Episode 112 - Happy Holidays everyone! We have been wanting to get Jason on the line for a long time. We wasted no time with the standard "How did you start GORUCK?" questions as that story can be found many other places and got right to the good stuff.

Matt and Jason talk about manufacturing gear, Selection, Kill that 5K, Nasty, GORUCKPalooza, and the ups and downs of the business of GORUCK.

Today's episode is sponsored by Mad Anthony Mud Run.

Show Notes:

GORUCK's official coverage and video of Selection015

Sign up for Kill That 5K

ORM's review of the first (and only so far) GORUCK Nasty obstacle course

Episode 111 - Today's episode has two conversations. The first is the kind you have come to expect from this podcast, an interview with a race director. We talk to Warren Caputo who puts on Muddy Duck Dash. It's a fantastic small scale OCR in Georgia. Listen in to hear about the simple, yet fun and creative things this race does. We wish them much success and hope more and more people come and check them out.

The 2nd interview goes in a very different direction. We talk to Dennis Caco from something called The Undress. Dennis and his business partner April created this very cool product which solves a common problem for runners, and other athletes who need to change their clothes on the go. Watch their kickstarter video linked above, then listen in. We learn about what it was like to seek out $22,000 and end up with $615,000 in donations. We also talk about why we think the OCR crowd will love this product and much more.

Today's episode is sponsored by Battlefrog Series. They've recently announced a massive payout for their 2015 championship series. Use code BATTLEORM for $10 off any 2015 registration.

Episode 110 - Kristin and Yishai Horowitz  put on adventure races and triathlons through their company, All Out Events. Back in 2007 they also got the idea to put on a mud run. In OCR years, 2007 makes 2010 look like 1985, so they were waaay ahead of the curve. We talk to them about a proposal they wrote which shows what the mud landscape looked like 7 years ago. We also learn about how they've successfully carved out their own race community and avoided the boom/bust of many other companies that failed around them. 

Today's episode is sponsored by Udder Mud Run. Udder Mud Run returns to Covington Georgia on Aug 8, 2015. Use Code RUNORM for $10.00 off.

Episode 109 - As one of a handful of Barkley Ultramarathon finishers in the world, ever, Nickademus Hollon entered WTM with tons of respect from the OCR community. Many were considering him a contendor to win it all. In Episode 107, we had a nice chat where he talked about how his massive ultramarathon training experience could really benefit him in a race like this. He ended up with only his 2nd ever DNF. We talk to him and find out what happened.

Amelia Boone missed the Spartan World Championships and the OCR World Championships as she chose to have major surgery about 3 months ago. Her return to World's Toughest was also her return to the top as she was crownded champion again.

Ryan Atkins got to stand in Pak's shoes and feel what it's like to contend when everyone knows exactly who you are. He promptly defended his title against arguably the most competitive field to date. 

Today's show is sponsored by Mad Anthony Mud Run.  Mad Anthony was known for his tenacity, intensity and character; we hope that you will bring those same attributes as you complete this adventurous challenge including numerous “battles” that will confront you along the way. Register now for just $35.00

You can find additional episodes for the Obstacle Racing Media Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher.

Show Notes:

Matt B's awesome new microphone

The Barkley Marathons

Amelia's WTM 2014 blog post

Ryan Atkins blog

Nickademus WTM 2014 blog post

Episode 108 - In today's show, we talk to with 3 top finishers from this year's World's Toughest Mudder.

Allison Tai is like many Canadian athletes we have met in recent months. She's sweet, humble, and really good at obstacle racing. She won the Edmonton Spartan Sprint in July and the Canadian Spartan Ultra Beast in September. She then turned in an impressive 4th at the Spartan Super in Sacramento a few weeks later. At WTM, she beat all but 24 of the men and bested every woman other than Amelia Boone, completing 14 laps and 70 miles before time ran out.

Despite great credentials, Miguel Medina and Hunter McIntyre showed up under the radar to WTM with Team Wolfpack Spartan. They then spent the next 24 hours (plus) fighting off Under Armour Team Australia to take home the 1st place team prize.

