Welcome to Pain Cave to Power. A podcast about the intersection of endurance and healing. Hosted by Melissa Londry, trail runner, therapist, and race director, and Brandy Krisher, ultrarunner, massage therapist, coach and advocate, this show dives into the raw, unfiltered side of running where resilience meets reckoning.
From the miles we choose to suffer through to the pain we never asked for, we explore how endurance sports mirror the emotional journey of recovery, empowerment, and growth.
Each episode takes you beyond finish lines and race reports to the deeper stories confronting topics often left in the shadows of the trail and ultra world.
Through honest conversations, survivor stories, and expert insight, Pain Cave to Power challenges what strength really means and reminding us that the darkest miles often lead to the most powerful finish lines.
Tune in if you’ve ever found healing on a trail, courage in the climb, or connection in your own pain cave.
Red Flags, Green Flags, and the Illusion of Safety
Join us with our guest, John Calabrese, as we dive deep into the complexities of relationships, whether personal, professional, or within the vibrant trail running community. In this episode, we unpack the critical red flags that can arise in our connections and explore how to recognize the green flags that promote a safe and nurturing environment for healing and growth. As the trail running community expands, we're reminded that while it can be a source of encouragement and support, it...
25 Dec 2025
Advocacy, Identity & Inclusive Trails with Julianna Coughlin
In this episode of Pain Cave to Power, we sit down with runner, storyteller, and advocate Julianna Coughlin who is a marathoner and trail runner reshaping what strength, representation, and inclusivity look like in the running world. Julianna brings a powerful blend of lived experience and professional insight as a registered dietitian, content creator, and host of the Runnah podcast. Living with chronic biomechanical and neurological challenges, she opens up about navigating the running worl...
21 Nov 2025
The Digital Trail: Privacy, Online Harassment and Cult Followings
In this episode of Pain Cave to Power, Melissa and Brandy take on one of the most urgent safety conversations in the trail and ultra community: the hidden risks that live online. From invasive DMs to obsessive monitoring, fake accounts, stalking behaviors, and cult followings ...
9 Nov 2025
Welcome to the Pain Cave
Formerly known as Running Through Life’s Hurdles, the podcast returns for its second season with a new name and deeper purpose — Pain Cave to Power. In this reimagined season, hosts Melissa Londry — therapist, ultrarunner, and race director — and Brandy Krisher — ultrarunner, massage therapist, coach, and advocate — invite you into the heart of Pain Cave to Power: a space where endurance meets emotion and where we explore both the pain we choose and the pain we never asked for. Together, Meli...
25 Jul 2024
Running through Life's Hurders S1 E4: Demystifying Nutrition with Rachel Gross
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Rachel Gross, founder of Rachel Gross Nutrition, to discuss her inspiring journey and expert advice on nutrition, wellness, and running. Rachel shares her personal experiences that led her to start her business, highlighting the need she identified in her community for healthier lifestyles amidst constant stressors. Rachel talks about the wide range of services she offers, including one-on-one nutrition coaching, fitness programming, meal prepping,...
2 Jun 2024
Running through Life's Hurders S1 E3: Finding Purpose in Giving and in Failure with Brian Derouen
In this episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Brian Derouen, an extraordinary athlete with an impressive running resume. Brian has completed 32 races, including some of the most grueling ultra-marathons and trail runs across the country. His race history features remarkable performances at the Cruel Jewel 100, and multiple editions of the Frozen Sasquatch 50K. Brian's journey into ultra-running is as inspiring as it is impressive. He shares his beginnings in the sport, ...
12 May 2024
Running through Life's Hurders S1 E2: Lessons from the Trail with Matt Bailey
In this episode, Melissa sits down with West Virginia ultra runner, Matt Bailey, to delve into his inspiring journey through the world of ultra running. Matt takes us back to his early days, where he began his running odyssey with half marathons and the Marshall University marathon. But Matt's story is more than just about running; it's about transformation. He shares how he shed weight through boxing and eventually found his passion for ultra marathons. Listeners are taken on a thrilling rid...
8 May 2024
Running through Life's Hurders S1 E1: Tea Time Is NOT How I Thought I'd Spend the First Episode!
Through candid reflections and emotional vulnerability, she emphasizes the importance of speaking one's truth and refusing to remain silent about betrayals and injustices. Despite moments of vulnerability, she remains steadfast in her resolve to confront her experiences head-on, recognizing the value of her voice in empowering other women facing similar challenges. As the episode unfolds, she hints at the complexity of her journey, promising future installments to delve deeper into her narrat...
7 May 2024
Welcome to Running Through Life’s Hurdles
Welcome to "Running Through Life’s Hurdles," a captivating podcast that explores the multifaceted journey we all experience as we go through this thing called life. Your host, a seasoned Ultrarunner, licensed professional counselor, devoted mom, business owner, inspirational coach, race director and volunteer, brings you into her world. Throughout each episode, she delves into the complexities and joys of how we all are juggling diverse roles and identities. From the mental resilience ...
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