Best Runners Of The Bay Podcasts (2025)

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183: The Origin of Fascism: “Il Duce” Benito Mussolini & the Rise of Fascist Italy 1:14:40

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8d ago1:14:40

1:14:40

“Italy, Gentlemen, wants peace, wants quiet, wants work, wants calm; we will give it with love, if that be possible, or with strength, if that be necessary.” This is the story of Italy’s Benito Mussolini’s creation of fascism and rise to power in interwar Italy. Benito starts life the way his father intended—as a socialist—and the often moving, you…

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From Sand to Summit: It’s You Against You at Ultra Trail Jervis Bay (UTJB) 54:47

14d ago54:47

54:47

The inaugural Ultra Trail Jervis Bay was more than just a race – it was a true test of resilience, mindset and community spirit. In this special roundtable episode, we catch up with four Endu1 athletes who each brought something extraordinary to the course. 🏃‍♀️ Emma Power fought through a painful setback mid-race but never stopped smiling 🐾 Amy He…

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First Light. First Steps. - The Ultra Trail Jervis Bay Panel 41:38

22d ago41:38

41:38

In this special live episode, recorded on the shores of Jervis Bay as the sun set over Voyager Park, we bring you a momentous panel conversation from the inaugural Ultra Trail Jervis Bay. Hosted by Dave and Kelvin, this was the very first Cowbell Podcast recorded in front of a live audience — and what a way to kick things off. We’re joined by four …

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182: A Prologue to World War II: US Army Interwar Preparation 49:50

22d ago49:50

49:50

This is the story of interwar preparation–not that the United States realized it was preparing for World War II, new technologies, innovation, and a constant pushing of the limits in the 1930s did indeed help Uncle Sam prepare for the fight to come. To get us into an interwar mindset of praying for peace while preparing for war, Professor Jackson t…

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EP 15: From Booze to Beasts: Adrian Copeland’s Relentless Rise 1:19:48

1M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

Four years ago, Adrian Copeland was stuck in a cycle of weekend binge drinking. Today, he’s a 300-mile ultra finisher, Ultraman survivor, Finke Desert rider, Everest adventurer, and an all-round endurance beast. In this episode, Adrian shares his raw, no-filter transformation story – from hitting rock bottom to climbing (almost literally) the world…

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181: American Aviation: The Growth of the Industry Through the Eyes of Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, and Howard Hughes 1:08:22

1M ago1:08:22

1:08:22

“If he is lost it will be the most universally regretted single loss we ever had. But that kid ain’t going to fail.” This is the story of the high-fliers in early twentieth-century American aviation. Wright brothers Orville and Wilbur stunned the nation and the world with their pioneering flight in 1903, and since then, aviation has spread its wing…

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Episode 130: Chris Schierholtz Fixed Wednesdays 1:09:06

1M ago1:09:06

1:09:06

This week, we’re sharing our conversation with Chris Schierholtz, the creator of Rally Wednesday—a movement that’s part run club, part social experiment, and all about building community through shared experience. From helping launch Airbnb Experiences to reimagining hump day as the most fun day of the week, Chris brings his love of the outdoors, h…

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EP14: Run. Fuel. Lead. Lisa Sherman’s Ultra Evolution 1:05:32

2M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Lisa Sherman is a Sydney based nutritionist, recreational running coach and ultra runner who has built a life around the joy and challenge of running. In this episode, Lisa shares how she combines her love of nutrition, coaching and the trails to help others and herself go further than they ever thought possible. From solo road runs to directing ba…

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180: “A Race to the Sky”: The Rise of New York City’s Chrysler, Manhattan Company, and Empire State Buildings 1:05:19

2M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

“If this is to be a skyscraper… why not make it scrape the sky.” This is the story of the race for the tallest building in New York City—in the world. Erstwhile partners-turned-bitter rivals, architects William Van Alen and Craig Severance are both looking to build the tallest skyscraper in New York City. William is working with automobile titan Wa…

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Episode 129: Bay to Breakers with Skechers 28:51

2M ago28:51

28:51

In this episode, Mimi and Stephen from Skechers team up at the Bay to Breakers expo to talk all things Bay Area running, the joyful chaos of Bay to Breakers, and what makes the new Skechers AERO Series so exciting for runners chasing speed and fun. Highlights include: 🦍 Pontificating how fast you can actually run in a gorilla suit 🎭 Why Bay to Brea…

