Episode 75- You may want to listen to Parts I and II before proceeding.

Part 3 picks up where we left off, early Sunday Morning, November 17th in Englishtown, NJ.

We talk to the following people at or near the end of the race.

Team 3 AM Waterfalls

Megan Jaswell

Junyong Pak

Deanna Blegg

Ryan Atkins

Amy Pajcic

A few days later, we checked in via phone with Deanna, The guys from 3AM, and Pak to see how they felt after the race.

This means there will still be a Part IV to get more post race reactions.

Today's episode is sponsored by Extreme Nation.

Episode 74-We pick up on the World’s Toughest Mudder on Saturday morning November 16th prior to the start of the race. This episode will take us through to about 5am on Sunday the 17th. You will hear from some of the folks from the previous episode plus: Nele Schulze Laurence Borst Team Sons of Poseiden Team Four Horsemen Todd Sedlak Team Shark School Amelia Boone And some volunteers and staff from TMHQ.

Episode 73-Today's interviews start on Friday November 15, 2013 as we meet some of the participants from this year's World's Toughest Mudder.

In this episode, you will hear from the following:   

In later episodes, we will check back in with some of these people and meet some new ones as well.

Let's dig in shall we?

Episode 72 Fred Smith joins Matt for a chat about their get together a few weekends ago. The Smithfest Events crew brought Matt up to Boston to experience Panic In The Dark and a sneak peak into their mayhem behind the scenes. Listen in to learn about how Panic went and how Matt and Fred bonded for life at 4:00am.

The 2nd interview in today's episode is with Jon Watson of JWatsonTV. Jon is the only guy we know that actually gets paid to run around with his GoPro. Jeff Marier (ORM's videographer) and Matt got to catch up with Jon at the Hit and Run 5K obstacle race in Conyers Georgia.

Today's episode is brought to you by Pretty Muddy. They have remaining events this year in Orlando and Tampa. Check them out at prettymuddywomensrun.com.

Episode 71-Yesterday, Run For Your Lives cancelled all future events including one this weekend. This morning Ruckus Events cancelled their Boston event which was also scheduled for this weekend. Just when we were all wondering when will the madness stop? When many were thinking "Will I ever be able to register for a race put on by anyone but the Big 3 and feel confident the race will happen?"

Jeff Suffolk from Human Movement Management contacted Obstacle Racing Media and said "No Mas".

Human Movement already produces a a bevvy of successful races such as The Color Run, Dirty Girl Mud Run, 5k Foam Fest and many more. Today he and Matt talked about where his company came from, where the industry is going, and why he wants to give customers a great experience even if he has to lose some money on the front end to do so.

We were thrilled to be the ones to break the great news this morning, and we are thrilled to bring you this interview in it's entirety. 

Episode 70-In this week’s episode Matt first talks to Tanner Bell of Ragnar Events. If you have thought about doing a Ragnar Relay, this will be a great listen. This is a cool dude who puts on great events for runners nationwide.

Also, Jonathan Nolan from CornFed Spartans came back on the show to talk about just what happened on Day 4 of what was a 3 day Summer Death Race. He also talks about the difference between the Joe Desena/Andy Weinberg insanity of a Death Race and the Joe and Nicole Decker insanity of an Ultimate Suck.

Episode 69-In today's show, we revisit a couple of events from previous episodes.

Sam Abbitt is the founder and CEO of Savage Race. We first met him back on Episode 7 in July of 2012. Since then, Savage has put on many successful races in several markets. We catch up with Sam to find out what they are doing right and what is next.

Next we catch up with Hunter Brucks, the new "man with the plan" over at Extreme Nation. EN has resurfaced and their first event is scheduled near Tampa, Florida in February of 2014.

Hunter tells me they still plan on having large payouts ($40k) at each race. Also, Hobie Call and his vision of a spectator friendly "coliseum" style course are still part of the plan. Listen in to find out what's going to be different this time around and how they plan to make it a success.