Today's show is sponsored by Mad Anthony Mud Run.  Mad Anthony was known for his tenacity, intensity and character; we hope that you will bring those same attributes as you complete this adventurous challenge including numerous “battles” that will confront you along the way.

Show Notes:

Miguel Medina 60 Minutes Sports from Spartan Malibu 2013

Hunter McIntyre's 20 pound weightvest challenge video

Allison Tai Athlinks Page

Episode 107 - We are in Las Vegas and nearby Henderson, Nevada for Part One of this year's World's Toughest Mudder Coverage.

Listen to pre WTM interviews with:

Hanna Copper - First timer with big goals

Matty Gregg -Big money raiser and WTM Community Admin

Mandy Baskin -4 time WTM competitor

Shenoa Creer - Representing ORM

Team Under Armour Australia - A strong team favorite featuring last year's female winner Deanna Blegg

Matthew Hanson - Last year's 4th place finisher

Amelia Boone - Lover of Poptarts

Team 3AM Waterfalls - Last year's Team Winners

Ken Jacobus - Founder of WTM Community

Junyong Pak - Post race arm wrestler

Jim Campbell - The Goat

Nolan Kombol -Tough Mudder Director of Process Innovation and WTM Course Designer

Will Dean -CEO of Tough Mudder

Nickademus Hollon - Barkley's Winner, Ultraracing Super Badass

Episode 106 - Noah Galloway lost two of his limbs in 2005. He has not let that stop him from completing obstacle races and being an inspiration to thousands, but you probably already knew that. Matt B. caught up with Noah to ask him about being on the cover of Men's Health and appearing on Ellen. Before Matt could do that, Emma and Jaxson (two of Matt's kids) had a few questions of their own.

Today’s episode is sponsored by BattlefrogSeries. Check them out now to see all the cities they will be hitting in 2015. Use code BATTLEORM for race entry discounts.

You can find additional episodes for the Obstacle Racing Media Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher.

Show Notes

Noah's Website

Jeff Marier interview with Noah from 2011 Georgia Warrior Dash

Episode 105 - Ben Greenfield is not a Jew. He is a man who lives his passion covering fitness and nutrition as an author, speaker, and podcaster. Ben started The Obstacle Dominator Podcast earlier this year with Spartan Cover Boy Hunter McIntyre. We talk to Ben about how that little friendship began and several other interesting topics which include: Fitness pseudo science, tips on business success, and how he actually isn’t Jewish.

Today’s episode is sponsored by BattlefrogSeries. Check them out now to see all the cities they will be hitting in 2015. Use code BATTLEORM for race entry discounts.

Show Notes

All Things Ben Greenfield

The Four Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

1000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly

Episode 104 - On today's show, you'll get a taste of what it was like to be at the Obstacle Racing World Championships that took place in Oregonia, Ohio last weekend.

We start Friday night as you'll hear brief chats with Dutch OCR blogger Dirk Schrama, and Mr. On My Way To Sparta, Jeff Cain.

After a quick check-in Saturday morning with Amelia Boone before the race starts, we catch the top 4 elite men as they finished followed by the first 3 elite women.

Today's episode is sponsored by Battlefrog Series. Miami Battlefrog is happening in a couple of weeks and the 2015 calendar has several dates already. Use code "BattleORM" for discounts.

We have Lots of bitchin photos here.

Show Notes

Dirk Schrama - Obstakels.com (Google will translate for you, if you let it).

Jeff Cain - Obstacle Racer's Prayer

Amelia Boone - Profile on SBNation

Jon Albon- http://www.jonathanalbon.com/

Ryan Atkins- http://ryanatkinsdietrecipebook.blogspot.com/

Hobie Call - http://www.hobiecall.com/

Cimmie Wignell -  Video of Cimmie winning Toughest.

Siri Englund -Profile interview from Dirt In Your Skirt

Cassidy Watton - Athlinks profile

Episode 103 - In today’s episode, we spoke to Kimber Mattox and Renee Baillie, two women who drove down from the runner’s haven of Bend, Oregon to crush the recent Warrior Dash World Championship. Listen in to find out how Renee almost didn’t show up at all, and how both of them had very different predictions about the outcome. You will also hear the exciting news that they have now caught the OCR bug. 

