In episode 7 of the Kicksology podcast, host Brian Metzler is joined by Chris McDougall, the New York Times best-selling author of "Born to Run." They delve deep into the evolution of running shoes in the 21st century, focusing on the drastically different designs, how and why trends have shifted since the minimalist boom of a decade ago and also the best — and worst — sociological aspects of running and running shoes. They also talk about how we, as humans, consume running shoes and what might be next in running.

Metzler is the author of the book, "Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes" and a long-time runner who has competed in races on the track, roads and trails from 50 meters to 100 miles.

In each episode of Kicksology, host Brian Metzler engages shoe designers, entrepreneurs, shoe company executives, retailers, athletes and physical therapists to talk about the evolution of running shoes, new shoe launches, breakthrough technologies, the biomechanics of running and everything else running-shoe related.

The PodiumRunner Endurance Podcast is hosted by Ian Sharman, a professional ultra runner and coach with over 200 marathons or ultra finishes and more than 50 wins (www.sharmanultra.com, twitter.com/sharmanian). We discuss training and racing topics with leading sports scientists and how to practically apply research findings for marathoners and ultra runners.

Episode 6: Dr Tracy Beth Høeg on hallucinations and much, much more.

Today we’re talking to Tracy Beth Høeg, MD, PhD who practices Sports, Spine and Regenerative Medicine at Northern California Orthopaedic Associates. She is an Associate Researcher at the University of California-Davis and a journalist, currently for Ultra Running Magazine. She’s also a Danish-American double citizen who has run in the Trail Ultra World Championships for Team USA and for Team Denmark in the  Long Distance Mountain Running World Championships. She’s currently based in Kings Beach, California.

Tracy’s tweets @ twitter.com/tracybethhoeg and her Facebook posts are an excellent way to understand scientific findings about COVID-19 as they come out.

This show delves into a really wide variety of topics because I wanted to pick Tracy’s brain is several key areas where she’s an expert. We talked about:

• How COVID 19 affects runners.

• Various studies she’s been part of at WS100 and their practical implications, especially related to runners and bone health plus metabolonics analysis (basically looking at the correlation between different small molecule metabolic products within the body for faster runners versus slower runners).

• Temporary vision loss through Corneal Edema in ultras, including how it happens and how to avoid it.

• Hallucinations in ultra running.

• The Menstrual Cycle and how this affects training and racing.

• Regenerative Medicine, especially Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate injections, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment and Prolotherapy. The discussion focused on what these are, when they get used and common myths and misconceptions.

In Episode 6 of the Kicksology podcast, host Brian Metzler talks with Philip Snyder of Denver's Berkeley Park Running Company and Lisa Jhung, a noted trail running author and shoe reviewer, about all things trail running shoes. They discuss how to find your next pair of shoes, the evolution of trail running and why trail running shoes and experiences are so different than their road running contemporaries.

Metzler is the author of the book, "Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes" and a long-time runner who has competed in races on the track, roads and trails from 50 meters to 100 miles.

In each episode of Kicksology, host Brian Metzler engages shoe designers, entrepreneurs, shoe company executives, retailers, athletes and physical therapists to talk about the evolution of running shoes, new shoe launches, breakthrough technologies, the biomechanics of running and everything else running-shoe related.

In the 5th episode of the Kicksology podcast, host Brian Metzler is joined by Carson Carprara, Senior Director, Global Footwear Product Management at Brooks Running, and Danny Orr, the Senior Business Unit Manager for Innovation at New Balance. Carprara and Orr talk about the evolution of running shoes, the midsole "foam war," the development of shoes with carbon-fiber plates embedded in the midsole, new models just released from Brooks and New Balance, and what’s next in running shoes.

Metzler is the author of the book, "Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes" and a long-time runner who has competed in races on the track, roads and trails from 50 meters to 100 miles.

The PodiumRunner Endurance Podcast is hosted by Ian Sharman, a professional ultra runner and coach with over 200 marathons or ultra finishes and more than 50 wins (www.sharmanultra.com, twitter.com/sharmanian). We discuss training and racing topics with leading sports scientists and how to practically apply research findings for marathoners and ultra runners.

Episode 5: Courtney Dauwalter's Unique Training and Racing

Today we’re talking to the unstoppable Courtney Dauwalter (twitter.com/courtdauwalter, instagram.com/courtneydauwalter), two-time North American Ultrarunner of the Year, and winner of many of the biggest world ultras, including Western States 100 and Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc. She lives and trains in Colorado and is intrigued by the really, really long distances and what our brains and bodies are capable of.

This show delves into:

- Courtney’s latest adventure on the 490-mile Colorado Trail.

- What it’s like to hallucinate on an ultra run.

