Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

About Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

The thoughts and chat of John Cassidy and Steven Watt (and a range of guests) as they give their take on the world of running, marathoning and ultra marathoning.

Publisher

Steven Watt

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Jun 2020

Latest episode

6 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

328 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Nov 2026

   An Ultra Odyssey with Colin Anderson - Season 16 Eps 15

   This week on Young Hearts Run Free, we’re joined by Scottish ultra-runner Colin Anderson for an honest, gripping deep-dive into what it truly takes to conquer the world’s most iconic trail races. From a second cruciate-ligament injury that ended his football days to stumbling into the Glen Coe Skyline and the West Highland Way Challenge, Colin breaks down his path into the world of ultra running. He takes us behind the scenes of his 5-year journey to the start line of UTMB in 2022—navigating the emotional rollercoaster of Chamonix, mid-race dark patches, and a pivotal message from home that got him over the Grand Col Ferret. Then, there’s the big one: California. Colin takes us stride-for-stride through his scorching 2025 Western States 100. Facing 40°C heat in the canyons, battling the chills at Michigan Bluff, and falling hours behind his splits, he shares the incredible turning point at Foresthill with his pacer Scott—culminating in one of the most unbelievable finishes you will ever hear: crossing the Placer High track in a kilt alongside his family in 29:44:10. Just 15 mins to spare before cut off. We also chat: Working with John Connolly (Pyllon Ultra) Western States vs. UTMB—which one gets the vote? His Holy Grail: aiming for the Hardrock 100 lottery Hit subscribe, lace up your trainers, and enjoy our blether!

2. 

   30 Oct 2026

   Chilli, Chatter & Halloween Mayhem - Season 16 Eps 14

   Things are heating up on the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast as we look ahead to the Chilli Trail Race, a Halloween running fiesta packed with mud, stream crossings, costumes and plenty of good craic. Before getting into the race preview, Steven shares tales from running aboard a cruise ship, complete with moving Strava maps, relentless laps and some serious headwinds. We also celebrate ten years of the Activ8 Thursday night running group and reflect on the friendships, conversations and sense of community created by running together. John then recaps a memorable day at the Newton Road Runners 10K. Despite torrential rain, he smashed his sub 60 target with a finishing time of 52:48 More importantly, the club’s annual 3k, 10k and race raffle in memory of Cat Gaskell raised an incredible £1,205 for John’s Campaign Against Living Miserably fundraiser. The main course is a detailed preview of the Chilli Trail Race. John and Steven cover: Registration, parking, photo ID and bag-drop arrangements What to expect from the mixed-terrain 10K route Mud, hills, stream crossings and potentially slippery conditions The race’s Day of the Dead theme and Halloween costume prizes Coffee, cakes and chilli products at the start and finish The community atmosphere that keeps runners returning each year The course records set by James Waldie, 37:53, and Elizabeth Beattie, 45:17, in 2021 Why this sold-out event feels more like a running party than a conventional race Whether you’re chasing a fast time, planning an elaborate costume or simply looking forward to getting gloriously muddy, this episode has everything you need before taking on the Chilli. Bring on Halloween. Bring on the Day of the Dead. Bring on the Chilli!

3. 

   23 Oct 2026

   The Glimmer of Maybe, with Jamie Aarons - Season 16, Eps 13

   What happens when a former swimmer who hated running decides to take on all 282 Munros in Scotland? In this episode, Jamie Aarons shares the story behind her record-breaking self-propelled Munro Round, completing every Munro in just 31 days, 10 hours and 27 minutes by running, walking, cycling and kayaking between them. From discovering trail running through the West Highland Way community to breaking one of Scotland’s toughest endurance records, Jamie reflects on the planning, setbacks, support crew, fundraising, sleep deprivation and resilience required to make it happen. We also discuss her frightening experience with rhabdomyolysis during the Tor des Géants, the lessons it taught her about listening to her body, and the importance of knowing when to stop. This is a conversation about adventure, community, perspective and finding the courage to follow what Jamie calls "the glimmer of maybe". In this episode: Breaking the self-propelled Munro Round record The inspiration of John Kynaston and Donnie Campbell Building a community of over 100 supporters Fundraising for World Bicycle Relief Recovery, resilience and the realities of endurance sport Rhabdomyolysis: the warning signs every endurance athlete should know Jamie's Fundraiser for World Bicycle Relief (https://www.justgiving.com/page/jamiesmunrochallenge?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_donation_received_-_nth_donation)

Who has been a guest on Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Gillian McGale
• Catherine Cowie
• Rebecca Hormann
• Ben Harrison
• Billy Gibson

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

97,911

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

149 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 65 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

62

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

93

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