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Episode 128: Sylvie Abel 1:18:10

2M ago1:18:10

1:18:10

This week, we’re talking to Sylvie Abel, a superstar trail runner and incredible human who found her sense of belonging on the trails of a new country. Sylvie’s journey wasn’t just about discovering running—it was about navigating a new country while finding her strength, her people, and ultimately, herself. Sylvie is an open book and shares what r…

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UTA 2025: Mud, Hallucinations, 100 Miles: 3 Runners, 3 Challenges, 1 Goal at Ultra Trail Australia (EP13) 1:08:58

2M ago1:08:58

1:08:58

After four unforgettable days in the Blue Mountains, we sit down post-race to unpack the mud, the miles, and the madness of Ultra Trail Australia 2025. In this special episode of The Cowbell, three runners — each with their own unique challenge — share what it took to conquer their goals: a first-time miler fuelled by hallucinations and determinati…

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179: Bridging the Bay: San Francisco’s Golden Gate and Bay Bridges (Infrastructure pt. 2) 1:08:26

2M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

“Everybody says it can’t be done.” This is the story of San Francisco’s two great bridges. The bustling cities of Oakland and San Francisco are separated by less than ten miles of water, but for early twentieth-century Bay Area residents, it may as well be thirty—that’s the distance traveling around the Bay. Meanwhile, the mile of water across the …

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Episode 127: Bay to Breakers, ROTB x Skechers (it's gonna be May) 16:51

2M ago16:51

16:51

Some reflections on the past 5 years and an exciting announcement. We’re teaming up with @skechers to bring the hype for this year’s Bay to Breakers! Come hang with us for a LIVE podcast on Saturday 5/17 at 2:30pm at Sports Basement Stonestown (📍🎙️). 🏁 HAYES HILL CHALLENGE IS ON! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ This is your chance to crush the most iconic climb at Ba…

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Ep12: Boobs on the Run - Motion, Community & Meaning with Mel Warman 1:03:32

3M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

In this episode of The Cowbell, we sit down with the inspiring Mel Warman – founder and CEO of Boobs on the Run and NSW Chair of the Mother’s Day Classic. What started as a simple Facebook post has grown into a powerful movement that's helped over 5,000 women lace up, discover their strength, and find community through running. With a deeply person…

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178: “A Damn Big Dam”: Taming the Colorado River with the Hoover (or Boulder) Dam (Infrastructure pt. 1) 1:10:54

3M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

“I felt no distress whatever…I was perspiring freely and was as limber and helpless as a wet rag. It was an exhilarating experience.... It was then and there that I first conceived the idea of the reclamation of the desert.” This is the story of the Hoover Dam. A wild, precarious, and dangerous river, the Colorado tears across the American southwes…

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Ep11: You Can’t Break Me - Unstoppable Comeback with Rodney "Rocket" Cottam 1:09:23

3M ago1:09:23

1:09:23

Rodney “Rocket” Cottam served as an elite soldier in the Australian Army from 1999 to 2004, involved in high-level operations both at home and abroad. But his military career was cut short after a near-fatal motorbike accident left him with life-changing injuries and led to a medical discharge. After years of intensive rehab, Rodney pivoted into a …

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America 250: The Boston Campaign 1775-76: A Leadership Discussion with Gen. William Rapp 1:03:28

3M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

This is a conversation to kick off the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Retired U.S. Army Major General and history buff, Bill Rapp, drops some knowledge on how the colonies weren't exactly gung-ho for a full-blown revolution before April 1775. Turns out, they were mostly ticked off and feeling rebellious in response to intolerable Bri…

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Ep10: Running with Purpose, Living with Heart with Charlie Maher 1:18:10

3M ago1:18:10

1:18:10

In this deeply inspiring episode of The Cowbell, we sit down with Charlie Maher, proud Western Arrarnta man, 2010 Indigenous Marathon Project graduate, and now an IMF Ambassador. Charlie’s story isn’t just about running – it’s about resilience, identity, community, and the quiet power of leading by example. Back in 2010, Charlie made history as one…

