Best Magic Carpet Ride Podcasts (2025)

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102: Influencer: Supporting North Alabama Accessibility project 24:20

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3h ago24:20

24:20

Join us for a conversation with accessibility advocate and travel blogger Phoenyx Powell. We’ll explore the important work being done to make North Alabama more inclusive and welcoming for all. Phoenyx shares insights from her own experiences traveling with accessibility needs, highlights local initiatives, and discusses how communities can better …

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Gnar Couch Podcast 188: Braydon Bringhurst, MTB Mental Game, Hard MTB 1:36:01

10d ago1:36:01

1:36:01

On this week’s Gnar Couch Podshow, we went deeper than Sponch's mom with the one and only Braydon Bringhurst. The dude’s basically part philosopher, part bike Jedi, and part anti-gravity climbing machine. We talked about rebuilding your mind (and body) after you eat sh*t, launching the Hard MTB League, and somehow raising a family while still hucki…

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101: A Magical German Christmas: The Story Behind Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt 38:52

14d ago38:52

38:52

Join us for a festive episode as we chat with Nathan Anderson, Executive Director of Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism, and the driving force behind Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt — one of the most enchanting holiday experiences in the South. Nathan shares how this authentic German-inspired winter market came to life, the traditions that make …

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Gnar Couch Podcast 187: Cam Zink and Chelsea Kimball, Changes to Rampage? 1:22:18

17d ago1:22:18

1:22:18

We went full send with a freeride legend and another in the making this week with Cam Zink and surprise guest Chelsea Kimball on the show. Cam talked about what changes, if any, are needed at Rampage, launching world-record backflips, a decade of Rampage, and his motivation for starting businesses. He broke down the art of gambling your shoulder an…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 186: Red Bull Rampage Recap, Rob Masekela, Lesbian Flannel Twins? 1:13:43

24d ago1:13:43

1:13:43

Welcome to the Gnar Couch Podshow, the only mountain bike podcast where Rampage crashes, poop jokes, and total confusion over basically everything all meet on one couch that’s definitely been peed on and probably worse. This week we try to understand Red Bull Rampage 2025: from Adolph Silva’s gnarly crash that left us all queasy, to the eternal deb…

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100: Exploring the Rosenbaum House with Jeff Ford 23:54

1M ago23:54

23:54

Step into the world of Frank Lloyd Wright right here in North Alabama! Host Melea Hames sits down with Jeff Ford, Site Director of the Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structure in the state. Together, they uncover the fascinating history of this Usonian masterpiece, the story of the Rosenbaum family, and what makes this home a…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 185: CJ Celig, Rampage Prep, Bikes That Thump in the Trunk 1:42:06

1M ago1:42:06

1:42:06

This week on the Gnar Couch Podshow, we hang with rampage-riding legend CJ Ceilig. Okay, she's not legendary yet, but she will be after this podcast. She somehow makes a terrible sausage party pod team actually worth listening to. She's a Eurotah-bouncing, breakfast sandwich-dodging shredder who’s done it all. From bluffing her way through a bike-s…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 184: Bienvenido Aguado, Throwing Your Bike, Training for Rampage 1:45:22

2M ago1:45:22

1:45:22

Welcome to episode 184 of the Gnar Couch Podshow. We braved rare severe Utah thunderstorms, insane traffic, and stuffed our bikes in Corvettes this weekend to bring you Bienvenido Aguado, who shares everything from his front flip stories to how he manages to keep things fun when the pressure’s on. As always, there’s some friendly roasting, plenty o…

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99: Finding Fall Magic at Hidden Rivers Farm 35:56

2M ago35:56

35:56

Step into the joy of fall at Hidden Rivers Farm in Hartselle, Alabama, where sisters Mary-Sidney and Abigail Ritch have created a family destination filled with pumpkins, games, trails, and unforgettable experiences. Host Melea Hames sits down with the sisters to learn how their farm grew from childhood memories into one of North Alabama’s most bel…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 183: Jarrod Harris/Jarrod's Place, Building MTB Community, Trail Armor Magic Carpet 1:06:54

