Crack A Brew With AJW

Tropical John Medinger: Reflections on Five Decades in the Sport and the Reprise of the Lake Sonoma 50

In this encore episode AJW cracks a brew with Tropical John Medinger to reflect on his five decades in the sport and to talk about the resurgence of the Lake Sonoma 50 Mi

Scott Warr - Podcasting Every Week for 16 Years and the Camino de Santiago

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Trail Runner Nation co-host Scott Warr to talk about his long history with podcasting, some of his fondest memories of the podcast

Jeff Garmire - Appalachian Trail FKT, Cocodona, and the State of the Sport

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Jeff Garmire to talk about his incredible self-supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail in 2025, his 6 year streak at the Cocodona 25

Kaci Lickteig - Running Hardrock after a 10 Year Wait, Training for the Mountain in the Plains, and Comparing Two Iconic Events

In this episode AJW welcomes Kaci Lickteig, AKA the Pixie Ninja, back to the podcast to discuss her recent experience at the Hardock 100, how she trains for big mountain

Canyon Woodward - Western States, UTMB and Turning the Mic on AJW

In this first episode of Season 15, AJW cracks a brew with Canyon Woodward to talk about his breakout performance at the 2026 Western States 100 and to look ahead to the

AJW Unplugged - Final Thoughts on Western States 2026

In this bonus Unplugged Episode AJW reflects back on his pre race picks, analyzes the evolving competitive density in both the men's and women's races, and discusses the

Mo Livermore and Shannon Weil - A Western States History Lesson

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Western States 100 co-founders Mo Livermore and Shannon Weil to re-live the origins of the race, provide details on some of the key

Ann Trason - Her Legacy at Western States and Thoughts for the Future Ann

In this special episode AJW cracks a brew with 14 time Western States Champion Ann Trason.  In their wide ranging discussion they talk about Ann's legacy at the event, he

AJW Unplugged: The 2026 Western States Episode

In this latest AJW Unplugged episode AJW discusses the current projected race conditions, makes some predictions about the front end of the race, dives into some storylin

Brian Morrison: Heartbreak at the 2006 Western States 100 and the 20 Year Healing Process

In this extraordinary episode AJW cracks a brew with Brian Morrison to talk about his race at the 2006 Western States, his tragic collapse on the track 200 meters from th

Zach Miller - Western States Training, 12 Years Between Golden Tickets and A Run Down Memory Lane

In this episode AJW cracks a a brew with Zach Miller just a couple of weeks before his first run at the Western States 100.  In this wide ranging discussion they talk abo

Jeff Mogavero: East Coast Upbringing, Discovering a Love of the Trails, and the 2026 Western States 100

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Montana ultrarunner Jeff Mogavero to discuss his hardscrabble upbringing back east, developing a love of the trails, and his though

Hannah Allgood: Training, Racing and Her Return to Western States

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Hannah Allgood 7th place finisher at the 2025 Western States.  Along the way they discuss Hannah's background, her training, and he

Holly Ranson: Golden Ticket Chase, Australian Trail Running Scene, and Hopes and Dreams Going into Western States.

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with rising star on the Australian trail running scene Holly Ranson to talk about her Golden Ticket at Tarawera 100K, the challenges and

AJW Unplugged: History and Reflection on the Golden Ticket Series, Cocodona Thoughts and Predictions, and a Personal Update

In this most recent AJW Unplugged AJW provides some historical background on the recently completed Golden Ticket Series, looks ahead with predictions and analysis about

Sarah Lavender Smith: Running into Middle Age, Balancing Running and Life and Turning the Mic on AJW

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with runner/writer Sarah Lavender Smith to discuss running into middle age and the balance required to continue in the sport for the lon

Jacob Banta: Golden Tickets, Western States, and Balancing Life on Both Sides of the Lens

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Jacob Banta, elite trail runner and renowned photographer/videographer to discuss his Golden Ticket at Tarawera in February, his bu

Meg Eckert: Six Day World Record, Cocodona 250 and Balancing Long Trail Races with Longer Fixed Time Events.

In this episode AJW cracks a brew when Meg Eckert to discuss her incredible 6 Day World Record of over 600 miles, her upcoming race at the Cocodona 250, and how she balan

Canyon Woodward - Unique Childhood, Grassroots Organizing and the Western States 100

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with North Carolina's Canyon Woodward to discuss his unique upbringing in the mountains of Western North Carolina, his career as a grass

Imogen Ainsworth - Her Athletic Upbringing, the Leadville 100, and Plans for 2026

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Colorado based trail and ultrarunner Imogen Ainsworth to talk about her active upbringing in athletics, her incredible 2nd place fi