Shows
Strides: A Trail Running PodcastWill Rocha (The People’s Champ): Breaking Down Sky Island, UNRTD, and 2026 Race PlansIn September, ahead of the Sky Island trail race, Will Rocha famously said he was going to "f**k around and find out." I suppose you could say it paid off—Rocha took the top spot on the 25K, finishing the race in just under two-and-a-half hours.An impressive finish, especially considering it was Rocha's first trail race. However, Rocha is no stranger to the endurance chase.In our conversation, we discuss how running came to Rocha by way of an interest in cycling and mobility, his marathon plans, where his next trail race is se...
2025-12-1737 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastThe 'AVRG' Runner's Playbook with Jordan GraceyJordan Gracey may be an average runner, but his itch for the heart of running and creating is palpable.Gracey is one of three behind "AVRG," a DIY-zine tailored for all runners. Check out Issue 001 from AVRG.We recorded this episode back in September.While we do touch on running and AVRG in this conversation, Jordan graciously shared in my meanderings about trail shoes, the beauty and complexities of Kogonada’s film Columbus, and Gracey’s roots in the music scene.Follow Jordan on InstagramFollow AVRG on In...
2025-12-1256 min
The Hudson Valley Disc Golf Podcast301. NEFA, Volunteer and NYTCThis week on The Hudson Valley Disc Golf Podcast: Evan, Corey, Erich, Jaimen, Alex and Randy join to recap the last week and more. We start by getting caught up on some of the events we didn’t get to last week. Erich, Corey, Alex and Jaimen recount their trip to Warwick for Innova Presents The New England Disc Golf Championships then Evan, Corey, Erich, Randy and Alex talk about the DisCap series 2025 Volunteer Finale at Stonykill.Then we get into this past week with some local coverage and New York Team Challenge talk. We talk about th...
2025-11-131h 59Strides: A Trail Running PodcastCale Williams | Pre Sky Island Trail Race InterviewHeading into this year's Sky Island, third time is the charm for Cale Williams.Cale Williams has stuck to what he knows in his preparation for Sky Island -- hill repeats and long trail runs, especially at the Babcock Powerlines in San Antonio. As for nutrition, Cale is looking toward gummy bears. And some Huma gels, of course. But for Cale, he is eyeing a chill ride on the 25K and looking forward to crushing his enemies at the same time.Follow Cale on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and Subtstack...
2025-09-1509 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastRoy Gallegos | Pre Sky Island Trail Race InterviewIn his first 50k, Roy Gallegos is not letting Sky Island's distance get to his head.Roy Gallegos' mindset is one rooted in a humble mentality; a devotee to the endurance experience. From 5:00 a.m. training runs to acclimating to the necessary elevation gains, Roy is prepared for the experience of a lifetime. At the end, one thing awaits: finishing as an ultramarathoner. What's next? Bigger and better things, he would say. Follow Roy on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and Spotify
2025-09-0816 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastJoe Sierra | Pre Sky Island Trail Race InterviewWest Texas has come calling again for Joe Sierra, who is looking for the finish in his second trail race of the year at Sky Island. Joe Sierra is coming off a Big Bend Ultra 50-mile finish from earlier this year, though he is also battling a bad shin splint. Despite that, however, Joe describes how prioritizing recovery and cross-training on the bike has prepared him for the longevity of the Sky Island 50k. Low and slow is Joe's mindset, especially to tackle the elevation gains in the race.Follow Joe on InstagramF...
2025-09-0112 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastWill Rocha | Pre Sky Island Trail Race InterviewIn his first trail race, Will Rocha is going to fuck around and find out in his home away from home.There is a beauty in coming into an endurance feat with the intent to find out one's limits. For Will Rocha, the Sky Island 25k will be a test of mental fortitude. Listen to find out how Will is coping with injury, approaching the start with patience, and how he landed racing at Sky Island.Follow Will on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple...
2025-08-2509 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastMadison Ortega | Pre Sky Island Trail Race InterviewRunning with her dad and husband by her side, Madison Ortega is ready for the magic of Sky Island and West Texas.In this episode, Madison Ortega describes her mentality coming into her second trail race. Fitting that it is another West Texas race, as she did the 20k at the Big Bend Ultra earlier this year. Trading frigid temperatures for the blazing sun, Madison discusses her training post-injury, the importance of nutrition and hydration, and how she feels running the race alongside her dad and husband.Follow Madison on InstagramFollow Strides...
