Where we re-discover what it means to be human. Topics include endurance sports, mindfulness, holistic health, human behavior, athletic performance, evolutionary biology, ‘self’-improvement, philosophy, and more.
Hosted by Brian Akers
IG: @flytrapcoalition
Coalition, what is up. Hope you guys are well, strap in and get ready for episode 15 of the flytrap coalition podcast. It was my honor to sit down with a couple of local St. Louis Stallions, Travis Nissenbaum and Chris stein, who I have affectionately dubbed as the ‘ultra buds’. These guys are best friends that absolutely love to crush ultra marathons, Spartan races, half ironman races. But these guys are not only great athletes, they are best friends and do an amazing job of describing how endurance races have led them on some epic adventures, and also seen them through some of their darkest times, and they do it all together. I had an absolute blast recording with these guys, we laughed, we talked about some emotional times in their lives, and I know you guys are going to enjoy this one from start to finish. Special shoutout to Travis and his wife Kim for letting us record at their house and meet their awesome rescue dogs, Boss and Millie #adoptdontshop. Much respect. So, without further adieu, I give you my conversation with Travis Nissenbaum and Chris Stein.
13 May 2021
#14 The Most Interesting Man in Ultra Running, Cody Eubanks
UltraMarathon Runner, Cody Eubanks
Coalition, welcome back. And we are coming back today with a BANGER. My guest today is man that I am officially dubbing as the most interesting man in ultra running, Cody Eubanks. Cody is coming off a first place win at the Lions Roar 24 hour race where he also set the course record, logging over 120 miles. Guys, here's the thing, Cody didn't start running ultras until last year, but what a year it was. In 2020, Cody racked up 7 podium finishes, including a runner up finish in his first ever 100 mile run, at the 4 Fore 30 Backyard Infinity Ultra where he and Chris Boyle shattered the course record, with 154 and 158 miles respectively. As you'll find out in this episode, Cody is an absolute beast with the heart of a champion. He's also hilarious and most definitely marches to the beat of his own drum. Whether it's hammering beers mid-race, or running alongside hallucinogenic skunks, Cody is playing by his own rules....and guess what, he's winning, and I dig it. I had a blast recording this with Cody, he had me cracking up and I think he'll have you doing the same...so without any further adieu, I bring you my conversation with Cody Eubanks.
31 Dec 2020
#13 - 'Mandalen 24 Hour Ultra' Champion, Harald Bjerke
Coalition, what is up. If you follow Ultra Running you are probably aware of Kilian Jornet’s recent attempt to set the record for farthest distance covered in 24 hours at the Salomon Phantasm 24 hour race in Mandelen, Noway.
And if you followed that race you know that in the field of 6 highly decorated runners, it was the underdog, Harald Bjerke who ended up being crowned the Champ, completing over 232 kilometers or 139 miles in a single 24 hour period.
To make this even more incredible, Harald completed this distance by circling a 400 meter outdoor track in the below freezing temperatures of Norway.
In this episode Harald takes us through his race and details everything from his training, how he prepared mentally, his nutrition, race strategy, how he stays injury free, and much more.
At 45 years old Harald is just getting started in the sport of Ultra Running and I think he is a guy that you are going to continue to see more and more of in the elite field.
Thanks again, Harald- enjoyed it.
13 Dec 2020
#12 - Struggle In Victory with Mind & Body Coach Mark Shimmin
Coalition- it’s good to be back. We have a good one for you today, we are talking with Certified Level 1 USA Track and Field coach, Mark Shimmin. Mark is based out of San Diego CA where he is a Fleet Feet Ambassador as well as a Mind and Body Coach and Sports Therapist. We track Mark's running career from his time at Cal State San Marcos to present, including his Half Marathon PR of 1 hour and 20 minutes at the USA Half Invitational. Mark also shares his coaching insights, we detail how to structure a training week to include mileage runs, tempo runs, and speed work…as well as how to build mileage and increase performance while staying injury free. We also get into the mental and emotional side of training to include mindfulness, meditation, body work and how to address past emotional trauma whether it be conscious or subconscious through deep work..yeah, we get into it, and I think you guys are going to dig it.
