Slingin' Shoes

One guest. Dozens of stories and insights. Olympian Jenny Simpson dishes on her new role as Chief Running Officer at Fleet Feet and recalls getting her first pair of shoes at Track Shack in Orlando, where she was "raised on running." She also sheds light on her year-long cross-country road trip where she and her husband Jason ran with thousands of runners from Colorado and North Carolina. Jenny also reveals what she got wrong about super shoes and how better gear, fueling and recovery will continue to help runners break records. 

Join Mark and Chris and four guests as we do a deep dive on sustainability and the running business in advance of Earth Day. Hear from Wayne Elsey, founder of Sneakers4Good, about how his organization helps shoes find a productive second life; Gain some wisdom and insight from Alicia Chin about her role with Altra, Smartwool and Icebreaker. Caspar Coppetti, one of the founders of On Running, shares how living in Switzerland has shaped his personal and business perspective on sustainability. And Laura Bolgen discusses ASICS' ambitious Nimbus Mirai shoe.

From the mountains of Switzerland to the hills of Texas, Slingin' Shoes features two uplifting conversations. Garrett Sage, owner of Irun Texas,  tells Mark and Chris what he learned managing an Amazon warehouse and why he walked away to work for Fleet Feet and eventually buy his own store.

Our brand interview is with Caspar Coppetti, one of the founders of On, who recently assumed the co-CEO title with another founder David Allemann. Caspar discusses product innovation, channel segmentation and how On works to stay entrepreneurial at $4 billion in annual sales. 

We celebrate Women's History Month with two women who are leaving their mark on the run business: Kathy Dalby of Pacers Running and Burke Beck of Red Coyote Running. The pair share what prompted them to launch the Empowerun Retreat and reveal how the event is an important forum to discuss the challenges women face not only in the business, but in their work and home relationships. Tune in for a candid, inspiring conversation. 

Dave Zimmer shares some of his greatest hits from 30 years as owner of the Fleet Feet Chicago franchise. He also talks about his plans to open a 10th store and the relationships, community, charitable giving and customers that keep him motivated. Spoiler alert: Dave also reveals who really developed the phrase "Running Changes Everything." Tune in and find out. 

Mark and Chris explore two very different stores: The Loop Running Supply in Austin, Texas and Whirlaway Sports in Methuen, Massachusetts.

Ryan Hess from The Loop discusses his "new age running store," which blends the style and innovation of a fashion sneaker boutique with the community outreach and customer service of a running store. Ryan gives the scoop on the store's brand collaboration strategy and how he has pioneered brands such as Satisfy and Pleasures.

Ryan Kowal is a second-generation slinger who has worked at Whirlaway Sports for 22 years. He shares his tips on product knowledge, customer service and making customers happy. 

Co-hosts Mark Sullivan and Chris Farley battle the elements to bring you an interview with store owner Karen Roberts and Social Media Marketing Manager Erica Barrera of Get Fit in Amarillo,  Texas. The duo discusses how their social media marketing has helped grow the store to $3 million in annual sales. And Karen shares her plans to open a second store this month. Tune in for an educational, entertaining listen.  

Eric Fruth, co-owner of Columbus Running Company, shares his three-leg stool philosophy: Retail, Races and Social and Training programs, and how they work together to drive business in his six stores.  Eric also discusses CRC's innovative Grasshopper youth running club program and how it builds customers of the future and boosts the store's youth footwear sales.

A great start to 2026!

Captured live at The Running Event, we sit with Tom Taylor of Altra, who discusses how his brand comes to market at retail. Camila Siqueira from SportBrazil talks about how TRE helped her and her same named sister-in-law build their business. And Adam White of RC Outfitters in Peoria shares his very personal story of how he overcame his struggles with alcohol and regain control of his business and his life.

Co-Host Chris Farley of Pacers shares his top 5 tips for getting the most out of TRE and some of them will surprise you. Elle Cheung of Gazelle Sports, winner of a Running Industry Diversity Coalition Scholarship to TRE, discusses how her store translates DEI philosophies into action. And Stephen Pifer of Skechers reflects on his 20-year career in the running business and his goal of running a sub-four minute mile in the same race as his son Jameson.