Shows
Bear Right! Trail PodSeason 2: Episode 2: Black Canyon East Coast Preview! Eventually... With UROY Gripes and Advertising in PodcastsThis one gets a little spicy folks! We dive into the UROY debate with a few takes on who was in and who was left out of this year's North American list. Are trail world records even a quantifiable thing?We also get into why Advertising can be a little problematic when the lines between expert and influencer get foggy.We finish up with some black canyon banter!Hope you enjoy and good luck to all the east coasters racing out west this weekend!!!
2026-02-111h 09Bear Right! Trail PodSeason 2. Episode 1: Its FEBRRRARAY on the East Coast. What Races to Run if you're stuck here and Trail News TakesSorry We've been gone so long!Chris and Sam catch up and talk a little winter training. We talk about some of the topics in Trail News and consider the upcoming season. What races to run in different scenarios and seeking different experiences.Most importantly we consider options for getting those travel heavy or impossible experiences like big Aravaipa events, Western States or UTMB right in our own back yard...
2026-02-071h 08Bear Right! Trail PodEpisode 32: Simon Arendt is headed to Hellgate! Hellgate 100k PreviewMaryland trail running badass and friend Simon joins the podcast to share in the stoke surrounding the legendary Hellgate 100k. This race starts in the middle of the woods in the dead of night and creates incredible bonds between the people who choose to throw themselves into this amazing adventure. A race that draws the heartiest of souls and a who's who of east coast trail running. We talk about the race, the unique dynamics, the likely contenders and shamefully omit Barret Stanton from our discussion! Sorry Barret!
2025-12-111h 07Bear Right! Trail PodJFK 50 Mile Post-View with Local Crusher Andrew HutchinsonIn Episode 31 we are joined by Andrew Hutchinson fresh off his first ultra and podium finish at the JFK 50 miler!We chat about our race experiences, snow days, Andrew's season and future in ultra-running!A really fun time was had by all and we hope you enjoy!If you're enjoying the podcast, please give a review, share it with a friend and engage with us! Help us make it better!
2025-12-041h 09Bear Right! Trail Pod2025 JFK 50 Miler Preview with Jared BurdickTrail and Ultra-Runner Jared Burdick joins the podcast to discuss his racing strategy and this year's competitive fields.
2025-11-2055 minBear Right! Trail PodJFK Week Continues! Episode 29: The Bear Right! Team bares all on JFKWelcome to episode 29!We are now in the thick of JFK week and scheming, predicting, hoping and overthinking our way to race day!This session is a listen in our thoughts on our own prospects and the dynamic of the team competition. Just part of the fun.
2025-11-181h 05Bear Right! Trail PodEpisode 28: JFK 50 Miler Champions Corner! With David Sinclair and Carolyn ShowalterThat's right folks! It's JFK week, which marks 1 year of the Bear Right! Trail Podcast and we are coming in hot for our anniversary.In this episode we are joined by 2 greats of the sport!David Sinclair is undeniably one of the top trail runners in the sport, regardless of terrain or distance. He is a professional trail runner with Craft Sportswear who lives and trains in Vermont. He is the defending JFK 50 Miler Men's Champion and course record holder.Carolyn Showalter is an absolute legend of the JFK 50 Miler, holding multiple records...
2025-11-1750 minBear Right! Trail PodEpisode 27: Javelina, The East Coast PreviewThis one is pretty straight forward folks!Chris and Sam riff on the race in AZ and we talk about folks headed there from the East Coast. We then get into some spicier thoughts on the Golden Ticket Races in general and eventually Chris's car gets towed...
2025-10-2542 minBear Right! Trail PodEpisode 26: Grindstone Post-Mortem and Blues Cruise CelebrationHey Everyone, we are back with a catch-up episode after Sam's implosion at Grindstone. What happened there? Well folks, maybe having a strong "Why" isn't just influencer BS afterall...Then we get into a lightning fast 2025 Blues Cruise 50K where Chris mixed up with some tested veterans and speedy newcomers on a pretty epic day with lead changes and aggressive strategies. Chris is our teams 50K expert really, kind of like a hairy Eli Hemming. So give a listen and you may just be running 4 hour 50ks before you know it!
