On Your Left with Trails of Mississippi

In this episode, Matt sits down with Zach McRaney from the South Mississippi Trail Alliance. They dive into all the exciting initiatives the Alliance has been working on to expand outdoor recreation in the region. A highlight of the conversation is the upcoming “Rattlesnake Rumble,” Mississippi’s only gravel bike race. The event offers distances up to 100 miles and will take place in the scenic Pine Belt area on April 11. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just curious about the gravel scene, this episode promises inspiration and some great stories from the trail. Tune in for a fun ride!

Song of the week:

https://open.spotify.com/track/4sWs84qtpPOhyUBG0NHiz7?si=BeYdRy9RQweJfr7ApZBlhQ

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

In this special Coaches’ Corner episode of On Your Left, Matt Clem sits down with Mary Swayze, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist, and Level 2 USA Triathlon Coach. This is not surface-level advice, this is real, earned insight from someone who has lived it at a high level.

Mary brings over a decade of clinical experience and elite endurance performance to the table. A former Division I soccer player at Ole Miss and a three-time Ironman World Championship finisher in Kona, she now coaches athletes full-time out of Longmont, Colorado. She understands both sides of the equation, how to push performance and how to protect the body so you can keep showing up.

This conversation cuts straight to what matters: how to train smarter instead of just harder, how to avoid the injuries that quietly derail progress, and how the right coaching can compress years of trial and error into a clear path forward. If you’ve been stuck, plateaued, or constantly restarting because of setbacks, this episode will challenge how you approach your training.

If you’ve ever thought about hiring a coach, this is the episode that will either validate that decision or expose why you’ve been holding yourself back.

Song of the Week:

“These Days” by R.E.M 

https://open.spotify.com/track/1zTeBZXy4p2UALobZztYDs?si=nQkUe4JlT3aW0JQTSlDo-w

Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions

#OnYourLeftPodcast #MattClem #EnduranceTraining #TriathlonLife #IronmanTraining #RunSmart #TrainSmart #InjuryPrevention #CoachesCorner #PodcastLife #OutdoorAthlete #TrailRunning #CyclingLife #Triathlete #AudioAlchemyProductions

As MS 50 race week arrives, On Your Left with Matt Clem brings the story full circle. One year after the show’s first conversation about this iconic race, Matt sits down with ultra running veteran Mike, who is preparing to attempt his staggering 249th 100 mile finish.

Joining via Zoom from Santa Fe, New Mexico is Mike’s wife and trusted crew chief, Sandra Bullock Smith, author of Crewing an Ultra Runner: Start to Finish. Sandra shares what truly happens behind the scenes of a successful ultra effort, from pacing strategy and logistics to the emotional support that keeps runners moving when everything hurts.

Also in studio is longtime MS 50 volunteer and MUTS board member Ethan Mayeu, offering an insider’s look at what makes the MS 50 such a special event in the ultra community.

This episode is a masterclass in endurance, preparation, and the power of a great crew. If you are running MS 50, dreaming about your first ultra, or chasing your next buckle, this conversation will fire you up.

Song of the Week:

https://open.spotify.com/track/4GGvLe0rAVoqGIg7aZnxBC?si=WeDZMWEBSB2NDAjBhSOUYA

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

#OnYourLeftPodcast #MattClem #MS50 #Ultrarunning #100Miler #TrailRunning #EnduranceAthlete #UltraCommunity #RunLong #MUTS #CrewingMatters #PodcastRelease

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

In this episode of On Your Left, we're thrilled to welcome Chris Mixon, an endurance athlete who has been making waves in the trail running community since 2019. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Chris is not only a dedicated real estate agent, but also a husband, father of three, and the founder of the Jackson Trail Club.

Beyond his athletic endeavors, Chris also serves as a pastor at Fondren Church. He has achieved impressive finishes at events like the Pinhoti 100 and Lake Martin 100, and is currently training for the Fondren Urban Ultra, where he holds an impressive 77-mile record. Join us as we dive into Chris's journey, his training insights, and the passion that drives him!

Song of the week… “Never enough“ by turnstile

https://open.spotify.com/track/1zoXDi9AY4TF5JoUuCCTL6?si=FZ4N3OtFTbCBZxh24D458Q

Matt’s weekly recommendation https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-767-duct-tape-is-dead-modern-foot-care-for-long-miles/id484661268?i=1000748545134

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

Matt Clem is joined by a group of trail and ultra running friends for a laid back, festive conversation as they gather right before Christmas. Together, they look back on the miles, adventures, and lessons from the past year, talk through goals and intentions for the year ahead, and embrace the holiday spirit with plenty of laughter, stories, and a little friendly shenanigans.

This episode is all about community, gratitude, and remembering why we love getting out on the trails in the first place. Whether you are logging winter miles, traveling for the holidays, or simply enjoying some downtime, this one is meant to feel like a group run followed by great conversation with friends.

Tune in for an easygoing hour of trail talk, reflection, and holiday cheer.

#OnYourLeftPodcast #MattClem #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #TrailLife #RunningCommunity #HolidayMiles #RunHappy #TrailFriends #EndOfYearReflection

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

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.