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 athletic experience and rigorous scientific expertise to the table.

Throughout this conversation, we explore why nutrition is far from a one-size-fits-all formula, emphasizing the importance of individualized strategies for endurance athletes who all face unique digestive tolerances and performance goals. From navigating the dietary challenges of the holiday season and the specific nuances of vegan nutrition to the critical roles of sodium in hydration and the timing of carbohydrates for recovery, no stone is left unturned. Whether you’re looking to master your fueling for an ultra-endurance event or simply trying to anchor healthier habits into your daily routine, Stephanie’s evidence-based approach offers practical, actionable insights for athletes at every level. Let's dive in and learn how to bridge the gap between training hard and performing at your absolute best.

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 he found a community that supports and inspires him. He recounts his first ultra race, the challenges he faced, and how he developed a passion for the sport, culminating in his recent participation in the 'Across the Years' race, where he achieved a remarkable 200-mile finish.

Throughout the conversation, Ben emphasizes the importance of community in ultra running, sharing anecdotes about the camaraderie he experienced during races. He reflects on the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, particularly during the unique format of 'Last Man Standing,' and how he coped with the struggles he faced. The episode concludes with Ben's insights on recovery, training, and his future goals in the sport, leaving listeners inspired to push their own limits and embrace the journey of endurance running.

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 hasn’t gone out since. Now, he’s preparing for his biggest "why" yet: running the entire perimeter of the United States in 2027 with his family by his side.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How a "run every day" streak can shift your entire identity.

• The 2027 Challenge: Why Chris is taking his family on a journey around the edge of the country.

• The mental grit required to lead by example for your children.

• Why "starting small" is the only way to achieve something massive.

In this episode of Buckle Up, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with the renowned Dr. Jason Karp to discuss the intersection of sports science, culture, and technology. Dr. Karp takes us through his fascinating journey from a curious student of human anatomy to a leader in the running community.

The conversation dives deep into his time coaching in Kenya, revealing how a culture rooted in community and hard work shapes world-class athletes. Dr. Karp also opens up about his latest innovation, RunKasi, an AI-powered coaching app designed to bring real-time, expert guidance to runners everywhere. From the nuances of women’s physiology to the future of remote coaching, this episode challenges the status quo of the running industry.

This week, we sit down with Ellie Martinez, the essential "right hand" to our co-host Mandy Mullen. We go behind the scenes to discuss Ellie’s pivotal role at Run.Windsor and what has surprised her most about working in the industry. Plus, Ellie opens up about her lifelong background in sports and draws a fascinating parallel between the patience of hunting and the endurance of ultra running. Thank you for listening—we can't wait to bring you more great content in 2026!

In this conversation, Andrea Moore shares her journey from a corporate banking career to becoming an ultra runner, highlighting the importance of community, personal growth, and the transformative power of outdoor experiences. She discusses her transition during COVID, the joy of exploring new places through running, and offers advice for newcomers to the ultra running scene, emphasizing the significance of curiosity and connection. In this engaging conversation, Mandy Mullen, Andrea Moore, and Brian Passenti explore the themes of adventure, gratitude, and community within the context of ultra running. They discuss the unique experiences of participating in events like Cocodona and Dark Sky 220, the importance of being present and grateful during challenging journeys, and the significance of supporting veterans through initiatives like the Warrior Trail Foundation. The conversation highlights the personal growth that comes from embracing the unknown and the power of community in endurance sports.

In this episode, we sit down with the man who literally wrote the book on ultra endurance training: Jason Koop. From his new home base in France, Koop discusses his most ambitious project yet—Koop AI.

Described as "his brain in a box," Koop AI represents a massive shift in how technology interacts with athlete development. We dive deep into the philosophy behind the platform, the critical importance of quality control in automated coaching, and how the landscape of ultra running is evolving as the sport explodes in popularity. Whether you’re a data geek or a traditionalist, this conversation challenges how we think about the "human touch" in a digital world.

https://www.koopai-endurance.com/

In this episode, Coach Brian interviews Josh Coleman, who shares his journey into ultra running, the impact of grief on his life, and how running has become a source of solace and healing after the tragic loss of his wife. Josh discusses his experiences in ultra races, the importance of community, and how writing a book about his journey has helped him process his grief. He also shares insights on the challenges of ultra running and offers advice for those considering entering the sport.

Find Josh here:

https://linktr.ee/joshrunadventures

This week, Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian Passenti sit down with Jes Parker, the founder of the innovative new enterprise, Take2Trail.com

In a sport where gear can be prohibitively expensive and environmental waste is a growing concern, Jes is changing the narrative. We dive deep into her personal journey from accidental runner to Backyard Ultra competitor, and how that path led her to create a mission-driven marketplace for gently used trail running gear.

Whether you are looking to declutter your gear closet, find affordable equipment, or just love a good underdog story, this episode explores the intersection of sustainability, mental health, and the outdoor community.

https://take2trail.com/

In this episode, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen engage in a heartfelt conversation with Ron Aladeniyi, an ultra runner who shares his journey to the Leadville 100. They discuss the importance of community, gratitude, and personal growth in the world of ultra running. Ron reflects on his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the joy he finds in the journey rather than just the destination. The conversation highlights the beauty of vulnerability and connection among runners, as well as the role of fear in personal growth. Ron's aspirations for the future and his desire to inspire others through his journey are also explored.

Find Ron Here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/7DgvAuEcipvm70LWIERWmd