Everyday Athlete Podcast Network

By Run Tri BikeSociety & Culture

Everyday Athlete Podcast Network episodes

October 30, 2024 From Cancer Survivor to Triathlete: Cassandra Burke’s Inspiring Journey | Fireside Chat
In this uplifting episode of the Run Tri Bike podcast, we sit down with Cassandra Burke, a true inspiration who transformed a devastating cancer diagnosis into a journey of triumph, resilience, and service to others. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, Cassandra faced the daunting reality of four aggressive tumors at just 38 years old. However, what could have been a life-altering setback turned into the catalyst for her to become a competitive triathlete, coach, and registered dietitian.
Cassandra shares the emotional rollercoaster of battling cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the intense treatments, to eventually finding hope and healing through endurance sports. Triathlons became her beacon of strength, symbolizing the victory over cancer she so desperately fought for. And not only did Cassandra conquer the races, but she also embraced the calling to help others do the same by founding Catalyst Performance Lab—a coaching program dedicated to empowering fellow cancer survivors through fitness and nutrition.
Despite the gravity of her challenges, Cassandra’s humor and positive outlook shine throughout the interview. Whether it’s laughing over personal race stories, discussing DNFs (Did Not Finish) with lighthearted acceptance, or reminiscing about her favorite post-race meals, Cassandra brings an infectious joy to her work. Her ability to balance multiple roles—coach, triathlete, forensic scientist, and dietitian—while still prioritizing her community shows her resilience and compassion. Her mission is not just about fitness; it’s about giving cancer survivors the tools and motivation to reclaim their lives, proving that life after cancer can be full of fun, goals, and celebration.
The podcast wraps up with exciting news about Cassandra’s future endeavors, including her upcoming Cancer to Finish Line program set for 2025, designed to guide cancer survivors toward their endurance sports goals. Cassandra’s dedication to helping others echoes her own story of survival and serves as a reminder that no challenge is too great when met with perseverance, community support, and, of course, a sense of humor.
Don’t miss this powerful conversation filled with heart, wisdom, and plenty of laughs!
57 min
October 28, 2024 The Calgary Edition | Food Fight Friday at the Aid Station
On this episode of Food Fight Friday at the Aid Station, we have the Calgary Edition.
@cooktraineatrace presents to @communitytrailrunning three food options based on Calgary sports teams.
Adam’s choices are:
• A flame broiled whopper from @burgerking based on the @nhlflames
• A @calgarystampede pancake breakfast based on the @calstampeders
• An order of ghost pepper wings based on the @cplcavalryfc and well you’ll have to watch the episode to find that dot connection.
Which of these foods is Adam eating, tossing and carrying? How about Jason? What would you choose to do with these foods?
#FoodFightFriday
#FoodsThatFuelUs
14 min
October 27, 2024 The DNF Roundtable |Beyond the Finish Line
In Episode 15 of Beyond the Finish Line, we dive deep into one of endurance sports' most challenging experiences - the DNF (Did Not Finish). Join host Joe Hardin alongside Run Tri Bike founder Jason Bahamundi, co-owner Aum Gandhi, and special guest Albie Day for an honest conversation about facing setbacks and finding growth in failure.
From Albie's transformative first 50K experience to Aum's recent battle with the Moab 240, Jason's 17-year journey through Ironman and ultra-running challenges, and Joe's fresh perspective on his first 100-mile attempt at the Indiana Trail 100 - these athletes share raw, personal stories that remind us why the journey matters more than the destination.
Whether you're a seasoned endurance athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this episode offers valuable insights about resilience, self-discovery, and the true meaning of success in endurance sports.
Support our creators by subscribing to the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network! Hit that like button, ring the notification bell, and leave a rating to help more athletes discover authentic conversations about endurance sports. Your support helps us continue bringing you real stories from real athletes.
#EnduranceSports #Running #UltraRunning #Triathlon #Athletics #DNF #BeyondTheFinishLine
1 hr 4 min
October 25, 2024 Laughs, DNFs & Comeback Songs: Music that Moves Us | What’s in Your Earbuds
Description: Get ready to laugh, reflect, and rock out in Episode 8 of "What's in Your Earbuds" on Run Tri Bike! 🎧 Join hosts Joe Hardin and Aum Gandhi as they dive into an exciting, heartwarming, and fun discussion all about music, racing, and life’s unexpected turns.
This episode kicks off with a deep reflection on recent race experiences, including how DNFs (Did Not Finish) can teach us more than crossing the finish line. Joe and Aum openly share their thoughts on setbacks, the emotional weight they carry, and how overcoming adversity often leads to personal growth. If you’ve ever had a DNF or struggled in your training, this conversation will definitely make you smile — and maybe even nod in agreement.