2025-10-1357 minBear Right! Trail PodEpisode 25: The Bear Right! Crew Prepares for Grindstone...Ever wanted to be a fly on the wall for someone's race planning? Well here is your chance and it's just as riveting as you might expect a couple of ultra-runners talking about aid station self-care and headlamp requirements to be. Anyway, we got together and hit record and we are time stamping this for the post race recap and how far off the mark we were...And Matt is keeping receipts!
2025-09-1646 minBear Right! Trail PodEpisode 24: Andrew Simpson is on a Heater in 2025!In this unedited edition of the Bear Right! Trail Podcast Andrew Simpson joins Sam for a sit down and catch-up on what has been an incredible racing season so far. Off a blistering Twisted Branch 100k win over a close friend and respected rival, Andrew goes through the season that brought him here as well as some great play by play!We talk parenting in sport, east coast summers and simple fueling strategies among other things in this free flowing episode!Enjoy!
2025-09-101h 02Bear Right! Trail PodEastern States 100 Preview and Catch-up with Josh and SamWe start off with a recap of Josh's top 10 run at the Vermont 100 after early onset nausea. Then we get a little sideways talking about Sam's preparation for Grindstone 100 and triage foot and shoe issues.Finally we get to it! The Eastern States 100 2024 Edition and celebrating some of the top contenders competing for an axe this year!
2025-08-071h 14Bear Right! Trail PodRunning Down Memory Lane with Derek SchultzDerek Schultz joins the Bear Right! Trail Pod for a jaunt down memory lane! Derek drank the coolaid early and has been the trail pusher for many an east coast, wet behind the ears kid with dreams of crushing some singletrack. He shares stories of getting into trail running, taking it way too far and the evolution of his own running outlook. We talk about east coast trail running culture, favorite events and of course his amazing race out at Western States this year.There were a few audio struggles with this one so my...
2025-07-151h 19Bear Right! Trail PodManitou's Revenge on Western States? And Walmsley is actually running!!It's what everyone has been waiting for! The East Coast perspective on Western States!But first! The burliest 50ish mile race in the country just happened in the Catskills. Manitou's Revenge! We talk a little about this race, that we hope to give you more of later. Congrats to everyone who attempted the race this year!Then we dive into Western! We talk about many of the people with East Coast Street Cred and how they might perform as well as the little known fact that "Walmsley Watch" is still on!And finally...
2025-06-271h 34Bear Right! Trail PodWill Murray: Beyond Western StatesWhat was originally planned as a Western States Pre-Race Interview became more of an exploration into other things. Will talks with us about how he has grown as an athlete after his impressive Black Canyon performance and about the events that led to his withdrawal from this year's race. We talk about the fears in this sport and Will's use of self-talk as a mental strategy and how this has been an important part of his ultra-running success.With Will now a spectator for the 2025 WSER, we get into picks and East Coast favorites!
2025-06-251h 07Bear Right! Trail PodWhat's the deal with Western States?I mean really! It's just in one state!Well, we don't get into that but we do get into the news and story lines evolving out of the lead up to American trail running's biggest day of the year! This takes center stage in today's episode. Afterward we talk about big races that happened across the east coast over the past several weeks and finish up with a super fun "Would you rather?" trail runner edition!
2025-06-101h 10Bear Right! Trail PodHow to win a 100 miler! with Ferdinand AiraultFerdinand and Sam catch up after Ferdinand's incredible win at the Canyons 100 miler in a record performance.We learn what a day is like in the life of a runner treating it as their profession.Then we get a deep dive into the race that was Canyons. Ferdinand talks about not feeling like it was going to be his day early but remaining patient, dressing for the day and how he is the one person without devastating poison oak. We discuss respecting your competition by truly racing hard. He celebrates having a 5-Star pacer taking...
2025-05-251h 19Bear Right! Trail PodBeast Coast Trail Therapy for Chris and SamSorry about the gap between the intro music and our podcast start... Use those few seconds to stretch!In episode 17 Chris and Sam bring some current topics to the table including a recent prompt from another trail running podcast!We discuss why more attention should be given to east coast trail running, what race Sam should do next, doing what we want vs what we know will help and delve into the depths of Chris's injury despair.
2025-05-1656 minBear Right! Trail PodHyner Shakeout! The Champions Circle with Noah Dusseau, Alicia Cutter and Andrew HutchinsonWhat a great catch up with this year's Hyner Champs!We get to know Noah, Alicia and Andrew and learn about their journeys in the sport. This became "the family" episode by surprise! It makes sense though when Hyner truly does feel like a family event!Thanks to everyone and hope you all enjoy!
