Peanut butter and jelly. Bacon and eggs. Batman and Robin. Like these legendary tandems, there are few things better than when you can pair the perfect podcast with a good long run. For me, a good podcast – one that is interesting, engaging, and entertaining – can help the miles just float by. But, when I first tried to find a podcast to listen to, I stumbled upon most of them by searching the keyword “running” into the search bar of my podcast app. If you are in the same spot and don’t know where to start, here are a few of my favourite podcasts (and some episode recommendations) to fuel you along your next run.
1. Rich Roll Podcast with Alexi Pappas
Spotify link:
Rich Roll, who is an ultrarunner, author, and plant-based wellness guru, interviews Olympian, filmmaker, and new author, Alexi Pappas. Alexi speaks about her brand new memoirs, Bravey, and what exactly this title means. She is incredibly thoughtful, mature, and inspirational. Alexi is an advocate for mental health, particularly amongst athletes, who she feels do not maintain their minds and mental states as diligently as they do their bodies. She speaks at length about her experiences with depression, grief, balance, and synergy. I cannot recommend this interview enough for anyone who has ever felt the weight of training, the struggles with balance, and the mental tug of war that often comes with, as Alexi says, taking your dreams seriously.
Additional Links:
Apple iTunes link: Click to listen to the podcast on iTunes
Google Podcasts link: Click to listen to the podcast on Google
2. Alli on the Run Show with Molly Seidel and Izzy Seidel
Spotify link:
Ali Feller interviews U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials second place finisher, Molly Seidel and her sister, Izzy, who is an accomplished runner herself. This interview is a wonderful look at the relationship between Molly and Izzy. Many people who have a sibling will be immediately engaged in the banter and the stories that Molly and Izzy share. Molly delves into the US Olympic Trials and what it was like to have her sister and best friend with her, and why she ensures that fun is always at the forefront of any challenge that she takes on.
Additional Links:
Apple iTunes link: Click to listen to the podcast on iTunes
Google Podcasts link: Click to listen to the podcast on Google
3. The Longest Stride – Kat Stefankiewicz: Don’t Believe in Regrets
Spotify link:
The Longest Stride is a podcast hosted by two of our own Runners of the Six team members, Jonathan and Dre, and they, along with guest hosts, interview and connect with many local (Toronto and Greater Toronto Area) athletes, runners, and community leaders. In this particular episode, Jonathan and Dre interview Kat Stefankiewicz who I, along with many others, know from the Toronto Raptors (Let’s Go Raptors!!!) broadcasts. Kat is so down to earth and she shares her story of starting with the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak and transitioning into her current role of on-air broadcaster. Her story of taking a chance, grasping the opportunities that she could, and not having regrets is one that I’m sure many runners will connect with. I listened almost vicariously as it had always been my childhood dream to work with the Raptors, so to hear her story was, personally, very inspirational. Kat also talks about running being her escape, training for her first half marathon, and being an Adidas Women’s Ambassador with Adidas Canada.
Additional Links:
Apple iTunes link: Click to listen to the podcast on iTunes
Google Podcasts link: Click to listen to the podcast on Google
4. Lindsey Hein – I’ll Have Another with Des Linden
Lindsey Hein interviews many endurance athletes but, in my opinion, few come across as genuine, down to earth, and real as this interview with 2018 Boston Marathon Champion, Des Linden. This particular episode was recorded in April 2020 and to hear an athlete the caliber of Des Linden struggle with quarantine and what to do to get through the early days of being stuck at home during this global pandemic is very relatable. She also talks about training during uncertain times, guilty pleasure music, and her love of coffee and whiskey. What more could you want to go along with a run?
Additional Links:
Apple iTunes link: Click to listen to the podcast on iTunes
Google Podcasts link: Click to listen to the podcast on Google
5. Run4PRS – Easy Running: How it Makes You Faster
Spotify link:
If you are looking for something a tad more “how to” and training centric, the Run4PRs podcast includes tangible advice on how to train smarter in various scenarios. Coach Victoria often interviews a fellow coach from their program and they discuss popular training questions and topics. In this particular episode, Easy Running and its benefits are discussed. I think that seasoned runners and new runners can all benefit from hearing different coaches discuss different running philosophies. This is the type of podcast I would put on if I were looking for a kind of “set it and forget it” type of listen to kind of help the miles go by. Great info and applicable advice for lots of runners!
Additional Links:
Apple iTunes link: Click to listen to the podcast on iTunes
Google Podcasts link: Click to listen to the podcast on Google
BONUS:
Some Bonus Podcasts that I absolutely love but are not exactly running centric.
The Roz and Mocha Show Podcast – ‘WandaVision’ Interview and more
Spotify link:
If you have never heard the Roz and Mocha show on Kiss 92.5, I highly recommend checking out their podcast. It is a condensed version of the Toronto-based morning radio show. Hilarious games, interviews, and stories in every episode that have made me draw stares during long runs from laughing maybe a bit too loudly.
Additional Links:
Apple iTunes link: Click to listen to the podcast on iTunes
Google Podcasts link: Click to listen to the podcast on Google
Office Ladies – Fun Run Part 1
Spotify link:
The Dundie for Best Office Podcast goes to….Office Ladies! And here is a podcast for all The Office fans out there! Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fisher (Angela and Pam) do a behind the scenes look at all the episodes of the show. This particular episode is Fun Run, because on a running blog like this one, I think it’s the perfect episode to start with.
Additional Links:
Apple iTunes link: Click to listen to the podcast on iTunes
Google Podcasts link: Click to listen to the podcast on Google
The School of Greatness – Kobe Bryant: Mamba Mentality and The Mind of a Champion
Spotify link:
This may be the only podcast that I have listened to many, many times. The first time I listened to it was right after the untimely passing of Kobe Bryant and that first listen was just as impactful and inspiring as the following listens. Kobe speaks candidly about his legendary competitive nature, his dedication to getting better every day, and the example he hopes to leave for his children and those who look up to him. As a runner, I connected with the way he spoke of training and trying to improve every day, but also marveled at his unworldly work ethic and passion.
Additional Links:
Apple iTunes link: Click to listen to the podcast on iTunes
Google Podcasts link: Click to listen to the podcast on Google
I hope this High Five List (with bonus entries) has given you something to listen to on your next long run or any run for that matter! Tell us what your favourite podcasts are in the discussion below!! Happy listening to all and happy running!