Explore every episode of the podcast Wolfie’s World of Running

Wolfies World is under new management, Brian parts ways with Borderlands.

What does this mean for the future of Wolfies World?

Will there be changes?

And probably on top of most minds Why?

Find out how and why CBCS founder Malcolm Pascotti created a brand that is resonating from summits to urban crosswalks.

Is he a runner?

Is he not a runner?

Listen and find out.

Summary

In this episode of Wolfie's World, host Brian interviews Tyson, known as Trekking with Ty, who shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in California to becoming an influential figure in the running community. Tyson discusses his early life, the impact of Boy Scouts, his struggles with addiction, and how running transformed his life. He reflects on his experiences with the Speed Project, the importance of community in running, and the challenges of post-adventure blues. Tyson emphasizes the therapeutic nature of running and his desire to inspire others to find joy in the sport.

Summary

In this episode, we sit down with friend of the pod Johnny Ramos, an ultra runner who recently won and set the course record at Saddles 100. We discuss Johnny's journey from a rebel rousing small town kid in Arizona to becoming a passionate athlete in the ultra running community. Johnny shares his experiences with wrestling, the impact of his upbringing, and how he balances his career in the Air Force with his running ambitions.

The conversation delves into the importance of community, mental health, and the sacrifices made for family. Johnny's story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of personal growth through endurance sports.

Go buy his Saddles 100 Champion collectors shirt over at Can't Buy Cool Studios. Malcolm (founder of CBCS and prior guest on Wolfie's World) is doing the most punk rock move to support an athlete.

In this engaging conversation, Matt Trappe discusses his journey in the running community, the launch of his lifestyle brand Auteur Sportif, and the importance of brand narratives in trail footwear.

Matt emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between brands and the running community.

The concept of brand narrative is crucial in differentiating trail footwear from road running.

Auteur Sportif aims to focus on the lifestyle aspect of running rather than just performance.

Consumer feedback is often too late to influence current product iterations in footwear.

Athletes play a significant role in shaping brand narratives and consumer perceptions.

Aura app provides a new way for runners to share their experiences creatively.

The future of running brands may involve more regional and niche marketing strategies.

Collaboration between brands and platforms like Aura could enhance consumer engagement.

How many Ultra Runners do you know that got their start at age 9? How many have stories of chasing down David Goggins at age 10 and mentoring Jim Walmsley into Ultra Running?

I only know 1 and I'm grateful to bring him to Wolfie's World.

This is the Legend - James Bonnett.

Check out his coaching at McMillian Running:

https://www.mcmillanrunning.com/james-bonnett/

Mikey Krater joins me on Wolfie's Wolrd from his hotel room post-New York City marathon. You can hear in Mikey's this weekend was special, the running community is special, the NYC marathon is a celebration of running.

Mikey talks about his recent YouTube file "The Mikey Kratzer Picture" by MAKE RUNNING.

We talk about the younger generation pushing the self-expression and run club scene forward in a positive manner.

With Mikey there are always laughs, inspiration and open invites for everyone to join as he continues to share his passion for running.

Chad Bruce has been a close friend for over 8 years and was long overdue for a visit to Wolfie's World. We talk about his wildly different experiences at Javelina Jundred, his explosion into the 200 mile scene, Cocodona 250, Arizona Monster 300 and his 2026 Triple Crown pursuit! Chad shares his gear knowledge specific for the 200+ mile events and his partnerships with Coros, Speedland, Path Projects, Ultraspire, Vespa Endurance, Fluid Nutrition, Squirrels Nut Butter, XOSkin.

Beyond his impressive and inspiring running resume, Chad is a Husband, Father/Grandfather, business owner - he embodies the 95. Chad also shares his all encompassing WHY and how he connects with this faith and Christ through this long solo journey's.

Stoke level is high for this one, long time supporter of Wolfie's World, I'm bringing on Santi from San Antonio, TX and captain of Extra Credit run club. This one goes deep into community building and the importance of intentionally creating an atmosphere/aesthetic that is welcoming to new runners.

Santi's journey reflects the importance of community support in personal growth.

Running can serve as a mental health check for individuals in high-stress industries.

The Extra Credit Run Club was born from a desire to create a welcoming space for all runners.

Santi emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in the running community.

Building a pro team allows for the celebration of local talent and community heroes.

Santi's background in music and branding informs his approach to running and community building.

The importance of maintaining joy in running amidst competitive pressures.

Santi's experiences highlight the value of mentorship in sports and life.

Inclusivity in branding can attract a diverse group of runners.

