My Favorite Running Podcasts
We may be far into the pandemic, and we may be fatigued with running solo, but it’s still important to continue to run solo to keep yourself and others safe and healthy. Whether you’re a new runner or a seasoned vet, it can be a struggle to find a way to keep your mind engaged and positive while on a solo run. My remedy to the solo struggle is podcasts! Sports, politics, NPR–very little is off-limits for me when it comes to podcasts. I like podcasts more than music because a podcast keeps me more engaged, plus I feel like I’m learning something while getting in my daily exercise. And while I know it’s meta, my favorite podcasts to listen to while running are about running!
As the pandemic has forced people into their homes and canceled races around the world, there has been a massive influx of new running podcasts. It can be overwhelming to find ones that are worthwhile and provide something of substance. Since I run with podcasts every day, I’m here to help provide some guidance with my favorite running podcasts to listen to while running or doing work around the house. Remember that if you’re listening to a podcast while running, do so safely! I love using Aftershokz headphones because they sit outside your ears and allow you to still hear surrounding noise (they also have great sound quality). What are your go-to podcasts to listen to while running? Share your favorites and check out the ones below!
National Podcasts
The BibRave Podcast is hosted by my friends Jess and Tim Murphy, founders of BibRave, a premiere website for finding and reviewing races. Released every Friday morning, the BR Pod has one of my favorite opening jingles of any podcast (courtesy of early guest, ultrarunner Matt Flaherty). Jess and Tim do a great job of touching on a wide range of running issues from multiple perspectives, including professional runners, subject-matter experts, and leaders in the race management industry. I was one of their first guests, but they’ve done many, many more interesting episodes in their 200 episodes since. My recent favorite was their 200th episode, which served as a best-of episode. Check it out here.
Hosted by runner, author, and coach Mario Fraioli, the morning shakeout podcast is an extension of Mario’s weekly newsletter with long form chats between Mario and various runners and industry folk. Mario has a calm, relaxed demeanor that is soothing while on the run. He also asks thoughtful, out-of-the-box questions to his guests. A favorite episode comes from December 2019 when Mario talked with Peter Bromka, a semi-professional runner and writer. Check it out here.
Ali Feller is a writer, runner, and (maybe her coolest resume item) NY Marathon race announcer living in New York. Her podcast focuses on runners of various skillsets and abilities, digging deep into why they run with a sprint to the finish of fun questions. She releases multiple episodes a week, all clocking in around or under an hour (perfect for a solo longish run). A favorite recent episode was her raw, honest chat with my friend Chris Heuisler, former Global RunWestin Concierge, on his battle with alcoholism. Check it out here.
Running for Real with Tina Muir
Tina Muir is a 2:36 marathoner from the UK, currently living in St. Louis. I first started listening to her when she lived just down the road in Lexington and had on the wife of my running coach, Sarah Crouch. As the title suggests, this podcast gets real. Her guests talk about a lot more than just running, and it’s refreshing and inspiring to hear their struggles and successes. Tina also discusses her own battles, including her struggle with amenorrhea (which kept her from getting her period for nine years). She recently had a great episode with Alison Desir on anti-racism that you can learn more about here.
While only a few months old, the Early Call Time podcast gives listeners an extensive behind-the-scenes view into running races and the industry (the name stems from the early time race managers wake up on race day to begin setting up). Hosts Tony and Eli are leaders in our industry, and also have a great back-and-forth with each other when it’s only them on the podcast. I may be biased, but a favorite episode is when I was on with them in June to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and inclusion in the running industry. You can find out more about that episode here.
Local Podcasts
Standing for Bad Ass Mother Runner, the Bluegrass BAMR Podcast is hosted by BAMR Stephanie Boyd. Stephanie chats with BAMRs from Louisville and beyond, talking about their experiences as a runner and as a mother. Beyond her podcast, Stephanie is the leader of the Moms Run This Town/She Runs This Town Louisville chapter. This allows her to meet some of her amazing guests and provide some great running insight into how to be a BAMR for yourself.
Hosted by local runner Corey Queen, the Dad Bod podcast gives you shorter episodes with and without guests. Corey isn’t afraid of tackling any issue, and gives a lot of great perspective into his personal struggles and his experience as a Black man and runner. Corey and this podcast are a great resource for our local running community.