For our 200th episode, I’m honored to welcome two legends of the endurance world: Lazarus Lake, the mastermind behind the Barkley Marathons and Big’s Backyard Ultra and author Jared Beasley, whose new book The Endurance Artist dives deep into Laz’s life and legacy. We talk about what it really means to chase the impossible, how pain and discomfort shape us, and why the “Danny’s” of the sport (everyday athletes who rise beyond expectation) are so inspiring.

Laz shares lessons from a lifetime of running, coaching, and creating races that break people down and build them back up, while Jared gives us a writer’s view into the grit, humor, and heart of these iconic events. From dogs as life coaches to the team dynamics hidden in solo suffering, this conversation is a raw and memorable celebration of endurance, resilience, and living life to its fullest

https://8020books.com/product/the-endurance-artist/

Life Coaching with Travis Macy

Are you a middle-aged man looking for a wise and powerful teammate to support your expansive journey in work, family, athletics, and life? Are you ready to finally learn about yourself: what really makes you tick, what holds you back, and what personalized systems will optimize your performance and wellness? Let's work together!

travismacy.com/coaching

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and athlete Rachel Popelka better known on Instagram as The Trailside Doc. Rachel is a remote physical therapist, an expedition adventure racer, and an ultra runner who’s carved out a life full of bold choices, resilience, and inspired adventure.

We talk about her unconventional path into endurance sports, from starting with a 5K to finishing multi-day expedition races, and how she built a career helping athletes stay strong and recover smarter. Rachel shares candidly about her own health struggles, lessons from navigating chronic pain, and the power of positive affirmations, community, and connection with nature.

We also dive into the unique PT model she’s pioneering working remotely with athletes to blend rehab, strength, and performance training into their everyday programming. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is to have her integrated on an athlete’s “team,” collaborating with coaches and bringing PT into TrainingPeaks just like a workout.

- - - - - - - - - - -
A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

- - - - - - - - - - -
Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

Life Coaching with Travis Macy

Are you a middle-aged man looking for a wise and powerful teammate to support your expansive journey in work, family, athletics, and life? Are you ready to finally learn about yourself: what really makes you tick, what holds you back, and what personalized systems will optimize your performance and wellness? Let's work together!

travismacy.com/coaching

In this episode, I sit down with adventure photographer, filmmaker, and author Cory Richards to talk about his remarkable new book, The Color of Everything, and the very human terrain that comes with chasing big mountains and a meaningful life. We dive into bipolar disorder how the creative “up” can be followed by a paralyzing “down,” why “balance” might be something you measure across a lifetime, and the simple, daily pillars Cory uses to stay grounded.

Cory talks candidly about hypersexuality, shame, and finding value beyond adrenaline and we share vulnerable stories about ambiguous loss, aging parents, and holding on to humor and love when life gets brutally real.

Whether you’re an athlete, artist, or anyone walking through hard seasons, this conversation is raw, practical, and full of heart.

- - - - - - - - - - -
A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

- - - - - - - - - - -
Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

Life Coaching with Travis Macy

Are you a middle-aged man looking for a wise and powerful teammate to support your expansive journey in work, family, athletics, and life? Are you ready to finally learn about yourself: what really makes you tick, what holds you back, and what personalized systems will optimize your performance and wellness? Let's work together!

travismacy.com/coaching