2M ago1:06:54

1:06:54

This week, we’re stoked (and honestly a little confused) to bring on Jarrod Harris—a former comic-turned-bike-park-owner, who went from taking shots off strippers and 6am radio gigs to building one of the gnarliest mountain bike parks in Georgia, complete with mysterious “Trail Armor” that either ruins mountain biking or is the second coming of dir…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 182: Rampage Rider Finley Kirschenmann, Rob Can't Start the Show, Spins vs. Style 1:17:55

2M ago1:17:55

1:17:55

Welcome to the Gnar Couch Podshow. This week, we have a special guest: up-and-coming Rampage wild card Finley Kirschenmann. We’ll dig into how a kid from Sandy, Utah gets gnarly enough for Rampage, plus we get the inside scoop on desert lines, digging skills, and whether dual-crown tailwhips are actually possible. Other topics rolling around in thi…

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98: Beverly Massa with La Famiglia Vineyard 31:16

2M ago31:16

31:16

Discover the story of La Famiglia Winery, a family-owned vineyard in the heart of North Alabama where tradition, hospitality, and Italian heritage blend beautifully. Host Melea Hames sits down with Beverly Massa to talk about her family’s journey into winemaking, the unique varietals they cultivate, and how the winery has become both a destination …

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Gnar Couch Podcast 181: Jerrell Webster, Inclusivity in MTB, Taping Your Testicles 2:02:50

2M ago2:02:50

2:02:50

Welcome to the only MTB podcast to provide you with suspect mountain bike expertise, best enjoyed while sunning your rear, paddling your shins, or taping down your “business” for that sweet aerodynamic gain. Oh, and we have pro riders like Jerrell Webster on. On this week’s episode, we chewed through three core themes at a speed only barely hampere…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 180: Rampage Rider Janelle Soukup, Women in Rampage, Mildly Questionable Humor 1:28:00

2M ago1:28:00

1:28:00

Welcome to the Gnar Couch Podshow, where mountain biking meets questionable life choices and creative chaos, and somehow, women still agree to come on the show. If you’re after a polished podcast, you’re in the wrong place. This is a podshow, which basically means we’re like a podcast, but with more bad decisions and a few conversations you probabl…

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97: Annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride 16:38

3M ago16:38

16:38

Join us for a conversation about the 32nd Annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride — a powerful, rain-or-shine tradition that honors the journey of Native Americans along the historic Trail of Tears. We’ll talk about the history, the route, and what makes this annual ride an unforgettable experience. Follow North Alabama on Social Media!…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 179: Ride Caviar, Bring Back My Refrigerator, Big Guest Announcement 1:07:43

3M ago1:07:43

1:07:43

This might just be the best mountain bike podshow you’ve ever hate-listened to. That’s right—podshow, because podcasts are boring and suck, and furthermore, calling it a podcast would be an insult to the fine tradition of nonsense, awkward silences, and self-inflicted pain we serve up with all the grace of Boston Rob “making it clap” at dance parti…

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Breaking Isolation: Why Every Dad Needs Trusted Advisors 42:00

3M ago42:00

42:00

What if the very thing you’re hiding is the key to your greatest strength? In this episode of the Dads Making a Difference Podcast, Cam sits down with Brian Seim, Christian, husband, father of five, and founder of the Kingdom Family Leader movement, to talk about breaking isolation, facing your past, and surrounding yourself with the kind of men wh…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 178: Ryden Dirty, eBike/Amish Bike Fight, Rob Can't Stop Cussing 1:09:01

3M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

It’s episode 178 of the Gnar Couch Podshow! We’re already three minutes in and the F-bomb counter is higher than your buddy who “microdosed” but forgot the “micro.” Utah probably hates us (again), but that’s fine—Utah also hates fun, women's thighs, and beer over 4%. But, this isn't your dad’s mountain bike podcast. Actually, your dad probably left…

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96: Making A Splash at Spring Valley Beach 28:39

3M ago28:39

28:39

Get ready for some summer fun as we dive into Spring Valley Beach, an iconic water park in Blountsville. Melea sits down with owner Travis Gilliland to find out more about the history of this family-owned park. Learn about the park's origins, its transformation over the years, and the variety of attractions that make it a favorite summer destinatio…

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Making Men Strong Again: Faith, Fitness, and Fatherhood with Sean McManus 31:10