Episode 102 - Today’s episode is a conversation with Adrian Bijanada, the man who created The Obstacle Racing World Championships. What started as a vision is now fast becoming a reality in Ohio next weekend. Adrian answers questions about every question we threw at him including qualifications, prize money, course markings, penalties, future race sites and much much more.

Enjoy.

Episode 101- In today’s episode, we welcome back Joe Desena to the program. 

Joe just had an incredible weekend so we are excited to rush this episode up and get it to you right away. 

First he completed the Spartan Ohio race from a wheelchair. He was challenged by Michael Mills, Nubs from More Heart Than Scars, and some others to complete a Spartan race from a completely different perspective.

Joe talks about the incredible experience he had doing this and the decision it led him to regarding future Adaptive Athletes heats at Spartan Race.

Shortly after this race, Joe drove about 400 miles to do a 50k race with his 8 year old son Jack, which we also discussed.

We then talk a little about the upcoming Spartan Cruise.

Episode 100-Vermont Beast 2014

At the end of July of 2012, Matt B. left a weekend trip from Pittsfield, Vermont with the idea that talking to people in the obstacle racing world would make for a cool podcast. 

27 months and 99 episodes later, we find ourselves back in Vermont, in nearby Killington, for the 2014 Spartan Beast Championship Race.

On today’s show you will hear from Deanna Blegg, Junyong Pak, Jonathan Albon, Ryan Atkins, Cody Moat, Hunter McIntyre, Chad Trammell, Isaiah Vidal, Claude Godbout, Corinna Coffin, James Appleton, Matt Novakovich, Orla Walsh, Jackie Rust, Knut Hohler, Lindsay Webster, Morgan McKay, April Dee and Rose Wetzel.

It has truly been a pleasure, here is to the next 100.

Today’s episode is sponsored by MudGear

Episode 99 - In today's episode, we bring you awesome interviews from the Amesbury, MA Spartan Race which took place on August 9^th of this year.

We interviewed top male and female finishers including Cody Moat, Isaiah Vidal, Glenn Racz, Junyong Pak, April Dee, TyAnn Clark, and Corinna Coffin. They gave us their thoughts shortly after finishing the race (before the TV cameras got to them)

We also spoke to few special guests: A kick-ass mother daughter duo known as Sue-Nami and TNT, Heather Run To Inspira who runs races with a lot more than just a bib number, and Paul Jones, one of the admins for the New England Spahtens.

Last we checked in with Mike Morris from Spartan. As always gives us some great insight into what goes on behind the scenes at Spartan.

Today's episode is sponsored by Men's Health Urbanathlon.

Episode 98-Yassine Diboun is an ultrarunner who likes to poop in the woods. He also has put up some great race performances including a 10th place at Western States. Matt B. sat down with Yassine when he was in Portland earlier this Summer. They enjoyed a run, several meals, and this great conversation.

Josue Stephens runs Fuego Y Agua events, which are extreme endurance races that take place all over the globe. In this episode, Josue talks about what happened with The Celts over in The U.K. and some of what racers can expect in the upcoming Hunter Gatherer events in Texas.

Today's episode is sponsored by Men's Health Urbanathlon.

Yassine's ultra results can be found here.

Fuego Y Agua events website.

Episode 97 - Mark Webb has done several Death Races and has a few skulls. He has also done almost 50 GORUCK Challenges, Lights, and Heavies (including the first GORUCK Selection).  A few days ago he was in a motorcycle accident that left him without part of his left leg. Ever the positive dude, he is already looking forward to the races and events he can do and the people he can have an effect on.

Joshua Gustin Grant is an obstacle racer and Death Racer. He also recently won an arm wrestling national championship, left AND right handed. Matt sat down with Joshua with the intention of discussing the finer points of arm wrestling. It turned out to be a conversation about so much more, including, health and diet “myths", yoga, and God. 

Today’s show is sponsored by Men’s Health Urbanathlon.

Episode 96 - Val Smith and "Crazy" Pete Coleman trained very hard leading up to the 2014 Summer Death Race. This resulted in both of them finishing and getting skulls. Matt B. sat down with them for some dinner conversation a few weeks after the event.