But it’s not all serious! In true "What's in Your Earbuds" style, the duo keeps things upbeat by introducing the Mongolian metal band, The Hu, and their powerful track "Wolf Totem." You’ll feel the energy of this song as Joe and Aum discuss how music like this can drive their motivation, especially during tough training sessions.
Of course, no conversation about training and music would be complete without a talk about comeback songs. From "Going the Distance" from Rocky to personal favorites that hype them up, Joe and Aum break down the tracks that get them through the grind of endurance training and race day challenges. They delve into why certain songs hold the power to boost their mood, sharpen their focus, and push them to achieve more than they thought possible.
The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as they chat about podcasts and audiobooks that inspire them during their runs or long bike rides. Joe mentions his latest obsession with the "Trail to 100" podcast, a must-listen for ultra-runners, while Aum introduces John Fisher’s podcast "Phase One" and the uplifting "Book of Joy" audiobook featuring Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu. They reflect on how listening to content like this helps them stay grounded, positive, and mentally strong in their endurance journey.
Then, for some lighter fare, the episode takes a hilarious turn when Joe and Aum discuss the quirky "Werewolf Bar Mitzvah" song (yes, you read that right!) from 30 Rock and even the music they listen to during woodworking projects. You’ll love hearing about Joe’s love for The Devil Makes Three and Aum’s throwback jams from Jurassic Five. Whether you’re into metal, bluegrass, or something in between, there’s something in this episode for everyone.
As always, they wrap things up by teasing exciting future episodes, including a special discussion on DNFs with guests Albie and Jason Bahumandi. So, whether you're a fan of music, endurance racing, or just looking for a conversation that’ll leave you laughing, Episode 8 of "What's in Your Earbuds" is the perfect companion for your next run or ride.
Hit play, tune in, and let the rhythm move you! 🎶
27 min
October 24, 2024 Overcoming CIDP: Lynn Rogers' Journey to Triathlon Triumph | Beyond The Finish Line
Description: In this inspiring episode of Beyond The Finish Line, host Joe Hardin sits down with Lynn Rogers, a triathlete, scientist, and advocate for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). Lynn’s story is one of resilience, determination, and community. Diagnosed with CIDP, a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, Lynn was initially misdiagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. This disorder posed enormous challenges to her training and life, but Lynn’s perseverance kept her moving forward, even during a 4.5-month hospital stay and multiple treatments, including plasma exchange and steroids.
Lynn shares how she faced the uncertainty and fear of living with CIDP while continuing to pursue her passion for triathlon. From training for Ironman Canada to experiencing relapses, Lynn’s journey illustrates the power of mindset, problem-solving, and a deep love for the sport. She discusses how endurance training helped her navigate the physical and mental demands of CIDP and encourages athletes to focus on what they can control, reminding us all that setbacks are part of the process.
Beyond her personal challenges, Lynn is deeply committed to supporting others with CIDP. She founded the Shining Through CIDP initiative to connect patients and provide valuable resources. Her story is further documented in Inches to Miles, a documentary that delves into her journey from diagnosis to recovery, inspiring others to push beyond their limits.
Lynn also shares exciting future plans, including her upcoming participation in the Monster Triathlon in Scotland, further proving that her journey is far from over. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, this episode will motivate you to keep going, no matter what life throws your way.
Join us for an uplifting conversation filled with insights on resilience, community, and the unstoppable human spirit.
1 hr 2 min
October 23, 2024 Run Tri Bike's Journey: 4 Years of Growth & What's Next for 2025 | Fireside Chat
In this special episode of Run Tri Bike’s Fireside Chat, we take a deep dive into the incredible journey of how Run Tri Bike has grown over the past four years. From a small, passionate idea to now being the premiere voice for everyday endurance athletes, the community has seen phenomenal progress—and this episode celebrates every milestone!
The conversation kicks off with a big THANK YOU to the Run Tri Bike audience for their ongoing support, which has led to an impressive 92% increase in website user growth just this year alone. Founder, Jason Bahamundi, and Co-Owner, Aum Gandhi, reflect on how authentic storytelling and real community connections have fueled this success, making Run Tri Bike not just a platform but a movement.
One of the highlights of this episode is a personal story from the Moab 240 event, where we hear about the challenges and victories of this extreme race and how these experiences resonate within the community. The discussion emphasizes how endurance sports, at their core, are about making memories, overcoming obstacles, and uplifting one another.
But Run Tri Bike isn't stopping here! The conversation dives into plans for 2025, which include the expansion of the Everyday Athlete podcast network to ten shows, exciting new brand partnerships, and the release of a digital magazine on November 15. These initiatives are all designed to keep amplifying the voices of diverse athletes, making endurance sports accessible and fun for everyone, no matter where they are in their journey.