6 Jun 2020
Ep 11: Elite Ironman, Sebastjan Gergoric - Live Your Sport
Have you ever been curious about Ironman Triathlons? Current Ironman/Woman looking to hone your skills? This is the episode for you. Our guest, Sebastjan Gergoric has twice qualified for Kona, and completed 8 full Ironmans and over 15 half Ironmans. We discuss his training, nutrition, race, strategy, and so much more. Sebastjan is a wealth of information and has an amazing outlook on life...which has contributed to his longevity in the sport...currently spanning over 10 years.
Show Seb some love on IG: @vegantri_seb
26 Apr 2020
#10 - Training For Life: Strength & Endurance Coach and Ultra Marathon Stud, Mark Bottenhorn
Mark is back! You may remember Mark Bottenhorn from Episode 6. We brought him back to discuss how and why the group he's coaching is thriving in training through the Covid-19 quarantine. Mark discusses how to train for longevity in both training and life. The importance of dis-associating from your races and results. Holistic nutrition for both the athlete and the planet, and so much more. We dive deep into the different philosophical and tactical approaches to training and what methods will not only get your results, but keep you healthy and keep you in the game. It's always a pleasure to speak with Mark, and I know you are going to enjoy this one.
Show Mark some love:
IG: @bottenhornrunning
Podcast: Finding Strong Podcast
Website: www.MarkBottenhorn.com
17 Apr 2020
#9 Scott Kummer: Host of Ten Junk Miles Podcast - The Man Behind the Mic
If you are a fan of ultra running, and ultra running podcasts, then you already know my next guest. Scott Kummer is the founder and host of the legendary Ten Junk Miles Podcast. As a tribute to the TJM Podcast, we go long form in this episode. We go way off script and cover everything from politics, COVID-19, religion, philosophy, alcohol abuse and more more. Scott opens up and courageously tells us about some of the things he's dealt with on a personal level that make him the man he is today. It was an honor to get to know the man behind the mic. Much respect, Scott- talk soon.
Show Scott Kummer some love:
IG: @scottywk2
Podcast: Ten Junk Miles Podcast
Sign up for one of Scott's races: https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/tjmracing (https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/tjmracing)
Scott's Website: https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/ (https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/)
17 Mar 2020
#8 - Why We Fight: One Man’s Search For Meaning Inside The Ring: Josh Rosenblatt
I speak with Josh Rosenblatt, author of Why We Fight: One Man’s Search For Meaning Inside the Ring. Josh is a writer and journalist who’s work has appeared in Vice, the Texas Observer, and the Austin Chronicle. We discuss his book and his journey to face his deepest fears by agreeing to take part in a mixed martial arts fight. We discuss the psychology of fear, ancestral trauma, evolutionary biology, mixed martial arts, and so much more.
26 Jan 2020
#7 - Living a Life of Adventure with David Stores, Brandon Vaughn, and Ryan Maher
Hear the story of David Stores and Brandon Vaughn setting the fastest known time (FKT) for an unsupported effort on the Ozark Trail. Over 230 miles spanning 5 days alone in the wilderness. We also talk about back depression through adventures and the importance of time in nature. Additionally, hear a race report from Podium finisher and trail beast, Ryan Maher, as he and Brandon took on the OT100 mile endurance run.
17 Dec 2019
Episode #6 UltraRunner, Mark Bottenhorn: Finding Strong
Coalition, today I am speaking with ultra-marathon champion and strength and endurance coach, Mark Bottenhorn. Mark has wins at the Pistol 50k, the North Country Trail 50, and the Hellcat 50k, where he recorded one of the fastest 50k’s in North America that year. But this conversation goes way beyond running. Mark opens up about his struggles with Anxiety, Depression, and even disordered eating from his days as a professional body builder. We shed some light on the stigmas associated with mental health and mark shares his story about going from a guy who struggled to get out of bed in the morning, to someone who is now living his dream life. We also talk nutrition, strength training, and so much more. Coalition, I am honored and privelaged to give you my conversation with Mark Bottenhorn.