Remember, you can still donate to our Indiegogo campaign to get greatly discounted race entries, swag, and have your favorite athlete followed at World's Toughest Mudder.

Today's episode is sponsored by Pretty Muddy and by Ruckus Obstacle Race.

Episode 68- In this episode, you will hear from several elite racers shortly after they crossed the finish line at the hardest obstacle race any of them have done up to this point.

Listen in as these racers share their triumphs, lessons, and disappointments.

There are interviews with the following: Men: Hobie Call -1st, Matt Murphy- 2nd James Appleton-7th, Alec Blenis-14th , Matt Novakovich-18th Women: Amelia Boone -1st, Claude Godbout -3rd

Complete results from that race can be found here.

Today’s Episode is brought to you by Panic In The Dark-The Original Nightmare Obstacle Run.

Episode 67-In part one of our coverage of this year's Spartan World Championship, Matt B. talks to several racers the night before the Vermont Beast Championship Race. There was $15,000 in first place prize money on the line along with thousands more for podium and top ten finishes. It was great to talk to these guys the night before the race to see how they were feeling.  First up is a nice chat with David Magida and Matt Murphy who duke it out verbally the night before they were to duke it out on the course. Next up is Spartan Pro Team member Alec Blenis. Matt talked to him about how he plans to avenge his dissapointing DNF from being part of the Lost Tribe in 2012. Last on the agenda for this episode is James Appleton. James is an englishman who has won Tough Guy UK 3 times and has come over to the US to test himself against the best of the best. I ended up learning a a bunch about Tough Guy and about James. 

Today’s episode is sponsored by Mud Mingle. 

Mud Mingle is a 18+, full-on, fun, crazy, don’t take it to seriously, very messy, and slightly silly, mud/obstacle run with both 5k and 10k options.

Episode 66-This week Matt talks with Cristina Devito of Mudderella and Paul Jones of the New England Sphatens.

Cristina Devito used to be the Chief Strategy Officer at Tough Mudder. She tells us all about how she launched Mudderella and how they plan to take over the women’s mud run world. They have 20 races in the USA, 3 in the UK and 4 in Australia planned for 2014.  Also, It turns out guys can run too. Learn how they can sign up and the other reasons Mudderealla believes they have created the best women's event out there.

Next up is Paul Jones of The New England Spahtens. Paul was at the one of the first Spartan races all the way back in 2010. Find out how that led to him to the center of a Facebook group that has 1,200 members and growing. Matt asks how everyone in a group that size functions well and gets along (or do they). Also, he asks if will they ever change the name since the Spahtens participate in and review every other mud run and obstacle race out there.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Mud Mingle.

Episode 65-Matt talks with Kelly Perez and finds out everything you always wanted to know about The X-Rated Run, but were afraid to ask.

Then, Matt talks to Jeff Rondina and learns just how he pulled of running 5 different races in a 13-hour period.  

Last we hear a quick chat with Nic Zahasky, elite racer and founder of Barrel Aid. Barrel Aid directly helps children in Haiti by providing shoees and water filtration.

Episode 64. In this episode, Matt talks to several athletes from the 8.24.13 Spartan in Virginia. With 8000 feet of elevation change over 8 miles, everyone said it was harder terrain that last year's Vermont Beast. You will hear from the following: Matt Novakovich-the Alaskan that showed up to his first ever Spartan, did zero burpees, and beat Hobie by 5 minutes. Trish Blackwell-The woman who Matt challenged to finish top ten in her first Spartan and she promptly took 2nd on Sunday. Elise Fugowski-The 24 year old who won Saturday's race in just her 3rd Spartan ever. Brian Hoover, a 42 year old from Utah, taking his 3rd Sunday podium of the year. Hobie Call-The most recognizable man at any Spartan Race talks about not being the poster boy anymore.

Episode 63-Joe Desena was on CNBC this morning, you can watch the clip here. I was under the impression that it would be an intelligent conversation about OCR, the growth of the sport, and/or sponsorship dollars. It was not. This gave me a great excuse to call Joe and talk about anything that changed since we last spoke about the big Vermont race. I also wanted to see how he thought the CNBC piece went. Please listen very close to the end of the first segment with Joe for some sage advice.

