In this conversation, Andrea Moore shares her journey from a corporate banking career to becoming an ultra runner, highlighting the importance of community, personal growth, and the transformative power of outdoor experiences. She discusses her transition during COVID, the joy of exploring new places through running, and offers advice for newcomers…

In this episode, we sit down with the man who literally wrote the book on ultra endurance training: Jason Koop. From his new home base in France, Koop discusses his most ambitious project yet—Koop AI. Described as "his brain in a box," Koop AI represents a massive shift in how technology interacts with athlete development. We dive deep into the phi…

The Kayak Division of BAM has crowned a new AOY and his name is Joey Silva. In this episode Joey discusses how he went against the stacked field of Anglers this year and managed to stay so consistent that he was able to take home the most coveted title in Bass Fishing. Joey talks about how grateful he is that BAM has brought this platform to the we…

In this episode, Coach Brian interviews Josh Coleman, who shares his journey into ultra running, the impact of grief on his life, and how running has become a source of solace and healing after the tragic loss of his wife. Josh discusses his experiences in ultra races, the importance of community, and how writing a book about his journey has helped…

This week, Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian Passenti sit down with Jes Parker, the founder of the innovative new enterprise, Take2Trail.com In a sport where gear can be prohibitively expensive and environmental waste is a growing concern, Jes is changing the narrative. We dive deep into her personal journey from accidental runner to Backyard Ultra comp…

Tyler Madden joins us fresh off securing the 2025 Angler of the Year title. He opens up about what this achievement means to him, how he maintained his focus throughout the year, and the mental game needed to stay consistent across a tough BAM Trail schedule. Tyler also shares insight on the event that nearly derailed his season and how he battled …

In this episode, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen engage in a heartfelt conversation with Ron Aladeniyi, an ultra runner who shares his journey to the Leadville 100. They discuss the importance of community, gratitude, and personal growth in the world of ultra running. Ron reflects on his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the joy he finds in th…

Mason Mcabee talks with us about the Championship win he just had on Clearlake. He discusses what he learned about a lake he has been fishing since he was 4. He breaks down his bait's his rods. Reels and line for this epic win. Mason discusses what his year on the BAM Trail has meant to him and what it means to have a true Pro Bass trail here on th…

In this conversation, Cameron Pearson shares his journey from triathlons to ultra running, highlighting the importance of community, mental strength, and preparation in endurance sports. He discusses his experiences at various races, including Moab and Tahoe, and emphasizes the significance of giving back to the running community through volunteeri…

Join us for an incredibly candid and inspiring conversation with Deborah Anderson, a competitive ultra athlete who just secured a phenomenal third-place female overall finish at the grueling Moab 240! Deborah shares the complete story of her radical transition from a non-runner to an elite endurance competitor, starting at the age of 35. She dives …

Born and raised on the California Delta, Jake Arbuckle is as true a Delta angler as they come. After grinding all season to earn his spot in the BAM Super 60 Championship, Jake sits down to discuss what makes Clear Lake such a perfect fishery for a season finale. He also offers his thoughts on who might walk away with the title (even though we didn…

Ultra runner Kilian Korth is back for his second appearance on the show (he was last on Ep 74!) to dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. In this episode, Kilian shares candidly about his recent experience at the Moab race, discussing the unexpected challenges he faced, including tough weather conditions and the necessary mental strategies …

Get ready for an episode that's part hilarious ultra-running chat, part inspiring community spotlight! Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with Dan Zolnikov, one of the masterminds behind the now-legendary Taco Bell 50K. What started as a whimsical, slightly absurd challenge among friends has blossomed into an annual grassroots event that raises …

Ultra runner Kilian Korth is back for his second appearance on the show (he was last on Ep 74!) to dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. In this episode, Kilian shares candidly about his recent experience at the Moab race, discussing the unexpected challenges he faced, including tough weather conditions and the necessary mental strategies …

Get ready for an episode that's part hilarious ultra-running chat, part inspiring community spotlight! Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with Dan Zolnikov, one of the masterminds behind the now-legendary Taco Bell 50K. What started as a whimsical, slightly absurd challenge among friends has blossomed into an annual grassroots event that raises …

Buckle Up: An Ultra Running Conversation – Exploring the Ultra Running Community Hosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian are flying solo this week to unpack their latest deep dives into the world of endurance sports. Get ready for an episode full of insights and stories from the heart of the ultra running community! Join us as we recap key takeaways fro…

Fishing as a Co-Angler can be one of the toughest yet most rewarding ways to break into professional bass fishing. In this episode, Roy and Paul share how they’ve made careers fishing from the back of the boat — offering insight from more than 75 years of combined experience. They dive into: -Their go-to baits and setups for success from the back d…