21 Nov 2019
Episode #5 - Ultra-Running Champion, Jaime Maher: There Is No Quit
Today we talk to the 2019 Ozark Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run Champion, Jaime Maher. Jaime takes us through her first 100 miler' and details her experience including going off-course, battling hypothermia, losing vision in one eye, and not only finishing, but winning the race. Jaime has also won the Trail of 4 Winds 25k and was recently crowned the Castlewood Trail Series Champion. We talk training, recovery, coaching, cross-training, trail culture, community, and so much more. Jaime has a contagious energy and is known for being the friendliest person at every race...and also one of the top competitors. Keep an eye on Jaime as you will soon see her among the elite, on the sports' biggest stages.
You can find Jaime:
IG: @jaimemarie5
Facebook: Jaime Drabek Maher & through her running club, Arch City Run Club.
Email: Jaime@one3sports.com
14 Nov 2019
Episdode #4 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champ & Plant Based Health/Lifestyle Coach, Jay Oliveira: Life By Design
Jay Oliveira is an International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Masters World Champion, a Plant Based Athlete/Health Coach, Social Media Influencer, Entrepreneur, Minimalist, and all around great guy. We talk about living a life by design, jiu jitsu, plant-based diet, nutrition, finance, minimalism, and having the courage to follow your passion and take risks. This episode is full of sound, practical advice, to help you break out of your routine, and live a life filled with passion, on your own terms. You can find jay on Instagram @801010athlete and on Youtube at Plant Based Athlete.
5 Nov 2019
Episode #3 Ultra-Runner Chris Plunkett: The 200 Mile Man - Moab 240
An ultra-marathon is defined as a foot-race that exceeds the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles. In 2019, Chris Plunkett ran 9 ultra-marathons, culminating at the Moab240: a 240 mile footrace through desert, canyons, slick rock, and two mountain ranges in Moab, Utah. Chris completed the race in just over 93 hours…nearly 4 days of running, to earn the coveted Moab buckle. Chris talks about his days before finding ultra, and how he went from an under-achiever smoking cigarettes and drinking beer in his garage, to the highly competitive ultra-adventure athlete that he is today. Chris is a humble guy, and a family man, but make no mistake, he will drop you on the trail if he gets a chance. Big things are in his future, and I’m excited to continue following his journey. Chris- thanks again, brother…enjoyed it.
4 Oct 2019
Episode #2 Ultra-Distance Cyclist, Abdullah Zeinab: Inside the Mind of the TransAm Champ
Coalition, you're going to want to get the notebook out, because I'm taking you inside the mind of arguably the greatest ultra endurance cyclist on the planet, Abdullah Zeinab. This past summer Abdullah entered the 2019 TransAm Bike race, a solo unsupported ultra distance cycling race across the united states. He won the 4,200 mile/6,800 kilometer race in a record setting 16 days 9 hours and 56 minutes; not only talking the record but beating second place by more than 3 days. This coming off the heals of his 2018 victory in the Indian Pacific Wheel Race, a solo, unsupported bike race across Australia. Coalition, what i think you are going to find amazing about this guy, he trains hard, he's been training for a long time, he was a power lifter turned ultra cyclist, but whats truly impressive and where your going to have the most take aways is we go very very deep on the mental side of training and life. Abdullah is half ultra endurance cyclist, half philosopher, poet, prophet. We go deep and i know you're going to love it. I'm honored to be able to call him a friend and honored to have him on the podcast. ladies and gentlemen, I give you my conversation with ultra endurance legend, Abdullah Zeinab.
25 Sept 2019
Episode #1 Ultra-Marathon Runner, Ryan Maher: From Party Animal to Trail Beast
Ryan Maher is an Ultramarathon Trail Runner from St. Louis, Missouri. He opens up and gets real about his days as an unhealthy, fast-food eating party guy and the moment he decided to change his life forever. Since that night, he has transformed himself into an ultra-trail running beast, logging races of up to 60 miles and becoming one of the best trail runners in the state. We talk mindset, nutrition, training, crewing, community, and more.
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