2025-08-2009 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastA Lesson in Discipline and the Blessing of Movement with Javian QuinonesThe heart of the athlete shines with Javian Quinones, a faithful devotee to the endurance chase. Quinones, who is rehabbing and rebuilding from his third knee surgery, has chased endurance on two wheels and two feet. A seeker of the ultra distance, Quinones has big goals and bigger miles. We chat about what brought him into running and how that evolved to cycling, the importance of optimism when dealing with injury, and what it means to chase the miles.Follow Javian on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out S...
2025-08-1952 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastSantiago Ortega | Pre Sky Island Trail Race InterviewSantiago Ortega is eyeing the finish line on his first 50k and preparing to fill that experience with joy.In this episode, hear how Santiago is mentally preparing for the effort, what fuel sources he plans to utilize–including the underrated (gluten-free) peanut butter and jelly sandwich—and how a trip to Mexico City earlier this year is affecting his mindset going into the race.Follow Santiago on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a to...
2025-08-1812 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastIntroduction: Interviewing nine runners from San Antonio tackling Sky IslandHey everybody!I’m happy to introduce this project: Strides’ pre-race coverage of the Sky Island trail race. The race, one of West Texas’ finest, is in its ninth year. Boasting views of Fort Davis, the McDonald Observatories, and the skies of Texas, the race is much-loved — and it's calling the name of some badass runners.For this coverage, I sat down with nine runners from San Antonio who are running the 25k and 50k races. While Borderlands’ Western States interviews inspired this, this was also a chance to live vicariously through the endurance c...
2025-08-1705 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestDangerous Dandy Ben ThompsonLet us know what you thinkThis episode Mason tells the gang the story of gunman, gambler, and onetime lawman Ben Tompson. A contemporary of Bat Masterson and adversary of “Wild Bill” Hickok, learn how this native Englishman came to make the American South his home as he gambled and shot his way into the History Books.#WesternHistory #KansasHistory #TexasHistory #OutlawHistory #LawmanHistory #BenThompson #TrueWesternhistory #Gunfighter #FalseSummitsPodSources:Time to DieBy Thomas C. Bicknell and Chuck Parsonshttps://truewestmagazine.com/article/time-to-die/BEN...
2025-08-0134 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastRunning As A Lens to the Natural World with Shaun JonesThere is an air of calm and creativity to Shaun Jones’ view on running, much of which is often evoked through the camera lens of his phone.Influenced by his interests in street photography, Jones sometimes dedicates runs to finding striking images, all while covering miles on the trails or parts of the San Antonio River Walk from the steps of his front door. In this conversation, we discuss how photography plays into Jones' running, building up his mileage for races, and running as exploration.Follow Shaun on InstagramFollow Strides on...
2025-07-2853 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastThe Runner's Church with Roy GallegosRoy Gallegos is inspiring, both for his view on running and his commitment to bettering the craft.When not doubling the Babcock power lines on the weekend or battling hill repeats, Gallegos uplifts his small business and spends his life as a husband and a father.We cover running as a spiritual practice, how Gallegos discovered brands such as Satisfy and Alex Zono, and what his race plans look like for the rest of the year. Follow Roy on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides o...
2025-07-2252 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastEdgar Navarrete: A Balance of Movement, Experience, and ResilienceEdgar Navarrete brings a special kind of humility and warmth to his story, one of resiliency and centered in the history of two places.In this episode, Edgar and I discuss how his immigration story has impacted his running journey, the importance of movement in that journey, and what coveted race he is eyeing for his 100K debut.Follow Edgar on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review...
2025-07-0145 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastAmy Hermes of In The Loop Run Crew: Inclusivity, Community, Celebrating a Sponsored 5K RaceHowdy, everyone. Back from a brief hiatus, but ready to get back on track. Let’s hop in.This week, we had Amy Hermes of In The Loop Run Crew on to discuss her journey into running and how she started the group. We also touched on their recent flagship race: the Y’all Means All 5K Pride race.Registration for next year's Y'all Means All race is openFollow In The Loop Run Crew on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and...
2025-06-2634 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastOrganizing and Executing Race Logistics with Kirsten MengdenKirsten Mengden is busy in the best way. She and many others built, made way, and put on my most recent trail race, making it a memorable experience that I look forward to next year. In this episode, we discuss her history with running, getting involved with a local running store in San Antonio, and what's to come with an excellent course in the Texas Hill Country. Follow Kirsten on InstagramFollow iRun on Instagram and check out their websiteFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on...
