In episode number 21 of the On Your Left Podcast, Matt Clem sits down with runner Ricky Morgan to share an inspiring story of change, resilience, and self rediscovery. After a long struggle with weight and body image, Ricky found trail running and it transformed everything. What began as a simple effort to get healthier has turned into a passion that helped him lose a significant amount of weight, gain confidence, and completely shift his outlook on life.

Ricky opens up about the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the unexpected joy he has found in the trail running community. This episode is a reminder that it is never too late to choose yourself, start fresh, and keep moving forward one mile at a time.

Song Of The Week

https://open.spotify.com/track/3K2XoWLWdcvI0w1YuKI9dd?si=26K_8H_ZTdSkMpdnlMbcpw&context=spotify%3Asearch%3ATodd%2BSnyder%2Bcan%27t%2Bcomplain%2Blive

#OnYourLeftPodcast #TrailRunningLife #RickyMorgan #RunForChange #HealthJourney #WeightLossStory #NewBeginnings #KeepMovingForward #TrailRunningCommunity #MattClem

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In episode number 20 of the On Your Left Podcast, Matt Clem sits down with the first and second place finishers of this year’s Pinhoti 100. It was a hard-fought race with Peter Kazery leading for most of the course, only to be passed by first-time 100 miler Jake Russell in the final stretch. Both athletes share the mental battles, strategy decisions, and raw moments that defined their race day.

Joining in studio is first-time 100 mile finisher Ben McDonald, who pushed through exhaustion and doubt to earn his very first belt buckle with only minutes to spare. This episode is about grit, community, and the part of endurance racing that goes far beyond the miles.

Song Recommendation of the Week:

https://open.spotify.com/track/4WpbGa1LKTvwPOwizh0Mvk?si=VNmNzAARQDq7BI7hK-Zqnw

#OnYourLeftPodcast #Pinhoti100 #TrailRunningCommunity #UltraRunning #EnduranceMindset #JakeRussell #PeterKazery #FirstBuckle #RunForPurpose #KeepShowingUp

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In episode 19 of On Your Left Podcast, host Matt Clem reconnects with Johnny Davis, Board President of the Tri-County Mountain Bike Association. Since his last appearance in episode 2, Johnny and his team have been hard at work shaping Mississippi’s mountain biking scene—from the Original Trails in Ridgeland to The Quarry in Brandon and Big Butts in Clinton. Johnny also shares his own inspiring transformation from being overweight to becoming one of the most dedicated riders on the trails. Tune in for updates, passion, and proof that it’s never too late to change your life and chase the ride.

https://www.tricountymtb.org/

#OnYourLeftPodcast #MattClem #JohnnyDavis #TriCountyMountainBikeAssociation #MississippiMTB #MountainBiking #TheQuarryBrandon #BigButtsTrail #RidgelandTrails #TransformationStory #CyclingCommunity

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

On this episode of On Your Left, Matt Clem sits down with ultra athlete and Sharman Ultra coach Liza Howard to talk about what it takes to prepare for the 100-mile season both mentally and physically. Liza shares her best tips for endurance athletes looking to train smarter, recover faster, and stay grounded through the highs and lows of ultra running.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Liza is the Executive Director and Founder of Band of Runners, a nonprofit that connects military veterans and their families to the trail running community. She also serves as a senior instructor for NOLS Wilderness Medicine, teaching first aid, leadership, and decision-making in some of the world’s most challenging environments. With multiple 100-mile race victories including Leadville 100 and Javelina 100, Liza brings wisdom earned through years on the trail and a deep passion for helping others find healing and purpose through movement.

https://www.sharmanultra.com

https://www.bandofrunners.org

#ultrarunning #trailrunning #100mile #runningcommunity #BandOfRunners #LizaHoward #SharmanUltra #OnYourLeftPodcast #MattClem #endurance #veterans #wildernessmedicine #Leadville100 #Javelina100

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

#OnYourLeftPodcast #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #EnduranceRunning #TrailCommunity #RunningLife #Inspiration 

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

On this episode of On Your Left, Matt Clem sits down with Mississippi artist Robin Whitfield, whose life and work are rooted in the rivers, swamps, and forests of the South. Robin is more than a painter; she is a storyteller of the natural world, using watercolors and pigments foraged from plants and minerals to capture the rhythms and relationships of wild places.

From her Grenada studio to the creation of Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp, Robin’s passion bridges art, conservation, and community. She shares how the beauty of Mississippi’s landscapes inspires her work, why protecting natural spaces matters now more than ever, and how creativity can spark deeper connections to the environment we live in.