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Ep9: From Darkness to Mountains, Miles & Meaning with Thomas Dade 1:10:56

3M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

In this powerful episode of The Cowbell, we sit down with one of Australia's toughest and most authentic ultra-endurance athletes — Thomas Dade @tomdade11. From a young boy battling anorexia and self-doubt to summiting some of the world's highest mountains and conquering some of Australia's most gruelling ultra races, Tom’s story is one of grit, vu…

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177: An Epilogue to the New Deal and CCC Deep Dive with Neil Maher 54:46

4M ago54:46

54:46

A discussion of the recent HTDS narrative episodes on FDR and the New Deal. Think of it as a book club for additional insights into these latest chapters of the HTDS chronological story of America. Professor Greg Jackson is joined by Professor Lindsey Cormack to discuss the government's response to the Great Depression and the legacy of the New Dea…

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Episode 126: Katie Douglas, Running Wylder 1:12:29

4M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

This week, we’re sharing our conversation with Katie Douglas, founder of Running Wylder, designer, and lifelong athlete who found her way to running through a love of movement and community. From growing up in a family of runners to working at Lululemon, she’s always followed her instincts—even when that meant taking a leap into something new. In t…

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Ep8: Running Toward the Light - Miah Noble 54:46

4M ago54:46

54:46

At just 20 years old, Miah Noble @miahrosenoble⁠ is already one of Australia's rising stars in the trail running world — but her journey to the start line has been anything but easy. In this raw and powerful episode, Miah opens up about how she discovered running during the COVID lockdowns and how it became her sanctuary as she navigated anorexia, …

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176: FDR v. “The Nine Old Men” (The New Deal pt. 3): Court Packing and Closing the New Deal 1:11:18

4M ago1:11:18

1:11:18

“No matter how great and good a man may be, executive aggrandizement is not safe for democracy.” This is the story of Franklin’s second term and his battle with the Supreme Court. It’s no secret that SCOTUS hasn’t really been ruling in the New Deal’s favor. But with such an overwhelming victory at the polls, Franklin feels confident that he can cir…

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Ep7: 1,000 Days of Running & A Million-Dollar Mission with Jess Baird Walsh 49:09

4M ago49:09

49:09

In this special episode of The Cowbell Podcast, we celebrate International Women’s Day with an extraordinary guest - Jess Baird Walsh. A mother of three, entrepreneur, and ultra-runner, Jess has been running every single day for nearly 1,000 days. But what started as a personal challenge became something much bigger - a journey of resilience, self-…

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175: The Dirty Thirties (The New Deal pt. 2): Dust, Doubts, and the “Second” New Deal 1:11:28

4M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

“I saw and approached the hungry and desperate mother, as if drawn by a magnet.” This is the story of FDR’s first term after facing down the initial emergency. 100 days down, about 1,300 more to go—for this term at least. After the whirlwind of new bills and “alphabet agencies” (AAA, CCC, etc.), the nation is adjusting to and examining FDR’s New De…

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174: The First “First Hundred Days:” FDR Kicks Off the New Deal 1:07:05

5M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

“[We] had forgotten to be Republicans or Democrats. We were just a bunch of men trying to save the banking system.” This is the story of FDR’s first 100 days in office. In early 1933, banks foreclose on thousands upon thousands of homes and farms every month. The banks have little choice–they too are failing! Meanwhile, unemployment is hovering nea…

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Ep6: The Power of Motion with Emma Rose 55:20

5M ago55:20

55:20

In this episode of The Cowbell, we sit down with the electrifying Emma Rose – psychologist, ultra-runner, and mother – whose journey into running started as a way to heal and evolved into a movement for change. Emma shares how she went from avoiding cross-country races in school to running 180km in a tutu to raise funds for paediatric hospitals. We…

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173: From Hyde Park to the White House: The Early Life and Election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1:11:24

5M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

“First of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself-–nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” This is the story of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s journey to the White House. Even as a young boy, Franklin admires his fifth cousin Theodore Roosev…

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Ep5: 100km in Scrubs on a Treadmill, Ultra Dogs & The Vet Who Won’t Quit 44:35