2025-06-1052 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastFinding Balance in Movement and Meditation with Santiago OrtegaIn this episode, I sit down with Santiago Ortega, a San Antonio runner, run club coordinator, and small business owner.Ortega is doing some great stuff in these spaces, providing a refreshing take on running's art form in the process. I'm stoked this conversation is hitting your ears. We cover the gamut in this podcast.Follow Santiago on InstagramFollow his run club, Extra Credit, on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got...
2025-06-041h 27Strides: A Trail Running PodcastThe Comeback Tour: Garrett Philbrick’s ultra aspirations, and balancing running with familyGarrett Philbrick is more than just a teacher, a dad, and a husband: He’s an ultrarunner on a mission, a comeback tour of his own.With nine ultras under his belt, Philbrick is building out his mileage and time to prepare for a packed calendar of races to close out the year.He sat down with me to discuss his running journey, landing his first sponsorship, and why he chooses to run to heavy metal music.Follow Garrett on Instagram, Strava, and check out his go-to running playlist.Follow the po...
2025-05-2755 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastRecap: Desperado 20k's technicalities and intricaciesHowdy, and welcome back to Strides!In this episode, I break down my experience running the 20k event this past Saturday during the Desperado Gravel Run & Ruck in Boerne, Texas. This was an incredible event with some gorgeous Hill Country trails, and will surely be a yearly staple for me.Follow the podcast on Instagram and Substack!Love it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to stridestrailpod@gmai.com
2025-05-2021 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastIt's race week: Desperado 20k is on the menu, and South Texas is serving up a scorcherIt’s race week, friends!I’m running the 20K Desperado Run this weekend at the Desperado Resort outside Boerne, Texas. Boerne is about 30ish miles outside of San Antonio.The weather this weekend in the area is beginning to tip into scorching heat. The forecast is looking decent in the morning, with higher temperatures later in the day.I'm excited to hit some brand-new trails and immerse myself in the race world again. Will have an episode out after the race, breaking down how it went. Follow Strides on Ins...
2025-05-1517 minStrides: A Trail Running PodcastThe introduction and my journey with trail runningHowdy, my name is Mason, and welcome to Strides.This is the podcast and Substack amalgamation for me to explore a sport I am loving more and more: trail running. An opportunity to explore what I love, what I want to learn, and what seems dauntingBut more than that, this venture is a chance to blend some of my other passions—film, urban planning, and storytelling—with a budding interest in trail.I am by no means a professional but rather a devotee of the sport, ready to dive headfirst and not look...
2025-05-0821 min
Carry the TwoMathematics & Political GeographyIn this episode, the fourth episode of our mathematics and democracy season, we dig into two stories about the intersection of political geography and mathematics. The first story comes from Ranthony Clark and is about her work with the Metric Geometry and Gerrymandering Group around identifying communities of interest, with a focus on her in Ohio alongside CAIR Ohio, the Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC), the Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission, and the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at Ohio State. The second story is about polling sites in cities, and the places in those cities that...
2024-10-1735 min
Beer Me That MovieFast Five #6 – Beer Names Are Hard. So Are We.Welcome to another exhilarating episode of Beer Me That Movie! Join hosts Jon Dispenza and Harrison Hickok as they dive headfirst into the wild and wacky world of craft beer names, turning them into epic movie concepts.In this week's Fast Five extravaganza, Jon and Harrison sift through a treasure trove of Untappd check-ins from dedicated fans, sparking lightning-fast brainstorming sessions that lead to hilarious and inventive movie ideas. Get ready to laugh as they riff on beers from top-notch breweries like Austin Beerworks, Burial, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, and many more!From the whimsical...
2024-05-151h 06
The Paisano AudioLocal filmmaker, teacher recognized with Arts & Culture grantAlex Ramirez is a filmmaker that leads with humility and veneration, a true devotee of the arts. Much has changed in Ramirez's life since last speaking with The Paisano. He screened a film at Luminaria last November, participated in concerted union efforts with SAY Sí, assumed a new role at the arts organization and was honored with an individual artist grant from the City of San Antonio's Arts & Culture Department.
To read the full story, click here.
Story reported, produced and edited by Mason Hickok
Graphic created by Chloe Williams
2023-04-0504 min
The Paisano AudioA conversation with Riley CarrollHello. I’m Mason Hickok, and this is Design Down, a podcast series that looks at the creative process behind the graphics and photography work put in by The Paisano’s artists and photographers.
The Paisano is the independent student newspaper at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
In this episode, I talk to Riley Carroll, the Arts & Life Editor at The Paisano. Riley describes how she fell into photography and the differences in working in a newsroom outside of The Paisano.
Riley’s Paisano staff page
Riley's Instagr...
