This is the first episode of a new chapter for The Runaround Podcast! After being strictly audio-based for the first three years of producing the Runaround, I am excited to add a visual element to my conversations by utilizing the UNO television studio and a full behind-the-scenes crew. Full, viewable podcast episodes can be found on my Youtube Channel, The Runaround Pod,  and on Spotify. All episodes can still be listened to wherever you get your podcasts as well. I'm excited to kick off a new chapter of The Runaround! 

In this inaugural episode, I speak to UNO senior, Juliette Eckler. She is a Journalism and Media Communication major, the president of UNO's Women in Media Club, and the station manager for Mav Radio (UNO's on-campus radio station). 

Juliette shares the lessons she has learned through her coverage of UNO sports and the College World Series. She speaks about imposter syndrome and how she has overcome it as a woman in sports media. 

Juliette was also a sprinter on Omaha Central's track & field team in high school, and she has been an assistant coach to current Omaha Central athletes throughout college. She shares how coaching has given her a refreshed perspective on the sport. 

This new version of The Runaround has been a long time in the making, and I cannot wait for you to see what we have in store. Please enjoy this first episode of The Runaround Podcast, produced in the UNO television studio. 

Michael Mireles is entering his seventh year in the NCAA. He spent five years at UCLA and is now heading into his second season at the University of Oregon. Along the way, he’s accomplished plenty, including a runner-up finish at the 2024 Big Ten Cross Country Championships and breaking four minutes in the mile.

But Michael’s journey hasn’t been defined by accomplishments alone. He shares about navigating injuries, academic stress, and the challenges that come with spending many years competing at the collegiate level. Rather than seeing those obstacles as setbacks, Michael explains how they helped him become a more well-rounded person, and ultimately, a better runner.

We also talk about the importance of having fun, staying present, and enjoying the process every day. Michael speaks about how taking some of the pressure off himself has allowed him to appreciate running more and continue pursuing big goals with a healthier perspective.

As one of the top runners in the NCAA, Michael has so many insights to share. This is one you don't want to miss! 

In this episode of The Runaround Podcast, I sit down with Hannah Seubert, a recent University of Oregon graduate and four-year cross country and track athlete. Hannah is also the recipient of the 2025 Jackie Robinson Community Impact Award and a two-time O-Hero Community Service Award winner.

After dealing with five stress fractures in her first two and a half years of collegiate running, Hannah was forced to rethink her perspective on running and life. Instead of letting setbacks define her, she took the time away from competing as an opportunity to invest in others and create meaningful impact.

Hannah and I recently worked together at Bowerman Running Camp, and in this conversation, we talk about injury, perspective, finding purpose beyond sport. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful impact we make comes from what we choose to do when things don't go according to plan.

Cole Basden went viral after completing what has become known as the "Quad Ultra"—running 100 laps (over 44 miles) around the University of Illinois Main Quad on Reading Day. It turned one of the most stressful days of the semester into an unforgettable challenge that inspired so many.

But the viral run is only part of his story.

In this episode, Cole shares how his passion for movement began, what inspired him to take on the Quad Ultra, and what it was like watching the challenge spread. We also talk about his time as a strength and conditioning intern at the University of Illinois, where he worked with Division I student-athletes, the lessons he learned from coaching and training others, and why he believes fitness should be accessible to everyone, not just elite athletes.

Whether you're chasing a big goal, looking for motivation to get moving, or simply curious about the crazy challenge he took on, this conversation is full of perspective, positivity, and a reminder that movement is more powerful than we realize.

Midge Taylor-Good is the Senior National Manager of the Field Experience Team at Hoka. Before stepping into her current role, Midge spent nearly 15 years at Naperville Running Company, where she held a variety of positions, including retail, employee training, community engagement, and general management. She also spent time consulting within the run specialty industry, helping businesses and leaders grow.

In this conversation, Midge shares lessons she has learned throughout her career about leadership, team building, and bringing out the best in others. We discuss what it takes to lead large groups of people, why difficult conversations are an essential part of leadership, and how the best leaders approach those conversations from a place of care and a genuine desire to help others reach their potential.

Whether you're leading a team, working alongside others, or simply looking to grow as a person, this episode is full of valuable insights from one of the most respected leaders in the running industry.

On this episode, I’m joined by Alli O'Keefe, a Regional Tech Lead at On, to talk about her path in the running industry. From studying journalism at North Central College to working as the Digital Marketing Manager at Naperville Running Company, Alli shares how her career evolved before eventually joining On as a Tech Rep and growing into her current role.

We also talk about balancing a career in the sport with life as a new mom. She shares her experience running the New York City Marathon last year and how it carried special meaning after such a transformative year in her life.

This is a conversation about how meaningful running can be in every stage of life! 

On this episode of The Runaround Podcast, I’m joined by my three college roommates and teammates, Charlotte, Litzey, and Hope, as we reflect on our first semester at the University of Nebraska Omaha. From adjusting to college life and balancing academics with athletics, to the moments that defined our fall, we share our favorite memories and the lessons that stood out most along the way. We also look ahead to the upcoming track season, our goals, and what we’re excited about moving forward. This is a fun and honest conversation about growth, friendship, and figuring things out one day at a time. Start off 2026 strong and don't miss this update! 

In this episode, I sit down with Anderson Bobo — the Creative Director of Track & Field at the University of Oregon — to talk about the intersection of sport, storytelling, and creativity. Bobo shares how his love for running and media merged into a passion for capturing the world’s best athletes through photos and video.

From his days competing at the University of North Florida to earning his master’s at the University of Florida and now working at Oregon, Anderson reflects on the path that led him to one of the most iconic programs in collegiate track and field. We talk about the most unforgettable experiences he's had through his job, the mindset he brings to getting a great shot, and a few hot takes he’s developed along the way about both photography and the running world.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves the sport, the media, and the stories that bring track and field to life.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Coach Bennett — Nike’s Global Head Running Coach — we dig even deeper into the philosophy that has made him one of the most influential voices in our sport. We unpack his signature saying, “This is about running. This is not about running,” and how it came to be. 

From bridging the gap between elite and everyday runners to his deep belief that running can make the world a better place, this episode offers perspective that goes beyond the world of athletics. If you haven't already, be sure to listen to Part 1 of this conversation before jumping into this one. Enjoy! 

In the first part of this two-part, inspiring conversation, I sit down with Coach Bennett, Nike’s Global Head Running Coach, to explore the side of running you can’t measure on a watch. We talk about turning criticism into growth, finding optimism in tough moments, and why the training shapes so much more than just our fitness. The Runaround Podcast has always aimed to dive into the emotional side of sports, and this episode certainly gets deep! Enjoy this conversation that sheds light onto why sports help teach us life's most important lessons.