The Ultra Crewed Podcast

This week we break down Snaketail, a trail race set on private land in Summertown, Tennessee, hosted at The Farm Community—a well-known hippie commune with decades of history and thousands of acres of protected land. The race exists to do more than just put on an event—it helps support the Swan Conservation Trust and their work preserving land across the Highland Rim. The weekend itself was a mix of chaos and purpose—accidentally gassing ourselves with wasp spray, arguing over outrageously expensive milk, and dealing with a drum circle that made sleep optional—but the race delivered where it counts. With distances from a 5K up to a 50-miler, it brought in first-time trail runners and experienced ultrarunners alike, including one guy who accidentally ran a half marathon and had to own it. The course looks runnable but slowly wears you down, and the entire event is built around community, access to land you normally wouldn’t see, and a bigger mission that goes beyond the finish line. It’s not trying to be the biggest race out there—but it is trying to make sure places like this still exist.

This week we break down Snaketail, a trail race set on private land in Summertown, Tennessee, hosted at The Farm Community—a well-known hippie commune with decades of history and thousands of acres of protected land. The race exists to do more than just put on an event—it helps support the Swan Conservation Trust and their work preserving land across the Highland Rim. The weekend itself was a mix of chaos and purpose—accidentally gassing ourselves with wasp spray, arguing over outrageously expensive milk, and dealing with a drum circle that made sleep optional—but the race delivered where it counts. With distances from a 5K up to a 50-miler, it brought in first-time trail runners and experienced ultrarunners alike, including one guy who accidentally ran a half marathon and had to own it. The course looks runnable but slowly wears you down, and the entire event is built around community, access to land you normally wouldn’t see, and a bigger mission that goes beyond the finish line. It’s not trying to be the biggest race out there—but it is trying to make sure places like this still exist, which is something most races can’t say.

* Not for Apple listeningIn this episode, we take you inside Big Al’s 100 & 200—a race that doesn’t feel like a race at all. It’s five days of living in an aid station, running a brutal two-mile loop stacked with relentless climbs, unpredictable weather, and zero places to hide.We break down what makes this event different—and why it might be one of the hardest, most honest challenges in ultra running.From first-timers who underestimated the course… to seasoned runners forced to adapt, slow down, and rethink everything… to unforgettable performances like April becoming only the third-ever 200-mile finisher—and the first female finisher of the 200… and Chet’s gritty, hard-earned 100—this episode is about more than miles.It’s about what happens when things don’t go to plan, when you’re forced to adjust just to keep moving, and when finishing requires more than just fitness—it takes patience, humility, and relentless forward progress.

In this episode, we take you inside Big Al’s 100 & 200—a race that doesn’t feel like a race at all. It’s five days of living in an aid station, running a brutal two-mile loop stacked with relentless climbs, unpredictable weather, and zero places to hide.We break down what makes this event different—and why it might be one of the hardest, most honest challenges in ultra running.From first-timers who underestimated the course… to seasoned runners forced to adapt, slow down, and rethink everything… to unforgettable performances like April becoming only the third-ever 200-mile finisher—and the first female finisher of the 200… and Chet’s gritty, hard-earned 100—this episode is about more than miles.It’s about what happens when things don’t go to plan, when you’re forced to adjust just to keep moving, and when finishing requires more than just fitness—it takes patience, humility, and relentless forward progress.

* Not for audio listeningOf course. Same thing, just now with a little personality so people don’t feel like they’re being scolded by a disappointed gym teacher.You can’t out-train a messy life. This episode gets into the stuff people don’t want to hear—how your habits, mindset, and personal growth (or lack of it) show up when things get hard in a race. You can follow the perfect training plan, hit all your miles, and still fall apart the moment things stop going your way, because training doesn’t magically fix inconsistency, avoidance, or your ability to panic the second something feels uncomfortable.When the race gets tough—and it always does—you don’t rise to the level of your fitness, you fall back on your patterns. The way you cut corners, the way you deal with stress, the way you talk to yourself… all of that shows up whether you invited it or not. It’s like bringing your entire personality to the start line and hoping no one notices. Spoiler: the race notices.If you keep blowing up mid-race, it’s probably not just bad luck or that one gel you ate at mile 17. It might be worth asking if there’s something deeper going on. Because at some point, the race stops being about running and starts exposing everything else—and unfortunately, you can’t blame that on your shoes.

You can’t out-train a messy life. This episode gets into the stuff people don’t want to hear—how your habits, mindset, and personal growth (or lack of it) show up when things get hard in a race. You can follow the perfect training plan, hit all your miles, and still fall apart the moment things stop going your way, because training doesn’t magically fix inconsistency, avoidance, or your ability to panic the second something feels uncomfortable.When the race gets tough—and it always does—you don’t rise to the level of your fitness, you fall back on your patterns. The way you cut corners, the way you deal with stress, the way you talk to yourself… all of that shows up whether you invited it or not. It’s like bringing your entire personality to the start line and hoping no one notices. Spoiler: the race notices.If you keep blowing up mid-race, it’s probably not just bad luck or that one gel you ate at mile 17. It might be worth asking if there’s something deeper going on. Because at some point, the race stops being about running and starts exposing everything else—and unfortunately, you can’t blame that on your shoes.