2023-03-0721 min
The Paisano AudioBehind The Beat: Mega MangoPaisano Arts & Life Editor Riley Carroll interviewed the Philedelphia-based phruitcore band Mega Mango. The quartet comprised of Crow Costello, Alex Spagnolia, Niko Jones and Sam Poll released their EP "Fun and Games" on Feb. 22, 2023.
In the interview, the members of Mega Mango share insight about how they write their music, the self-made genre of phruitcore and their toxic traits.
For information on Mega Mango, visit their Instagram @megamangoband, their website megamangoband.com or visit the link below to stream their EP "Fun and Games."
Listen to Mega Mango's "Fun and Games" EP.
2023-02-2828 min
The Paisano AudioBehind The Beat: MoratPaisano Staff Writer, Regina Robert, interviewed the Columbian band Morat, before their San Antonio show at the Aztec Theater. Listen to learn more about how their music has evolved through the years, insights into their songwriting and how they would define their sound.
Morat is a genre-transcending band originally formed in Bogotá. Their latest album “Si Ayer Fuera Hoy” was released back in November 2022, and it was preceded by the release of hit singles “Llamada Perdida” and most recently “Salir con Vida”
Follow Morat on Instagram: @morat
Interview by Regina Robert
Podcast edited and mi...
2023-02-0613 min
The Paisano AudioBehind The Beat: MoxiePaisano Staff Writer, Cesar Soto, interviewed “Moxie” lead singer/rhythm guitarist Rei Kimura on January 20th after their first San Antonio show at the Paper Tiger. Listen to learn more about their beginnings as a band from Vermont, their experiences on the road, and what to look out for them in 2023.
Moxie is an alternative-indie band based out of Vermont. Their first two releases were “The Fall Lp” (2018) and “Flow of Color” (2020). Their newest single, “The Next,” is streaming now on Spotify.
Follow Moxie on Instagram: @moxietheband.
Interview by Cesar Soto
Podcast edited and mixed...
2023-01-2619 min
The Paisano AudioFlipping The Bird: Why is UTSA football not ranked?The Paisano’s Sports Editor, Luke Lawhorn, returns with Flipping The Bird. In this episode, Luke discusses UTSA’s place in the college football rankings and UTSA’s upcoming battle with North Texas for the Conference USA championship. Additionally, Luke recaps the UTSA men’s basketball season so far.
To find the video of this podcast, click here. The music for this podcast was sourced from the YouTube Sound Library.
Edited by Mason Hickok
Video recorded by Kaitlyn Rosas
2022-12-0229 min
The Paisano AudioWorld Cup Watch PartyOn Monday, Nov. 21, the Department of History and COLFA hosted a panel discussion on the intersection of sports, society and culture in the Student Union at UTSA’s Main Campus. Dr. Abraham Gibson spoke about the event being the first of four different events held on campus in partnership with the Office of Academic Innovation. The goal of the events is to encourage new students at UTSA to come out and socialize.
Just in time for the start of the World Cup, the panel explored the global phenomenon of soccer, including the social and historical context of th...
2022-11-2504 min
The Paisano AudioBehind The Beat: VacationsPaisano Arts & Life Editor, Riley Carroll, interviewed "Vacations" lead guitarist/singer, Campbell Burns, on October 11th before their first San Antonio show at the Aztec Theater. Watch more to learn how the band Vacations discovered their name, grew a fanbase and hope for their music career in the next 5 years.
Vacations is an alternative-pop band based out of Australia, well known for their singles "Young," (2016) and "Telephones" (2018).
Vacations Social Media:
Instagram: @vacationsband_
TikTok: @vacationsband
YouTube: @VACATIONS
To view photos from the event, click here.
"Behind the Beat" graphic re-imag...
2022-11-0816 min
The Paisano AudioMeet: A conversation with Lewis F. FisherFor this episode, I interviewed Lewis F. Fisher, a San Antonio author and historian, his new book “Brackenridge: San Antonio’s Acclaimed Urban Park,” is available now from Trinity University Press. Fisher’s book is deeply illustrated and researched, providing readers with a full story of a park central to San Antonio’s history.
The Witte Museum will be showing an exhibit in conjunction with Fisher’s book. The exhibit is on display until March 20, 2023.
You can read the full interview with Lewis F. Fisher in this week’s edition of The Paisano.
This interview...
2022-10-2532 min
The Paisano AudioA conversation with Dustin VickersHello. I’m Mason Hickok, and this is Design Down, a podcast series that looks at the creative process behind the graphics and photography work put in by The Paisano’s artists and photographers.
