Shows
On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode 22: Holiday Miles, Trail Stories, and Looking Ahead to the New YearMatt Clem is joined by a group of trail and ultra running friends for a laid back, festive conversation as they gather right before Christmas. Together, they look back on the miles, adventures, and lessons from the past year, talk through goals and intentions for the year ahead, and embrace the holiday spirit with plenty of laughter, stories, and a little friendly shenanigans.
This episode is all about community, gratitude, and remembering why we love getting out on the trails in the first place. Whether you are logging winter miles, traveling for the holidays, or simply enjoying...
2025-12-241h 04On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #21: Running Toward a New Life with Ricky MorganIn episode number 21 of the On Your Left Podcast, Matt Clem sits down with runner Ricky Morgan to share an inspiring story of change, resilience, and self rediscovery. After a long struggle with weight and body image, Ricky found trail running and it transformed everything. What began as a simple effort to get healthier has turned into a passion that helped him lose a significant amount of weight, gain confidence, and completely shift his outlook on life.
Ricky opens up about the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the unexpected joy he has found in the trail r...
2025-11-251h 12On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #20 - Racing the Ridge: The Pinhoti 100 Finishers Tell Their StoryIn episode number 20 of the On Your Left Podcast, Matt Clem sits down with the first and second place finishers of this year’s Pinhoti 100. It was a hard-fought race with Peter Kazery leading for most of the course, only to be passed by first-time 100 miler Jake Russell in the final stretch. Both athletes share the mental battles, strategy decisions, and raw moments that defined their race day.
Joining in studio is first-time 100 mile finisher Ben McDonald, who pushed through exhaustion and doubt to earn his very first belt buckle with only minutes to spare. Thi...
2025-11-091h 12On Your Left with Trails of MississippiOn Your Left - Episode 19. From Overweight to Trail Beast: Johnny Davis and the Evolution of Mississippi’s MTB SceneIn episode 19 of On Your Left Podcast, host Matt Clem reconnects with Johnny Davis, Board President of the Tri-County Mountain Bike Association. Since his last appearance in episode 2, Johnny and his team have been hard at work shaping Mississippi’s mountain biking scene—from the Original Trails in Ridgeland to The Quarry in Brandon and Big Butts in Clinton. Johnny also shares his own inspiring transformation from being overweight to becoming one of the most dedicated riders on the trails. Tune in for updates, passion, and proof that it’s never too late to change your life and chase the ri...
2025-10-291h 02On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #18: Running with Purpose – Lessons from Liza HowardOn this episode of On Your Left, Matt Clem sits down with ultra athlete and Sharman Ultra coach Liza Howard to talk about what it takes to prepare for the 100-mile season both mentally and physically. Liza shares her best tips for endurance athletes looking to train smarter, recover faster, and stay grounded through the highs and lows of ultra running.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Liza is the Executive Director and Founder of Band of Runners, a nonprofit that connects military veterans and their families to the trail running community. She also serves as a s...
2025-10-1358 minOn Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode 17: John Brower on Pioneering Ultra Running and Lifelong FriendshipIn this episode of On Your Left, host Matt Clem sits down with trail running legend John Brower. As one of the first athletes in the region to embrace ultra running, John helped spark the growth of trail running many years ago. He shares stories from his journey, the challenges and triumphs of the sport, and the lessons learned from pushing beyond limits.
#OnYourLeftPodcast #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #EnduranceRunning #TrailCommunity #RunningLife #Inspiration
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.
2025-09-281h 23On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode 16: Robin Whitfield on Art, Nature, and the Spirit of MississippiOn this episode of On Your Left, Matt Clem sits down with Mississippi artist Robin Whitfield, whose life and work are rooted in the rivers, swamps, and forests of the South. Robin is more than a painter; she is a storyteller of the natural world, using watercolors and pigments foraged from plants and minerals to capture the rhythms and relationships of wild places.
From her Grenada studio to the creation of Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp, Robin’s passion bridges art, conservation, and community. She shares how the beauty of Mississippi’s landscapes inspires her work, why protecting natu...
2025-09-101h 05On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #15: Exploring the Pinhoti Trail with Jamie & Todd HendersonIn this special episode of On Your Left Podcast, host Matt Clem sits down in the Line Shot Photography studios with PK and Cooper, while Pinhoti race directors Jamie and Todd Henderson join remotely. Together, they dive deep into the rich history of the Pinhoti Trail and the legendary Pinhoti races that have captured the hearts of trail runners everywhere.
From the rugged terrain and unique challenges to the community that has grown around these events, this conversation is packed with stories, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the Pinhoti 100 and other races s...
