The Trailhead
By UltraSignup
The Trailhead isn’t your typical trail running podcast—we’re not dissecting splits or debating race strategies. Instead, hosts Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard take you straight to the heart (and funny bone) of the sport, celebrating the people, stories, and quirks that make trail running so special. With a mix of humor, heart, and a little irreverence, we explore the personalities, people, artists, and everyday athletes who give the sport its soul—because trail running is about more than just the miles.
Latest episode
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Tommie Runz on Sobriety, The Speed Project, and the Ultra Mindset
What happens when a road marathoner tackles one of the wildest ultra challenges out there, solo? In this episode, Zoë and Brendan sit down with Tommie Runz (@tommie_runz): plant-based athlete, podcast host, father, and (accidentally?) ultra-endurance… -
Katie Schide Is All In at Hardrock
UTMB champion. Western States course record threat. Field hockey state champion. Rock doctor. Katie Schide is one of the most accomplished ultrarunners on the planet, and somehow, still one of the most quietly focused. In this episode of The... -
Kofuzi on Being Non-Elite and How Filming Makes Running More Fun
This week on The Trailhead, we’re joined by the one and only Kofuzi, a self-proclaimed non-elite YouTube runner who’s built a global following by filming marathons, gear reviews, and everyday runs with heart, humor, and a handheld camera. Zoë and... -
Abigail West on Making Art That Moves
This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan talk with Abigail West—trail runner, printmaker, and full-time creative who’s showing us what it means to run with purpose. Based in the lush foothills of Southern Appalachia, Abigail blends endurance... -
Steve Magness on Real Toughness and Why Running Shouldn’t Suck
This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan are joined by performance scientist, coach, and author Steve Magness for a deep dive into the messy, meaningful side of mental toughness. Known for calling BS on outdated notions of grit, Steve shares... -
Alex Hutchinson on Why Doing Things the Hard Way Feels So Good
This week on The Trailhead, we're joined by one of the most thoughtful voices in endurance sports writing: Alex Hutchinson. You might know him from his Outside column, Sweat Science, or his bestselling book . But today, we’re talking about his... -
How Much Running Is Too Much Running? Asking for a Friend (feat. Mario Fraioli)
This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan put coach and writer Mario Fraioli in the hot seat with their burning trail running questions. From “How slow is too slow?” to “When does running become hiking?” we tackle the big, the small,... -
The Examined Run: Sabrina Little on Ethics, Excellence, and Everyday Choices
What does it mean to live a good life? And can your running practice help you get there? In this episode of The Trailhead, Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard sit down with Sabrina Little: ultrarunner, philosopher, ethics professor, mom of (soon to be)... -
Meet The Rad New Trailhead Co-Host
Welcome Brendan Leonard to The Trailhead! He’s the mind behind Semi-Rad, the master of stick figure cartoons, and now, he’s Zoë’s new co-host on The Trailhead. But instead of the usual "tell us about yourself" intro, we’re doing things our... -
A New Adventure Begins With Buzz Burrell
Big changes are happening at The Trailhead! In this episode, co-hosts Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell reflect on Buzz’s legendary career in trail running and his next big adventure—his very own podcast, The Buzz with Buzz Burrell. Buzz shares his...
