Crack A Brew With AJW

Crack A Brew With AJW

In this podcast, veteran ultrarunner Andy Jones-Wilkins (AJW) invites a guest from the world of trail and ultrarunner to share with him a favorite beverage and engage in lively conversation about running and life. Guests include athletes, race directors, coaches, and media personalities.. Contact me: ajoneswilkins@gmail.com

Episodes

October 18, 2025 54 mins
In this episode AJW cracks a brew with veteran ultrarunners Zach and Nicole Bitter.  In their wide ranging conversation they discuss the trials and tribulations of sharing a life of running and some of their fondest memories of supporting one another in some of the sport's most competitive events.
 
Follow Zach on Instagram @zachbitter
Follow Nicole on Instagram @nkbitter
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In this latest episode of the partnership series AJW cracks a brew with Leah Yingling and Mike McMonagle to discuss their new roles as parents to young Monte, how they balance both of their competitive running lives, and their unique roles in the ever changing trail running media landscape.
 
Follow Leah on Instagram @leah_yingling
Follow Mike on Instagram @shitinthewoods
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In this latest episode in the partnership series AJW cracks a brew with 2025 Western States winner Abby Hall and her husband Cordis to talk about their collective experience at Western States and how they successfully balance elite ultramarathon training with their busy lives.
 

Follow Abby @abby.k.hall

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In this midseason Unplugged episode AJW laments the most recent positive drug test in trail running, gives an update on the Javelina Jundred and provides a little insight on his ongoing recovery from hip replacement surgery 

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In this third episode of the Partnership Series AJW cracks a brew with Jenn and Jeff Browning to talk about managing a busy family and a complex running calendar all while maintaining marital harmony and working full-time.
 
Learn all about Jeff and his various projects on his website https://www.giddyupultra.com/
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In this second episode of the Partnership Series AJW cracks a brew with Cheryl and Karl Meltzer to discuss the highs and lows of a decades long relationship, some of their most memorable experiences over 30 years on the trails, and what the future holds for them as they enter their next chapter.
 
Check out everything Karl is up to on his website https://karlmeltzer.com/
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In this first episode of his "partnership series" AJW cracks a brew with Callie Vinson and Scott Traer to talk about balancing training and racing schedules, coaching, supporting one another, and celebrating the beauty of the Arizona Trail Running Scene.
 
Follow Callie on Instagram @callievinson
Learn about Scott's coaching here https://www.runfastah.com/
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In this most recent edition of AJW Unplugged, AJW discusses intriguing storylines going into this year's race, makes his predictions for top-5 men and women, and shares what his plans are for Race Day.
 
Follow AJW on Instagram @ajoneswilkins
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In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Topher Gaylord, veteran ultrarunner and President of the Board of Directors of the Western States 100.  In their conversation they discuss the tradition of honoring older runners at Western States, the outlook for the 2025 race, and the long term future of the event.
 
Follow Topher on Instagram @tgaylord
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In this episode AJW cracks a brew with 72 year old Jan Vleck from Olympia, Washington to discuss his transition from roads to trails, his love of the Pacific Northwest Trail scene, and his specific training on the road to the 2025 Western States.
 
 
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In this episode of AJW Unplugged AJW reflects on his recent experience running the Cocodona 250.  Along the way he ruminates about some of the people he met, the lessons he learned, and the ways in which the event will likely alter the way he makes his way in the world.
 
Follow AJW on Instagram @ajoneswilkins
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In this episode AJW cracks a brew with 80 year old Nick Bassett who last finished Western States at the age of 73 and is attempting to become the first 80 year old to complete the race.  In this wide ranging discussion they discuss training, race execution, and Nick's long history with the event.
 
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In this episode AJW Cracks a brew with 70 year old Oregonian Ed Willson to talk about his training for Western States and what he feels are the "Four Pillars of Success" for older Western States runners.
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In this episode AJW cracks a brew with 74 year old Michael Koppy, an accomplished ultrarunner from Duluth, Minnesota.  Michael talks about his career running 200+ mile races and his long 10 year journey to the Western States starting line.
 
Consider a contribution to Michael's favorite charity, the Duluth YMCA
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In this first episode of Season 10 AJW cracks a brew with French ultrarunner Michel Polletti.  Michel is one of six 70+ year olds in this year's Western States and in this episode he explains why he is undertaking a particularly unorthodox approach to the race in 2025.
 
Check out Michel's results here
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In this latest AJW Unplugged Episode AJW dives into the last two Golden Ticket Races, talks about the incredible new Cocodona 250 film "The Chase", and shares some reflections on how his life has changed since becoming a grandfather.
 
Follow AJW on Instagram @ajoneswilkins
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In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Andy Blow, founder and CEO of Precision Fuel and Hydration.  In this episode they discuss the origin story of Precision Fuel and Hydration, recent advances in athlete strategies, and thoughts on the future of endurance sports performance.
 
Learn all about Precision Fuel and Hydration here
Read Hayden Hawks' Western States Case Study here
Read R...
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In this episode AJW cracks a brew with up and coming ultrarunner Shea Aquilano to discuss her early career in running, her 5 year history with the Black Canyon 100K and her hopes and dreams for her first run at the Western States 100.
 
Follow Shea on Instagram @shea_aq
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In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Joe "Stringbean" McConaughey.  After seven attempts Joe finally got his Western States golden ticket on his eighth try.  In this episode AJW and Joe discuss his journey to Western States, his experiences and advice for Cocodona 250 and his plans for the 2025 Western States.
 
Follow Joe on Instagram @thestring.bean
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In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Zoe Rom and Kylee Van Horn, the host of the "Your Diet Sucks" podcast.  In this wide ranging conversation they touch on the myths and mysteries of endurance athletes diets and some of the ways athlets of all types can sift through the noise.
 
Find Zoe's and Kylee's podcast here
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