Topics include some insight into the shitshow that was Saturday night, what they did over at Peter Borden’s on Sunday, how deep they had to deep to finish and if they ever thought the race would end.

There is also some never heard before bonus footage from the crew that saved Matt B. and Flo from their adventure we learned about in the last episode.

Today’s episode is sponsored by MudGear.

Episode 95 - When runner after runner cramped and/or dropped from last year’s Vermont Beast Championship race, Will Swope found himself all the way up in 5th place. One mental lapse later, he found himself DQd from the race. We caught up with him after his 2nd place finish at this year’s Vegas BADASS Dash to find out what happened.

Flo Barnes is a superior athlete who came in 2nd at the Winter Death Race back in January. So why did she spend around 24 hours with Matt B. at June's Summer Death Race? Listen in to find out how one wrong turn, led to more wrong turns, and an experience neither of them will ever forget.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Mudgear. 

Episode 94 - Two years ago, Matt was openly challenge/threatened to do a GORUCK Challenge by a podcast listener while interviewing Cadre Devin. In today’s episode, we go back and recapture that moment. Fast forward 24 months and Matt finally completed GRC 1092 on July 4th of this year in Atlanta, GA. Listen in as Matt and Doug discuss encouraging strangers to work like a team, keeping participants from quitting, "embracing the zero", and how Doug brings his brand of specialness to each GORUCK.

Bonus: Making her 2nd appearance on the show today is special guest Emma Davis.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Men’s Health Urbanathlon.

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Episode 93 - At approximately hour 48 of this Summer’s Death Race, two busses rolled into Pittsfield. One was a large, luxury, white tour bus and one was a standard yellow school bus.

Racers had to choose which bus to get on for what they were told would be a 16 hour journey. 

Many lessons were learned about these choices as the race went on and long after.

Today's episode is sponsored by Mudgear.

Episode 92 - In today’s show-ORM brings you more obstacle goodness than you can shake a spear at. We’ve got:

Paddy McGarry from Tough Mudder telling us about new obstacles and Mudder  Legion.

Adam Ruppel from Mud Hero talking about what they do well and how to get the most  mud possible at an ocr event.

Don Mann, Hobie Call, Garfield Griffiths, and Alec Blenis from the most recent BattleFrog event

  AND

 Orla “The Vermonster” Walsh discussing her plan to take over the OCR podium from  the current champions.

Today's episode is sponsored by Men's Health Urbanathlon.

Episode 91 - We've got several interviews from the 2014 Death Race on tap for you in the next few episodes. We start it off with today's subject, Andy Weinberg.

In the middle of this year's Summer Death Race, Matt B. sat down for a long interview with Andy. For those that don't know, Andy, along with Joe Desena, helped create the Death Race, which eventually led to the creation of Spartan Race.

Andy talks about how it all began and what caused him to move to Pittsfield, VT. We talk some about the magic of the people, and the town behind The Death Race. He also regales us with a few stories of race shenanigans that involve Joe Desena and others.

Today's episode is sponsored by Men's Health Urbanathlon. Use code ORM to receive 20% of your entry. Register now at MHURB.com

Episode 90 - On today’s episode, we visit Warrior Dash Georgia 2014 and have some cool chats. We start by talking to the people who finished the course the fastest, Yuri Force, Shenoa Creer, and Ashley Martin. Next up is  “Blind Pete”, a visually impaired man who completes obstacle races. Last, we spend a few minutes with Red Frog Events Mischief Manager, Katelyn Boyle about this year’s Georgia course.