In this engaging conversation, Mark Vega shares his inspiring journey from a life-altering motorcycle accident and two strokes to becoming a passionate ultra runner. He discusses the transformative power of running, the importance of community support, and his emotional experiences during his first marathon. Mark emphasizes that it's never too late…

Bryant Smith has been fishing the Delta with his Dad for years and has never had a Big win until now. In this episode we talk about all three days of the event the lures he chose the tide he was looking for and how he made it all come together to secure the win. kick back and enjoy this episode it has a lot of good tips and tricks that could help y…

This week, join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen as they dive into the wild world of ultra running with special guest Paul James Johnson! Get ready for a thrilling ride as Paul shares his incredible journey from marathons to tackling epic 200-mile races. Ever wonder what it's like to run for days with little to no sleep? Paul spills the beans on the sl…

63 of the West best Pro and Co-anglers converged on Lake Almanor in Chester California to see who would be the Pro-Am Champion. When the dust settled it was a 21 year old from Simpson College, Sponsored by Bridgford that was able to take home the Basscat boat, the giant BAM trophy and the title of Champion. The Anglers name BRENNAN OSBORN! In this …

Join coaches Brian and Mandy Mullen as they sit down with ultra runner Andrew Kelly to dive deep into his incredible journey. In this episode, Andrew shares how he went from a daily running streak of nearly 2,000 days to conquering some of the world's most challenging races, including the Badwater 135. Discover how sobriety profoundly impacted his …

What You’ll Learn How Ron dialed in a tournament-winning pattern on the Columbia The key presentations and baits he relied on Reading current, wind, and river features to stay on quality fish Adjustments from Day 1 to Championship Day Mental game: decision making, confidence, and time management Newly crowned Columbia River champion Ron Mace walks …

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Tonya Olson, a physical therapist and expert on ultra running foot care. She dives deep into why proactive foot health is a non-negotiable for ultra runners, not just a post-race afterthought. Dr. Olson shares crucial insights on preventative care, common foot issues, and the absolute necessity of a dedicated fo…

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of endurance sports photography on this episode of Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation. With cohost Mandy still busy cleaning up cones, we're thrilled to welcome guest host Jeff Iosa to join Coach Brian. This week, Brian and Jeff sit down with renowned ultra-running photographer Anastasia Wilde. Anastasi…

For every angler (young or old), the Bassmaster Classic represents the ultimate dream. Few can imagine what it feels like to roll through the Classic watching the anglers one by one weighing in on the big stage—then just a few short years later, you find yourself competing on that big stage. That’s the path of Laker Howell, and it’s a story that re…

In this episode of Buckle Up, Rachel Downey shares her inspiring journey into ultra running, detailing her experience at the Leadville Trail 100. She discusses overcoming significant health challenges, the importance of support from crew and pacers, and her strategies for nutrition and hydration during the race. Rachel reflects on the emotional asp…

Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen welcome ultra-runner Jordan Moon to this episode of Buckle Up. They discuss all things running, from tackling the grueling Leadville Trail 100 to Jordan's remarkable journey of running across America. Hear how Jordan pushes his own limits and builds the mental resilience and perseverance needed to go the distance. They …

In this episode, Big Ed sits down with Tournament Director Michael Bray for an honest and wide-ranging discussion about the BAM Trail’s second season. Topics include: Season Recap: How 2025 unfolded across BAM’s tournaments Ups & Downs: Challenges faced and lessons learned along the way Event Highlights: Memorable moments from the Kayak Trail, Pro-…

Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen for a powerful conversation with ultrarunner Kendra Kettelhut. In this episode, Kendra opens up about her incredible journey to the legendary Leadville Trail 100, sharing how this challenging race has become her "second home." You'll hear Kendra's honest reflections on the pivotal role sobriety and personal growth …

In this episode I sit down with a returning guest, my friend John Slattery who serves as a bioregional herbalist in the American Southwest. During our talk, John shares his stories and knowledge about what he has learned while delving into his self-discovery journey in connecting with his European heritage. John talks about his travels to Ireland, …

Join Coach Brian and Jonathan Levitt, host of the popular podcast "For The Long Run," for a deep dive into the dynamic world of trail running and endurance sports. In this insightful conversation, they explore the remarkable evolution of the outdoor industry, Jonathan's unique career path, and the powerful role of community in shaping the sport. Fr…

The 2025 BAM Pro-Am season began with a windy weather-shortened event, and fittingly, it ended the same way. During the final stop at the Columbia River, local pro Zackery Shaff embraced the challenging conditions, stating, “Bring it on,” before dominating a stacked field of top Western pro-am anglers. He secured his victory by more than six pounds…