As the premiere voice for everyday athletes, Run Tri Bike continues to prioritize inclusivity, representation, and joy in endurance sports. This discussion also highlights the importance of pronouns, diverse identities, and how everyone deserves to feel seen and heard. The community’s impact continues to grow, with a 47% increase in audience engagement across all platforms.
Looking forward, there are exciting promotions and community storytelling collaborations on the horizon. With plans to encourage athletes to share their personal journeys, Run Tri Bike aims to inspire, motivate, and connect even more everyday athletes around the world.
Be sure to watch the full discussion to learn about how you can get involved and share your own story with the Run Tri Bike community. Let’s keep building memories, amplifying voices, and chasing goals—together!
40 min
October 23, 2024 From Energy Balls to Real Estate Reality TV: A Fun Chat with John Grey | Fiery Embers
Get ready for a light-hearted, laughter-filled discussion that will keep you entertained while you push through your hardest training days! In this episode of our informal chat show, Fiery Embers, Run Tri Bike's own Jason Bahamundi welcomes John Grey, founder of Pretty Neat Performance Energy Balls, for an inspiring and fun conversation.
It all kicks off with a spirited discussion about sports teams from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh—because what’s a chat between two passionate endurance athletes without a little sports fanfare? From favorite sports movies to those legendary walk-up songs that get us pumped, Jason and John keep the energy high as they dive into a debate about pizza, bagels, and the ultimate showdown: New York bagels vs. New York pizza.
But it’s not all about food (though, there’s plenty of that!). John reveals the journey behind his Performance Energy Balls, highlighting the challenges of launching a new food product, from the first flavor choice—chocolate, of course—to the manufacturing process. His story is perfect motivation for athletes who know what it’s like to tackle tough challenges head-on, whether it’s in the kitchen or on the race course.
As the conversation continues, we get to learn about John’s personal side, diving into his favorite meals, guilty pleasures (hint: real estate reality TV, anyone?), and some surprisingly deep food debates, like whether red velvet cake is all it’s cracked up to be. The duo's playful banter will leave you smiling and re-energized to keep pushing toward your goals, whether you're on the bike, hitting the pavement, or just looking for something to brighten up your day.
Tune in to discover not just the latest in endurance nutrition, but also plenty of laughs, relatable moments, and a reminder that even on tough days, a little fun goes a long way!
36 min
October 19, 2024 From Half Marathon to Ultra Success: Ali Lopez’s Inspiring Running Journey | Running Tales
In Episode 10 of the Running Tales podcast, in collaboration with Run Tri Bike, Craig Lewis chats with the inspiring Ali Lopez, whose incredible running journey began at 48 and has since taken her from half marathons to ultra running! Ali shares her experiences of starting later in life, transitioning to trails, and how running has transformed her both physically and mentally.
Ali’s story begins with her first half marathon, followed by an emotional journey to qualify for the Boston Marathon. She discusses the highs and lows of that experience, including the struggle to break the 4-hour marathon mark, and how crossing the Boston Marathon finish line felt like being a rock star! But that’s just the beginning—Ali’s passion for the sport led her to the trails, where she discovered a love for ultra running, and a new kind of endurance challenge.
Throughout the episode, Ali delves into the unique aspects of ultra running, including the laid-back atmosphere and strong sense of community. She shares how her first ultra, a 6-hour timed race where she completed 32 miles, opened her eyes to the supportive, fun side of the sport. She also recounts her emotional experience training for the Vermont 100, only for the race to be canceled due to severe flooding. Despite the setbacks, Ali remains grateful for the journey, demonstrating the mindset every endurance athlete strives for: love the process, not just the race.
One of the most powerful parts of the interview is Ali’s resilience in overcoming a detached retina, a life-changing injury caused by an exercise band accident. She underwent multiple surgeries to restore her vision, facing challenges with depth perception and night running. Yet, Ali never gave up. Her first race back, an emotional 5K, stands as a testament to her strength and perseverance.
Ali’s candidness about the mental aspects of running will resonate with athletes of all levels. She talks openly about using running as a tool for mental health, helping her overcome body image struggles and eating disorders. The episode emphasizes the power of mindset and community in running, as Ali reflects on how her training has helped her navigate life’s challenges.
Looking ahead, Ali shares her plans for the future, including tackling the Yeti 100 after a recent cancellation due to Hurricane Helene. She’s also eyeing a potential 200-mile ultra, proving that age is just a number when it comes to endurance running!
This episode is packed with inspiration, motivation, and heartfelt moments that will leave you ready to hit the trails. Don’t forget to give Running Tales a 5-star rating to help amplify more amazing stories like Ali’s!
1 hr 1 min
October 16, 2024 Creating Space for BIPOC Runners | Fireside Chat Guest: We Run Long
In this powerful and inspiring podcast episode, hosts Jason Bahamundi and Aum Grandi sit down with Kelsey Long and Rebecca Bowman, founders of We Run Long, along with Coach Becky Croft, to discuss the vital work being done to create a safe and inclusive space for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) runners in the endurance sports world. This conversation dives deep into the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of those working to bring about meaningful change in the running community.