- Her experiences at some of the biggest ultras around the world.

- How she adjusts her training to be extra flexible and run by feel, while making sure she has the elements that will count on race day.

- What she’s learned from her races, both physically and mentally, how she uses psychological tactics when dealing with adversity, plus how you can put these concepts into practice.

The PodiumRunner Endurance Podcast is hosted by Ian Sharman, a professional ultra runner and coach with over 200 marathons or ultra finishes and more than 50 wins (www.sharmanultra.com, twitter.com/sharmanian). We discuss training and racing topics with leading sports scientists and how to practically apply research findings for marathoners and ultra runners.

Episode 4: Mike Wardian and Longevity in Running

Today we’re talking to Mike Wardian (twitter.com/mikewardian, www.mikewardian.com), one of the most prolific racers in the world. Wardian is a Guinness World Record holder, USA National Champion at 50k, 50 Mile and 100k, an 11 x Team USA member, 4 x USATF ultra athlete of the year, IAU athlete of the year, a father of 2 boys, a coach, an international ship broker, universally-liked nice guy, and more.

This show delves into:

- Mike’s longevity in the sport and his tips for runners to lessen the chance of injury and stay at the top of your game for decades. That includes things he’s learned in the past 25 years of racing and his wide experience of every form of running race.

- Recovery, keeping running varied, and some of Wardian's amazing experiences on every continent.

In each episode of Kicksology, host Brian Metzler engages shoe designers, entrepreneurs, shoe company executives, retailers, athletes and physical therapists to talk about the evolution of running shoes, new shoe launches, breakthrough technologies, the biomechanics of running and everything running-shoe related.

In Episode 4, Metzler welcomes Kris Hartner, owner of the Naperville Running Company in suburban Chicago, and Dave Dombrow, a shoe designer, executive and entrepreneur. Hartner and Dombrow discuss running shoe development, past, present and future, how shoes are designed, marketed and sold, and the impact of "super shoes" with carbon-fiber plates in the marketplace.

Metzler is the author of the book, "Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes" and a long-time runner who has competed in races on the track, roads and trails from 50 meters to 100 miles.

In each episode of Kicksology, host Brian Metzler engages shoe designers, entrepreneurs, shoe company executives, retailers, athletes and physical therapists to talk about the evolution of running shoes, new shoe launches, breakthrough technologies, the biomechanics of running and everything running-shoe related.

In Episode 3, Metzler talks with Tony Post about his original fascination with natural running, how he once ran a marathon in dress shoes, his role with launching Vibram FiveFingers in the U.S. and how he grew TOPO Athletic from scratch. Post discusses how shoes have evolved through new materials and manufacturing and where some of the current footwear trends will lead us to in the future.

Metzler is the author of the book, "Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes" and a long-time runner who has competed in races on the track, roads and trails from 50 meters to 100 miles.

The PodiumRunner Endurance Podcast is hosted by Ian Sharman, a professional ultra runner and coach with over 200 marathons or ultra finishes and more than 50 wins (www.sharmanultra.com, twitter.com/sharmanian). We discuss training and racing topics with leading sports scientists and how to practically apply research findings for marathoners and ultra runners.

Episode 3: Kara Goucher - Anti-Doping, the Olympics and Trail Running

Today we’re talking to Kara Goucher (www.karagoucher.com, twitter.com/karagoucher) who needs little introduction.

- She’s a two-time Olympian, competing at three distances (5,000m, 10,000m and the marathon) and a World Championship silver medallist at the 10,000m.

- She’s also an advocate for positive change in our sport, especially related to anti-doping and empowering female athletes.

- She's a recent convert to trail racing.

This show delves into:

- What the Clean Sport Collective is and Kara’s involvement

- How anti-doping works and why it’s important

- Testing for banned substances plus the importance ope culture for keeping sport clean

- Kara's involvement with the Nike Oregon Project and being a whistleblower

- Whether she’s optimistic for the future of clean sport

- What it’s like going to the Olympics and how the one-year delay to Tokyo will affect athletes

- Kara’s experience of trails and ultras, which she recently tried out.

In each episode of Kicksology, host Brian Metzler engages shoe designers, entrepreneurs, shoe company executives, retailers, athletes and physical therapists to talk about the evolution of running shoes, new shoe launches, breakthrough technologies, the biomechanics of running and everything running-shoe related.

In Episode 2, Metzler catches up with Danny Abshire, the co-founder of Active 88 footwear line and one of the original founders of Newton Running. Topics include the future of running shoes, the minimalist revolution, Abshire's bittersweet departure from Newton Running and his continuing quest to help people run better.

Metzler is the author of the book, "Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes" and a long-time runner who has competed in races on the track, roads and trails from 50 meters to 100 miles.