The Ultra Crewed Podcast

*Not for Apple listeningWe kick things off by putting the raw milk subscription out of its misery, then get into cave talk, race prep, and the kind of pre-event problem solving that makes us stare into the middle distance like haunted farm equipment. JibJab joins the Mid-State Mile lineup as the porta-potty sponsor, which naturally leads to poop videos, “King of the Throne” jokes, and the uncomfortable possibility of Jon becoming the official face of bathroom activities. We also cover getting the spring-water system working, finishing the new arena setup, last-minute trail work, and the pressure of making the race experience better without turning it into something fake or overproduced. We wrap things up with a fallen hollow tree becoming an accidental sermon on influencers, integrity, and why looking impressive means nothing if the inside is rotted out.

* Not for Apple listeningOur weekend started with promise, a conservative plan, good weather, and even a rattlesnake encounter, because Georgia likes to add side quests. Then my race turned sideways when post-viral vagus nerve issues made swallowing, drinking, fueling, and generally existing like a normal mammal impossible. What looked like stomach trouble was actually a neurological throat-and-body revolt, complete with choking, puking, and the deeply glamorous experience of trying not to become a full-body disaster on the side of the road. Ultra running: it’s basically wellness, if wellness hated you.After the DNF, instead of disappearing into the Airbnb to sulk like a reasonable person with Wi-Fi and emotional boundaries, Jon and I jumped into crew mode, helping friends, supporting runners, and staying in the race community even after my own race was over. Then we take a hard left into one of the great endangered species of ultra running: crew people with spatial awareness. We get into people parking over white lines, trucks blocking access, nervous drivers, one aggressively awful tailgater, and why race volunteers should not have to teach adults how roads work. If your crew setup requires state troopers, a tow truck, and a community meeting, congratulations, you are now the aid station hazard.

* (video) Not for Apple or Spotify listeningThis week we’re recording our final episode from the original Murder Miles studio — don’t panic, we’re not leaving Nashville, we’re just relocating operations like slightly more organized feral adults. What starts as a sentimental moment about neighborhood miles and familiar running routes quickly devolves into chainsaw talk, masculinity rants, gluten grievances, and a full-blown debate about whether elite runners should be allowed pacers or just be big kids and carry their own stuff. We get into the 100-mile record drama, integrity in the sport, Golden Ticket nonsense, and whether ultra running is getting a little too shiny for its own good. Somewhere between nostalgia and near-argument, we question the future of the sport, roast each other, and remind ourselves why we love doing hard things in the first place. It’s chaotic, mildly unhinged, occasionally controversial, and exactly what happens when you give two ultra runners microphones and zero supervision. Same city. New setup. Same reckless opinions.

* video not for Apple or Spotify listening Becca Jones and Jon are back, broadcasting from the chaos command center known as Murder Mile Studio. This week, we’re talking about the slippery slope of sacrificing tomorrow’s potential for today’s pride. Whether that’s overtraining at the Black Toe Ultra, running through actual lung pain, or committing to a weekly raw milk pickup like it’s a damn ultramarathon. From butter bartering and Fresca diplomacy to the cult of the pain cave, this one’s got everything. Warning: You might end this episode questioning your relationship with dairy, discomfort, and your own decision-making process. Don’t worry we question all of yours, too.

* Not for audio listeningJon celebrates a long awaited milestone: new pants. Unfortunately, they’re loud enough to ruin any chance of sneaking through the house, and somehow spark a full blown color theory debate that turns into relationship counseling for your living room decor. Meanwhile, Becca’s dealing with a brutal tailbone injury that has her sidelined from running and learning way more about “pressure relief” than anyone asked for.From there, the chaos gets productive. We hit listener questions, including the most important one of all: favorite soup. Then we talk Nashville’s snow forecast, why local weather can’t commit to anything, and whether it’s better to be stuck in a winter wonderland or stuck with an ice storm and no power.The big conversation, though, is about what happens when you stop chasing race calendars and start chasing the “boring work” that actually changes your life. We dig into social media, buckles, dopamine, authenticity, and why the quiet consistency matters more than the highlight reel.We wrap with a Mid-State Mile question about who’s showing up this year, plus a reminder that Mid-State isn’t about one name, it’s about the whole community and the magic that happens out there every single year.

Kicking off 2026 with real talk about why they don’t believe in resolutions, why comparison and “motivation culture” miss the mark, and what actually creates change when a calendar flips.Becca shares a recent solo scramble in search of a cave that turns into a lesson on risk, confidence, and knowing when to pull back. Jon reflects on the mental shifts that come with a new year, letting go of anger, protecting energy, and realizing that not everyone wants the truth, even when it’s well intentioned.Then it’s Mid-State Mile season. Registration opened on New Year’s Day, the race is already sold out, invites are rolling, and they break down what makes Mid-State different and the selection process, the returning community, the first-timers jumping in with zero ultras, and why this course is relentless from the first whistle. Mid-State isn’t just mind vs body ...it’s heart.