3M ago31:10

31:10

What happens when a young dad decides to stop living for someone else’s dream and start building the life God called him to lead? In this powerful episode, Sean McManus joins Cam Hall to share his journey from corporate work to coaching men in health and leadership. Sean opens up about the moment he felt called to 'make men strong again,' and how t…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 177: Rob Brown (Loam Pass/Bike Sushi), Chinese Adam, Coach the Homeless? 1:19:42

3M ago1:19:42

1:19:42

This might be the best mountain bike podshow you’ll ever subject your bleeding ears to, but let’s not get too full of ourselves. If you’re looking for pro tips, life-changing inspiration, or anything more educational than a Snickers wrapper, you should probably tune out now. Welcome to the Gnar Couch Podshow, where “podshow” means we get away with …

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Gnar Couch Podcast 175: Christian Peper, The Algorithm Is Watching You, Why Can't Utah Be Canada? 1:55:11

3M ago1:55:11

1:55:11

Welcome to another absolutely questionably legal episode of the Gnarcouch Podshow. This is episode 175—which honestly, we’re just as surprised it happened as you are. If you’ve ever tried to tune your suspension with ChatGPT, eaten three-day-old elk meat out of a fanny pack, or asked a stranger at Whistler to jump over your Tesla Cybertruck in a to…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 176: The History of Gnar Couch 2:36:06

4M ago2:36:06

2:36:06

Roll up and throw your tailgate pad on this dumpster fire as we take you through the trainwreck history of the Gnar Couch Podshow, a masterclass in turning angry biker angst and stray couches into the only show less appropriate than your browser history. We dig into three surprisingly important themes: 1) how a decaying couch at a dirt jump park so…

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95: An Exotic Oasis in North Alabama: The Flying Carpet Moroccan Treehouse 21:22

4M ago21:22

21:22

Be transported to a faraway land as we explore one of Alabama's most unique overnight stays: The Flying Carpet Moroccan Treehouse. Melea sits down with Cherisa, who shares how a surprising find at a salvage store sparked the inspiration for this luxurious and immersive experience. Listen to hear how this unexpected gem attracts guests from around t…

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When the Magic Carpet Ride Ends: Preparing Your Kids for Real Life with Rob Finlay 26:34

4M ago26:34

26:34

Picture this: It's 1 AM. Your phone rings. Your heart races as you answer, expecting the worst. Instead, your college-aged daughter asks, "Dad, can I put the green gas in my Jeep?" That moment changed everything for entrepreneur and father of four Rob Finlay. What started as relief quickly became a sobering realization: Had he been so focused on bu…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 174: DJ Brandt, Authenticity in MTB, Why We Ride 2:06:33

4M ago2:06:33

2:06:33

This could easily be the most over-caffeinated, under-medicated mountain bike podshow you’ll ever subject your earholes to. Not a podcast—a “podshow”—because adding “show” makes everything about 17% more questionable. Welcome to Gnar Couch, where the only thing more inflated than our egos is our caffeine intake, and the only thing more shredded tha…

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Reading, Resilience, and Raising Leaders: What Every Dad Should Know 32:46

4M ago32:46

32:46

What if the key to better leadership, deeper connection with your kids, and more confidence as a dad was...reading? In this episode of the Dads Making a Difference Podcast, Cam sits down with Dr. Danny Brassell. Author, speaker, educator, and father, to explore the transformational power of reading in fatherhood and leadership. Dr. Brassell shares …

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Steve Dack (Sitting In) - 17th July 2025 3:00:13

4M ago3:00:13

3:00:13

Steve Dack (Sitting In) - 17th July 2025

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Gnar Couch Podcast 173: Be Old But Good With Jeff Robertson, Fountains Of Ween, MTB "Enthusiasts" 2:03:53

4M ago2:03:53

2:03:53

Welcome to the Gnar Couch Podshow, which is like a podcast but with less dignity, more self-loathing, and at least a 50% higher chance of your spouse asking, “What the hell are you listening to?” Picture a virtual dirt jump party where a bunch of underachieving mountain bikers, powerlifting BMX dads, and wannabe nutritional influencers swap stories…

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94: Unlocking Childhood Play at Early Works Children’s Museum 17:24

4M ago17:24

17:24

In this episode, Melea talks with Beth Goodwin, the CEO of Early Works Children’s Museums in Huntsville, Alabama. Learn how the museum focuses on childhood play by creating an environment that welcomes children of all ages and abilities. Beth shares how upcoming exhibits like the Kids Clinic and the Toyota auto exhibit focus on workforce developmen…

