Our Wild Stories

About Our Wild Stories

Colleen focuses on storytelling that you will walk away from feeling good, inspired to do great things by people in all walks of life along many journeys, and laugh at the crazy things that happen behind the scenes. It’s an intimate and immersive. Fun. Truth. Real. Conversations about the things that challenge us, the ways we overcome, the struggles we are facing, the victories, and the funny times that make it all worth it. Real Humanity. If you like The Podcast, please comment and let us know! Also, follow our content on our YouTube channel!

Publisher

Colleen Bousman

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Sept 2025

Latest episode

26 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Apr 2026

   From Coma to Comeback: Madeline Reinach’s Return to the Wildflower Start Line

   A story of survival, resilience, and finding your way back Featuring: Madeline Reinach, UC Davis Triathlete Hosted By: Colleen Bousman, Wildflower Experience Race Director/Owner In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Madeline Reinach, a UC Davis triathlete whose journey back to the start line is nothing short of extraordinary. After a devastating bike accident on May 2, 2022, left her in a three-week coma, Madeline faced a long and uncertain road to recovery. What followed was a story of resilience, community, and rediscovering both life and sport. Madeline shares her path into triathlon, from her beginnings as a high school cross country runner to finding a new passion through swimming and cycling. She reflects on why she chose UC Davis, the unique spirit of the triathlon team, and her favorite parts of Wildflower race weekend—from the balance of competition and fun to her go-to race meals as a self-proclaimed foodie. Most powerfully, she takes us back to the day of her accident—what she remembers, what she’s been told, and the realities of her recovery. She opens up about waking from a coma, navigating the hardest days, and the mindset that kept her going when everything felt overwhelming. Madeline credits her identity as an athlete as a crucial part of her survival and shares the emotional milestones that marked her return to strength—including the moment she got back on a bike for the first time. We also hear about the unwavering support from her teammates, the promise she once made to never ride again, and what ultimately brought her back to Wildflower—not just to race, but to celebrate being alive. This conversation is honest, emotional, and ultimately uplifting—highlighting the strength of the human spirit, the power of community, and what it truly means to come back. Madeline leaves listeners with heartfelt advice for anyone facing their own battles and reflects on what crossing the Wildflower finish line means to her now. Proof that strength is built in the moments you don’t give up! Produced by EZF Media, LLC Podcast production and digital media partner https://ezfmedia.com

2. 

   25 Feb 2026

   From Cal Poly to the Chute: A Collegiate Farewell is only the beginning

   Featuring: Libby Hodge, Cal Poly Triathlon Team, Alumni Hosted By: Colleen Bousman, Wildflower Experience Race Director/Owner In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with a senior from California Polytechnic State University who ran down the finish chute at Wildflower Triathlon in her cap and gown — just one month before graduation. Through reflective and emotional questions, she shares what that moment felt like, whether she ever imagined her collegiate career would end in triathlon, and what crossing that finish line symbolized in this season of transition. Was it a celebration, a goodbye, or the beginning of something new? We also dive into the camaraderie of the Cal Poly Triathlon Team, her experience serving as team president, and the leadership lessons she’ll carry into her next chapter. Most meaningfully, she opens up about racing alongside her dad and what sharing the sport with him means now. It’s a conversation about identity, growth, gratitude, and the power of finishing strong — both in sport and in life. Produced by EZF Media, LLC Podcast production and digital media partner https://ezfmedia.com (https://ezfmedia.com)

3. 

