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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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... -
How to Run (and Love) Your First Ultra
What makes someone want to run their first ultra? And more importantly—what makes them want to come back for a second? The reality is, most people who sign up for an ultra only do one. But why? And how can we help more runners not just finish, but... -
Love on the Run: Running, Family and Relationship Advice from Trail Running Power Couples
1:42 – Buzz and Zoë dive into how their relationship with running has evolved over the years. They explore what it takes to sustain a lifelong love of the sport—and Buzz dishes out some hard-earned running relationship wisdom. 11:58 –... -
Scott Jurek and Tina Muir's Advice for Sustainable Running
In this episode, Zoë and Buzz dive into their personal journeys toward identifying as environmentalists—exploring why that label can feel complicated and what it truly means to take action for the planet. 7:12 Zoë sits down with Running for... -
Keep Trail Running Weird: Celebrating the Trail Community
Zoë and Buzz dive into what community means to them and why the Keep Trail Running Weird awards matter. Instead of focusing on elite athletes, these awards shine a spotlight on the everyday runners, the quirky characters, and the inspiring... -
Clare Gallagher and Luis Benitez on How Trail Runners Can Save the Planet
00:40 Buzz and Zoë chat about how they connect with nature through trail running, and why all trail runners should think of themselves as environmentalists. 6:48 Zoë interviews Luis Benitez, an environmental leader in the outdoor industry and... -
The Year in Trail Running and Bold Predictions for 2025
It’s the end of 2024, and we’re wrapping up the year with a deep dive into the biggest trends, moments, and milestones in trail running. Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell share their top highlights from the year, including record-breaking performances,... -
Why Ultrarunners Find Purpose in Pain, And What Motivates Jamil Coury
1:00 Zoë and Buzz discuss the technological and cultural shifts that have led to the trail running livestream boom and debate what its impact will be on the sport. 6:04 Buzz interviews Aravaipa Running founder Jamil Coury. They discuss how...