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Money, Mindset & Mission: Breaking the Chains of Financial Fear with Matt Morizio 48:35

4M ago48:35

48:35

What if your money mindset is what’s actually holding you back? In this powerful episode, Cam Hall sits down with Matt Morizio—father of seven, former minor league baseball player, and founder of a wealth management firm—to talk about what it really means to be a provider. Matt opens up about his own transition from scarcity to stewardship, sharing…

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Steve Dack (Sitting In) - 11th July 2025 3:00:57

4M ago3:00:57

3:00:57

Steve Dack (Sitting In) - 11th July 2025

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Gnar Couch Podcast 172: Ryan McElmon, Back of the Head Concussions, Sappy Gnar Couch Stories 2:20:57

4M ago2:20:57

2:20:57

This could easily be the most dangerously mediocre mountain bike podshow you’ve ever subjected yourself to—if only because there isn’t another one like it. But let’s not call it a “podcast.” It’s the Gnar Couch Podshow, a half-shaved circus animal of a program that fuses mountain biking banter, pre-school-level humor, and the sort of camaraderie yo…

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Raising Resilient Kids in a Digital World: Lessons from Emotional Schools 48:14

4M ago48:14

48:14

Are your kids truly ready for the challenges of life? In this powerful conversation, Cam sits down with Leroy Slanzi — a veteran educator, principal, and author of Emotional Schools. With 25 years of experience working with kids and parents, Leroy offers a no-nonsense, practical framework for building emotional intelligence and resilience in childr…

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Steve Dack (Sitting In) - 3rd July 2025 3:00:09

5M ago3:00:09

3:00:09

Steve Dack (Sitting In) - 3rd July 2025

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93: A Look Inside Alabama’s Most Accessible Barbecue Restaurant, Russell Barbecue 26:07

5M ago26:07

26:07

Join us for an adventure in North Alabama as Melea sits down with Josh Russell, owner of Russell Barbecue in Sheffield. Discover how this unique spot on the North Alabama Barbecue Trail offers delicious Texas-style barbecue, featuring favorites like tender brisket and surprisingly juicy turkey. Learn about the restaurant's incredible transformation…

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Marriage, Money & Mission: A Blueprint for Purpose-Driven Dads 40:08

5M ago40:08

40:08

What does it really mean to live a “balanced” life? In today’s powerful episode, Cam sits down with Dr. Travis Parry—father of eight, author of Achieving Balance and Marry and Grow Rich, and founder of the Make Time Institute. Together, they unpack the tension every driven dad feels: chasing success while trying to stay connected at home. Travis sh…

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92: Finding Solitude at The Shrine of The Most Blessed Sacrament 18:49

5M ago18:49

18:49

Embark on a truly unexpected adventure as we journey to Hanceville, Alabama, to explore the awe-inspiring Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Melea is joined by Chris McCarthy, Outreach Manager for the Shrine, to unveil the history and breathtaking details of this 13th-century Italian-inspired architectural marvel. Discover its unique design, ser…

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When the Switch Turns Off: Rediscovering Empathy in Fatherhood 31:52

5M ago31:52

31:52

What happens when the weight of leadership and loss becomes too much? In this raw and vulnerable solo episode, Cam shares the story of a young man who changed his life and the heartbreaking loss that flipped a switch inside him. From the outside, everything looked fine. But inside, he was disconnected...from empathy, from care, from himself. Cam op…

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Reclaiming Your Time, Aligning Your Priorities, and Leading with Purpose w/ Scott Maderer 35:02

5M ago35:02

35:02

Are you tired of being busy but feeling stuck? In this powerful episode, Cam sits down with stewardship coach Scott Maderer to unpack the real reasons why so many dads feel overwhelmed, out of alignment, and unsure how to take the next step toward living with purpose. If you've ever said, “I just don’t have time,” this conversation is for you. Scot…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 171: Resurrection of Revel Bikes with Adam Miller, Mike Giese, and Chris Canfield 2:13:06

6M ago2:13:06

2:13:06

Holy shit. Welcome to episode 171 of the Gnar Couch Podshow, the very special “Revel Bikes hostage rescue operation,” a.k.a. the episode where every former industry bro, current stoke vampire, and accidental HR case decided to restart one of the most revered MTB bike brands and discuss it with us for some reason. Has your bike ever cost more than y…