5M ago44:35

44:35

What kind of person runs 100km on a treadmill… in scrubs… for charity? Meet Amy Hewitt—a vet, ultra runner, and unstoppable force of nature. In this episode ofThe Cowbell Podcast, Amy shares how she turned endurance running into a mission, raising $12,000 for veterinary mental health and creatingBarking Mad Ultra, Australia’s first ultra where dogs…

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Ep4: Dale’s WTF? What You See Is Not What You Can Achieve – Running Beyond Sight 1:02:52

6M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of The Cowbell Podcast – Every Day Extraordinary, we sit down with Dale, a low-vision adaptive runner whose story redefines resilience, grit, and the true meaning of endurance. Dale spent 30 years as a [find out from the pod] , never imagining he would one day become a runner. But in January 2023, his w…

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Ep3: The Cowbell Man: A Beacon of Hope and Achievement 30:08

6M ago30:08

30:08

In this special episode, we introduce our new co-host, Dave Stewart, a voice many of you might already recognise. From energising start lines to celebrating countless finish-line moments, Dave has been a key figure in Australia’s running scene. Join us as we dive into a great chat about his journey, his passion for connecting with runners, and the …

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Ep2: From Tragedy to Triumph: Mick Marshall’s Fight Back to Endurance and Life 1:02:20

7M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

In this episode of The Cowbell, we talk to Mick Marshall @mickmarshall_ , an endurance athlete who shares his extraordinary journey of resilience and determination. After a life-altering fall from a wind turbine in 2021 left him with severe injuries, multiple surgeries, chronic pain, and a condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Mic…

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Ep1: From WAFL Footballer to Ultramarathoner: A Journey of Resilience After Brain Injury 51:55

7M ago51:55

51:55

In our very first episode of "The Cowbell - Extraordinary Everyday" podcast, we’re honoured to share the remarkable journey of Brendan Verrier, an Endu1 athlete whose resilience and determination inspire us all. Brendan takes us through his transition from playing professional Western Australian Football at the highest level to finding a new passio…

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172: Breadlines, Bank Failures, & the Bonus Army: Hoover & the Early Great Depression 1:06:40

7M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

"Too much praise cannot be given to the President for the prompt and resolute and skillful way in which he has set about reassuring the country after the financial collapse.” This is the story of Herbert Hoover’s facing the early years of the Great Depression. Just after the stock market crash of 1929, people aren’t expecting the worst. Most, inclu…

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Episode 125: Steven Anderson 1:04:26

8M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Runner and Photographer Steven Anderson joins Mimi to talk about his experience as a credentialed photographer at the New York City Marathon and his own journey as a runner. Some highlights from this episode: - Steven seeing his work in a Topo Athletics ad at a NYC Subway Station - His plan to capture all the best shots on race day - How his photog…

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171: Christmas Special VIII: Festivities in the Jazz Age 34:10

8M ago34:10

34:10

“There is a million dollars here for the asking!” This is the story of Christmas in the 1920s. Yeah, the whole decade—why not? One hundred years ago, people were just beginning (or reviving) traditions that are entrenched in our holiday celebrations today. Charitable giving at Christmas is ever present, and the winter of 1920 features the Great Hum…

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170: The Crash of 1929 & Meeting President Herbert Hoover 1:06:14

8M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

“A wise man never sells out at the first sign of trouble. That’s for the pikers.” This is the story of the 1929 Wall Street Crash. On October 24, or “Black Thursday,” stock prices plunge unexpectedly. Early the next week, whatever was left of the bottom falls out on “Black Tuesday.” The New York Stock Exchange has crashed. The Roaring 20s are over.…

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169: An Epilogue to the 1920s: Youth culture, The Great Gatsby, and more with Professor Sarah Churchwell 44:36

9M ago44:36

44:36

Our last few episodes have reveled in stories of the popularization of movies, music and sports during the Roaring 1920s. In this epilogue episode, Professor Jackson steps out of storytelling mode and into classroom mode (that doesn’t suck). To help us better understand the lasting cultural impact of this period, he’s invited Dr. Sarah Churchwell w…

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168: Halloween Special IV: Nosferatu and Silent Horror 40:17

9M ago40:17

40:17

“His Lordship from Transylvania would like to purchase a nice house in our small town . . . it will take a bit of effort . . . a bit of sweat and perhaps . . . a bit of blood . . .” This is the story of the Great Death in Wisborg in 1838. Nosferatu is a 1922 classic horror film, one of the first ever made. It sort of recalls Bram Stoker’s Dracula—e…