The 2nd half of the show is an interview with Mark Silvers from Endeavor Team Challenge. They have a 30 hour, 40 plus mile, endurance event that we know you are going to want to check out.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Men’s Health Urbanathlon. Use the code ORM to receive 20% off your entry. Register NOW at MHURB.com

Episode 89- Happy Father's Day Everyone. Listen in as Matt talks to Robb McCoy of the F.I.T. Challenge. Robb is one of the good guys producing quality homegrown obstacle races. Find out how he works with other local RDs to be successful and help grow a great local scene in New England.  (You may also hear River, the youngest member of the Davis clan, in the background as Matt was on daddy duty during this interview)

In addition, we speak with Rose Wetzel. This interview was recorded at the USOCR conference in Atlanta back in April. Rose has stormed the scene winning several Spartan Races in recent months. In this chat, we get to know a lot about Rose and learn some of her thoughts on the current state of the industry.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Race The Reaper.  Every year, at least half of their obstacle designs are different. Reaper faithfuls are always wondering what’ s next. Train Hard and Prove It July 19th, 2014!

Episode 88 - In today's episode, Matt B. talks to Jeff Suffolk, Co-Founder of Human Movement Management. We initially met Jeff last year when HMM  took over for Run For Your Lives which went under mid-season.

Matt had the opportunity to visit HMM Headquarters in Louisville, Colorado and see how they operate for a day or so.

Matt and Jeff discuss the following:

Is the current beer mile record on YouTube legit and beatable?

Is soccer more interesting than American football?

What does the future hold for ocr/fun events or what Jeff calls "Active Entertainment"?

What in the hell is the event Human Movement planning for August of 2015? 

(Hint: It involves tree houses)

Today's episode is sponsored by Mud Hero. Check out the mud run rated tops in Canada the last two years.

Episode 87-In today's episode, we catch up with Anthony Matesi. Anthony was once a dude like you or me, now he works for Spartan leading their 12 hour Hurricane Heats amongst other duties. Let's find out how he got there and what he has in store for those that attempt the HH.

The next conversation is with Julie Johnston of Las Vegas' Camp Rhino. Find out how this one of a kind entrepreneur had fun with bootcamp and obstacles before they were cool. In the process, another amazing OCR community was born in a city known for anything but fitness.

Today's episode is sponsored by Race The Reaper.

First up is a brief interview with Billy Findeiss and Noah Galloway from our visit to Alabama. Billy is one of the Race Directors for the St. Clair Scramble. Noah Galloway is very good at being Noah Galloway.

St. Clair Scramble Flyer

Next up, we talk to Blas Elias. Blas was in the hair-metal band Slaughter, and now performs in the Las Vegas Blue Man Group. He found obstacle racing recently so we tracked him down and hooked him up with some OCR peeps to run with. We talk about how a dude who likes to run and eat healthy survived the insane lifestyle that was the Metal 80s. 

Blas (Far Right) with Blue Man and Tiffanie and Matt Novakovich

Today's episode is sponsored by Race The Reaper.

Episode 85 - A few weeks ago, ORM gave you a recap from the USOCR Conference that took place in Atlanta in April.

On this week's podcast episode we bring you several interviews that took place during that conference.

You will hear from the following:

• Shelly Bramblett - The former CFO at Ironman who currently works for Human Movement Management
• Grant Reeves- CEO of BADASS Dash and Dockdogs
• Athletes Hunter McIntyre and Hobie Call
• Paul Jones from New England Spahtens
• Sam Mansfield and Mark Ballas from USOCR

This episode will answer several questions you have had about what USOCR is and isn't.

It also may leave you asking a few more.

Today's episode is sponsored by Xtreme Ranger.

Episode 84 -  Starting off, Matt interviews 3 podium finishers from the recent BADASS Dash in Georgia. First up, Devin Caster and Andrew Grizzle who finished 2nd and 3rd. We got their feelings on the course shortly afterwards. Matt then talked to Yuri Force, who has been tearing up all of his local OCRs for a few years. The week after this interview, he would finish 2nd at the Saturday Carolina Spartan Sprint.

Then, Kaitlin Stein does her first interview for the podcast with Margaret Schlachter. Margaret has been on the show numerous times, and we were excited to have her back to talk about her new book.

Today's episode is sponsored by The X-Rated Run

Episode 83-Today, you will hear an interview with Todd Sedlak. Todd has a few Death Race skulls and has helped countless others earn theirs. He is also one of a growing group of people who have turned themselves from obstacle/adventure enthusiasts to obstacle race employee.  In this interview, we learn a little about what makes him tick and what led him to the world of OCR.