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91: A Legacy of Gathering: The Story of Fire Tower Camp 25:11

6M ago25:11

25:11

Explore the rich family history behind Fire Tower Camp in this episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama. Melea joins the camp’s founder, Billy Claunch, to uncover how his wife’s family traditions have inspired a unique lakeside retreat on the shore of Smith Lake. The camp reflects a multi-generational connection to the land and creates a s…

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“A Girl’s First Love” with Amber Lyn 40:51

6M ago40:51

40:51

What if your pain could become someone else’s breakthrough? In this episode, Cam sits down with singer-songwriter and author Amber Lyn, whose journey from fatherlessness to healing through music is nothing short of transformative. Born into a life without a dad, Amber Lyn shares how a pair of vivid dreams sparked not just personal healing but a son…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 170: Luke and Alex Mallen, Racing, Tricks and Stuff 1:58:51

6M ago1:58:51

1:58:51

You just stumbled onto the Gnar Couch Podshow—yes, “podshow,” because “podcast” is for people with functioning attention spans and fewer deeply repressed issues about outdoor furniture. We're the audio equivalent of finding a slightly wet couch at a trailhead: deeply unsettling, weirdly comfy, and probably hiding at least two species of insect (met…

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Finding Clarity Through Crisis: The Awakening Every Dad Needs 52:01

6M ago52:01

52:01

What if the moment that breaks you… is also the moment that builds you? In this powerful and vulnerable episode of the Dads Making a Difference Podcast, Cam sits down with Kevin, a dad whose life changed forever in a single week—from the sidelines of a soccer field to the uncertainty of a pediatric ICU. What followed was a radical redefinition of f…

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From Distraction to Direction: Reclaiming A Strong Presence in Your Home 20:34

6M ago20:34

20:34

What if 15 minutes a day could change your family’s story? In this heartfelt and actionable solo episode, Cam Hall dives into one of the most underrated superpowers a dad can possess: presence. Not the gift-wrapped kind—but the kind that shifts the atmosphere of your home, deepens connection, and fuels performance in every area of your life. Cam sh…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 169: Queen of Darkfest Chelsea Kimball, Rob Sleeps on the Toilet, Best Meat Sticks 1:49:12

6M ago1:49:12

1:49:12

Sweet Jesus riding a mini horse through a desert mesa of expired meat sticks, what a podshow we have for you this week. It’s episode 169, which if you think about it, is just 100 positions away from being remotely impressive. Tonight, we're joined by the Queen of Dark Fest herself, Chelsea Kimball, a.k.a. Her Darkness. Boston Rob’s explains how he …

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90: Beyond The Cave: Exploring Rickwood Caverns State Park 20:38

6M ago20:38

20:38

In this episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama, get ready to explore the underground world of Rickwood Caverns State Park. Park Manager Bridgette Bennett joins Melea to talk about everything the park has to offer, from the cave itself to incredible outdoor scenery and wildlife in the area. They also discuss the cave's fascinating history…

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Gnar Couch Podcast 168: Amelia Capuano, Chuffed on Keen Song Debut, Why Aren't You Dirt Jumping? 1:43:05

7M ago1:43:05

1:43:05

Strap in, degenerates, because—holy shit—episode 168 of the Gnar Couch Podshow descends on your brain like a Raptor cranked to 11, meth in the tank, and some dude named Lars judging your court case from the witness stand while Kid Rock shotguns a Busch Light in the background. Have you ever mixed an unwashed pair of five-panels with Swedish thrash …

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Gnar Couch Podcast 167: April Zastrow, Ryan Rodriguez, NRML MTBer, Teddy Hayden, and the Gayest TDS Ever? 1:30:13

7M ago1:30:13

1:30:13

Buckle up, degenerates—this episode of the Gnar Couch Podshow is a full-throttle plunge into the chaos of what might’ve been the gayest TDS Enduro yet (their words, not ours… actually, no, definitely ours). Cheef, JP, Boston Rob, and Jimmy Sniper are back, joined by misfits like April Zastrow, Ryan Rodriguez, NRML Mountain Biker, Teddy Hayden, and …