   24 Feb 2026

   Finding a Way to “your” Finish Line

   Featuring: Barb Campbell - Director, Coaching Excellence Program, and Dan Caskie - Director of Growth Programs, both at Tri Dot, Predictive Fitness. Hosted by Colleen Bousman, Wildflower Experience Race Director/Owner. Description: We sit down with Barb Campbell and Coach Dan Caskie to explore how TriDot helps athletes find their finish line. We dive into data-driven training for time-crunched athletes, how AI-powered tools enhance coaching without replacing the human touch, and how coaches can use TriDot to give more personal attention to their athletes while growing their business. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or curious about triathlon, we discuss the power of relays as a gateway into the sport, how triathlon fuels mental health, and why the energy of this community is contagious. Plus, fun debate: do you prefer uphill or downhill for the bike? Tune in to find out! 🎧 Listen now and discover how to reach your finish line — your way. Links: TriDot: Wildflower athletes train FREE for 3 months. Create your account here. Select the “Complete” plan. Checkout using code TRIWLDFLWR26. Get workouts that adapt daily, training that fits your life, and confidence on race day. [Claim Your Free Training] (https://app.tridot.com/onboard/sign-up) RunDot: Wildflower Run Athletes train FREE for 3 months on RunDot Adaptive Run Training Performance Plan. Check out using the code RUNWLDFLWR26. Get run workouts that adapt daily, training that fits your life, and confidence on race day. [Claim Your Free Training] (https://www.rundot.com/#appstore) More Free Training Resources from our friends at TriDot: TriDot Podcast https://www.tridot.com/podcasts (https://www.tridot.com/podcasts ) Gaining Confidence - RaceX explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2NhgvbyoDg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2NhgvbyoDg)

4. 

   21 Feb 2026

   Hooked in Our 20s: How Collegiate Racing Builds a Generation of Triathletes

   Hooked in Our 20s: How Collegiate Racing Builds a Generation of Triathletes In this fun-filled episode, I sit down with student-athletes from University of California, Santa Barbara to talk about why the 20–29 age group is exploding in triathlon — and why collegiate racing is at the center of it. From the moment they first found the sport to what makes team culture so addictive, this conversation is packed with insight, laughter, and real perspective on the momentum behind young athletes in triathlon. We dive into race-morning chaos, rivalries, team pressure, balancing academics, and what it feels like when your entire squad lines the course cheering. They open up about mindset, competition, and how collegiate triathlon shapes leadership, confidence, and lifelong friendships. We also preview destination racing and their experience at the iconic Wildflower Experience — from swim, bike, and run advice to how the festival vibe turns a race into a season-ending celebration. If you want to understand the future of triathlon, start here. Links: UCSB Triathlon: www.linktr.ee/ucsbtriathlon

5. 

   3 Jan 2026

   Break Free from the Diet Cycle and Build a Healthier Mindset around Food

   Featuring: Jen Temperley and Robin White of Fly Health + Wellness Hosted By: Colleen Bousman, Wildflower Experience Race Director/Owner Podcast Description Most of the women who find Fly Health + Wellness already "know" a lot about health, they've read the articles, tried the diets, joined the challenges, but are often stagnant or stuck. We get at the root of ‘WHY’ they are stuck and how to get unstuck. In this episode we share about my experience in their Nourish 360 educational program and the amazing community of women built around a foundation as simple attention, effort and consistency. Jen and Robin share how they started their endurance-based business, why women are at the heart of what they do and their own journey in health and wellness. We are all very different and they are not here to write you a diet plan, they discuss how they give you knowledge to formulate your own well rounded health plan. Women from all walks of life have enrolled in this program so you get a chance to hear how it’s about healthy habits, not a diet as we start off the new year. So much junk is circling around out in the media today, so we are simply here to the talk through basic healthy lifestyle principles, simple ingredients and what is important. I gave this program 12 weeks to remind me of many things my brain knew, but my daily habits needed to set back as a priority – this is one podcast you will enjoy sitting and listening to as a reminder that putting yourself and your health first is not only good for you but it can change the generations watching the way you live and eating the food you set on the table. I have never enjoyed food, recipe books and food shows like ‘From the Source’ so much. Bonus: there is an awesome promotion for a travel module on how to travel and stay healthy in at the end of this quick listen as well. Fly Health & Wellness https://flyhealthwellness.com Instagram @flyhealthwellness Empowering females through 4 Pillars: 💪🏼Move | 🍎Fuel | 🛌 Rest | 👯♂️Connect On Demand Mini Module: Travel - Promo code: travel50, extended for listeners valid through 1/10/26

6. 

