In this episode of the HappyCast, Stephanie and Andrew sit down with ultrarunner Rachel Millman, whose race résumé spans mud-soaked DNFs, monster climbs, and fearless returns to the start line. Rachel takes us inside her recent finish at the Ouray 100, a beast of a race boasting over 40,000 feet of elevation gain, where she crossed the line just 23 minutes before the final cutoff. From navigating steep, loose terrain to staying upright during nighttime descents, she shares how grit—and a little stubbornness—got her to the finish.

But this conversation isn’t just about one race. Rachel opens up about the string of tough outcomes that came before Ouray, including storm-battered miles at Viper 200, a grueling DNF at Cocodona 250, and the blister battles that have been her biggest nemesis. Her honesty about the mental lows, self-doubt, and problem-solving in the middle of a race paints a real, unfiltered picture of what it takes to keep showing up for the toughest challenges.

We also dig into Rachel’s approach to training in Phoenix, her attraction to big-vert events, and what’s on deck next—hint: Moab 240 and Javelina 100 are coming up fast. Whether you’re here for the stories about running waist-deep through floodwater, chasing cutoffs in the mountains, or simply finding joy in pushing limits, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is sign up, show up, and keep moving forward.

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In this episode of HappyCast, Andrew and Stephanie are joined by Elliott Waldock — fresh off the Summit 200, one of the most rugged and high-altitude 200-mile races in the U.S. With Dylan notably MIA (possibly launching a Chipotle-based fight club), Andrew drinks wine and scrolls Elliott’s Instagram to dive deep into his running past, landing fortuitously on his very first 100-miler: Brazos Bend. What follows is a hilarious, nostalgic, and surprisingly heartfelt look at Elliott’s journey from Texas trails to the brutal peaks of Colorado.

The conversation takes a wild turn when Stephanie realizes she raced alongside Elliott at the Possum’s Revenge 69-miler—where he unknowingly triggered her into a puke-worthy sprint finish. From there, it’s an exploration of shared memories, ridiculous aid station food strategies, Airbnb mishaps, and what it’s like to hallucinate alone at 12,000 feet. Elliott reflects candidly on the Summit 200 experience, calling it the hardest 200-miler he’s ever done and detailing the cold, isolation, and relentless terrain that made it a true test of mental and physical strength.

Elliott also shares what the ultra scene is like in his home state of North Dakota, and makes a strong case for why more runners should volunteer—and why Stephanie should come run the Maah Daah Hey 100. We close things out with moose stand-offs, wine reviews, a heartfelt “can’t let it go,” and the kind of chaotic, unfiltered storytelling that makes HappyCast feel like a trail hang with friends.

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This week on HappyCast, we welcome Melissa Perez—trail runner, graduate student, community leader, and self-proclaimed lover of the f-word—for a raw and powerful conversation about what it means to run scared and come out the other side stronger. Hot off her recent finish at the notoriously tough High Lonesome 100, Melissa shares how altitude, hyponatremia, and mental fatigue collided in the Colorado mountains—and why this race stands out as one of the most transformative of her life.

Joined by hosts Andrew and Stephanie, Melissa opens up about the unexpected challenges of back-to-back 100s (with Angeles Crest looming just one week after), why representation on the trails matters so deeply, and how she’s shifted from racing to heal past trauma to racing in celebration of her growth. From last-minute pacer miracles to clear-pee paranoia, nothing is off the table in this candid chat.

We also hear about her all-women’s trail group, Chingonas on the Run, her love for champagne and screamo playlists, and her very special race-day accessory that always brings joy. If you’ve ever doubted your readiness, questioned your path, or needed a reminder that it’s okay to show up scared—this one’s for you.

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Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of HappyCast, Andrew and Stephanie sit down—just the two of them—for a rare one-on-one reflection. Fresh off completing her 21st 100-miler, Stephanie opens up about her emotional journey through the Vermont 100. From navigating recovery and divorce to running the race entirely without audio, she shares what made this one of the most transformative experiences she’s ever had on trail.

Stephanie takes us mile by mile through Vermont’s historic course—runnable dirt roads, technical trails, and long stretches without crew. We hear about her surprise pacer Richard, the power of community, and how a simple shift in mindset (“my room is full”) helped carry her through one of the most meaningful weekends of her life. She also shares some hilarious moments, including bathroom misfires, monster popsicles, and a bear encounter at her Airbnb.

Andrew and Stephanie close the episode by reflecting on summer running struggles, trail negativity, and what it means to show yourself grace. With no third-party guest and no filter, this episode offers a raw and intimate look at life, loss, and the joy of pushing through it all. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or your 21st, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon.

Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

This week on the HappyCast, we change things up a bit and focus on the business side of running and the colorful apparel it brings by having Elliot Matson, creator and founder of Folklord, join us to tell us all about his up-and-coming business. Folklord and its mythological and storytelling approach to running apparel has been popping up all over the country, and it’s definitely something that’s hard to miss. 

We talk about Elliot’s colorful and unique approach to selling his products, where his shirts can become just as mythological as the content he’s inspired by. Always rotating in something new, we talk about the challenges about running a growing running company as a one-man show. 

And on behalf of Folklord and the HappyCast, we will be doing a WEEKLY giveaway for the foreseeable future where we pick one winner a week to win an item (or two) of their choice from Folklord. More about that later. 

So strap in a let’s go behind the scenes and speak with the man behind the myth, and may your runs always be as colorful as the gear you wear. 

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon.

Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

In this special fourth appearance, Wes Plate returns to HappyCast with a full breakdown of the inaugural Copper Kings 100—Montana’s newest hundred-mile race and his most ambitious project yet. With co-hosts Stephanie and Andrew, Wes opens up about what it took to bring this dream to life: from months of preparation and a jam-packed U-Haul to navigating stormy skies, deadfall-filled trails, and the high-stakes logistics of a remote mountain race. Spoiler: not even a lightning storm during the race briefing could shake this crew.

Stephanie recaps her experience captaining the Our Lady of the Rockies aid station—a mountaintop post where she and a team of volunteers (including both her and Wes’s moms) kept runners alive with mashed potatoes, heated bathrooms, and the occasional mid-hallucination pep talk. Between walking every runner up the hill, managing drop bags and puke blankets, and making sure no one missed the cutoff, this became a spiritual checkpoint for runners and crew alike.

With 90 finishers out of 105 starters and only one DNS, the Copper Kings 100 defied all expectations for a first-year race. Wes reflects on what went right, what he learned, and how much this community has grown around a course that winds through solitude, scenery, and suffering. Whether you’re an aspiring race director, a trail runner dreaming of Montana, or just here for stories about flamingo costumes and blowing up propane heaters, this episode is packed with heart, hustle, and humor.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon.

Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

In this hilariously unfiltered and surprisingly heartfelt episode, Stephanie recaps her post-Cruel Jewel adventure at the Great Divide 100 in Colorado with guests Ben Bridgeman and Liesl Standish. After a last-minute pivot to avoid altitude overload, Stephanie takes us through her thought process behind picking this particular race just three weeks after finishing one of the most brutal 100-milers in the Southeast. With loops at a “mild” 9,200–9,800 ft elevation and a deceptively runnable course, she thought this would be a safer bet. Spoiler: it wasn’t.

Liesl and Ben—now proud Coloradans—served as her pacers and emotional lifelines as the race devolved from high hopes to high-altitude hell. The episode dives into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with racing at elevation while undertrained and over-beered, the importance of having the right people by your side, and the unique energy of grassroots trail races. There’s discussion on course markings, shade-hopping strategies, and the shock of how 65 degrees in Colorado sun hits different than in Texas.

But it’s not all suffering and sunscreen. Between the shade breaks, trail hallucinations, and one hilariously defiant mantra—let’s just say it wasn’t about “having balls”—this episode is packed with raw trail wisdom, post-race reflection, and the kind of unfiltered fun you can only have when you’re running on fumes and friendship.

Photo Credit: Zach Johnson

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon.

Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

In this special women-led episode of HappyCast, Stephanie teams up with guest co-host Ben Bridgeman to spotlight the incredible performances at this year’s Achilles Hill ultra event. The spotlight shines brightly on Jaclyn Lovelady, Alisa Hardy, and Lisa Decker—three powerhouse women who not only swept the competition but redefined what grit and community mean on the trail. From setting new course records to creating new divisions (hello, ruck champion!), the ladies brought fierce determination and even fiercer support for one another throughout the 48-hour endurance fest.

Jaclyn claimed the coveted Last Person Standing title with 108 miles completed in 26 loops, outlasting a competitive field with steady pacing and mental toughness. Meanwhile, Alisa crushed the Miles Champion category with a record-breaking 130 miles, channeling doubts into fuel and proving once again that women belong at the top of the leaderboard. And Lisa? She went beast mode—completing a 100-mile effort while hauling a 20–25 lb ruck, outlasting most of the field and closing out the race with community-powered momentum and a smile.

Beyond the numbers, this episode captures the heart of Achilles Hill: a tight-knit, fiercely supportive trail family where everyone roots for your win. From popsicle breaks to last-minute pacer gigs and pond-diving dogs to mushroom-fueled mayhem, the stories shared are as heartfelt as they are hilarious. Whether you’re chasing a buckle or just your own limits, this episode reminds us that joy, strength, and sisterhood can carry you farther than you ever imagined.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon.

Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

This week on a jam-packed episode of the HappyCast, we sit down with Katie O’Connor and talk about her Cocodona 250 experience. We talk about her preparation, race execution, and most importantly, the post-race festivities. 

Spoiler alert: she could just be the most positive person out on the trail. So naturally, we decide to bring in some firepower and surprise her with her crew chief, Julie, joining to potentially dish out any dirt or fun tidbits about Katie’s race. With Julie joining, the shenanigans grow exponentially. 

And finally, we decide to invite Hans Troyer back on for his third HappyCast appearance  for a brief segment to give us an update as he approaches Western States 100. We at the HappyCast think he is a dark horse to win the race. But really, we just wanted him on to bombard him with 200 mile race questions. We have Katie try to convince him to run Cocodona, and with her charming disposition, we think it worked! But only time will tell. 

So join us as we enter the mind of one of the most positive, thoughtful, and organized runners out there with Katie. 

On all podcast platforms AND YouTube! And as always, don’t forget to leave us a review!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon.

Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

This week on the HappyCast, we are joined by THE Hilary Ann Yang as she talks about the newest 200+ mile race around, The Mammoth! 🦣 With its permits literally approved RIGHT before this recording, we talk about the hype, preparation, course, and increasing the participation of women in the 200 mile scene. Hilary will also be race directing this event, so we delve further into the process of taming the Mammoth 🦣

With a big guest comes big co-hosting responsibilities, so naturally, we kick Andrew to the curb and introduce some all-stars themselves, with Kevin Goldberg (from the Distance to Empty podcast), and Isabella “Izzy” Campos-Janovick joining Stephanie in the co-hosting chair.

Be sure to check out the Mammoth, with registration still on-going! And a huge thanks to Hilary for joining this ship that continues to somehow stay afloat after all these years.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon.

Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]