* Not for Apple or Spotify listeningThis week we talk about what it really looks like getting the property ready for Big Al’s and Snaketail. Trails buried in storm debris, dragging piles of limbs off the hills, a tractor deciding to break right when we needed it most, and Jon getting into a philosophical disagreement with an ACE Hardware employee about chainsaw chains.In between the chainsaws and brush piles, we get into something we care a lot about — the kind of people we want showing up at races like Mid State. Résumés and race results are one thing, but character, community, and how you treat the people beside you on the trail matter a whole lot more.Also covered: snakes in the yard, why big jobs only get done one bite at a time, and the kind of friends who show up with excavators when you really need them.

In this episode, we set out to talk about ultra running… and immediately don’t.Instead, we get into where we’ve been mentally lately—which is somewhere between “functioning adult” and “staring into the void but still mowing the yard.” Turns out you can have everything technically fine and still feel completely off. Love that for us.We also discover that a broken chainsaw is basically the perfect metaphor for training. It worked great… until it absolutely didn’t. And that’s kind of how we approach running too—ignore the small problems, hope for the best, and then act surprised when everything falls apart on race day.We talk about the classic ultrarunner mistakes: repeating the same bad training, pretending nutrition doesn’t matter, and blaming the race instead of admitting we might be the problem. (We said might. Relax.)Somewhere in there, we also spiral into the mental side of things—how easy it is to get stuck in your own head, convince yourself you’re the only one suffering, and forget that literally everyone else is also tired, hot, and questioning their life choices.

This week we talk about what it really looks like getting the property ready for Big Al’s and Snaketail. Trails buried in storm debris, dragging piles of limbs off the hills, a tractor deciding to break right when we needed it most, and Jon getting into a philosophical disagreement with an ACE Hardware employee about chainsaw chains.In between the chainsaws and brush piles, we get into something we care a lot about — the kind of people we want showing up at races like Mid State. Résumés and race results are one thing, but character, community, and how you treat the people beside you on the trail matter a whole lot more.Also covered: snakes in the yard, why big jobs only get done one bite at a time, and the kind of friends who show up with excavators when you really need them.

* not for listening on AppleIn this episode Jon and I are back with a new setup, strong coffee, and absolutely no shortage of opinions. We talk Music City Trail Ultra, questionable aid station pickle etiquette, a brand we’re genuinely obsessed with, and some of the wildest recent chaos in the running world—from wrong turns and race drama to medals, integrity, and the real risks people love to ignore.It’s a little ridiculous, and somehow includes pubic hair and pickle jars.

In this episode Jon and I are back with a new setup, strong coffee, and absolutely no shortage of opinions. We talk Music City Trail Ultra, questionable aid station pickle etiquette, a brand we’re genuinely obsessed with, and some of the wildest recent chaos in the running world—from wrong turns and race drama to medals, integrity, and the real risks people love to ignore.It’s a little ridiculous, and somehow includes pubic hair and pickle jars.

This week: we officially got moved. Not “we’re almost there.” Not “we’re transitioning.” Fully moved. Living at the farm. Yes, the one affectionately (or concerningly) nicknamed Murder Mile. Which sounds like a true crime podcast but is actually just… our address now.We’re talking about what it feels like when a place stops being an idea and becomes your real, everyday life. The mental shift. The quiet shift. The “oh, this is permanent” shift.We get into the two-hour raw milk drive — because apparently this is who we are now. People who will commit two hours round trip for dairy. Is it about the milk? Is it about the ritual? Is it about needing a reason to leave the property and remember civilization exists? We unpack it.There’s running. There’s long stretches of thinking. There’s that strange recalibration that happens when life slows down but your brain doesn’t immediately get the memo. What feels different. What feels the same. What feels slightly unhinged but in a growth-oriented way.It’s about choosing a life on purpose. Even when it’s inconvenient. Even when it’s far. Even when your GPS looks concerned.Press play if you’ve ever committed to something big and then had to sit with the reality of it.

This week we’re recording our final episode from the original Murder Miles studio — don’t panic, we’re not leaving Nashville, we’re just relocating operations like slightly more organized feral adults. What starts as a sentimental moment about neighborhood miles and familiar running routes quickly devolves into chainsaw talk, masculinity rants, gluten grievances, and a full-blown debate about whether elite runners should be allowed pacers or just be big kids and carry their own stuff. We get into the 100-mile record drama, integrity in the sport, Golden Ticket nonsense, and whether ultra running is getting a little too shiny for its own good. Somewhere between nostalgia and near-argument, we question the future of the sport, roast each other, and remind ourselves why we love doing hard things in the first place. It’s chaotic, mildly unhinged, occasionally controversial, and exactly what happens when you give two ultra runners microphones and zero supervision. Same city. New setup. Same reckless opinions.

