In Episode 21 of Pod on the Run, we sit down with someone who helps more than one-thousand girls each year discover confidence through movement. Claire Johnson, Executive Director of Girls on the Run North State, is one of those rare leaders who doesn’t just run a program — she builds a community. Her story begins in a family of twelve, where she learned early how to listen, negotiate, and find her voice. Those skills now shape the way she leads coaches, volunteers, and teams across more than sixty sites from Yuba City to Yreka, creating spaces where girls feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they imagined.

Claire shares how Girls on the Run grew from Molly Barker’s original vision in 1996 — a curriculum designed to help girls reclaim their identity and emotional strength through movement — into a national force that has reached more than 2.5 million participants. We explore how GOTR blends running with life‑skills education, using kinesthetic learning to help girls navigate friendships, emotions, and the challenges of growing up in a world full of comparison and pressure. From the “friendship builder, tester, or breaker” conversations to the 10‑week arc that culminates in a Community Impact Project and a 5K, Claire brings to life what belonging looks like on a GOTR team.

We also dig into the scale and heart of the North State program: 1,000+ girls each year, more than 200 volunteer coaches, and a network of teams that stretch across rural, suburban, and small‑town communities. Claire talks about what it takes to support such a wide geographic footprint, the unique spirit of North State girls, and the moments that remind her why this work matters — especially in 2026, when confidence, identity, and emotional safety are more important than ever.

From the nervous energy at the starting line to the moment a girl realizes she can run farther than she thought, Claire paints a vivid picture of the transformation that happens when young people learn to trust their bodies, their voices, and their choices. We close with stories of leadership, community, and the joy of watching girls step into their own power — plus a fast‑paced lightning round with Petar to bring it home.

This episode is about confidence in motion, the adults who make that possible, and the girls who carry those lessons into every part of their lives.

For this special crossover episode, we laced up and headed out onto the North Rim Trail in Upper Bidwell Park, where we spent the morning hiking, talking, and filming with Nick Woodard of Tails, Ales & Trails. What started as a simple idea — two local podcasts meeting on a trail — turned into a reminder of how deeply movement, storytelling, and community intertwine.

Nick showed up with full production wizardry: selfie stick in hand, drone buzzing overhead, and the kind of smooth, on‑the‑move filming that makes a trail conversation feel like a cinematic experience. The miles flew by as we walked and talked, swapping stories about running culture, craft beer culture, and the people who make Chico’s outdoor community feel like home.

Tails, Ales & Trails is a podcast network dedicated to inspiring stories rooted in outdoor adventure, animals, and craft alcohol. Their episodes feature everyone from brewery owners to mountain bikers to extreme sport athletes, all centered on personal passion, community, and the great outdoors. Their vibe is equal parts curiosity, craftsmanship, and connection — and it shows in their polished production and the way they highlight the humans behind the hobbies.

Pod on the Run is our love letter to Chico’s running culture — the people pounding the trails and roads, the stories behind the miles, the community groups like Fleet Feet Chico and Bidwell Run Club, and the big existential questions like “Why do we even run?” We explore the heartbeat of this community through humor, honesty, and the kind of conversations that happen best while moving. That’s part of why this crossover made so much sense. Both podcasts orbit the same gravitational pull: people who show up, stories that matter, and communities built through shared rituals, whether that’s a run, a hike, or a post‑adventure pint. Running culture and brewery culture share the same DNA — connection, belonging, and the joy of gathering around something you love — and out on the North Rim Trail, that overlap became impossible to miss.

In this episode, we dig into the origin stories behind both podcasts, how outdoor spaces shape community, and the parallels between running culture and craft beer culture. We talk about the art of storytelling on the move, Nick’s slick filming setup (yes, including the drone), and why this crossover felt like two worlds naturally colliding. Two podcasts, one trail, and a shared love for movement, community, and the stories that bring people together.

Episode 19 of Pod on the Run traces the life of a man who rebuilt himself through discipline, imagination, service, and thousands of counter‑clockwise laps on a prison track. Joaquin Jordan grew up in Los Angeles during the height of the War on Drugs, raised by a single mother. He was a strong student and athlete, but the pull of addiction, identity, and survival dragged him into the justice system at fifteen. By adulthood, he was facing twenty‑five‑to‑life.

Inside those walls, Joaquin didn’t just survive - he went to work on himself. He studied relentlessly. He journaled daily. He led groups, facilitated conversations, and became a source of stability for people who had never known it. And in the middle of all that, he found a lifeline in an unexpected place: Runner’s World magazine. Each issue became a window into a world he had never touched. He tore out the annual mileage log and filled it with his runs. He cut out photos of runners moving through forests, parks, and cityscapes, taping them to his cell wall. Those images became his vision board - a map of the life he wanted but had never lived.

Every day, on a cambered asphalt track where you could only run counter‑clockwise, he imagined himself running in those places. He pictured the trees, the air, the freedom. Running became structure, identity, and hope. He ran twenty‑five marathons in twenty‑five weeks. He earned four AA degrees. He built programs that changed lives inside the facility. He became a counselor, a mentor, and a leader long before he ever stepped outside the gate.