   25 Nov 2025

   Invitation to Live Fully and Courageously through Movement

   Featuring: Jonathan Pascual Hosted By: Colleen Bousman Podcast Description When Jonathan was diagnosed with a brain tumor, he discovered resilience. He shares how athletes have a different mindset, how you live and push limits differently and how this helped him learn to turn suffering into strength. When a battle he hadn’t expected came before him again he added to this mindset – “I determine how you choose to live”. Jonathan saw the Stage 4 cancer diagnosis as an Invitation to live fully and courageously and take all he learned over the years in triathlon to bring movement into his treatment. Jonathan’s powerful story is one of inspiration, one very real for him today. He shares about how he got into the sport, his experiences over the years, how being an RN has helped his cancer journey, how his athletic training has translated to his fight with cancer, how seeing that Pathman’s at Wildflower was a full circle moment, and how the racing community has been such an integral part of what keeps him going at the races. Jonathan shares about overcoming anxiety to race Wildflower this year and how this race memory was so special. Some of you may have seen Jonathon on the CBS feature “The Art of Dying” sharing how living well & dying well are deeply connected. Today he closes our time at this podcast with sharing “What does the letter look like today… to himself … standing here courageously living.”

7. 

   12 Nov 2025

   The Man in Pink and the Fedora

   Featuring: Mike Buenting, Rudy Project and Matt Miller, Base Performance This Happier Camper Chat from Wildflower 2025 is packed with unbelievable excitement and insight into the evolution of triathlon. There isn’t a topic these two don’t touch! Hear about Mike’s first Wildflower, Matt guiding blind and Down syndrome athletes, collegiate racing, and the incredible story of a dinner with the Gill family — where he attests the 70.3 concept was inspired by his passion for Wildflower. Matt also shares a remarkably accurate history of how Wildflower began, a true testament to his love for the event and years of involvement in its legacy. While Mike talks about his first Wildflower experience, being off the grid and collegiate racing with his daughter who recently graduated. Together, Mike and Matt challenge the next wave of elite athletes — Sam Long, Kristian Blummenfelt, Lionel Sanders, Sam Laidlow, and Gustav Iden — to take on Wildflower. And wouldn’t everyone love to see Rudy Von Berg return to defend his title? The women’s field is also primed and ready to make their mark and add the great history on the Stairway of Champions alongside Julie Moss, Andy Potts, Michellie Jones, Chris McCormack, Jesse Thomas, Heather Jackson and many other great names. Full of spontaneous stories, laughs, and triathlon legends, this episode is a wild and inspiring ride you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen on your way to work, during lunch, or out on a run — you’ll be glad you did. Rudy Project Instagram: @rudyprojectna Rudy Project Wing Dream Helmet: https://www.rudyprojectna.com/products/wingdream?_pos=1&_sid=c0133d4e6&_ss=r&variant=51638606430573 Rudy Project SpinHawk Edge Sunglasses: https://www.rudyprojectna.com/collections/all-rudy-project-sunglasses/products/spinhawk-edge Base Performance Instagram: @baseperformance Base Performance: https://baseperformance.com Base Wellness Products: https://baseperformance.com/collections/base-wellness Base Hydration Products: https://baseperformance.com/collections/hydration

8. 