* (video) Not for Apple or Spotify listeningThis week we’re recording our final episode from the original Murder Miles studio — don’t panic, we’re not leaving Nashville, we’re just relocating operations like slightly more organized feral adults. What starts as a sentimental moment about neighborhood miles and familiar running routes quickly devolves into chainsaw talk, masculinity rants, gluten grievances, and a full-blown debate about whether elite runners should be allowed pacers or just be big kids and carry their own stuff. We get into the 100-mile record drama, integrity in the sport, Golden Ticket nonsense, and whether ultra running is getting a little too shiny for its own good. Somewhere between nostalgia and near-argument, we question the future of the sport, roast each other, and remind ourselves why we love doing hard things in the first place. It’s chaotic, mildly unhinged, occasionally controversial, and exactly what happens when you give two ultra runners microphones and zero supervision. Same city. New setup. Same reckless opinions.

* video and not suitable for listeningOne year into the Ultra Crewed Podcast (which we completely forgot to celebrate because of course we did), this Sunday night episode spirals through Daytona engines, fallen trees on the farm, relationship stress-tests disguised as furniture assembly, and the brutal reality of the Barkley Marathons—where nobody finished and that’s kind of the point. We get honest about chasing validation, why “harder” doesn’t always mean “better,” and how social media has convinced runners they need to go longer, suffer louder, and inspire harder just to matter. Somewhere between rebuilding a chainsaw and arguing about wet socks at mile 38, we land on the lesson that actually counts: stop worrying about what you can’t control and solve the problem in front of you. This one’s about failure, ego, resilience, choosing each other, and understanding that not everything epic is meant for you—and that might be the most freeing thing you hear all week. Press play if you’re tired of pretending you’ve got it all figured out.

One year into the Ultra Crewed Podcast (which we completely forgot to celebrate because of course we did), this Sunday night episode spirals through Daytona engines, fallen trees on the farm, relationship stress-tests disguised as furniture assembly, and the brutal reality of the Barkley Marathons—where nobody finished and that’s kind of the point. We get honest about chasing validation, why “harder” doesn’t always mean “better,” and how social media has convinced runners they need to go longer, suffer louder, and inspire harder just to matter. Somewhere between rebuilding a chainsaw and arguing about wet socks at mile 38, we land on the lesson that actually counts: stop worrying about what you can’t control and solve the problem in front of you. This one’s about failure, ego, resilience, choosing each other, and understanding that not everything epic is meant for you—and that might be the most freeing thing you hear all week. Press play if you’re tired of pretending you’ve got it all figured out.

* video not for Apple or Spotify listening Becca Jones and Jon are back, broadcasting from the chaos command center known as Murder Mile Studio. This week, we’re talking about the slippery slope of sacrificing tomorrow’s potential for today’s pride. Whether that’s overtraining at the Black Toe Ultra, running through actual lung pain, or committing to a weekly raw milk pickup like it’s a damn ultramarathon. From butter bartering and Fresca diplomacy to the cult of the pain cave, this one’s got everything. Warning: You might end this episode questioning your relationship with dairy, discomfort, and your own decision-making process. Don’t worry we question all of yours, too.

Becca Jones and Jon are back, broadcasting from the chaos command center known as Murder Mile Studio. This week, we’re talking about the slippery slope of sacrificing tomorrow’s potential for today’s pride. Whether that’s overtraining at the Black Toe Ultra, running through actual lung pain, or committing to a weekly raw milk pickup like it’s a damn ultramarathon. From butter bartering and Fresca diplomacy to the cult of the pain cave, this one’s got everything. Warning: You might end this episode questioning your relationship with dairy, discomfort, and your own decision-making process. Don’t worry we question all of yours, too.

* video - Not for Apple or Spotify listeningWhat happens when two ultra runners try to move, renovate a house, run a business, and still show up for each other without completely losing it? You get this episode.This week we get honest about what it really takes to build a life together—on and off the trails. We talk about being equally yoked (and what that actually means in real life), the myth of "doing it all," and how saying yes to the wrong job at 15 could’ve changed everything. There’s some rage, some gratitude, some laughter, and a wood chipper wish list.Also: dogs off leash, coyotes in public parks, hydrogen water that may or may not be science, and a strong case for Fresca as a lifestyle.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, under appreciated, or just plain tired—this one's for you. It’s raw, real, and full of dirt under the fingernails. Hit play. Let’s go.

What happens when two ultra runners try to move, renovate a house, run a business, and still show up for each other without completely losing it? You get this episode.This week we get honest about what it really takes to build a life together—on and off the trails. We talk about being equally yoked (and what that actually means in real life), the myth of "doing it all," and how saying yes to the wrong job at 15 could’ve changed everything. There’s some rage, some gratitude, some laughter, and a wood chipper wish list.Also: dogs off leash, coyotes in public parks, hydrogen water that may or may not be science, and a strong case for Fresca as a lifestyle.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, under appreciated, or just plain tired—this one's for you. It’s raw, real, and full of dirt under the fingernails. Hit play. Let’s go.