Flytrap Coalition Podcast

Coalition, what is up. Hope you guys are well, strap in and get ready for episode 15 of the flytrap coalition podcast. It was my honor to sit down with a couple of local St. Louis Stallions, Travis Nissenbaum and Chris stein, who I have affectionately dubbed as the ‘ultra buds’. These guys are best friends that absolutely love to crush ultra marathons, Spartan races, half ironman races. But these guys are not only great athletes, they are best friends and do an amazing job of describing how endurance races have led them on some epic adventures, and also seen them through some of their darkest times, and they do it all together. I had an absolute blast recording with these guys, we laughed, we talked about some emotional times in their lives, and I know you guys are going to enjoy this one from start to finish. Special shoutout to Travis and his wife Kim for letting us record at their house and meet their awesome rescue dogs, Boss and Millie #adoptdontshop. Much respect. So, without further adieu, I give you my conversation with Travis Nissenbaum and Chris Stein.

UltraMarathon Runner, Cody Eubanks  Coalition, welcome back. And we are coming back today with a BANGER. My guest today is man that I am officially dubbing as the most interesting man in ultra running, Cody Eubanks. Cody is coming off a first place win at the Lions Roar 24 hour race where he also set the course record, logging over 120 miles. Guys, here's the thing, Cody didn't start running ultras until last year, but what a year it was. In 2020, Cody racked up 7 podium finishes, including a runner up finish in his first ever 100 mile run, at the 4 Fore 30 Backyard Infinity Ultra where he and Chris Boyle shattered the course record, with 154 and 158 miles respectively. As you'll find out in this episode, Cody is an absolute beast with the heart of a champion. He's also hilarious and most definitely marches to the beat of his own drum. Whether it's hammering beers mid-race, or running alongside hallucinogenic skunks, Cody is playing by his own rules....and guess what, he's winning, and I dig it. I had a blast recording this with Cody, he had me cracking up and I think he'll have you doing the same...so without any further adieu, I bring you my conversation with Cody Eubanks.  

Coalition, what is up. If you follow Ultra Running you are probably aware of Kilian Jornet’s recent attempt to set the record for farthest distance covered in 24 hours at the Salomon Phantasm 24 hour race in Mandelen, Noway. And if you followed that race you know that in the field of 6 highly decorated runners, it was the underdog, Harald Bjerke who ended up being crowned the Champ, completing over 232 kilometers or 139 miles in a single 24 hour period. To make this even more incredible, Harald completed this distance by circling a 400 meter outdoor track in the below freezing temperatures of Norway. In this episode Harald takes us through his race and details everything from his training, how he prepared mentally, his nutrition, race strategy, how he stays injury free, and much more. At 45 years old Harald is just getting started in the sport of Ultra Running and I think he is a guy that you are going to continue to see more and more of in the elite field. Thanks again, Harald- enjoyed it. 

Coalition- it’s good to be back. We have a good one for you today, we are talking with Certified Level 1 USA Track and Field coach, Mark Shimmin. Mark is based out of San Diego CA where he is a Fleet Feet Ambassador as well as a Mind and Body Coach and Sports Therapist. We track Mark's running career from his time at Cal State San Marcos to present, including his Half Marathon PR of 1 hour and 20 minutes at the USA Half Invitational. Mark also shares his coaching insights, we detail how to structure a training week to include mileage runs, tempo runs, and speed work…as well as how to build mileage and increase performance while staying injury free. We also get into the mental and emotional side of training to include mindfulness, meditation, body work and how to address past emotional trauma whether it be conscious or subconscious through deep work..yeah, we get into it, and I think you guys are going to dig it. 

Have you ever been curious about Ironman Triathlons? Current Ironman/Woman looking to hone your skills? This is the episode for you. Our guest, Sebastjan Gergoric has twice qualified for Kona, and completed 8 full Ironmans and over 15 half Ironmans. We discuss his training, nutrition, race, strategy, and so much more. Sebastjan is a wealth of information and has an amazing outlook on life...which has contributed to his longevity in the sport...currently spanning over 10 years.  Show Seb some love on IG: @vegantri_seb

Mark is back! You may remember Mark Bottenhorn from Episode 6. We brought him back to discuss how and why the group he's coaching is thriving in training through the Covid-19 quarantine. Mark discusses how to train for longevity in both training and life. The importance of dis-associating from your races and results. Holistic nutrition for both the athlete and the planet, and so much more. We dive deep into the different philosophical and tactical approaches to training and what methods will not only get your results, but keep you healthy and keep you in the game. It's always a pleasure to speak with Mark, and I know you are going to enjoy this one.  Show Mark some love:  IG: @bottenhornrunning Podcast: Finding Strong Podcast  Website: www.MarkBottenhorn.com

If you are a fan of ultra running, and ultra running podcasts, then you already know my next guest. Scott Kummer is the founder and host of the legendary Ten Junk Miles Podcast. As a tribute to the TJM Podcast, we go long form in this episode. We go way off script and cover everything from politics, COVID-19, religion, philosophy, alcohol abuse and more more. Scott opens up and courageously tells us about some of the things he's dealt with on a personal level that make him the man he is today. It was an honor to get to know the man behind the mic. Much respect, Scott- talk soon.  Show Scott Kummer some love:  IG: @scottywk2 Podcast: Ten Junk Miles Podcast Sign up for one of Scott's races: https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/tjmracing Scott's Website: https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/

I speak with Josh Rosenblatt, author of Why We Fight: One Man’s Search For Meaning Inside the Ring. Josh is a writer and journalist who’s work has appeared in Vice, the Texas Observer, and the Austin Chronicle. We discuss his book and his journey to face his deepest fears by agreeing to take part in a mixed martial arts fight. We discuss the psychology of fear, ancestral trauma, evolutionary biology, mixed martial arts, and so much more.

Hear the story of David Stores and Brandon Vaughn setting the fastest known time (FKT) for an unsupported effort on the Ozark Trail. Over 230 miles spanning 5 days alone in the wilderness. We also talk about back depression through adventures and the importance of time in nature. Additionally, hear a race report from Podium finisher and trail beast, Ryan Maher, as he and Brandon took on the OT100 mile endurance run.

Coalition, today I am speaking with ultra-marathon champion and strength and endurance coach, Mark Bottenhorn. Mark has wins at the Pistol 50k, the North Country Trail 50, and the Hellcat 50k, where he recorded one of the fastest 50k’s in North America that year. But this conversation goes way beyond running. Mark opens up about his struggles with Anxiety, Depression, and even disordered eating from his days as a professional body builder. We shed some light on the stigmas associated with mental health and mark shares his story about going from a guy who struggled to get out of bed in the morning, to someone who is now living his dream life. We also talk nutrition, strength training, and so much more. Coalition, I am honored and privelaged to give you my conversation with Mark Bottenhorn.