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Looking for some slow-boil intrigue, unreliable narrators, and unexpected plot twists? Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist serve up four well-crafted novels that check those boxes—and more. Sarah thoroughly enjoyed a languid thriller set in Mexico, while Ellison appreciated the wit of a modern-day murder mystery nestled in the English countryside. A short debut novel tells an intriguing tale from numerous points of view. And Ellison talks up a Rebecca spinoff headed to Hollywood. The books detailed:
The Silent Appeal: Janice Hallett
Mia: Leslie Bazzett
The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard Milford: Nafissa Thompson-Spires
The Housekeeper: Rose Tremain
Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/
https://livefeisty.com/training/ Use code AMR50 to get $50 off.
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
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Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121
Anyone looking for inspiration, especially when going through tough times, will appreciate this candid conversation with Theresa Seitz, finisher of 50+ marathons and author of Built to Finish: The Discipline and Mental Strength to Finish What You Start. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Molly Williams, Theresa talks about:
-overcoming a health crisis that left her unable to walk, let alone run
-the importance of having a “finisher identity”
-why being slightly scared in the face of a challenge is a good thing
-not letting a new health challenge stand in her way of 2027 London Marathon
Before the guest joins around 7:15, Molly shares her excitement about soon welcoming her firstborn grandbaby. (Update since recording: Molly’s grandson was born on October 11; both mother and baby are doing great!)
Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/
https://livefeisty.com/training/ Use code AMR50 to get $50 off.
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/
Support our Partners:
JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/
Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/
Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/
Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121
Calling all strivers: In this episode, Coach Liz Waterstraat and host Sarah Bowen Shea talk about how to move toward personal excellence. Coach Liz highlights two books creating buzzes in the sports world—Inner Excellence and The Art of Learning—starting with the intriguing back story of each tome. She shares how awareness unlocks success and the importance of looking for small moments that feel like gifts. Loads of Liz love-language points, including the importance of having a beginner’s mind and that anything worthwhile takes time. One critical takeaway: Give the best of what you have that day. Words to live (and learn) by!
This episode originally aired on August 12, 2025.
Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/
https://livefeisty.com/training/ Use code AMR50 to get $50 off.
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/
Support our Partners:
JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/
Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/
Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/
Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121
Anyone intrigued by the Ironman Triathlon or other big goals will enjoy this conversation with Mike Reilly, the legendary Ironman finish-line announcer. Along with Sarah Wassner Flynn, his co-author of the new book, Finding Your Finish Line: Lessons on Discovering Hope, Heart, and Yourself in Life’s Toughest Miles, Mike talks with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat (herself a multi-time Ironman finisher). The quartet covers:
-how Mike came up with his signature finish-line phrase
-the co-authors' standout stories from the book
-their writing process
-the value of naming and facing your fears
-the importance of taking small steps with intention + purpose
Before the authors join the conversation around 05:40, Coach Liz shares what makes racing at Kona so special.
Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/
https://livefeisty.com/training/
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/
Support our Partners:
JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/
Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/
Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/
Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121
If you’re looking for books that’ll keep you glued to your couch, we’ve got you! Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist dish on Liane Moriarty’s long-awaited sequel. Then they share their delight over the newest one from mystery-writer master Richard Osman. Ellison details a romp of a novel with sly, rebellious undertones. Finally the duo can’t heap enough praise on a narrative non-fiction book that Sarah didn’t want to put down—even to go work out with a friend! Books discussed:
Big Little Truths: Liane Moriarty
We Chase Shadows: Richard Osman
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman: Deesha Philyaw
The Vanishing Family: Robert Kolker
Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/
https://livefeisty.com/training/ Use code AMR50 to get $50 off.
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/
Support our Partners:
JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/
Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/
Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/
Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121
No matter where you finish in a race, you’ll enjoy this episode that was recorded in front of an audience at FeistyFest: Host Sarah Bowen Shea talks with triathlon coach and endurance swimmer Marty Munson and back-of-the-pack triathlete Ann Sywensky. They discuss:
-why you should lose the “just” and the “but”
-replacing comparison with curiosity
-using fun as a metric instead of pace
-the beauty of training by heart rate
-choosing a race suited to your strengths
Hosting solo, Sarah jumps right into things with the first guest.
Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/
https://livefeisty.com/training/ Use code AMR50 to get $50 off.
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/
Support our Partners:
JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/
Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/
Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/
Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121
If you’re looking to reach your full potential—whether in sport, life, or relationships—give a listen to this episode: It was recorded in front of an audience at the inaugural FeistyFest, and focuses on the 2026 bestseller called The Power of Beliefs: How Strengthening Seven Core Beliefs Predicts Greater Success and a Better Life by Shawn Anchor. Along with host Sarah Bowen Shea, Coach Liz Waterstraat details the powers of self-belief, community, and gratitude. Coach Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of realizing you have something to give—then sharing it with your sporty mates. Coach Liz also outlines six strategies for changing beliefs.
Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/
https://livefeisty.com/training/ Use code AMR50 to get $50 off.
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/
Support our Partners:
JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/
Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/
Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/
Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121
Calling all active women: This episode has the answers you’ve been needing to deal with issues some folks are too embarrassed to talk about. Not us! The guest, journalist and podcast Molly Hurford, author of Saddle, Sore: Ride Comfortable, Ride Happy, sat down at FeistyFest with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and newbie Rachel Domb to cover:
-the age-old commando versus undies debate
-laundry tips for de-stinking workout wear (+ what causes the funk!)
-bike short recommendations
-why you shouldn’t be like Donald Duck post-workout!
-the recent Hyrox “shituation”
In the short intro chitchat, new occasional co-host Rachel shares a bit about herself. The TMI talk with Molly kicks off around 04:20.
Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/
https://livefeisty.com/training/ Use code AMR50 to get $50 off.
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/
Support our Partners:
JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/
Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/
Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/
Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121
Readers looking to get contemplative and completely mesmerized will appreciate the hosts’ conversation about a new novel winning well-deserved kudos. In discussing the new mid-century mystery from Kate Atkinson, the hosting duo also shares their favorites by this esteemed novelist. Sarah Bowen Shea details a contemporary novel she wished hewed a bit more dystopian, then Ellison Weist tells of a dual-timeline mystery reminiscent of two Liz Moore novels. The books discussed:
Switzy: Emma Cline
Our Noble Selves: Kate Atkinson
Fallow: Sarah Anderson
Heather: Caitlin Mullen
Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/
https://livefeisty.com/training/ Use code AMR50 to get $50 off.
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/
Support our Partners:
JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/
Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/
Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/
Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121
No matter your age, this is an interesting and important episode: It features Selene Yeager of Hit Play Not Pause giving straight talk about how age-related hormonal shifts hit active women—then three real-women runners share their personal hormonal journeys. Lead by hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin, this candid conversation covers:
-the myriad physical changes active women experienced
-how “not feeling like myself” is now an official menopausal symptom
-the shifts runners made to accommodate aging bodies
-hormone replacement therapy, plus some supplements that help
-the new activities these middle-aged women have taken up
Rather than intro chitchat, the hosts share details of their menopausal transitions. Selene joins the show around 09:30.
Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/
https://livefeisty.com/training/ Use code AMR50 to get $50 off.
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/
Support our Partners:
JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/
Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/
Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/
Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121
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