At the heart of this discussion is the concept of accomplices—individuals who take active, ongoing roles in supporting BIPOC athletes, as opposed to passive allies. Kelsey and Rebecca emphasize that the mission of We Run Long goes beyond running; it's about building relationships that foster trust, respect, and solidarity. Their initiative not only provides opportunities for BIPOC athletes to get involved in running but also enables them to feel seen and valued. From participating in trail races to ultra marathons, We Run Long creates transformative experiences for athletes through their signature event, Camp We Run Long.
The episode highlights the emotional impact of Camp We Run Long, a safe space where BIPOC runners experience a true sense of belonging. Rebecca and Kelsey share the heartfelt stories of camp participants pushing through personal barriers while building connections with others who look like them—something that has been missing in many mainstream running spaces. Coach Croft also discusses her role in supporting these athletes as they overcome mental and physical challenges, such as the self-doubt that can arise from being a back-of-the-pack runner.
As the discussion progresses, the group opens up about the vulnerability of sharing personal struggles, including imposter syndrome and self-doubt, and how community support has been crucial in overcoming these hurdles. Through laughter and tears, they explore how running, a seemingly simple act, can become a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and joy. Alongside serious conversations, the guests share fun moments discussing their favorite snacks, from Oreos to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, adding lightheartedness to the deep and meaningful dialogue.
Ultimately, this episode is a celebration of the growing BIPOC representation in running. It reminds listeners that creating inclusive spaces for BIPOC athletes is not just a trend but a necessary movement that fosters genuine human connection. The guests offer a hopeful outlook on the future of diversity in running, where people of all backgrounds can thrive, support one another, and find joy in the sport.
Tune in to hear more about We Run Long, the importance of accomplices, and how Kelsey, Rebecca, and Coach Croft are building a better running community—one step at a time.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to support this important conversation!
1 hr 3 min
October 16, 2024 Race Nutrition, Space Travel & Laughs | Fiery Embers Show
Training for your next race and need a good laugh along the way? The latest episode of the Fiery Embers Show with Jennifer Comfort is exactly what you need! This episode is packed with hilarious moments, light-hearted banter, and relatable stories that will keep you entertained while offering practical insights for endurance athletes. Whether you're prepping for a triathlon or gearing up for an ultra-marathon, this fun conversation will put a smile on your face while you lace up for your next workout.
The show kicks off with a quirky and hilarious question: "What's your last meal before space travel?" Jennifer and Jason's answers will have you laughing out loud! Jennifer opts for animal crackers and frosted pop tarts, while Jason dreams of an authentic Puerto Rican dish—chuleta with arroz con gandules. Even Oreos and marshmallows make their way into the conversation. If you’ve ever wondered what elite athletes would eat before blasting off into space, now you know!
As the conversation moves from outer space to triathlon races, Jennifer and Jason dive into unconventional race nutrition strategies that will make you chuckle. From cheese and Rice Krispie treats to the real behind-the-scenes choices athletes make (hint: it's not always the perfect smoothie bowl you see on Instagram), their discussion about the Tri-Cities Ironman 70.3 will leave you laughing and learning. The scenic course through vineyards and along the Columbia River may sound fancy, but the food fueling it? Not so much!
But it’s not all laughs; the episode also packs in some solid inspiration. Jason shares his future race plans, including his goal to tackle the Indian Wells 70.3 and the backyard ultra format where athletes run 4.12 miles every hour until one person is left standing. Jennifer, on the other hand, is considering multi-day triathlons and has her eyes set on a 100-mile ultramarathon. If their banter doesn’t inspire you, their ambitious race goals will.
Then, the conversation shifts to the mental toughness required in endurance sports. While they keep things fun, they also emphasize the importance of enjoying your journey and focusing on personal satisfaction rather than seeking social media validation. Say goodbye to Strava kudos and hello to appreciating the beauty of the run!
This episode wraps up with actionable tips and race registration plans for both Jennifer and Jason, and they invite you to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. If you’re looking for a humorous, feel-good conversation that will leave you motivated to crush your training goals, this episode of the Fiery Ember Show is not to be missed!
Timestamps:
🎤 Introduction and Fun Questions (00:05 - 10:08)
🏃‍♀️ Triathlon and Race Nutrition (10:08 - 18:09)
🏅 Race Experiences and Future Plans (18:09 - 28:11)
🏋️ Training Tips and Personal Growth (28:11 - 39:51)
40 min

About Everyday Athlete Podcast Network

From the publisher's feed

This is the podcast network of Run Tri Bike, The Premiere Voice of the Everyday Athlete. We bring you the best human-interest stories in endurance sports.