Miles & Mountains

What does it take to aim your life at 89 mph and keep your head still while the world blurs? We sit with Andy Whittier, a Team USA skeleton hopeful on the cusp of Cortina 2026 and pull back the curtain on a sport that pairs sprint speed with steel nerves and brutal precision. From a small Idaho town and Division I football to a niche winter discipline, he explains why size and weight caps push some athletes toward skeleton, how a 7...

A headlamp slicing the dark. A kid who’d rather be grinding levels than hiking switchbacks. A flash of fear on the roadside that turns into something like courage. Eliot Peper joins us to share Ensorcelled, his compact 90-minute novel about a boy named Tim whose attention is split between the glowing pull of video games and the raw, unscripted wonder of the Sierra backcountry.

We dig into why this story works so well in a ...

Step into the world of rodeo media with Clay Noel Harper, the 26-year-old Editor-in-Chief of Rodeo Life magazine who's reshaping how Western stories are told. Born into what many consider "rodeo royalty," Clay Noel shares her unique journey from college rodeo competitor to becoming a respected voice in rodeo journalism.

With remarkable humility, Clay Noel opens up about growing up in a family deeply rooted i...

What drives someone to run 200 miles through rugged mountain terrain? Just three years after her first ultra marathon, Michaela Trenidad conquered the infamous Bigfoot 200, completing the punishing course around Mount St. Helens in 74 hours. 

Michaela pulls back the curtain on what she calls "the stretch of carnage" - a seven-mile section where exhausted runners collapsed alongside the trail every mile. She revea...

Professional bullfighter Trevor Wells returns to discuss his journey through recovery after a career-threatening knee injury and his decision to retire from bullfighting after his upcoming final three rodeos.

• Suffered tears to ACL, LCL, MCL and fractured kneecap during a rodeo in May 2024
• Underwent surgery in September 2024 and has regained 85-90% mobility
• Found the mental challenge of watching others fight b...

What drives someone to bike 631 miles across Idaho for charity, swim five miles through frigid waters with their 70-year-old grandmother, or keep pursuing extreme physical challenges after surviving a rocket attack in Syria? 

Meet Melisa Creek, an ultra-endurance athlete and military veteran whose extraordinary journey blends adventure with purpose. In this raw, captivating conversation, Melisa takes us from the grueling s...

What happens when you combine a 20-year passion for video editing with a deep love for rodeo and Western culture? In just eight short months, Troy and his son have created Outlaw Echos, a rodeo promotion powerhouse that's amassed over 125,000 genuine followers and is revolutionizing how rodeo content is presented to the world.

Unlike typical rodeo coverage, Outlaw Echos brings ESPN-quality production values to every r...

Some journeys are measured not in miles but in memories created along the way. When I invited my middle daughter Zoe Jane to accompany me on a cross-country drive to Indiana, neither of us fully understood the adventure that awaited. What began as a practical mission to collect my late father's belongings from storage transformed into a 4,500-mile expedition through America's heartland – one that would test my driving end...

What drives a father to commit the unthinkable? When Travis Decker allegedly killed his three young daughters and disappeared into the wilderness, media coverage quickly blamed "system failures" – but is that the whole story?

Three veterans dive deep into this heartbreaking case, challenging simplified narratives that potentially harm the veteran community. They untangle the critical distinction between PTSD and ...

When your running routes become maps of heartbreak, how do you find your way forward? Ultra runner John Calabrese takes us through his raw, emotional journey of rediscovery after losing both his relationship and running partnership in one devastating blow.

John's story begins with a dream scenario for many runners—falling for a fellow ultra athlete who shared his passion, crewed his races, and built memories along cou...

Rodeo athlete Payton Pierce takes us through his journey from high school bull rider to a Yeti Junior World Final Qualifier in just six months of bareback competition. With raw honesty and the distinctive grit that defines him, Pierce recounts the moment that changed everything—when bareback riding legend Kaycee Feild slapped him in the face before a ride and told him to remember he was "a bad motherfucker."

Pier...

This episode dives deep into the numerous ways that running becomes a platform for connection and healing. Our guest, Tiffany Eldefonso, shares her journey leading up to the 2025 Badger Mountain Challenge. 

Through heartfelt conversations, we explore how running can be a transformative journey, one that not only tests our physical endurance but serves as a medium to raise awareness about crucial issues such as Missing and ...

After leaving the comfort of a corporate job and venturing into the entrepreneurial world of rodeo apparel, Nicholas Reynolds has a story that promises to inspire. Our guest, Nicholas, alongside his partner Josh Gershom, has built 8 Seconds Strong—a brand that’s more than just clothing; it's a mission grounded in faith, family, and community.

The narrative deepens as we explore tales of personal transformation and red...

Wyatt Davis, a young bull rider with a heart as big as his ambition. Despite a severe injury in April 2023 that could have sidelined him for a year, Wyatt's sheer determination and the support of his family saw him back in the saddle much sooner. He shares his incredible journey of resilience, recounting the grit it took to overcome both physical and mental hurdles. Wyatt talks about graduating high school early, aspirations f...

Episode is released as a guest appearance on James Lauriello’s The Steep Stuff Podcast. Go listen to the episode on his podcast 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-steep-stuff-podcast/id1736139061?i=1000691423168

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Thank you James. I am honored to be on your podcast. Thank you for the kind words and the opportunity. 

Welcome our guest, Emma Folz, a rodeo photographer who began her journey in early 2023. Emma’s stories about the vibrant rodeo communities she's encountered are both inspiring and captivating, as she shares how her lens has captured more than just the action—it’s captured friendships and a sense of belonging.

Emma takes us on her photographic journey, revealing both the thrill and the challenging aspects of her craft....

What happens when a journey of personal transformation collides with the breathtaking beauty of the outdoors? Steve Emory, celebrating nearly 15 years of sobriety, shares his powerful story of recovery, resilience, and the simple joys of waking up without regrets. Steve’s love for nature shines through his passion for trail running, photography, and cherishing memories with his father. Discover how sobriety has shaped his life and ...

What happens when a rodeo queen and a rodeo clown team up in life and love? Jessi and Roy Jackson join us as they share the heartwarming and humorous tales of their journey through the rodeo scene, from their summer escapades to the song that perfectly encapsulates their relationship. Celebrate alongside us as we reflect on Roy's impressive growth in the rodeo arena and the mutual support that fuels their aspirations.

Discover the incredible journey of DeShawna Joe an ultra-endurance runner who balances her roles as a dedicated mother and a proud Native American woman. From her beginnings on the basketball courts of the Navajo Reservation to finding empowerment in the lonely miles of ultra-running, DeShawna’s story is one of resilience and cultural pride. Hear how she transitioned from the team sport dynamics of "Rez ball" to the perso...