This conversation underscores the transformative power of running in people's lives.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, I sit down with Christian and we explore the journey of building Near Earth Socks, the challenges of transitioning from photography to product creation, and the importance of sustainability in the running industry. We discuss Nike's recent entry into trail running, the potential impact of the Olympics on the sport, and the significance of authenticity and connection in branding. Christian shares insights on the meaning behind his brand's name and the role of nostalgia in sports culture, emphasizing the need for genuine experiences in marketing.

It was an honor hosting this conversation with Christian, enjoy!

In this episode, I welcomed Cole Zucker, a successful entrepreneur and elite amateur marathoner, to Wolfie's World. We discuss his journey in running and business. Cole shares his early experiences with running, the importance of mentorship, and how running has shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.

He delves into the cultural evolution of running in China, the rise of local brands, and the challenges of starting a business.

The conversation also covers his innovative company Killa Run insoles, their benefits, and the process of creating custom insoles for runners. Cole shares his future running goals and offers insights on maintaining motivation and mental toughness in both running and business.

Summary

In this episode of Wolfies World, elite runner Brad Popple, shares his journey from a young athlete to a successful ultra runner and business owner. Brad discusses his early experiences with running, the freedom it provided him, and how it became a significant part of his identity. He reflects on his high school and college running career, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned from injuries and setbacks, including a serious bout with rhabdo after a 100-mile race.

Brad emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process of running rather than just focusing on performance metrics, and he shares insights on how to maintain a healthy relationship with running gear and nutrition.

As the conversation unfolds, Brad talks about his transition from competitive running to ultra marathons, highlighting the joy he finds in pacing others and the community aspect of the sport. He also discusses his time with Satisfy, a brand that resonates with his values, and his current role as the owner of Charlotte Running Company, where he aims to inspire others through running. The episode concludes with Brad offering advice to those struggling with motivation, reminding listeners that any run is a good run and encouraging them to appreciate their journey in the sport.

In this episode of Wolfie's World, I sit down with Emory, a close friend, trail running enthusiast and co-founder of Hyperlyte Liquid Performance. We discuss the evolution of trail running media, the importance of storytelling over breaking news, and the unique backgrounds of trail athletes. Emory emphasizes the need for balance in the sport, particularly as it becomes more internationalized, and the impact of brands on athlete narratives. We also explore the Golden Ticket series and the importance of creating a strong fan base through relatable stories and experiences.

In this one we strive to pay respect to the trail media torch bearers - while also providing an honest response to what we're seeing emerge in 2026.

Ultimately we bring it full circle back to the 95 and what it means to Emory. I had blast with Emory and look forward to future episodes together.

In this engaging conversation, professional runner Matt Daniels shares insights into the evolution of the Golden Ticket Series, and the dynamics of competition in trail running. He discusses the importance of community, the challenges of training for races like Black Canyon, and the emotional connections formed through supporting fellow runners. The Golden Ticket Series has evolved, impacting the dynamics of competition and storytelling.

International races bring diversity but can dilute the domestic competition. The future of trail running relies on maintaining a strong domestic series.

On this episode I welcome Josh Quinones to Wolfie's World, together we explore the intersection of running, design, and community. Josh shares his unique journey into running, the importance of community support, and how sobriety has influenced his running experience. We discuss the challenges of designing running apparel that balances aesthetics and functionality, as well as the evolving culture of running, particularly the differences between road and trail running. Josh shares his curiosity/desire to participate in trail races and the significance of STORYTELLING in the running community.

Learn how Anthony Costales overcame injuries and doubts to return to the trail running scene. Discover insights on training, motivation, and the support of family in this inspiring journey.

We'll also dive into competition and rivalries between professionals and how amateurs can find competition in the 95, training with a chip on your shoulder and so much more.

In the world of trail running, the path to success is often littered with obstacles. Just ask Anthony Costales, who faced significant setbacks before making a triumphant return to the sport. In this episode, we’ll dive into his personal journey, exploring how he navigated injury, found motivation, and leveraged support from family. Whether you're a fellow runner or someone looking for inspiration, Anthony's story offers valuable lessons on resilience and passion.

In a recent conversation, we dove into why running is booming—not just because of impressive race times, but because it's becoming an inspiring lifestyle.

Elite runners often focus solely on their speed, but that's not what connects with the masses. Stories like those of Eliud Kipchoge resonate because they reflect the human experience.

It’s about sharing relatable journeys, not just fast splits.

Let’s bridge the gap between speed and storytelling in running!

