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"I had to prove I wasn’t just another guy chasing Laz for a headline—I had to show up, over and over."

In this episode, Troy sits down with Jered Beasley, journalist, author, and now, the man who got closer to Lazarus Lake than just about anyone. Jered’s new book, Endurance Artist, is part biography, part endurance journey, and full-blown deep dive into the enigmatic world of Laz—the creator of Barkley Marathons and the Backyard Ultra.

Jered shares his own story of burnout, reinvention, and how he found healing through running and storytelling. What started as a curious profile of an oddball race director turned into years of friendship, exploration, and digging up the strange and beautiful layers of one of ultrarunning’s most legendary figures.

In This Episode:

• How Jered transitioned from actor to investigative endurance writer

• The 5-year journey to earn Lazarus Lake’s trust (and the stories that followed)

• A raw look at failure, resilience, and finding peace through pain

• Inside the Backyard Ultra and Barkley from a storyteller’s lens

• The unseen emotional toll of embedded journalism

• Writing a book while feeling like you’re not good enough
  

Jareds Links:

• Endurance Artist – Jered’s new book

• IG - @jaredbnewyork 

• X - @dbjared

Relevant Links:

• Lazarus Lake – Creator of Barkley and Backyard Ultra

• BackyardUltra.com

• The Barkley Marathons

• Vol State

• HOTS

• Strolling Jim 40
  

Partner Links:

Janji - Janji.com

A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust.

Check them out at janji.com.

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.

Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.

More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.

“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary

Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/

A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/

Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com

Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. 

Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.

Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.

⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/

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Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.

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Jered Beasley, Lazarus Lake, Garry Cantrell, Barkley Marathons, Backyard Ultra, Endurance Artist, ultra running, endurance sports, embedded journalism, failure, resilience, Troy Meadows, MidPacker Pod