   28 Oct 2025

   2025.8 The Central Coast Experience – the Perfect Blend came Naturally

   Featuring: Ali Rush, Owner 15C Wine Shop, Shift Studio & Advanced Sommelier Hosted by: Pepper Daniels, AGM Radio and Wildflower Announcer 8 years This episode is perfectly timed for Harvest on the Central Coast. Ali’s first Wildflower was in 1999 with the Women’s Water Polo team for 4 years. When she graduated, she followed the path of many volunteers to try their first race… one race was not enough, advancing from mountain bike to Olympic and even on to the double with Long Course swim relay Saturday and individual Olympic the Sunday.  She opened 15C Wine Shop in Templeton, which is now located in San Luis Obispo. She has her Advanced Sommelier and opens Shift Yoga Studio during COVID.  As you can tell, she is not one to sit still, loves a great challenge, and you see her pioneer spirit come through in all her new ideas. In 2009, programming for KRUSH “The Perfect Blend” radio station began, and Pepper knew that if they were going to have any credibility they needed to reach out to Ali. He went through her Wine University program (which is amazing, but the way) and 2 others were left out purposefully to be known as the “Cork Dorks” so they could learn on the job.  It was a fun concept they came up with together.  That same year Wildflower and Pepper connected. It wasn’t long before Colleen, Ali and Pepper developed a friendship over fun brainstorm sessions, in the wine shop of course, on how to feature all the great wine, craft beer and live entertainment on the Central Coast – three people who love the area and love sharing with others. Listen along as Ali shares some great memories of those beach city days while at Cal Poly.  She and Pepper also go in depth on how there has been so much growth & change in Paso Wine Country – but in a wonderful way.  Paso is known open, friendly and accepting. When asked what makes a tasting experience different here, she describes most tasting room staff as gracious and excited to teach you about the environment for growing the grapes. They are just so happy to have you learn about what you like about wine. She feels that wine has a story, it has a life. It’s alive and it changes over time.  The most important takeaway from the conversation with her, or any tasting, should be to know what is in your wine… see where the grapes are raised and visit the Central Coast to enjoy the land on which they are grown.  Pepper talks about what he loves most, which is the diversity in what we blend here on the central coast.  Away from all the rules, just here to make good wine that winemakers personally love to drink and share. It's that pioneer spirit that our wine country adapted. Ever wondered why wine tastes different and how the “Experience” in which you are having changes the taste of the wine…. The two of them end their time together sharing about their fond relationship with Firestone Brewing. The Lion & Bear and their great Family Legacy. They are both so happy that Firestone has been able to keep that small family business feel, even with its big footprint.  The brewmasters are passionate about their projects, but also love to collaborate with local winemakers and industry leaders for fundraisers like their Invitational Beer Fest which brings in Brewers from all over the world to come together to raise money for the local Pioneer Days. Supporting local was still important in their support of Wildflower and we are thankful for that longstanding partnership and being able to introduce their great craft beers to everyone at Wildflower.

9. 

   25 Oct 2025

   Let’s Make Sure the Sport Stays Fun! | Mac & Kurt Return to Wildflower with RŌKA Multisport

   Featuring: Mac Brown and Kurt Spenser, RŌKA Multisport Hosted by: EZF Media for See & Be Productions Mac and Kurt share about what it feels like as they both return to Wildflower after more than a decade away from the event. Kurt previously raced with the Stanford team as a collegiate swimmer, and Mac’s last Wildflower was when he had just gotten married and was starting a family. Kurt sat in the Happier Camper podcast trailer, wearing his commemorative Jesse Thomas aviator sunglasses, of course, and remembered just how Wildflower is truly a part of the RŌKA DNA. They share about how they sat with Mark Allen that morning, he called Wildflower the “Coachella for Triathlon”, whereas previous generations may say ‘Woodstock of Triathlon’… all the same. It’s mutually understood that as you stand around this weekend, you fall in love with the community and culture, and that the time away may have left their mind, but it is so real sitting among everyone this weekend. In this episode, they share about how we need to make sure that the sport of triathlon is still fun and how Wildflower does that. Coming to Wildflower lets you see how special this community is, people supporting each other from the first to cross the finish line, all the way to being there for those who cross it last. You’ll see everything from first timers to collegiate athletes really throwing down throughout the weekend-long events. It’s just as fun to cheer on the athletes as it is to soak in the festival… but then you may even be inspired to sign up for the 5K/10 Saturday night. Join us to find out what new experiences they took away from the weekend.

10. 

    14 Oct 2025

    Breaking free from the Box – How she found her Strength after Breast Cancer (Brandy Ramirez - TriDot)