2025-08-271h 17On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode 14: Timing Every Step with Time2RunIn this episode of On Your Left with Trails of Mississippi, host Matt Clem sits down with Tim and Caroline Irvine, the powerhouse duo behind Time2Run. What started in 2010 as Tim Irvine Race Timing has grown into a premier race timing and event company serving Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. From fun runs to marathons, ultras, cross-country meets, bike races, and even stair climbs, Tim and Caroline have seen it all.
They share stories from their early days at Archusa Water Park to launching their own trail races like The Great Scorpion Trail Run, The Ivy Trek...
2025-08-1155 minOn Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode 13 – Big Butts Recap with Kara Hankins, Lindsey Norris, and Peter KazeryIn Episode 13 of On Your Left, Matt sits down with Big Butts Trail Race Director Kara Hankins for an inside look at this year’s event. Joining the conversation are both 100K champions—Lindsey Norris and Peter Kazery, who not only claimed victory but also set a new course record. From trail conditions to personal grit, they break down what it takes to conquer one of Mississippi’s most beloved endurance races.
Whether you ran it, volunteered, or are thinking about lacing up next year, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the Big Butts ex...
2025-07-281h 09On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode 12: Pedaling Toward Purpose with the Mississippi Interscholastic Cycling LeagueMatt sits down with Michelle Williams and Selena Swartzfager, cofounders of the Mississippi Interscholastic Cycling League, to explore how this statewide movement is reshaping youth development through the power of mountain biking. Rooted in the values of inclusivity, equity, respect, and community, the league is more than a sports program; it is a launchpad for building strong minds, bodies, character, and connections. Whether you’re a parent, coach, student, or cycling enthusiast, this episode offers a powerful look at how Mississippi’s trails are helping young people ride into a brighter, stronger future.
🎧 Listen in as we dive in...
2025-07-201h 19On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode 11 - Gravel, Grit, and Real Estate: The Jackson Journey of Dallis KetchumIn Episode 11, Matt sits down with Memphis native, Ole Miss alum, and Jackson community builder Dallis Ketchum. What began as a career path in medicine transformed into a deep dive into the rhythms of human movement, property, and place. Dallis shares how his sociology background, paramedic days, and a timely entry into real estate in 2005 all collided to shape a unique career rooted in resilience and vision.
From weathering the 2008 recession to co-founding NeighborHouse and JXN Housing, Dallis has done more than earn a license—he’s earned the wisdom that comes from investing, losing, and r...
2025-07-091h 06On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #10: Running on Purpose with Selena Daniel and Deanna BoylesIn this episode, Matt sits down with two powerhouse women who embody grit, heart, and a love for the long haul—Selena Daniel and Deanna Boyles.
Selena, Director of Business Operations at Children’s of Mississippi, is a seasoned endurance runner, devoted wife, proud mom and grandma, and Race Director for Run the Rainbow. From 5Ks to 50Ks, she’s done it all—and now she’s training for a 100-miler. Her secret? Have fun doing the hard things.
Deanna, a Client Manager at Ross & Yerger, has been married for 37 years and brings the same steady com...
2025-06-241h 13On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #9: Running Towards Recovery with Jody PentonToday on On Your Left, Matt Clem, Zed Thompson, and David Sugg sit down with an inspiring guest—Jody Penton, a lifelong runner, recovering addict, and passionate advocate for healing through movement. As co-founder of Magnolia Recovery & Wellness Foundation, Now I See Interventions, and Run 4 Recovery JXN, Jody shares his powerful journey from managing sober living to helping others find hope and continuity in their recovery. Discover how the spirituality of running and the connection of mind, body, and spirit can transform lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking motivation, resilience, and the incredible power of movement in...
2025-06-081h 08On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #8: Pedals, Purpose, and the Power of Community with Soul City CyclingIn this energizing episode of On Your Left, host Matt Clem sits down with Arree Williams, Board President of Soul City Cycling, and Cedric Chaffee, Director of Memberships. Together, they dive into the heartbeat of Central Mississippi’s cycling culture—how Soul City Cycling is more than just a club, it’s a movement.
Founded in 2021 and proudly affiliated with the Major Taylor Cycling Club, Soul City Cycling has created a space where riders of all backgrounds can come together to build community, grow in knowledge, and celebrate the freedom of the open road. Arree and Cedric share...