RD's under fire at Snowdonia and JFK 50 - what does this signal about the business of Ultra Trail Running?

Prize money and Black Canyon was crowdsourced - was this short term gain but not sustainable, how does this contrast to the ACG x Gorge partnership with a $75K prize purse and what responsibility does HOKA own?

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Gamble, founder of Nowhere Somewhere Running, a unique running apparel brand based in the UK. Adam shares his journey from a passionate trail runner to launching his own brand, inspired by his experiences in the Swiss Alps.

We explore the challenges of running, the importance of community, and the creative expression found in the sport.

Adam shares his take on the evolution of trail running events, the role of music in running, and the impact of small brands in the industry. He also delves into the philosophy behind apparel design, sustainability, and the balance between life, family, and running.

This was a fun conversation and I enjoyed my time getting to know Adam and the ethos behind his brand Nowhere Somewhere.

Discover insights from Keith on how running intersects with culture, fashion, and lifestyle in Antwerp. Perfect for runners and cultural enthusiasts.

For Keith, running is a personal escape rather than a competitive sport. He reflects on his journey from competitive swimming to embracing running as a form of self-expression. In this section, we’ll discuss:

**Freedom in Running:** Why the lack of a competitive schedule allows him to enjoy running as an act of personal freedom.

**Mental Clarity:** How running serves as a form of stress relief and creativity for him amidst the chaos of running a fashion brand.

The Influence of Subcultures on Running

Keith's background in punk and skate culture significantly influences his approach to running. This section will delve into:

**Cultural Influences:** How subcultures shape his perspective on sports, fashion, and lifestyle.

**Connecting with the Community:** The importance of running groups and how they foster a sense of belonging and shared identity.

"I ran 281 miles and it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be,"

Welcome back to Wolfie's World! In this episode, I sat down with Johnny Ramos, also known as the King of Saddles/Kings of Scrolling. If you missed our last conversation, be sure to check it out, where we explored Johnny's journey and the challenges he faced. Today, we're diving deep into his recent experience with The Speed Project (TSP) SOLO, an unsanctioned race from Santa Monica Pier to the Las Vegas sign. We cover Johnny's insights on planning for the race, the community aspect, and what it takes to complete such a daunting challenge.

We talk about his future interest in Cocodona 250, his bold goals when he does race Cocodona and his involvement with Wherever You Go Foundation that helps bring visibility and humanitarian aid to developing countries.

It's been since October 2023 when I last pinned a bib for an Ultra distance trail race. Injuries and unexpected illness caused me to DNS 3 planned attempts in 2025.

What happens to the mind over the course of +2 years when you haven't competed or completed an Ultra. The training blocks were consistent, the passion for the sport burned, but the doubts crept in and only grew over time.

Was I still capable?

summary

Join us as I share my experience running the Desert Peaks 100K Ultra, supported by insights from my crew Ivan Estrella and Angelo Lemi. We delve into race strategies, course challenges, the importance of community, and the mental resilience required for ultra running.

Shoutout my entire crew - my wife Alia, Johnny Ramos, Sean Haworth and Angelo Lemi's wife Olivia, daughter Harper and his Dad - thank you for all your contribution!

Joe Corcione, Everyday Ultra Podcast and the entire team behind Desert Peak Ultra - we salute you, thank you for the massive effort to organize this inaugural year!

In this inspiring conversation, Keifer shares his transformative journey from a small-town athlete and nightlife industry professional to a sober ultra runner. Discover how his experiences with sports, sobriety, and mental discipline have shaped his approach to life and endurance racing. Keifer shares his gateway into trail running, his preparation for Cocodona 250, and insights into the ultrarunning community, inspiring listeners to pursue their goals with purpose and resilience.

This is one you'll want to stick around through the end, filled with inspiration, hard lessons, laughs and 2026 Cocodona takes.

On this solo episode Brian shares his detailed insights and lessons learned from his recent 100K ultra race, covering training, gear, nutrition, pacing, and race-day strategies to help fellow ultra runners improve their performance.

After my recent 100K at Desert Peak Ultra, I reflected on what went right and what didn’t. Training is key! It’s about understanding your limits and embracing them.

I realized that sometimes, we may not have access to ideal terrains for training. But fitness is fitness! Whether it’s mountain trails or flat roads, it’s about moving efficiently.

Remember, it’s all about finding what works for you and adapting to challenges.

What’s your go-to race prep strategy?

In this entertaining and spirited conversation, Ben Thomas shares his unique perspective on ultra running, content creation, and innovative race formats. We explore how the sport can evolve through better storytelling, broadcast strategies, and capturing the brutal essence of ultra races.