2025-04-261h 05Bear Right! Trail PodNot Your Typical Race Preview...Hyner Trail Challenge w/ Matt LipseyDid you want a breakdown of the competitive field?Did you want race predictions?Cours Record watch? Storylines and hot takes? Well sorry, this ain't that kinda preview. We dive into kaleidoscopic web of Matt Lipsey's mind to discover tidbits of geologic history, find out why fish were born to run and hints on how to locate fresh water on course. Could it be by befriending a deaf squirrel?Whether this is useful to anyone is to be debated but it's certainly way more fun than your typical preview!
2025-04-161h 11Bear Right! Trail PodHAT 50K Reflections Old and New with Tim Gavin and Pat BlairWell the 2025 HAT 50K is in the books and we recap the awesome team competition with Men's Champ Pat Blair and Team Champ Member/Top Banana Chris Lewars.Then we delve into the History of HAT 50K and find out how Tim got hoodwinked into RDing for nearly 20 years now.We talk about how truly special this race is, the course, the swag, the check-in process from heaven, the awards and of course THE VOLUNTEERS. So many races claim to have the best but they obviously haven't been to HAT then. Yeah, so for the...
2025-04-1151 minBear Right! Trail PodHAT 50K... The battle of the Mason DixonIn episode 15 Sam and Chris welcome Pat Blair, Adam Driscoll, Simon Arendt, Jeremy Splitter and Niko Teller to the podcast to hash out the team competition set to take place at this year's HAT 50K. We sort of figure out the race structure at some point, try to figure out who is actually fit and take a few questionable tangents.have fun!
2025-03-1859 minBear Right! Trail PodA life of running with Karen DunnKaren Dunn joins the Pod!Karen is a VDOT and UESCA Certified Running Coach and is the Head Coach & Trainer for Strengthen Your Stride run coaching. There she works with runners of all ages and ambitions, helping them to reach their running goals!Karen and Sam talk about her growth in the sport and what brought her to the ultra-trail scene. We talk about tackling big ambitious goals like qualifying for the Olympic Trials as a masters athlete and just what a commitment that is.Karen shares her personal experiences with some of...
2025-02-2755 minBear Right! Trail PodEast Coast French Connections with Elliot Cardin and Ferdinand AiraultIn this post Black Canyon celebratory episode we chat with Elliot Cardin and Ferdinand Airault about their equally amazing and incredibly different races at Black Canyon 100K this year. Both Elliot and Ferdinand are in the professional class of athletes and it was really fun to get a look into what its like to compete with the very best in the world. We could have gone on for hours with this one and look forward to speaking with Elliot and Ferdinand more in the future!Enjoy, and as always remember to subscribe to the pod!
2025-02-191h 02Bear Right! Trail Pod2025 Season Kickoff! Strava Etiquette, East Coast Contract Announcements?, Team Racing & Black Canyon!Chris and Sam catch up and shoot the breeze on a variety of pressing and extremely important trail running topics and ask for listener input. We finish up the episode celebrating some of the east coasters headed southwest for Black Canyon!
2025-02-0857 minBear Right! Trail PodLet's Make it Happen! It's Winter on the East CoastThe beast has risen in the east and we are deep in the snow and winter cold!
How hard has it been for you to get out the door? Do the work? Stay motivated? Stay Positive? Stay Connected?
Sam flies solo for a short set of things we can all do to keep it going and keep our minds, bodies and souls in a healthy place this winter!
2025-01-2410 minBear Right! Trail PodBear Right! Festivus Grievances and GratitudeSam and Chris launch into the 2025 trail season by sharing nutrition, gear and trail favorites and fails. The discussion gets into season planning, hopes and dreams for the future of our sport and is there a place for parkour in trail running?
Enjoy the ride with us here and happy trails!
2025-01-101h 02Bear Right! Trail Pod2024 East Coast T-Roy and Hellgate 100k Take-awaysIn our final episode of 2024/first episode of 2025 Sam and Chris catch up on Dirty Bird and Hellgate as well as wax nostalgic on the year that was trail running on the East Coast. And we tackled the most challenging of subjects: "what makes and east coaster an east coaster?"
Happy New Year Everyone!
2025-01-0247 minBear Right! Trail PodVIDEO Hellgate 100K Preview with Carl Bligan and Mike McMonagleThe video version of episode 8, where we talk about the rugged splendor of Hellgate!