His transformation was so undeniable that the governor granted him clemency for good behavior. Joaquin walked out of prison on a Friday and started college at Chico State the following Monday. Today, he’s an executive coach, counselor, consultant, statewide leader, and a law‑school student, using his lived experience to serve people navigating the same systems he once fought to survive. He also earned a bachelor's degree.

And those Runner’s World photos? He’s running in those places now. One of them was Lower Park in Chico — a route he once only knew from a magazine page taped above his bed. Today, he runs it regularly. He literally ran into his dream.

This episode walks through every chapter of that arc: growing up in LA during the War on Drugs, the descent into addiction and incarceration, the emotional hinge moment when he chose to change, the reality of prison life and the discipline it demanded, the birth of a runner on a prison track, the power of imagination and vision boards, the shock of re‑entry, the rise of a counselor and coach, the pursuit of law school, and the full‑circle moment of running the routes he once only dreamed of. It’s a story about movement as medicine, imagination as survival, and the power of choosing identity over circumstance. Joaquin Jordan didn’t just rebuild his life — he ran toward it, one lap at a time.

In Episode 18 of Ross and Petar’s Pod on the Run, the hosts sit down with legendary Chico State head coach Gary Towne, the man behind one of the most dominant dynasties in collegiate distance running. After a quick warm‑up on the latest running news and local chatter, they dive into Gary’s staggering résumé—23 straight conference titles (men), 20 of the last 23 West Region titles (men), 19 of the last 23 CCAA titles (women), 11 women’s regional titles, 31 combined regional titles, 42 combined CCAA titles, and 43 Top‑10 NCAA team finishes between the two genders since 1999. Both teams have qualified for NCAA’s together every year since 2000.

Gary begins by sharing his own story: growing up in Corning, discovering running at Shasta College almost by accident, and eventually becoming a very strong marathoner. He talks about the endurance adventures that shaped his toughness and empathy—most notably his “Everest on Cohasset” ride—and how staying fit continues to influence his coaching today.

The conversation explores the foundations of the Chico State XC machine: the early years, the culture he built, and the principles that have kept the program consistently elite. Gary opens up about managing a roster of 50 athletes, navigating confidence dips and injuries, and the human side of coaching that often goes unseen. He also breaks down his training philosophy, the importance of Chico’s trails and terrain, and the moment he realized he was building something special.

The episode moves into recruiting, where Gary discusses what he looks for beyond times, how the landscape has changed, and how he pitches Chico State to athletes who may not know the program’s history. He shares memorable stories from meets, unforgettable races, and the athletes who left a lasting impact, while reflecting on why Chico remains home despite opportunities elsewhere.

Things wrap up with fun segments like Coach Confessions, Myth or Fact, and Petar’s rapid‑fire round, giving listeners a mix of insight, humor, and behind‑the‑scenes stories. It’s a rare, engaging look into the mind of a coach who didn’t just build a successful program—he built a dynasty.

Episode 17 brings us an important conversation with Dr. Alan Hivale — a Chico‑based physical therapist with a doctorate from Loma Linda, 15+ years in outpatient ortho, and a concierge practice built around one mission: keep people doing what they love.

The episode kicks off with classic Pod on the Run banter and a little Chico runner appreciation. Congrats Neil and Nimai on crushing the Redding Marathon! From there, Alan jumps in with his background, his philosophy, and why he built a PT model that actually gives runners time, attention, and answers.

From that point on, the episode becomes a runner’s goldmine.

You’ll hear Alan break down the most common injuries he sees in Chico — what causes them, why they linger, and what runners get wrong. Then comes Rapid‑Fire Rehab Roulette, where we throw a few injuries at Alan and he fires back with quick, practical first steps for relieving the issues! No WebMD spirals required.

The conversation then shifts into the myths runners love to argue about: warm‑ups, stretching, plyos, and whether “knees over ankles” is actually a thing.

Mid‑episode, things get delightfully unhinged with PT Confessions - the most avoidable injuries, the advice he ignores himself, and the hill he’ll die on as a PT.

You’ll also hear Alan unpack what runners should actually do after a run, which recovery tools matter, and which ones belong in the “it’s a personality trait” category. The hosts put him through Keep It, Toss It, Upgrade It with foam rollers, massage guns, compression boots, and epsom salt baths.

One of the most memorable sections dives into Alan’s time running in Africa - the terrain, the culture, the surprises, and the lessons he brought back to his practice and his own training.

As the episode winds down, Alan talks about Inspire Physical Therapy’s role in the local running community and what he’s excited about in 2026.

Finally, Petar closes things out with his signature rapid‑fire questions before the hosts wrap what they learned, and how listeners can enter the episode’s performance‑sunglasses giveaway.

If you run, want to run, or have ever been injured while running, this episode is your new favorite long run companion.

Ross and Petar close out an unforgettable first season of the Pod on the Run podcast — a year that started with a simple idea and grew into a community-powered storytelling hub. This episode brings together the voices, victories, and vibrant personalities that shaped 2025 for the Chico running community.

