by UltraSignup
The Trailhead isn’t your typical trail running podcast—we’re not dissecting splits or debating race strategies. Instead, hosts Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard take you straight to the heart (and funny bone) of the sport, celebrating the people, stories, and quirks that make trail running so special. With a mix of humor, heart, and a little irreverence, we explore the personalities, people, artists, and everyday athletes who give the sport its soul—because trail running is about more than just the miles.
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🇺🇲
Publishing Since
8/16/2022
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April 15, 2025
<p>What does it mean to live a good life? And can your running practice help you get there? In this episode of The Trailhead, Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard sit down with Sabrina Little: ultrarunner, philosopher, ethics professor, mom of (soon to be) three, and author of The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners.</p> <p>Sabrina’s work sits at the fascinating intersection of character development, everyday ethics, and endurance sports. She teaches philosophy at Christopher Newport University and writes a beloved ethics column for iRunFar—and she’s here to explore how running can be a "laboratory for virtue," where our daily choices shape who we become both on and off the trail.</p> <p>Together, we unpack:</p> <ul> <li>How running teaches us about moral character (whether we know it or not)</li> <li>Everyday ethical choices in sport and life—beyond the big scandals</li> <li>Why we hedge the truth (even when no one's watching)</li> <li>What it means to celebrate others' success while still chasing your own</li> <li>The role of humor and humility in building resilience</li> <li>How parenting and philosophy collide </li> <li>And why runners aren’t just chasing finish lines—they’re practicing becoming better people.</li> </ul> <p><a href= "https://www.runningwarehouse.com?from=ultra"><strong>🏃♂️ This episode is brought to you by our friends at Running Warehouse!</strong></a><br /> Running Warehouse makes it easy to gear up for your next big adventure with thousands of in-depth reviews, expert advice, and fast, free shipping. Whether you're chasing vert in the mountains or keeping it local on your home trails, Running Warehouse has you covered with the best brands and the biggest selection of shoes, apparel, and gear. Before you head out for your next run, stock up at <a href="https://www.runningwarehouse.com/?from=ultra">Running Warehouse.</a></p> <p><strong>Links and Resources:</strong></p> <ul> <li>🧩 <a href= "https://www.liftbridgebooks.com/book/9780197678695">The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners by Sabrina Little: Buy the book</a></li> <li>🖋️ <a href="https://www.irunfar.com/author/slittle">Sabrina’s ethics column for iRunFar</a></li> <li>Follow Sabrina on Instagram: <a id="menur144p" class= "fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.instagram.com/sabrina.little" href= "https://www.instagram.com/sabrina.little" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener" aria-label= "Link @sabrina.little">@sabrina.little</a></li> </ul> <p><br /> This episode of The Trailhead is hosted by Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard. It’s part of the UltraSignup Podcast Network. If you loved this conversation, share it with your trail crew, leave us a review, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an adventure.</p> <p>Follow the show at <a id="menur144s" class= "fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.instagram.com/trailheadpod" href= "https://www.instagram.com/trailheadpod" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener" aria-label= "Link @trailheadpod">@trailheadpod</a>, or drop us a line at <a target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">[email protected]</a> — we’d love to hear your stories, guest ideas, or just say hi! And be sure to check out all the other great shows in the Ultra Podcast Network.</p>
April 1, 2025
<p><strong>Welcome Brendan Leonard to The Trailhead!</strong><br /> He’s the mind behind Semi-Rad, the master of stick figure cartoons, and now, he’s Zoë’s new co-host on The Trailhead. But instead of the usual "tell us about yourself" intro, we’re doing things our way. In this episode, Brendan gets interviewed by the person who knows him best—his mom.</p> <p>Kathy Leonard pulls no punches in this no-holds-barred sit-down, asking about everything from poop strategies to race regrets.</p> <p>We also chat about what drew Brendan to ultrarunning, why the middle of the pack is where the magic happens, and how humor helps us survive the weirdest parts of trail running.</p> <p>We’re not here to chase clout or finish lines—we’re here for the characters, the comedy, and the community that make this sport what it is.</p> <h3>Thanks to Our Partners, Skratch Labs!</h3> <p><a href= "https://www.skratchlabs.com/products/fuel-sample-pack?utm_medium=UltraSignUp&utm_campaign=UltraSignUp25"> Fuel your long runs the smart way—with real food ingredients backed by science. </a><br /> <a href= "https://www.skratchlabs.com/products/fuel-sample-pack?utm_medium=UltraSignUp&utm_campaign=UltraSignUp25"> Grab your free sample pack at <strong>skratchlabs.com</strong> with code <strong>REALFOODFUEL</strong>. </a></p>
March 18, 2025
<p>Big changes are happening at The Trailhead! In this episode, co-hosts Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell reflect on Buzz’s legendary career in trail running and his next big adventure—his very own podcast, The Buzz with Buzz Burrell.</p> <p>Buzz shares his perspective on how the sport has evolved, from the early days of ultrarunning to the rise of FKTs (Fastest Known Times), the integration of outdoor culture into trail running, and the innovations that have transformed the way we run. He and Zoë also discuss why authenticity matters in media, what makes someone a lasting presence in the sport, and what listeners can expect from The Buzz, launching March 25th.</p> <h3><strong>🏃 Shoutout to Our Sponsor: Running Warehouse!</strong></h3> <p>This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by <strong>Running Warehouse</strong>, your one-stop shop for all things trail and ultrarunning. Check them out and gear up for your next adventure at <a id="menur5b1" class= "fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.runningwarehouse.com/?from=ultra" href= "https://www.runningwarehouse.com?from=ultra" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener" aria-label= "Link RunningWarehouse.com"><strong>RunningWarehouse.com</strong></a>.</p> <h3><strong>Tune in for:</strong></h3> <p>🔥 Buzz on the history of trail running and its evolution<br /> 🏃 The rise of FKTs and why they matter<br /> 🎙️ Why The Buzz is bringing something new to trail running media<br /> 🤔 What makes someone a legend in the sport?<br /> 📖 <a href="https://vol.co/collections/fastest-known-times">Buzz’s upcoming book on FKTs - check it out!</a></p> <h3><strong>Stay Connected & Tune In!</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Subscribe to The Buzz with Buzz Burrell – launching <strong>March 25th!</strong></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ultrasignup/?hl=en">Follow UltraSignup for updates on new podcast episodes.</a></li> <li>Got questions or hot takes for Buzz? Email <a target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener"><strong>[email protected]</strong></a></li> <li>Big news for The Trailhead is coming April 1st – stay tuned!</li> </ul> <p>📩 <strong>Email us at</strong> <a target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener"><strong>[email protected]</strong></a> <strong>with your questions or guest ideas!</strong></p>
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