The Paisano is the independent student newspaper at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
In this episode, I talk to Dustin Vickers, one of the Assistant Photo Editors at The Paisano.
Dustin's staff page.
Mason Hickok produced this episode. The music for this podcast was composed by Isaiah Piedra. Grace Robinson designed our grap...
2022-10-1223 min
The Paisano AudioMeet: Zach Beesley, President of Roadrunner GamingHi everyone, welcome back to “Meet.” This podcast was born out of a pitch for the newspaper, specifically, The Paisano — UTSA’s independent student newspaper. Meet is a podcast living in the realm of conversation and a show that crosses disciplines. I do hope you enjoy it.
In this episode, I sat down with Zach Beesley, the President of Roadrunner Gaming (RRG).
Roadrunner Gaming is UTSA’s club for gaming enthusiasts and competitive players alike.
You can read the full story on RRG in this week’s edition of The Paisano. This interview was recorded...
2022-10-0623 min
The Paisano AudioA conversation with Grace RobinsonHello. I’m Mason Hickok, and this is Design Down, a podcast series that looks at the creative process behind the graphics and photography work put in by The Paisano’s artists and photographers.
The Paisano is the independent student newspaper at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
In this episode, I talk to Grace Robinson, one of the Assistant Photo Editors at The Paisano.
The story from The Paisano.
Grace's staff page from The Paisano.
The music for this podcast was composed by Isaiah Piedra.
Gr...
2022-09-1730 minThe Paisano AudioA conversation with Chloe WilliamsHello. I'm Mason Hickok, and this is Design Down, a podcast series that looks at the creative process behind the graphics and photography work put in by The Paisano's artists and photographers.
The Paisano is the independent student newspaper at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
In this episode, I talk to Chloe Williams, the Web and Social Editor at The Paisano.
You can find links to the stories mentioned in this episode in the show notes below. In addition, Chloe's article on Vice Versa Coffee and her foster...
2022-09-0912 min
The Paisano AudioA conversation with Eric TreviñoHello. I'm Mason Hickok, and this is Design Down, a podcast series that looks at the creative process behind the graphics and photography work by The Paisano's artists and photographers.
Show Notes
Eric's Website
Eric's Instagram
The story in The Paisano
The music for this podcast was composed by Isaiah Piedra. Check out his Instagram.
2022-09-0524 minThe Hudson Valley Disc Golf Podcast71. Not THAT Joe and Evan00:00:00 - Remembering Joseph Mason Proud00:05:36 - Intro Music Provided by Wheels00:06:17 - Intro - Evan Keogh and Joe Gesick00:12:48 - The Kisco Project00:28:19 - More at FDR?00:34:13 - Hole 3 - 900 rated round at FDR?00:36:15 - Hole 7 - DG Scene Option00:36:16 - Hole 2 -00:37:42 - Hole 1 - DisCap Tag Update00:39:51 - Hole 9 - The Next Million Dollar Disc Golfer?00:43:31 - Hole 8 - Tournament Discussion01:02:47 - Hole 5 - Random MLB Player01:03:34 - Hole 2 - Disc or No D...
2021-03-121h 12The Hudson Valley Disc Golf Podcast15. It's Been A WhileInterview with Mason Tyler WallaceInterview with Megan SteindorfTournament InfoSupport the showSpecial Thanks to our Patreon Supporters: Branden Cline, Tim Goyette, Peter Hodge, Ryan Nelson, Kevin T. Kroencke, Brian Monahan, Corey Cook, Evan Parsley, Mark Bryan, Nick Warren, Jasan Lasasso, Justin Mucelli, Terry Hudson, Kyle Hirsch, Brian Bickersmith, Sparky Spaulding, Mike Schwartz, Erich Struna, William Byrne, Jeff Wiechowski, Sean Dollard, Jack Bradley, Marcia Focht, Justin Hickok, Troy Vassari and Erik Haenel.
2019-10-0829 min
Americana für Euch"'Americana' Definition" Rap Version by Travis J. DowDas hier war die Überraschung am ende von meiner Live Show in Nürnberg.Lyrics:was issn schon “Americana”nach 100 folgen, c'monEs ist sibzig cent wässrigen cup o joeamericana dude - escuela in espanol4 by 4 mud truck- off roadrockie road eis und marylin monroenicht immer gut,black sites gitmogetthoes, seperate but not equalaber hoffnung -underground railroadmarlon brando und vaqueros -chicago bulls gangs new york an...
2017-11-0505 min