The Trail Life Podcast
Welcome to the Trail Life Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of trail running. It's all about the journey and not always about the destination. We focus and explore the journey of trail running, both from the perspective of individuals who embrace the challenge and companies that support this vibrant community. Welcome to the Trail Life!!
Ultrabuds Unleashed: Reborn on the Run (w/ Catra Corbett)
In this Episode, Izzy B talk to Catra Corbett (Dirt Diva), an experienced trail and ultra-runner who shares her journey into trail running and ultra marathons. Catra recounts how she began running after getting sober and rapidly progressed from a 10K to marathons, trail races, and eventually ultra distances. She highlights her first experiences with 50K, 50-mile, and 100-mile races, and delves into her passion for solo mountain projects and FKTs (fastest known times).
Catra also discusses her numerous accomplishments in 200 and 300-mile races such as the Badwater 135, Tahoe 200, and other endurance challenges. She emphasizes the importance...
Ultrabuds Unleashed: Miles and Memories (A trail photographer's journey w/ Jesse Ellis)
In this episode, we welcome Jesse Ellis, an accomplished ultra runner and professional photographer. We delve into his journey from running school track and cross-country to becoming a key figure in the ultrarunning community. Jesse shares how he got into trail running, his experiences running and photographing races like Western States and Broken Arrow, and how he balanced his passion for running with building a successful photography business. We explore his transition from photographing weddings to capturing iconic shots of ultra runners, his commitment to portraying every runner's story, and his future aspirations in live streaming races. Jesse also...
Ultrabuds Unleashed: Building Community Through Running (w/Priscilla Rojas)
In this episode, Priscilla shares her journey from casual jogger to passionate runner and co-founder of the Santa Mujeres Running Club. She recounts her memorable experiences, such as meeting her host during a Tailwind photo shoot and taking on various challenging races like the Triple Crown and the Broken Arrow Sky Race. Priscilla discusses how her love for running evolved into trail and mountain running, her involvement with various ambassador programs, and her dedication to creating a supportive community for women runners of all paces and backgrounds. She highlights the mission and goals of her running club, the importance...
Ultrabuds Unleashed: Warrior on the Trails (w/ Chris Raup)
In this episode of Ultra Buds Unleashed from the Trail Life podcast, guest host Izzy B interviews Chris Raup, a U.S. Army veteran and founder of the Warrior Trail Foundation. Chris shares his inspiring journey from discovering ultra running in his early 50s to completing some of the toughest 200-mile races. Chris discusses the mission of the Warrior Trail Foundation, which provides recreational therapy, coaching, and mental health services for veterans and their families. The conversation covers how trail running has been transformative for Chris and others dealing with PTSD, MST, and physical disabilities, offering a new sense...
Ultrabuds Unleashed: The People's Runner- Kevin Goldberg
In this episode of the Trail Life Podcast, 'Ultra Buds Unleashed,' with guest host Isabella Janovick, Isabella interviews Kevin Goldberg, an accomplished ultra runner and endurance coach. Kevin shares his journey from starting as a casual runner to tackling some of the toughest 200-plus mile races. He discusses his hip surgeries, his entry into the ultra running scene, and his experiences running races like the Tour de Gence and Cocodona 250. Kevin also talks about his work at Training Peaks, coaching athletes, and his podcast 'Distance to Empty,' which focuses on the 200-mile distance. This episode is filled...
SWCHBAK Chronicles: Alyssa Clark and the SD 100
In this episode of the SWCHBAK Chronicles, host Michelle is joined by special guest co-host Isabella Janovick and guest Alyssa Clark, an accomplished endurance athlete. They discuss Alyssa's various achievements, including her first-place finish in the SD100, her love for heat over cold weather, and her experiences training and competing in ultra-endurance events. Alyssa also shares insights into her beginnings in endurance sports, her inspirations, and the physical and mental challenges of completing 200-mile races. The episode provides tips for heat management during races and explores the concept of Fastest Known Times (FKTs), encouraging more women to participate.
<...SWCHBAK Chronicles: Death March Running Company
In our final special of the SWCHBAK Chronicles limited series, Michelle Johnson is joined by Cody Taylor and Alan from Death March Running Company. Based out of Colorado, they share their humorous and inspiring journey into the world of ultra-running. The conversation covers the origins of Death March Running, their experiences pacing and crewing, and the significance of community in the sport. The episode also highlights Michelle's recent venture, Switchback Collective, a shop featuring women-owned brands. With stories of races, training, and the inevitable hardships, this episode celebrates the spirit and camaraderie of the ultra-running community.
00:00 Introduction...
SWCHBAK Chronicles: Sarah Tomal
In this special edition of the Trail Life podcast, Michelle Johnson from SWCHBAK interviews Sarah Tomal, an ultra runner and sponsored athlete from San Diego. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from starting as an angry runner after a bad breakup to working toward her first 100-mile race. They discuss her experiences with Spartan races, overcoming a significant hip injury, and her return to ultra running. The conversation also touches on the mental and physical challenges of training for long-distance races, the importance of listening to one's body, and Sarah’s upcoming SD Hundred run.
00:00 Introduction to the Po...
SwchBak Chronicles: The Journey of the San Diego Trail Runners

In our new limited series: The SwchBak Chronicles, Michelle Johnson steps in for usual host Jeff Stoner to talk with Daniel Smith and Eric Spin, key figures from the San Diego Trail Runners group.
The conversation explores their personal journeys into running, with Eric sharing how he transitioned from smoking and junk food to running marathons, and Daniel talking about his background in boxing and coaching kids' sports. The duo discusses how the San Diego Trail Runners came to be, emphasizing their ethos of 'No Runner Left Behind'. Eric and Daniel highlight the importance of community support...
The Story of Spring Energy

In the final episode of 2023, I am joined by Spring Energy Founders Rafal Nazarewicz and Adam Goleniewski but talk about how Spring Energy got its starts and how they created the flavor profiles. Thank you to Rafa and Adam for delivering a product that is widely loved and enjoyed by the trail running community.
myspringenergy.com