    Featuring: Brandy Ramirez, Director of TriDot Pool School & TriDot Certified Coach Hosted by Julie Moss, Wildflower Announcer & Hall of Fame Triathlete First 10 Min - The question many ask: The first part of the episode explains how TriDot coaching is still personalized by giving coaches time with their athlete. Second 10 Min - Breaking Free from the box & the Power of Movement with TriDot Coach Brandy Ramirez In this inspiring episode, TriDot Coach Brandy Ramirez opens up about her powerful journey through breast cancer — a battle that tested her spirit and ultimately reignited her drive to train, lead, and live fully again. She shares how learning to pick herself back up led her to create SheStrong, a non-profit built on the belief that movement is life and that you are not your diagnosis. That’s when TriDot Coach Kirk Madden stepped in — guiding her journey back into triathlon with his deeply personalized coaching approach and helping her navigate finding the strength within herself. Through her story, Brandy reveals how thankful she is for her amazing team she works alongside, and the core values at TriDot — centered on faith, eternity, and inclusion — have shaped a community where everyone is welcome to share their truth. She speaks passionately about the importance of community togetherness and how the TriDot culture fosters deep connection, something she loves seeing come alive through their sponsorship of the Wildflower Experience. With heartfelt honesty, Brandy celebrates the phenomenal strength of women — how they uplift, empower, and push one another to new heights. Her message is one of resilience, hope, and liberation. Tune in as she reminds us that life is meant to be experienced, not endured — and that true power comes from breaking free from the box and rediscovering the strength within. Movement is life. Faith is strength. Togetherness is everything. Community is at their Core! TriDot https://www.tridot.com (https://www.tridot.com) Instagram @tridottraining (https://www.instagram.com/tridottraining) Pool School https://www.tridot.com/tridot-pool-school/overview (https://www.tridot.com/tridot-pool-school/overview) TriDot Linktree (https://linktr.ee/tridotsocial?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadClNWqEiEurFi5tawf9bFCfQ88LROgy3BYmdywCcM1Fj_saARVReexdQPwGA_aem_w-Hoee05aY_D_IL_mfv8sg) Julie Moss Instagram @julie_moss_1982 (https://www.instagram.com/julie_moss_1982)

11. 

    8 Oct 2025

    Our Journey Back to Wildflower: From Burrito Stands to Drones and Race Day Maps

    Colleen and Matt Bousman have been all-in on Wildflower for decades — from running burrito stands in the early days to mapping out entire race courses with drones. This episode dives into how their shared dedication and creativity keep the Wildflower spirit alive year after year. Hear how the race has evolved, how technology now plays a role in shaping each course, and what it really takes behind the scenes to bring this legendary triathlon weekend to life.🎧 Listen in and get inspired to be part of the Wildflower experience!👉 Register today at wildflowerexperience.com#wildflowerexperience #wildflowertriathlon #ourwildstories #triathlonlife #endurancecommunity #californiatriathlon #racedayready #wildflower2025 #triathlontraining #podcastseries #behindtherace #baseperformance #wildflowerweekend

12. 

    24 Sept 2025

    Influencers Mallory and Trevor take in Wildflower | Beef Jerky for Dinner before a Tri???

    Featuring: Mallory Kilmer and Trevor Franklin Hosted by: Matt Miller, Legacy Wildflower Triathlon Finisher, Base Performance “The Hills are different here in California” shares Mallory after her race, but she got pretty excited for the rest of the hills when she made it up Lynch Hill right out of transitions without stopping. Hear about how she and Trevor trained in Central Park and the along the New Jersey coast. They talk about how signing up for a triathlon is such a great way to build endurance and challenge you in so many ways. Trevor also shares his first Olympic distance race experience while they laugh at Mallory’s first camping (well, glamping…) experience. Trevor and Mallory also geek out on bike brands and how classic older bikes are great Listen to the Podcast to find out: Suggestions for a great Wildflower weekend Links: Mallory Kilmer Instagram @runswithmal (https://www.instagram.com/runswithmal) TikTok Recap https://www.tiktok.com/@runswithmal/video/7500280180095831342 (https://www.tiktok.com/@runswithmal/video/7500280180095831342) Trevor Franklin Instagram @twfrank111 (https://www.instagram.com/twfrank111) Gym Owner: PerformanceHQ NYC https://www.phqnyc.com (https://www.phqnyc.com) See Monterey https://www.seemonterey.com (https://www.seemonterey.com) Instagram @seemonterey (https://www.instagram.com/seemonterey)

13. 