We kick things off with holiday highlights, big mileage energy, and reflections from the BRC Holiday Party before diving into conversations with Jess and Andrew about community, connection, and what makes this group special. Then we explore the future of the club with leadership insights from Logan and Manny as they pass the torch and look ahead to 2026.

Our spotlight interviews feature standout runners and community builders — Morgan Camy fresh off CIM, Geoffrey Chiapella on what’s next, Vanessa Wolfe on the impact of the Ladies Speed workouts, and Joseph Shufelberger on BRC’s growth and spirit.

We also stopped by Fleet Feet for a holiday gear rundown with Kristina and Aidan, plus details on a special $40 gift card giveaway. Finally, we wrap with a heartfelt year-in-review: the moments that moved us, the miles that changed us, and the goals that will carry us into 2026.

It’s gratitude, growth, and good vibes all the way through. We never imagined we’d be here after episode one — and we’re just getting started. Here’s to more miles, more stories, and more community in the year ahead.

What drives someone to lace up, race across the country, and chase 50 finish lines? In this episode of Pod on the Run, Ross and Petar sit down with Sarah Batiste, a marathoner on a mission to conquer every state—already 28 marathons deep across 26 states. Fresh off running two marathons in six days, three in four weeks, and setting a personal best of 3:22 in Indiana, Sarah shares the grit, joy, and quirky rituals that keep her moving forward.

From her iconic Flat Runner Instagram posts to the support of her coach, family, and Fleet Feet Chico community, Sarah’s story is equal parts endurance and heart. Together, we explore the highs, lows, and funny moments from her marathon journey, dive into what led to her Indiana PR, and consider what it means to balance grit with fun. Sarah opens up about the people who show up for her—from her family and boyfriend to the Pub Run crew—and reflects on the mantras, mental tricks, and advice that keep her motivated when the miles get tough.

We also look at what happens beyond the finish line, from post‑race rituals to bouncing back after hard runs, and even peek into Sarah’s identity outside of running. Of course, Petar brings his signature lightning round of rapid‑fire questions, and Sarah shares her vision of crossing that dream 50th state finish line and what comes next after the big goal.

This episode is a celebration of endurance, community, and the joy of running—with plenty of laughs and behind‑the‑scenes stories along the way. Tune in to hear Sarah’s journey, her rituals, and her vision of crossing that final finish line.

In Episode #14 of Pod on the Run, Ross and Petar kick things off with their signature banter - swapping stories from recent runs, race-day antics, and behind-the-scenes moments that set the tone for another unforgettable episode. But this one’s extra special. Why? Because they’re sitting down with a true legend of the local running scene: Mike O’Connell, affectionately known as “The Vegan Badass.” This episode dives deep into legacy, leadership, and what it means to live - and run - by your values.

First up, we lace into the rich history of the Chico Running Club, now celebrating 50 years of community on the move. Mike shares how he first got involved, paints a picture of the early days of Chico’s running culture, and gives us a front-row seat to the evolution of CRC - from weekly runs to community involvement to post-run beers and lifelong friendships. With shoutouts to the unsung heroes who keep the club’s engine running, this segment is a love letter to the people and traditions that make CRC more than just a running group - it’s a family.

Speaking of family, the conversation shifts to the next generation. Mike opens up about running alongside his daughter, who’s part of the Chico Striders, and the joy of watching her grow into the sport. We explore how CRC collaborates with youth programs, what it’s like to be behind the scenes timing races, and how local clubs come together to support the broader running community. There’s even a nod to Fleet Feet and other local partners who help keep the momentum going.

Then we zoom in on Mike’s personal journey: the races, the milestones, and the moments that matter. From his early days pounding pavement to the unforgettable experience of the Twin Cities Marathon, Mike reflects on the training, the storytelling, and the creative camaraderie that fuels his passion. Whether it’s remixing a 35K training run with a custom “I Wanna Be Like Mike” track or mentoring new runners, Mike’s story is a testament to consistency, creativity, and showing up with heart.

Of course, we couldn’t talk to Mike without diving into his plant-powered philosophy. As a proud vegan and endurance athlete, he shares how his lifestyle shapes his training, his meals, and his mindset. We talk protein, race-day rituals, and the cultural shift toward plant-based performance. But more than that, we explore what it means to run with values - and how those values ripple outward into community, connection, and legacy.

Beyond the miles, Mike gives us a glimpse into life off the trail. From his professional pursuits to his love for the North Bay’s coastal trails, he shares the hidden gems that keep him grounded and inspired. Whether it’s a foggy morning run or a quiet moment in nature, this segment reminds us that running is about more than fitness—it’s about presence, place, and purpose.

And just when you think you’ve heard it all, Petar hits Mike with the lightning round: favorite post-run snacks, dream race destinations, go-to gear, and even a few embarrassing race moments. It’s fast, fun, and full of personality - just like Mike.

In the closing moments, Mike offers heartfelt advice for new runners, invites folks to get involved with CRC, and reflects on what it means to be a pillar of the community. Through every mile and every moment, he reminds us that running isn’t just something you do - it’s something you live.