2024-12-1043 minBear Right! Trail PodHellgate 100K Preview with Carl Bligan and Mike McMonagleIts Hellgate week! And Sam is joined by two Hellgate veterans, Carl Bligan and Mike McMonagle.
Discussion ranges around memories, lessons and experiences from Hellgate and other races as well has the magnetic draw of this East Coast 100k now in It's 22nd year.
You can feel that the stoke is already high and we are all excited to close the 2024 racing season out with a bang!
Remember to subscribe, leave a review and of course follow us and our guests on the socials!
Enjoy!
2024-12-1038 minBear Right! Trail PodPost Race Shakeout: 2024 JFK 50 Mile w/ Andrew Simpson, Joshua Finger and Ferdinand AiraultSam catches up with 3 of our East Coast racers from last weekend's thrilling JFK 50 Mile.
In this hour and a half you'll hear stories, jokes, mishaps and successes. Our guests share about how the race went for each of them, what it was like to have front row seat to a history making performance, what happens when you don't eat in an ultra and end with a reminder on why it's so important to run with love for ourselves and others.
Hope you enjoy
2024-12-011h 23Bear Right! Trail PodJFK 50 Miler Preview Part 2
In part 2 of our JFK Preview Chris and Sam talk about
notable scratches from the race and what kind of conditions the runners can expect on Saturday and the implications for how that could impact the race dynamics, strategy and gear decisions.
Sam offers some tips from his own experiences in running the
race, especially how to set body position on the AT to protect your ankles and hamstrings and set-up you up for success later in the race. We talk about why the flatness of the canal path at JFK can be tricky for trail runners an...
2024-11-221h 02Bear Right! Trail PodHolly Benner JFK 50 Miler Pre-Race InterviewWow! What an incredible person Holly Benner is!
Holly and Sam sit down in this part "Getting to Know You" part JFK strategy session that tracks Holly's movement through sport bringing her to this current moment. We speak about Metta Performance, her coaching/consulting business with Co-Founder Michael Seiler. Holly illuminates us on her coaching philosophy that focuses on conversation and listening within our trades, be that on the trails or in the board room! Their company, Metta Performance, takes its name from a Pali word, meaning "loving-kindness." Holly puts this front and center in contrast to...
2024-11-2035 minBear Right! Trail PodRyan Clifford JFK 50 Miler Pre-Race InterviewWe welcome elite ultra trail runner and entrepreneur Ryan Clifford to the pod! In take 2 with Ryan we talk starting a small business race strategy nuts and bolts and get to know what happens 20 years later if you break 7 minutes in the mile at age 7! Seriously? Sheesh...
This guy does it differently, making his own projects and problems to solve.
Questions that may go unanswered... Is there anything this guy won't tackle? Will anyone be able to conquer his escape rooms? Will Cody have to carry Ryan to their Grand Opening?
Make sure...
2024-11-1932 minBear Right! Trail PodJFK 50 Miler Preview Roundtable with Joshua FingerJosh joins Chris and Sam for a preview of the JFK 50 Miler elite fields. We talk about the course, race, strategies and take some jabs at Josh's age. Things go sideways early when Josh arrives on set but stick with us! We get to it all eventually...
Josh is a Bear Right! Trail Team member competing in the 50+ division and has an impressive ultra-trail career, including 2 USATF Age Group National Champs!
We talk about the competitive field and offer our predictions and hot takes. We may be a little East Coast Biased but someone has...
2024-11-191h 14Bear Right! Trail PodAndrew Simpson JFK 50 Miler Pre-Race InterviewSam and Chris chat with Local Favorite, Local Legend and all around East Coast Trail Boss Andrew Simpson. We discuss his start in the sport, why he loves JFK so much and his own personal training and racing style, that doesn't fit the traditional mold. You can find Andrew on Instagram and Strava as well as at races up and down the East Coast!
Make sure to cheer him on virtually OR in person at JFK!
2024-11-1831 minBear Right! Trail PodFerdinand Clovis Airault JFK 50 Miler Pre-Race InterviewFerdinand joins the Bear Right! Trail Podcast for our very first episode!
We talk about his move to the US, visions for an East Coast Trail Series and finding new perspective in how running and the great outdoors can enhance our lives!
Make sure to follow Ferdinand's journey at JFK this year!
2024-11-1726 min