 100 miler, including the ups and downs of ultra training, how she ba...

Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Body

Description:

Your legs will take you far, but your mind will take you further. In this episode, we’re talking about mental training—how to push through tough runs, stay strong when doubt creeps in, and build the resilience that separates good runners from great ones.

You'll learn:

Why mental strength is just as important as physical endurance

How to reframe negative thoughts and push through the hard miles

Simple strategies like visualization, mant...

Stacey Priddy hated running in high school. It was punishment. Conditioning. The worst part of sports.

But now? She’s raced Cactus Rose 100 (49 hours), Front Range 72-Hour, Javelina Jundred, and more. What changed?

In this episode, we talk about:

Show Notes: http://www.theriot.run/spriddy

Magic Mind!

You have a...

Welcome back to another Midweek Motivation episode of the Run the Riot Podcast!

Today, we’re tackling a topic that hits home for so many of us—the comparison trap. Whether it’s at the starting line of your first ultra or while scrolling through Instagram, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone else has it all together. But remember: Your race is YOUR race.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

In this episode of Midweek Motivation on the Run the Riot Podcast, we dive into the topic of setbacks. Whether you’re a runner who has faced a tough race or someone navigating life’s unexpected detours, this episode is for you. David shares his personal experience of a tough DNF at the Moab 240 and how it taught him that setbacks are not the end of the road—they're opportunities to grow.

Listen in as David discusses:

Thoughts on "Embracing the Suck"

In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, we dive into the power of embracing the suck—those tough, uncomfortable moments that test your limits. Whether you're grinding through mile 70 of a 100-miler or navigating life's challenges, growth happens when we lean into discomfort instead of running from it. I share lessons from some of my races, practical strategies for reframing tough situations, and why embracing the hard moments can lead to some of the most rewarding breakthroughs in running and life. Tune in to get inspired, tackle your next challenge, an...

It doesn't have to be perfect. Just show up.

In this solo episode of Run the Riot, I take you through the mental and physical journey of completing the 100-mile Dreadmill Endurance Challenge. From strategizing nutrition to managing the mental toll of running in place for hours, this episode is packed with lessons for runners of all levels.

You'll hear about:

How I overcame setbacks like knee surgery to take on this indoor ultra-marathon.

The importance of mental endurance and staying focused when the finish feels far away.

My fueling strategy and how I stayed energized for 20+...

In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, I had the privilege of catching up with my friend and seasoned ultrarunner, Chris Lyle. It’s always a blast chatting with someone who truly gets the unique world of ultrarunning.

Chris opened up about his incredible journey—from starting as a marathoner to now having 12 - 100-mile finishes under his belt, with no signs of slowing down. We shared a few laughs reminiscing about race memories and dug into what it takes to tackle iconic courses like the Arkansas Traveller 100 and High Lonesome. Along the way, we expl...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we reconnect with ultrarunner, coach, and all-around adventurer Ben Light. It’s been a few years since Ben first appeared on the podcast, and in that time, he’s continued to push boundaries—not only in his personal ultrarunning pursuits but also in helping others embrace challenges and discover their potential.

Ben shares invaluable insights into the power of mindset when tackling life’s toughest races—whether it’s a 200-miler or the challenges we all face daily. He discusses the lessons learned from crewing, coaching, and racing while juggling his latest ventu...

Show notes: http://www.theriot.run/suzanb

In this fun episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Suzan Brydon, a resilient ultrarunner with a story that goes beyond the miles. From discovering ultrarunning during the COVID lockdown to completing grueling 200-mile races, Suzan has an incredible tale of grit, adaptability, and the power of community.

Topics Discussed:

In this episode of Run the Riot, we dive into a fun conversation with Lucja Leonard, also known as the "Running Dutchie." Lucja shares her journey in ultrarunning, from her first steps into fitness to conquering some of the most challenging ultras, including the Bigfoot 200 and the Divide 200. We explore how she balances a minimalist lifestyle while traveling and training, the mental and physical grit needed for ultra-distance events, and how she stays motivated through the ups and downs of racing.

Lucja also opens up about the life-changing experience of tackling 200-mile races, the unique challenge of...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we catch up with ultrarunner Nicole Laughton after her incredible performance at the Run Rabbit Run 100. Nicole shares her journey of training for high-altitude races while living in flat Oklahoma, the mental strategies she used to push through adversity, and how she tackled mid-race nutrition struggles—vomiting as early as mile 6 but still finishing strong in 4th place! Whether you're an ultrarunner or just curious about what it takes to compete at this level, Nicole’s story is inspiring and packed with insights. Watch now to learn how grit and perseverance can lead...