We also hear from several top finishers from this past weekend’s Carolina Spartan Sprint.  On the women’s side, they are Amelia Boone, Brittany Duckworth, Juliana Sproles, Melanie Jones, and Val Smith. On the men’s side, we talk with Matt Novakovich, Elliott Megquier, Dennis Welch, and David Magida. This interview contains smack talk which may be offensive to sensitive listeners.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Mud Hero. Check out the mud run rated tops in Canada the last two years.

In today’s episode we talk to Don Mann from Battlefrog Race Series. They are the newest kids on the block in OCR and are coming on strong. We will find out about Don’s special relationship with Joe Desena, and everything else that Battlefrog has prepared for the OCR scene.

Tom McCormack is the Director of Product Management of Spartan Race. To us, he will always be Tommy Mac. He's been around since the early days of Spartan and clues us in to a lot of what goes on behind the scenes. He has always been open and approachable. His goal is to always find out what Spartan can do better, and it’s why we have wanted to sit down with him for some time.

Today's episode is sponsored by Mud Hero. Check out the mud run rated tops in Canada the last two years.

Episode 81 - Today’s episode includes interviews with some of the podium finishers from the Georgia Spartan Race. 

You will hear from Alec Blenis, Elliott Megquier, David Magida, Sarah Pozdol, Valerie Smith, Amanda Ricciardi, Kristine Iotte, and TyAnn Clark.

We wrap up the episode with an interview Mike Morris, Vice President of Production at Spartan Race, about all those obstacle specs you’ve been dying to know.

We are sponsored today by Xtreme Ranger. Check them out on May 17, 2014 in Dahlonega, Georgia

Episode 80 - Today’s episode features an interview with Hannah Thompson of the Cupid Undies Run. You will learn why Matt B dediced to run his underwear (or did he), and the great cause they are up to over at CUR.

Also, we have a nice chat with Dr. Eric Richards and Andrew Griffin of The Garage Games/Firebreather Challenge. You will hear what has worked and not worked for them about putting on obstacle races, and where they are going

with crossfit competitions, OCR, and adventure racing. (endurance OCR).

This episode is sponsored by BADASS Dash. Back again with more cities and more obstacles in 2014.

Episode 79 - The episode kicks off talking to Race Director Brian Sharenow of The Bad Ass Dash. They are an obstacle racing series which not only survived last year but thrived and added some new elements for 2014.

Then we look at the long awaited first race of Extreme Nation. The $40,000 cash purse attracted some of the best OCR athletes in the country. You will hear many on site interviews including Ella Kocuiba, Alec Blenis, David Magida, Hunter McIntyre, Janice Marie Ferguson, Hobie Call and more. After that you will hear what happened in the days that followed as we talk to Hobie again as well as Randy Yoho to discuss the changes and future of Extreme Nation.

Episode 78 - Matt B. went to California last week to take on the Temecula Spartan Sprint. He got a chance to meet lots of great west coast folks while visiting, which inspired this episode. You will hear the meeting of the podcast minds, as he sits down with Laurie Hale of the Getting Dirty Podcast. He also plays an interview with Ernesto Gonzales. Ernesto took on the 5 Race Rodina Challenge with some interesting results.

Today's episode is sponsored by Goliathon.com. It's not a race, it's a mission.

Episode 77-Michael Mills lost the use of his legs in 1993. We met him a year ago when we helped put a group together to help him climb Stone Mountain.

Later in 2013, he went on to be the first paralyzed athlete to complete the Georgia Spartan Sprint and the Carolina Spartan Beast. He also participated in the 2013 Peak Races Summer Death Race.  

His stories have been featured in blogs posts and Facebook and have been an inspiration to many.

We finally got a chance to sit down for an interview with him to learn about his past, present, and future.

Enjoy.

Episode 76 - The first episode of 2014 is the last episode on the 2013 World's Toughest Mudder.

Matt had phone conversations with Male winner Ryan Atkins and 2nd place female Maggi Thorne. We get their thoughts a few days after the event was over and they had some time to reflect on their accomplishments.

This episode is sponsored by Kimbia Racing.