I was already planning to air interviews which had taken place just days after the Death Race ended. So, lucky you, you get a double dose of Joe Desena on today's podcast. 

You will also hear from Junyong Pak. Pak is best known for being the 2X World's Toughest Mudder. He is also a previous Death Race finisher. It came as a surprise to many when he quit this year's Death Race about 12 hours before it ended. I ask him what happened and if he ever plans on doing the DR again.

Today's episode is brought to you by Man Games. Their amazing first event takes place Sept 6 and 7th.

Episode 62-Inspired by the demise of Hero Rush and the outcries on facebook that followed, I begin this episode talking about what a scam is or isn't.

I then play an interview with Randy Yolo of Mud Endeavor. Randy puts on small, local, high quality, obstacle races with great success. We talk about how simple doesn't mean easy in OCR and how you can build a strong following by doing a few things really well.

Next up is Josue Stevens, the man behind Hunter Gatherer. Josue's FuegoYAgua Survival Run put the OCR/Adventure/Ultra world on it's ear last February with tasks that included carrying chickens, climbing trees, and running around with eggs on people's foreheads. Find out what it's going to take to be a finisher this time around. He also gives a sneak peak about the NEXT Survival Run, which he is alreday planning.

Today's episode is brought to you by Pretty Muddy and by Bone Frog Challege.  

Episode 61-The interviews in this episode kick off with a short call I had with Joe DeSena. He talks about the recent "Spartan Rash" that occured at the recent Spartan Race in Illinois. He also talks about a TV show in the works for NBC. I then, sort of, beg for a job.

Next, I speak with 3 2013 Summer Death Race finishers. Amelia Boone, Olof Dallner, and Pete Coleman.  These 3 all got skulls which means they did everything (or almost everything) asked and outlasted everyone else over the course of 3 days.  I wanted to know how this DR compared to previous ones, and find out what it takes to actually finish one of these things.

(Episode 60) I met Jason Pittman earlier this year through a mutual friend, and we decided to go for an early morning run.

I was surprised to discover that Jason had spent the last 15 years working in the Atlanta rock and hip-hop scene. He produced, managed and booked everyone imaginable.

His list of heavy hitters includes: Lil John, Bone Crusher, Ying Yang Twins, Too $hort, and David Banner.

Find out all of the ways that Jason stayed in the mix.

Also hear about his big break in 2007, producing the Shop Boyz mega hit "Party Like A Rockstar".

I learned a lot about the music business, and I was reminded what it was like to wait in line at the store for a new record.

Tune in for what is one of the most interesting interviews I've done to date.

Today's episode is sponsored by Ruckus.  Use Code ORM15 for $15 any location.

In today's episode (Episode 59), we interview folks from 3 very different events.

UQuest is part scavenger hunt, part scavenger hunt, part unknown. Matt spoke with Anthony Murph, founder, and Steph Dennis, event director in their Atlanta office.

Alex ThunderDart Martin, in his first assignment as West Coast Ops, interviews some people behind Alpha Warrior. He sat down with David Nolan and Joe and Mike Timmons, the 3 men behind the concept of this obstacle only event. He also spent a few minutes with two members of the Alpha Warrior Elite Team Kacy Catanzaro and Brent Steffenson. These two have both been featured on American Ninja Warrior recently and are great ambassadors for the event.

Last, we bring you the interview Matt did with Rob Butler from Shale Hill Adventure which is a permanent course which puts on races and is also one of a kind training center.  Matt did the course with the NE Spahtens while up in Vermont for Death Race weekend and spoke with Rob shortly after doing the course.

Today's Episode is sponsored by Pretty Muddy. A female only obstacle course coming to Chicago, Atlanta, Richmond, Tampa, Miami, and Central Ohio in 2013. Pretty Awesome. Pretty Fun. Pretty Mun.