2025-05-301h 13On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #7: Inside the Mississippi Triathlon ClubIn this episode, host Matt Clem dives into the heartbeat of Mississippi’s endurance scene—the Mississippi Triathlon Club. Whether you’re a seasoned Ironman or thinking about signing up for your first 5K, MSTC has a place for you. Matt sits down with club members to talk about what makes this group special—from year-round training sessions and social events to the powerful community that lifts every athlete, no matter their pace.
They also share an exciting vision: bringing a beloved local race back to the Jackson area. Tune in to hear how this volunteer-run club is build...
2025-05-1658 minOn Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #6: Ultra Athletes Rick Yelverton & Jackson Wolf – BadWater 135 & Cocodina 250!Join us on the On Your Left Podcast with Matt Clem as we dive into the incredible stories of local doctor and ultra-distance athlete Rick Yelverton and Mississippi native turned Flagstaff resident Jackson Wolf. Both have conquered the legendary BadWater 135 and are gearing up for the upcoming Cocodina 250 in Arizona. Although Rick had to withdraw from this year's race, he shares valuable insights into the demands of ultra-distance racing, while Jackson talks about his race prep, passions, and what it takes to push beyond limits. Get inspired and discover what it truly takes to conquer these epic challenges!
2025-05-021h 12On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode 5 – Kicking Up the Dust with Good Sam & runSTRONG: Trail Runs, Training, and Pushing LimitsIn Episode 5 of On Your Left, Matt Clem sits down with his sister, Kathy Clem, to talk about the Good Samaritan Center’s upcoming Kick Up the Dust Trail Run — a community-driven race you won’t want to miss.
Joining them is Claire Jungling of runSTRONG, the co-owner (along with her husband Jeremy) of a one-of-a-kind “running gym” based in Flowood, Mississippi. Known for shaking up the local running community with creative events like the Death by 5K race series, and leading multiple training groups, Claire shares insights on coaching, race prep, and the mental game of running.
2025-04-181h 11On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #4: Trailblazing with MUTS - Meet the Founders & the Only Female Ultra Dog
In Episode 4 of On Your Left, host Matt Clem dives into the world of trail running and ultra adventures with three powerhouse guests from the M.U.T.S. Mississippi Ultra & Trail Society
You’ll hear from:
• Helen Summerford, founding member and Board
President of MUTS
• Kara Hankins, MUTS Race Director
• Tiffany P Green, founding member and the only
female Ultra Dog
Get ready for a lively, inspiring, and often hilarious conversation about building community through trail running, organizing epic races, and chasing miles with heart and grit.
Whether you’re a seasoned ultra runner or just love a good trail stor...
2025-04-041h 03On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #3: Taking a Walk Down Memory Lane—The Legacy of Fleet Feet Jackson with Jeff Wells & Lesley Holloman.For 23 years, Fleet Feet Jackson has been at the heart of the local running and fitness community, helping countless runners, walkers, and athletes find their stride. In this episode of On Your Left, host Matt Clem sits down with Jeff Wells, the original founder of Fleet Feet Jackson, and Lesley Holloman, the store’s current owner, to take a nostalgic walk down memory lane.
From its early days to becoming a go-to spot for running gear, coaching, and community support, Jeff and Lesley share stories of inspiring athletes, growing the Fleet Feet brand, and their impact on Mi...
2025-03-211h 14On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode 2: Meet the Trailblazers – Mississippi’s MTB Leaders & SORBA’s Kevin McKoneMississippi’s mountain biking scene is thriving, but do you know the key players behind the trails? In this episode of On Your Left, host Matt Clem sits down with the leaders of the state’s top MTB associations and SORBA representative Kevin McKone to discuss trail development, advocacy, and the future of mountain biking in Mississippi.
Meet the voices shaping your rides:
🚵 Luke Jackson – MSFits MTB (South MS)
🚵 Zack McRaney – SMTA (Hattiesburg)
🚵 Jonny Davis – TCMB (Central MS)
🚵 Mark Arcelle – NMSTA (North MS)
Plus, Matt recaps the highlights from last wee...
2025-03-071h 03On Your Left with Trails of MississippiEpisode #1: The Heart and Soul of the Mississippi 50 – A Race Director, A Volunteer, and A First-Time 100-MilerIn the debut episode of On Your Left, host Matt Clem dives into the rich history and community spirit behind the Mississippi 50, one of the most beloved trail races in the South. Joining him are three key figures of the event: longtime Race Director Dennis Bisnette, who shares insights into what it takes to organize this iconic race; Ethan Mayeu, a dedicated volunteer coordinator and aid station leader, who gives a behind-the-scenes look at the critical role of volunteers; and Jimmy Giles, an endurance athlete taking on the challenge of his first-ever 100-mile race that very weekend. Tune in...
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