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167: The Golden Age of Sports: Horse Racing, Boxing, Basketball, Football, & Jim Thorpe 59:43

10M ago59:43

59:43

“We have a basket and a ball, and it seems to me that would be a good name for it.” This is the story of America’s varied athletic endeavors (besides baseball). Though each sport could provide enough material for an entire episode, it would probably run us into overtime, and the 1920s are drawing to a close. As Black Thursday approaches, it’s time …

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166: A Conversation on Negro Leagues Baseball History with Bob Kendrick 52:58

10M ago52:58

52:58

As a follow up to episode 165 America’s Favorite Pastime: Baseball, we’re proud to share an interview with Bob Kendrick, the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO. Founded in 1990, the NLBM is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its profound im…

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165: America’s Favorite Pastime: Baseball, the Negro Leagues, and the Great Bambino 1:02:35

10M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

"As I hit the ball, every muscle in my system, every sense I had, told me that I had never hit a better one . . . I didn't have to look. But I did. That ball . . . hit . . . exactly the spot I had pointed to." This is the story of the most American sport: baseball. Americans have been playing ball for a good long while now—even General Washington e…

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164: Harlem Renaissance: The Great Migration, Jazz, and the Flowering of Black Culture 1:04:33

11M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

“Harlem is the queen of the black belts, drawing Aframericans together in a vast humming hive . . . from the different states, from the islands of the Caribbean, and from Africa . . . It is the Negro capital of the world.” This is the story of the Harlem Renaissance. In the early twentieth century, many Black families and individuals down South are…

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163: The Show (Boat) Must Go On: Broadway and the American Musical 1:01:46

11M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

“Miller, Lyles, and I were standing near the exit door . . . Blake stuck out there in front, leading the orchestra—his bald head would get the brunt of the tomatoes and rotten eggs.” This is the story of American musical theater and the dawn of modern Broadway. Popular entertainment is evolving fast in the early twentieth century. Minstrel shows ju…

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162: The Birth of the Movies: From Silent Cinema to the Rise of Hollywood & the First “Talkie” 1:04:06

11M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

“Wait a minute, wait a minute, you ain’t heard nothing yet!” This is the story of the silver screen. In the late nineteenth century, technology is advancing rapidly. Eadweard Muybridge’s trip-wire camera work, made famous by a “motion study” of a galloping horse, is giving way to smoother and longer projections. Some see these short films simply as…

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Episode 124: Introducing, Golden State Racing Collective! 53:02

12M ago53:02

53:02

On today’s episode we chat with Arman Soleimani and Patrick Hynes of the Golden State Racing Collective. This was a great conversation exploring the why behind GSRC and talking about the gaps they hope to fill in both racing and running culture. We learn more about Arman and Patrick’s journey as athletes and as runners and talk about how running is…

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161: An Epilogue Toast to Prohibition’s End with Author Daniel Okrent 39:11

12M ago39:11

39:11

Cheers to Professor Jackson’s post Prohibition conversation with distinguished author Daniel Okrent! Dan is the the author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, winner of the American Historical Association’s prize for the year’s best book of American History when it was published in 2011. Last Call was a go-to book in the HTDS bibliograp…

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160: Al Capone & the End of Prohibition 1:05:35

1y ago1:05:35

1:05:35

“Only Capone kills like that.” This is the story of the rise and fall of Al Capone, and the last gasps of Prohibition. No other gangster compares to Scarface. He’s remained prominent in the American consciousness for 100 years due to his overt violence and lavish lifestyle, funded by *ahem* unsavory business practices. He brazenly orders murders li…

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159: Scofflaws, Moonshiners, Bootleggers, and Crime Lords 1:01:51

1y ago1:01:51

1:01:51

“Don’t ask me nothin’! You hear me? Don’t ask! And don’t bring anybody in here for me to identify. I won’t identify them even if I know they did it!” This is the story of the nation’s up-and-coming criminal underground. By 1920, with few exceptions, producing, buying, and selling alcohol is outlawed, but that doesn’t stop enterprising Americans. Ma…