A must-listen for fans and newcomers alike, aiming to deepen understanding and excitement around ultrarunning. This episode dives into the future of trail running, exploring how prize money, media, athlete branding, and race formats can revolutionize the sport.

Ben discusses the importance of accessibility, storytelling, and stunt content to engage a broader audience and elevate the sport's profile.

In this episode, we explore the complexities of ultra running, sponsorship ethics, the centralization of power in the sport, and strategies to overcome training ruts. I shares my personal insights, industry debates, and future plans to enhance the community experience.

Wolfie's World Website - under construction

Coaching...coming soon? maybe.

Zach Bitter - Human Performance Outliers Podcast

Joe Corcione - Everyday Ultra Podcast

keywords

ultra running, sponsorship ethics, Western States, Hoka, training rut, sport centralization, motivation, community, coaching, spontaneity

In this episode I sat down with Zach Bitter, a record-holding ultramarathon runner and podcast host of Human Performance Outliers, shares insights on training, race strategy, the evolving landscape of ultra running, and how to grow the sport through media and community engagement.

We dig into topical cooling, Zach has ran, won and set course records at Javelina Jundred 100 miler and brings his experience/wisdom to the conversation.

IMO Zach is largely under appreciated for his ambassadorship of ultra running as a professional runner. He has been a guest on Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Nick Bare, Mark Bell and Bert Kreister podcast.

Unpacking what I think are interesting topics and hot takes about the 2026 Western States 100:

Western States 2026: The Race for the Record

Why Jim Walmsley's Dominance Might End This Year

Jim Walmsley's race strategy and aid station efficiency could be pivotal.

Western States' course record has stood since 2019 despite advancements.

Weather conditions and crew optimization are key factors in record-breaking attempts.

Athletes like Killian Jornet, Hans Troyer and Hayden Hawks are motivated by legacy and career-defining wins.

Western States has the potential to reach a broader audience through compelling stories.

WHAT DID WE JUST WITNESS AT WESTERN STATES?

I had to share my raw, emotional reactions and overreactions to Western States, analyzing race results, weather impact, athlete performances, and future implications for trail running.

Is Puppi the most insufferable trail runner?

Hans vs Puppi is the Jim vs Kilian rivalry we never got?

Did Jim's legacy just get erased?

Will a female run Sub-14?

What Ryan Montgomery just accomplished - in any other sport would raise legitimacy doubts?

In this 3 part episode Wolfie and Keifer recap Stunner 50K, dive into the deep-end of the ongoing doping conversation and we get raw and honest about burnout from the 95 perspective.

This episode builds with momentum; you don't want to miss the doping conversation and burnout topics!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Race Overview

355:31:49 Community Atmosphere at Arivipa Race

1172:11:49 Weather Challenges and Race Day Conditions

2019:25:09 Race Strategy and Pacing Insights

3355:31:49 Supporting First-Time Runners and Community Bonds

4994:25:10 Managing Fatigue and Effort in the Final Miles

6672:11:52 Reflections on Race Performance and Personal Goals

82999:58:38 The Doping Controversy and Its Impact on Ultrarunning

100055:32:03 Community Support and the Spirit of the Sport

116888:52:17 Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways

91777:45:22 Discussion on morality and nuance in doping

93916:38:42 Perceptions of athletes and moral judgments

95777:45:22 The clean sport debate and its limitations

98611:05:23 Community tribalism and social media influence

101277:45:23 The environment of ultrarunning and testing challenges

103388:52:06 Impact of controversy on the sport's reputation

107055:32:09 The importance of character and integrity

112499:58:52 The role of honesty and directness in rivalry

117611:05:39 Genetics, performance, and acceptance

120749:58:59 Lessons from other sports on doping protocols

124611:05:39 The culture of ultrarunning and its contradictions

127222:12:23 The desire for authentic rivalries and entertainment

132611:05:44 The importance of character over doping accusations

138666:39:08 Disruptors and personalities in ultrarunning

150055:32:54 Balancing family, training, and personal life

161027:46:14 Understanding the significance of race candles

170277:46:26 The minimal effective dose in training

179166:39:58 The perspective of ultrarunning as a small part of life

186500:00:00 The importance of acknowledging human imperfection

187666:40:00 Closing thoughts and future outlook

ultrarunning, trail running, race strategy, community, doping controversy, endurance sports, race recaps, mental toughness ultrarunning, doping, community, burnout, competition, authenticity, sport ethics, mental health, personal growth