Get ready to lace up your shoes and dive deep into the world of ultrarunning! In this inspiring episode of "Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation," cohosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with the remarkable Walter Handloser. Walter shares his incredible personal journey of completing 100 one hundred-mile races—a feat that once seemed "stup…

Frog Fishing Mastery Scott breaks down his approach to frog fishing with a level of detail that only comes from years on the water. He discusses: How he targets key structures What types of water and cover trigger bites His go-to frogs and colors Seasonal strategies beyond just the Delta Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just learning to walk the…

Join us for an inspiring conversation with ultrarunning veteran Tim Vail. Tim takes us through his incredible journey, from his early love for running and triathlons to conquering the iconic Western States 100. He dives deep into his meticulous endurance training regimen, sharing insights on how he prepares his body and mind for the most demanding …

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Shea Aquilano, who recently tackled the formidable Western States 100! From her beginnings in soccer to finding her stride in trail running during college, Shea shares her unique path to becoming a competitive ultra runner. In this episode, Shea dives deep into the supportive community surrounding trail ru…

Join me for a discussion with Jahan Khamsehzadeh, Ph.D., psychedelic guide, teacher, researcher, and journeyer with over 20 years of formal and informal research, has taken 1000+ personal psychedelic plant medicine journeys, and guided almost 700 journeys for others. Jahan astutely guides us through what psychedelics are and some specific medicines…

Mike Matkowski took home the win at the BAM Trail event on Potholes Reservoir with a remarkable performance. In this episode, Mike walks us through his tournament-winning approach, detailing the specific baits that helped him land fish and the areas he targeted throughout the competition. He shares his thoughts on how he adapted to the water condit…

Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen in this episode of Buckle Up as they dive deep into the world of ultrarunning with special guest Matt Scoletti. Get ready for a dynamic conversation that covers everything from the electric energy MCing brings to endurance events to the grit required to overcome challenges like running a 5x Ironman. Matt shares his…

In this engaging conversation, Kilian Korth shares his journey from being a collegiate swimmer to becoming a prominent figure in ultra running, particularly highlighting his experience at the Tahoe 200. He discusses the challenges he faced, including breathing issues known as 'Tahoe lung', and how he adapted his training and nutrition strategies to…

Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen in a powerful conversation with ultra-runner Steve Sammut Nurminen as they dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. This episode explores the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, from training techniques and recovery strategies to the often-overlooked post-race blues. Steve shares his inspiring jo…

Mastering Summertime Bass Fishing Roy walks us through his approach to bass behavior during the hot summer months. As fish shift to deeper or cooler water, having a seasonal strategy becomes key. He explains the importance of identifying shade lines, current, and thermoclines, and how those elements affect bass location and feeding patterns. Clear …

Get ready for an empowering discussion on running, personal growth, and the power of connection! Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with special guest Suze Kandler for "Embracing the Challenge: Suze Kandler's Running Story." Suze shares her remarkable journey from novice to aspiring ultra-runner, offering invaluable insights into how a powerful …

Join Brian Passenti and Mandy Mullen on this episode of Buckle Up as Brian prepares for the challenging Old Dominion 100 ultramarathon, a key race in his pursuit of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. Get an inside look at his meticulous race strategy, aiming for a sub-24-hour finish and that coveted buckle. They share practical insights on endurance r…

BAM Podcast: Ish Monroe’s Delta Victory & the Future of Competitive Fishing Episode Summary: In this episode, West Coast legend Ish Monroe joins us fresh off his big win at the California Delta during the BAM Pro/Am! Ish breaks down his approach to the Delta, the key areas he targeted, and the baits that made the difference. He shares insight into …

Lace up for the highly anticipated second installment of our ultra-running deep dive! In this episode, hosts Brian Passenti and Mandy Mullen continue their candid conversation with DPT Brian Burkhardt dissecting the intricate world of ultra running with a keen focus on injury prevention and peak performance.Are shin splints truly a bone stress inju…

In this engaging episode, co-hosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian connect with trail running visionaries Terry Chiplin, founder of the US Trail Running Conference, and creator of the innovative ActivAcuity app. We journey through the fascinating evolution of trail running, emphasizing the bedrock of community and inclusivity that defines the sport. D…

Join us on Buckle Up as we dive deep into the fascinating world of ultra marathons with the remarkable Cody Poskin, fresh off his completion of the grueling Cocodona 250. Brian Passenti and Mandy Mullen explore every facet of Cody's experience, from his unique training approach and the critical role of his family and friends as his race crew, to th…

Episode Summary In this exclusive BAM Podcast episode, Bass Angler Magazine CEO and BAM Tournament Trail President Mark Lassagne joins the mic to share insights on the evolution of the BAM Trail. Now entering its second year, the trail has expanded rapidly—introducing new divisions and becoming the premier bass fishing series on the West Coast. Bui…