Part Two picks up on Friday evening June 21. We begin with Andy Weinberg speaking to the familes and crew members shortly after the athletes were sent off to build the "Stairway to Heaven".  As we continue on, we give you a sneak peek inside the mind of Joe Desena as we followed him around as much as possible. You'll hear how he deals with the racers as they decide to quit, keep going, or in one case, beg to be DQ'd.

We also catch some various racers thoughts and feelings throughout the next 48-72 hours. We end with two finishers, Erica Matta and Andrew Hostetler. This duo sums up their experience and the DR experience as a whole rather well.

Today's episode is sponsored by Superhero Scramble. This awesome race has 3 more races to go this year including the marathon distance SuperVillian to take place in Illinois on August 24th.

Housekeeping note: We now have a new permanent home for the podcast on iTunes. 

You probably have not heard of Mandy Baskin. At first glance, she is just an average 38 year old woman who happens to run a hot-air balloon company. Look closer and you will find an athletic champion. She was the 3rd place woman at least year's World's Toughest Mudder completing an impressive 6 laps. She was the only woman to do that other than Amelia Boone, and Deanna Blegg.  Then in March of this year, she won the very muddy, very wet Sunday race at the Carolina Spartan Sprint.

Our 2nd interview is with Cory Mulcock and Jacob Munns of Man Games. What the heck is Man Games?! I was dying to find out as much as you were. Check out their website and listen in to find out how men AND women are going to be blown away by this insane weekend of fun and competition.

In this long awaited episode we take you to Pittsfield Vermont for Part One of the 2013 Summer Death Race.

We begin our journey on Thursday June 20th and talk to some racers as they enjoy their "last meal" before the big event. This leads us to Friday morning's registration, the first tasks, veteran shenanigans, and some other fun interviews all recorded live from Pittsfield.

Like the World's Toughest Mudder and Fuego y Agua episodes that precededed it, we hope the voices and sounds that you hear bring you the experience as if you were there. For those that were, we hope it can bring you back.

Today's episode is brought to you by Man Games. A one day obstacle competition like nothing you have ever seen. 

PS I  also spend a few minutes at the beginning of the episode bringing you up to speed with what has been going on with myself, and ORM.

I met Ernest Miller  through a mutual OCR friend. As I have gotten to know Ernest, I have been fascinated at how quiet, cool, and humble this dude is. Quite the opposite of his character "The Cat" that he portrayed as a professional wrestler for many years.  Back in his WCW and WWE days, he was a heel (bad guy) that people loved to hate.

We sat down and talked about wrestling, acting, OCR, and how being a nice guy has helped him finish first.

Click here to hear the full version of The Cat's wrestling entrance theme.

PS I know many of you have been patiently waiting all of the Death Race interviews, be patient as I will get those episodes up as soon as I can.

I was very skeptical about The O-Run Team Challenge.  Del Boykin told me what almost every race director tells me. That his race is going to kick my butt and will exhaust me. I was pleasantly surprised when 3 friends and I took on the event recently here in Georgia. The obstacles were as heavy/difficult/challenging as any I have come across. (yes, including a Spartan).  Listen in as I talk to Del about his race and how he can replicate this awesome event in other places.

Recently, Tough Mudder decided to open up The World's Toughest Mudder to all participants. They also announced more prize money, special awards, and support crews. You will hear from Nolan Kombol, Head of Course Design at TM as he answers the questions all of you want to know. I also thought it would be a good excuse to catch up with Amelia Boone. I had not spoken with Amelia in a few months and I thought I would catch up with how her year is going and learn her thoughts on this year's WTM changes.

...all that and a very special OCR athlete that has never given an interview anywhere before.

Elliot Megquier is known for one thing. Making the podium (usually first) at Sunday Spartan Races. Wait, two things. He is also known for getting lost a lot. Make that three things, he also talks a lot of smack before, during, and after his races. 