This conversation is a vibrant journey into the heart of art and nature, one that will leave you inspired to see your world differently.

https://www.friends-of-cs.org/

#OnYourLeftPodcast #MattClem #RobinWhitfield #MississippiArtist #ArtAndNature #NatureConservation #WildPlaces #WatercolorArt #ForagedPigments #ChakchiumaSwamp #LeeTarttNaturePreserve #OutdoorPodcast #NatureInspired #ArtConservation #EcoArt #MississippiOutdoors

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions. 

In this special episode of On Your Left Podcast, host Matt Clem sits down in the Line Shot Photography studios with PK and Cooper, while Pinhoti race directors Jamie and Todd Henderson join remotely. Together, they dive deep into the rich history of the Pinhoti Trail and the legendary Pinhoti races that have captured the hearts of trail runners everywhere.

From the rugged terrain and unique challenges to the community that has grown around these events, this conversation is packed with stories, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the Pinhoti 100 and other races so iconic.

For more info, race registration, and contact details:

🌐 Pinhoti Trail Series (https://www.pinhotitrailseries.com)

🌐 Register for Pinhoti 100 (https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=122098)

🌐 Register for Pinhoti 55 (https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=121762)

📧 [email protected]

📧 [email protected]

⸻

#OnYourLeftPodcast #PinhotiTrail #TrailRunning #Pinhoti100 #Pinhoti55 #UltraRunning #TrailCommunity #TrailLife #RunTheTrails #AdventureAwaits #MattClem #LineShotPhotography #EnduranceRunning #TrailRunningPodcast

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In this episode of On Your Left with Trails of Mississippi, host Matt Clem sits down with Tim and Caroline Irvine, the powerhouse duo behind Time2Run. What started in 2010 as Tim Irvine Race Timing has grown into a premier race timing and event company serving Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. From fun runs to marathons, ultras, cross-country meets, bike races, and even stair climbs, Tim and Caroline have seen it all.

They share stories from their early days at Archusa Water Park to launching their own trail races like The Great Scorpion Trail Run, The Ivy Trek Ultra, and the brand-new Circle of the Dragon in 2024. Whether it’s on the road, in the woods, or on the water, the Irvines bring precision, passion, and a love for the running community to every event they time.

If you’ve ever crossed a finish line and seen your time on the clock, you might just have Tim and Caroline to thank. This is a conversation about dedication, adventure, and the people who help make race day unforgettable.

https://www.time2run.net/

#OnYourLeftPodcast #TrailsOfMississippi #Time2Run #RaceTiming #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #GreatScorpionTrailRun #IvyTrekUltra #CircleOfTheDragon #RunningCommunity #MississippiRunning #AlabamaRunning #LouisianaRunning #FunRun #Marathon #UltraMarathon #BikeRace #BoatRace #TrailRace #CrossCountry #RunningPodcast #OutdoorAdventure #EnduranceSports #RaceDirectors #RunnersLife #RunMississippi #TrailRunners #FinishLine #RunForFun #AdventureAwaits

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In Episode 13 of On Your Left, Matt sits down with Big Butts Trail Race Director Kara Hankins for an inside look at this year’s event. Joining the conversation are both 100K champions—Lindsey Norris and Peter Kazery, who not only claimed victory but also set a new course record. From trail conditions to personal grit, they break down what it takes to conquer one of Mississippi’s most beloved endurance races.

Whether you ran it, volunteered, or are thinking about lacing up next year, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the Big Butts experience.

#TrailRunning #BigButts100K #UltraMarathon #OnYourLeftPodcast #LindseyNorris #PeterKazery #KaraHankins #MississippiTrails #RunningCommunity #EnduranceRacing #TrailLife #CourseRecord

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Matt sits down with Michelle Williams and Selena Swartzfager, cofounders of the Mississippi Interscholastic Cycling League, to explore how this statewide movement is reshaping youth development through the power of mountain biking. Rooted in the values of inclusivity, equity, respect, and community, the league is more than a sports program; it is a launchpad for building strong minds, bodies, character, and connections. Whether you’re a parent, coach, student, or cycling enthusiast, this episode offers a powerful look at how Mississippi’s trails are helping young people ride into a brighter, stronger future.

🎧 Listen in as we dive into:

Mississippimtb.org

#OnYourLeftPodcast #TrailsOfMississippi #MountainBiking #MississippiCycling #YouthDevelopment #GirlsWhoRide #InterscholasticCycling #BuildStrongBodies #CyclingCommunity #BikeMississippi #InclusiveSports #TrailLife #GetOutside #MississippiOutdoors

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.