    16 Sept 2025

    “Staying Curious about your Potential” Featuring Julie Moss and Drew Shellemberger

    Featuring: Drew Shellemberger, Elite Triathlon Development Group, U23 Project Podium graduate Hosted by: Julie Moss, retired Professional Triathlete, Wildflower Announcer Project Podium is an elite development program leading athletes to be successful racing later in life. After feeling it was time to launch at age 23, he soon realized he needed a reset. He took time to reset his expectations, optimize time with his family and ultimately learn to race better. Find out what sport he took up to keep him active, which he knew he would be bad at and how pushing to the point of failure may not be the answer. Rudy Project has been an integral part in launching his professional career and his road to the podium at St Anthony’s in Florida. Listen to Drew’s master class on staying true to a plan and some great transition training tips you didn’t know you needed. Listen to the Podcast to find out: Socks for the bike ride? High arches, he has a solution? Practicing buckling that helmet, and more. Links o Drew Shellemberger https://drewshellenberger.com (https://drewshellenberger.com) o Rudy Project Featured Helmet Wing Dream: https://www.rudyprojectna.com/collections/newest-rudy-project-helmet-arrivals/products/wingdream (https://www.rudyprojectna.com/collections/newest-rudy-project-helmet-arrivals/products/wingdream) o Rudy Project https://www.rudyprojectna.com (https://www.rudyprojectna.com) o Julie Moss Instagram @julie_moss_1982 (https://www.instagram.com/julie_moss_1982)

14. 

    9 Sept 2025

    From Morocco to the Paralympics: Mohamed Lahna’s Journey | Our Wild Stories Podcast

    Our Wild Stories - A Sports & Human-Interest Podcast. Mohamed Lahna was born without a right femur, but that never stopped him from chasing his dreams. Growing up in Morocco, he overcame challenges in school where he wasn’t even allowed to participate in PE, and went on to compete in his first triathlon in 2008—on crutches. With the support of his parents and his own determination, Mohamed found his way to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, became a world-class competitor, and proudly earned a Paralympic Silver Medal. In this episode, Coach Deb Carabet sits down with Mohamed after racing Wildflower 2025, where he shares stories of perseverance, the community that welcomed him, and how sports forever changed his life. Expect laughs, inspiration, and unforgettable moments. 🎟 Tickets and registration for the Wildflower Experience Triathlon—both for participants and spectators—are now available at wildflowerexperience.com (https://www.wildflowerexperience.com/) 📲 Follow Mohamed on Instagram: @mohamedlahna (https://www.instagram.com/mohamedlahna) 🌐 More about Mohamed: https://mohamedlahna.com (https://mohamedlahna.com) 👉 If you enjoy the podcast, please comment, subscribe, and follow our channel for more inspiring stories.

15. 

    2 Sept 2025

    Journey Back to the Wildflower Start Line: Colleen, Emaly and Terry | Our Wild Stories

    Our Wild Stories: A Sports & Human-Interest Podcast Colleen Bousman is the owner and producer of the Wildflower Experience and has produced some of the greatest running and triathlon events across the United States — including Wildflower Triathlons, Nike Women’s Marathon, Nike Human Race, The Giant Race, Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, Scott Tinley’s Adventures, Triathlon at Pacific Grove, and even a few weddings along the way. With over 25 years in the event business, Colleen has met incredible individuals, been part of life-changing moments, and navigated plenty of crazy situations. Join her as she chats with professional athletes, amateur athletes, staff, volunteers, coaches, top media professionals, celebrities who’ve raced, inspirational individuals, and more. Colleen’s storytelling will leave you feeling good, inspired to achieve great things, and laughing at the wild behind-the-scenes moments that make it all worthwhile. Expect intimate, immersive, and real conversations about the challenges we face, the ways we overcome, the victories we celebrate, and the funny times that keep us going. Real Humanity.🎧 If you enjoy the podcast, please comment, subscribe, and follow our content on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@wildflowerexperience)!🎟 Tickets and registration for the Wildflower Experience Triathlon — for both participants and spectators — are now available at www.wildflowerexperience.com (https://www.wildflowerexperience.com). #OurWildStories #WildflowerExperience #Triathlon #RunningCommunity #EnduranceSports #PodcastLife #PasoRoblesPodcast

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.