The Rising Tribe is the first OCR where you actually race with your family (as opposed to the children running the kids race later in the day). Listen in to hear how Gary Xavier and his team plan to bring this whole new approach to obstacle racing and mud runs. 

Enjoy.

If you have not heard by now. Hobie Call lost for the first time in any obstacle race less than half marathon distance. He was beaten by Hunter "The Sheriff" McIntyre at the Superhero Scramble Intimidator in Clermont, Florida on Saturday. With less than a mile to go, he was actually in 5th place before turning it on to finish 2nd.

In today's episode, you will hear interviews with Hobie, Hunter, and David Magida. David placed 4th less than 30 seconds behind Hobie. They will all talk about how important swimming was at this race and how that race affected the future of OCR.

I will then play my interview with Rachel Moraes. She is a mom, an english teacher, and part time college student. She runs marathons, OCRs, and ultras. We crossed paths online one day and I was excited to speak with her. This interview took place a few months ago, so I am glad to finally bring it to you.

Having already endured 48 hours of torture known as The Death Race, you think being told that you were disqualified would stop two people from going forward.

Anthony Matesi and Morgan Mckay did what very few could. They kept going even when there was "no hope"

We will chat with them about what brought them individually to the Death Race and how they perservered together.

*Originally brodcast on July 2, 2012

Get the latest episodes at at www.mattbdavisruns.com

On today’s episode I have two great interviews.

One is with the first female OCR director that I have heard of, Nicole Farber. She is bringing her new race to the northeast and is off to some great beginnings. Find all about R3OPS and their special cause.

Next up is Rob with The Great Bull Run. Lots has been said, pro and con, before TGBR has even had their first event. I ask the event director all the questions you are wondering. Are the bulls hurt? Can I die? What were you thinking?

In today's episode, we start by talking about the Triple Race Challenge that I did over the weekend. I successfully completed 3 races in one day and am challenging others to top this feat. Listen in to hear the official announcement on how you can win a free entry to a future OCR event of your choice by doing so.  I will also talk about two of the three races that I did. Savage Race and The Electric Run were both awesome events, for completely different reasons.  Hear me tell you why.

I will then play my interview with Chef Richard Blais. For those that don't know him, Chef Blais won Top Chef All Stars and has begun building a small empire which includes 4 restaraunts in Atlanta alone, a new book "Try This At Home", and tv appearances it seems almost daily.  It turns out he is a runner which gave me a great reason to sit down and talk with him.  We talk about running, food, Top Chef, and some of his future plans. I then attempt to convince him to attempt an obstacle race in the near future.  

Find out more at MattBDavisRuns.com

Another podcast episode chock full of obstacle goodness.

First, I talk a little about the need for some rule tightening over at Spartan.

Then, we have two great interviews for you I have done in recent weeks.

Brad Kloha is going to run 100 races (mostly obstacle) in 52 weeks starting June 15th.  He is on a mission to stop Alzheimer's. Listen in to learn what inspired this cool adventure and how he plans on getting it done.

The other interview is with Tory Fitzgerald of Out-Fit Challenge. The world's first LGBT obstacle race. OCR is already the most fun you can have your clothes (mostly) on. Imagine all that mud and fun with the added the flair of the gay community, hellloooo!

For the 2nd week in a row, there was tragedy around a racing event. Two weeks ago it was the Boston Marathon, and this past weekend it was Tough Mudder in West Viriginia. Avi Sengupta, a 28 year old Maryland resident, died after being submerged underwater for an extended period of time at the "Walk the Plank" obstacle. Matt and Obstacle Racing Magazine are in the middle of interviewing several witnesses and investigating this fully. In the meantime, here is a brief phone call with one of Avi's friends who was on site at Tough Mudder last Saturday.

Cole Lindbergh worked at an amusement park called Worlds of Fun for 14 years. His story was documented on an episode of This American Life. I decided he might be someone who would love to run an obstacle race, so I met him in Wichita to run a new obstacle race called Hard Charge. Listen to find out what Cole has been up to since leaving Worlds of Fun and if he found a new love in obstacle racing.