What happens when a lifelong Border Collie enthusiast enters the world of competitive sled dog racing? Meet Tabetha Kopta, a Pennsylvania musher who proved that determination, structure, and a pack of hard-driving Border Collies can compete with the fastest hounds and Siberians in the sport.

In this episode, host Robert Forto talks with Tabitha about her journey from grooming dogs to representing Team USA at the IFSS World Championships, how she trains and selects her dogs, and why Border Collies might be the most underestimated athletes in mushing.

You’ll also hear about her most humbling trail experience, her favorite heavy-metal playlist for training days, and the gear hack she swears by, using a deer antler as her snub line.

Whether you’re a musher, dog trainer, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode will change how you think about what makes a great sled dog.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

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Trail Bytes 2025

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In this episode of Mushing, host Robert Forto sits down with Fernando and Dana, the husband-and-wife team behind Rancho Luna Lobos in Park City, Utah. From running a rescue kennel and family-run sled dog tour business to shaping the next generation of mushers, they share how faith, community, and love for dogs power everything they do.

We explore their Peace Garden, where dogs heal from past trauma, how they blend mushing and ministry, and what the future of the sport looks like, from sprint racing to the rise of dryland mushing and monodog sports.

Fernando also shares his most humbling moment on the trail (spoiler: it involves a wrong turn and icy trail!), and Dana reflects on legacy, leadership, and Leonard Seppala’s enduring influence.

Listen for:

• Why humility and faith matter in modern mushing
• How Rancho Luna Lobos blends rescue, sport, and storytelling
• The future of sled dog racing and outdoor adventure in Utah

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

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Trail Bytes 2025

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In this powerful episode of Mushing, Maine musher Jonathan Hayes reflects on the final leg of his Centennial Seppala Expedition across Alaska—his emotional arrival in Nome and the lessons learned along the way. From honoring the legacy of Leonhard Seppala to finding faith, purpose, and resilience on the trail, Hayes shares what it truly means to carry history forward. This is Part Five of our in-depth series exploring the heart, heritage, and humanity behind one of mushing’s most meaningful journeys.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

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Trail Bytes 2025

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In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with Tone Coughlin of Endurance Kennels in Duluth, Minnesota, to pull back the curtain on the realities of sled dog culture. They discuss the differences between sprint racing Alaskan Huskies and the stereotypical “Disney dogs,” how selective breeding has shaped performance, and why public education is crucial for the sport's future. Tony shares insights from growing his kennel, building a massive TikTok following, and balancing tradition with modern challenges, such as climate change and social media trolls.

Whether you’re a seasoned musher or new to the sport, this conversation offers a raw, authentic look at what it takes to raise, train, and advocate for sled dogs today.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

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Trail Bytes 2025

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In this episode, we sit down with Maine musher Jonathan Hayes to relive the Centennial Seppala Expedition across Alaska, a journey that tested both human grit and canine heart. From the harrowing winds of the coast to the untold lessons learned on the trail, Jonathan shares raw stories of survival, leadership, and the enduring spirit of Seppala Siberians. This is part one of our series diving deep into one of the most ambitious expeditions of our time.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

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Trail Bytes 2025

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In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, hosts Greg and Jen share their journey into the world of dog sledding, discussing their backgrounds, current activities, and future aspirations in the sport. They delve into training techniques, the dynamics of their dog team, and the importance of community and networking within the mushing scene. The conversation also highlights personal stories about their dogs, Eska and Polar, showcasing the bond between mushers and their canine companions. The episode concludes with a look ahead to upcoming races and the excitement of the mushing community.

Takeaways

• Mushing is a unique blend of teamwork and outdoor adventure.
• Training techniques vary significantly between sprint and long-distance racing.
• Building a dog team requires careful consideration of each dog's strengths and weaknesses.
• Networking within the mushing community is crucial for success.
• Personal stories about dogs can highlight the emotional connection in mushing.
• The Iditarod is a significant goal for many mushers, including Greg and Jen.
• Canicross and ski-joring are great entry points into the mushing world.
• The terrain and weather conditions greatly affect training and racing.
• Community events and races foster camaraderie among mushers.
• The bond between mushers and their dogs is central to the sport.

Sound Bites

• "I got started with my Australian shepherd."
• "I kind of took that as a challenge."
• "Good luck to you in your upcoming season."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mushing and the Guests

04:31 Backgrounds and Early Experiences in Mushing

09:14 Current Mushing Activities and Future Aspirations

13:45 Training Techniques and Dog Team Dynamics

18:31 Networking and Community in the Mushing Scene

22:54 Stories from the Trail: Eska and Polar

25:02 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

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Trail Bytes 2025

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Join us on the Team and Trail tour as we sit down to talk to Rémy and Aurelie Coste in Alaska.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

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Trail Bytes 2025

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In part three of our series, Maine musher Jonathan Hayes takes us deeper into his Centennial Seppala Expedition, from Galena to Unalakleet. Along the way, he shares the magic of the historic portage and honors traditions at Old Woman Cabin. He witnesses the Northern Lights before facing the humbling chaos of being dragged into town across the glare ice.

This episode captures both the spiritual highs and the unpredictable realities of mushing across Alaska’s unforgiving coast.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

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Trail Bytes 2025

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You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com