Summary

Momma's in her first official ultramarathon training block, and things are getting real. Back-to-back long runs? Check. Experimenting with mashed potatoes in a Ziploc mid-run? Also check. (Sweet gels, sometimes we need a break.) As she navigates fueling flails, lopsided pistol squats, and the humbling realization that some “lost skills” were never there to begin with, the ultra journey is serving up equal parts grit and comedy.

But the real plot twist? A full-on obsession with the Black Canyon Ultras livestream. Eight hours of desert running, elite women crushing it, and shockingly good coverage, better than the Chicago and Tokyo Marathons. Trail running entered the chat with drones, commentary, and vibes.

From desert cacti to her new word "vert," Momma's falling hard for the ultra world, while also spiraling (just a little) into Olympic ski mountaineering fandom. Foot care books are on the way, shoe decisions loom large, and the quest for “vert” while living in a place with 11 feet elevation change is officially underway.

It’s midlife, miles, and mashed potatoes, and she’s saying all the quiet parts out loud.

Chapters

1. 00:12 - Beginning the Ultra Journey
2. 01:03 - Transitioning into Ultramarathon Training
3. 03:52 - The Transition to Trail Running
4. 04:39 - Experiencing the Excitement of Trail Running
5. 06:39 - Introduction to Skimo and Ultra Running
6. 07:29 - Preparing for the Ultramarathon

How I Procrastinate

1. Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast
2. Country Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020
3. Music Playlists
4. Support This Podcast
5. Dive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music Nerds

Recommended If You Like

ultramarathon training, trail running tips, ultra marathon nutrition, back to back long runs, desert running events, running coverage comparison, fueling for ultra marathons, ultramarathon for beginners, ultramarathon coaching advice, running and nutrition, marathon coverage issues, trail running for newbies, ultra marathon gear, how to run an ultra, best foods for running, ultra marathon training plan, ultramarathon experiences, running techniques for older runners, ultra marathon community, ultrarunning podcasts, Leah Yingling, Mountain Outpost, Hilary Yang, Hillary Yang, Molly Seidel, Des Linden

Mentioned in this episode:

Dive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Music Podcast

A rotating cast of The Regulars gather to chat about the music they're currently listening to.

Summary

It seems like it's a good time to play The Clash. Dive Bar Music Club is back and digging a little deeper this time. We’re diving into the crossroads of music and social awareness, sparked by the recent federal violence in Minneapolis. I’m Sloane Spencer, joined by Chad Cochran, the Nelson Gullett, and Charles Hale.

A couple of us are slightly under the weather this week, but we're psyched to chat about what we're listening to lately.

We’re still swapping our latest musical obsessions and what’s been living on our playlists, but today the conversation carries a little more weight. We’re talking about how music shows up when things get tense; how it pushes back, how it brings people together, and how artists turn frustration, grief, and defiance into something powerful and unifying. At the same time, we’re not forgetting what music also does best: giving us a breather, a release, a place to land when the world feels loud.

So settle in with us for thoughtful, unfiltered, interesting music conversation.

Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists

1. Apple Music
2. Tidal

Bands Featured in Episode 3

1. Iron Chic
2. Amelia Day
3. The Menzingers
4. Mon Rovîa
5. Off With Their Heads
6. Karen E. Reynolds
7. The Third Mind
8. W8ing4UFOs

Venues and Festivals Mentioned

1. Albino Skunk Music Festival, Greer, SC
2. Barley's, Knoxville, TN
3. Big Ears Festival, Knoxville, TN
4. Blue Plate Special, WDVX, Knoxville, TN

Summary

Teal Collins and Josh Zee, the powerhouse duo behind The Mother Truckers, are here to take us on a ride through their musical journey that's as untamed as a wild rodeo. They open up about how their family backgrounds sparked their creative fire. Teal’s dad, a jazz DJ, handed her a Les Paul electric guitar, while Josh's father, a folk singer, laid the foundation for his evolution into hard rock. They talk about their shift from California to the buzzing music scene in Austin and how it influenced the sound of their band. Now, with their latest album, Van Tour, they’ve embraced the DIY approach, self-producing the record with a level of freedom that’s made the whole process feel like an adventure. Between the humor and heartfelt stories, they reflect on the highs and lows of touring, the close-knit community with fellow musicians, and the genuine connection they feel with their fans. This episode is a celebration of the grind, the groove, and the joy of making music on their own terms.

Show Notes

1. Musicians Teal Collins and Josh Zee of The Mother Truckers join Sloane on Country Fried Rock to share their musical journeys and creative inspirations.
2. Teal discusses her early musical influences, particularly her father, a jazz DJ, who gifted her a Les Paul electric guitar, an instrument she still uses on stage today.
3. Josh talks about his upbringing, focusing on how his father shaped his love for music in the 80s, especially during the era of iconic guitar solos in rock.
4. They reminisce about their early band experiences and the challenges of breaking into the music scene, blending humor with reflections on their artistic growth.
5. The conversation shifts to their move to Austin, Texas, where they found a supportive and thriving music community that played a significant role in their success.
6. The duo discusses their latest album, Van Tour, emphasizing the freedom of creating music without the constraints of traditional record labels.
7. They provide a sneak peek into their upcoming U.S. and European tours, building anticipation for what’s next on the horizon.

Chapters

1. 00:00 - Introduction to Country Fried Rock
2. 02:21 - The Origins of the Mother Truckers
3. 06:46 - Run for Freedom: The Journey of Independence
4. 08:45 - Exploring Musical Influences and Inspirations
5. 11:51 - The Collaborative Process of Songwriting
6. 16:01 - Reflections on Touring and Connection

Takeaways

1. Teal and Josh talk about how their roots shaped the sound and style of The Mother Truckers.
2. The band shares how important collaboration is in their songwriting, letting creativity flow without too many...