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Artwork for The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast

The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast

Brian Gatens
Adventure Racing
Team Dynamics
Legend Expedition Race
Ascend Athletics
Women In Adventure Sports
Mountain Designs Wild Women
Eco Challenge
Chris Dixon
Navigation
Swedish Armed Forces
Wealth Garden Financial Services
Endless Mountains Adventure Race
California National Championships
Shenandoah Epic
Training Regimen
Arthur the King
Ecuador
Alyssa Godesky
Women Of AR
Team Texas Pride

The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast welcomes you to our world. Come hear from racers, race directors, fans of AR, and everyone in between. The podcast's out there, you pick it up, it's yours, you don't, I got no sympathy for you. (as inspired by Glengarry Glenn Ross)

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes163Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Sports

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast

Latest Episodes

Episode 150 of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast honors a milestone with someone who embodies the long arc of endurance sport — Dan Brannen.

Dan was my first adventure racing teammate back in 2011, when I was just breaking into the sport. B... more

YouTube

For almost 150 episodes, The Dark Zone has been free — stories of grit, uncertainty, partnership, and the long road through the unknown.

Now we’re turning those miles into something bigger.

From March 19–22, 2026, Bob Mina and Brian Gatens of TDZ w... more

YouTube

In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, we sit down with the team behind a new and exciting expedition-length race — Ajita Madan and Sayeesha Kirani, founders of NthAdventure, alongside Heidi Muller and Stephan Muller, veteran ... more

YouTube

You’re listening to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, where we try to understand how adventure races really play out—over long distances, under fatigue, and within the relationships that make or break a team.

Today’s episode is a conversat... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Dan Brannen
Adventure racing legend and ultra runner
Episode: Episode 150 - Dan Brannen: Endurance Legend and The Best First Teammate A Guy Could Ask For
Becca Lunnon
Adventure racer and member of 'Wonky Donkeys'
Episode: Episode 149 - When It Clicked: The Wonky Donkeys and The Legend Adventure Race
Em Panietz
Adventure racer and member of 'Wonky Donkeys'
Episode: Episode 149 - When It Clicked: The Wonky Donkeys and The Legend Adventure Race
Slade Combs
Behavioral strategist specializing in fear, with experience working with Fortune 500 companies, world record holders, and the US military.
Episode: Episode 148 - Slade Combs: Fear, Performance, and Adventure Racing
Flavie Bahuaud
Involved with the planning of the 2026 Adventure Racing World Championship in Corsica
Raid In France
Episode: Episode 147 - Where the Mountains Meet the Sea: ARWC Corsica 2026 Registration Open
Tyler Stancill
Long distance bike packer sharing his journey along the Eastern Divide Trail
Episode: Episode 145 – The Long Way North: Tyler Stancill’s Eastern Divide Ride
John Karlsson
Captain of Team SAFAT and World Champion in adventure racing
SAFAT
Episode: Episode 144 – John Karlsson - SAFAT Team Captain, 3X World Champion, and Aspiring Golfer
Alex Man
Course designer
Episode: Episode 144: A Podcast Crossover - Course Reveal: Subaru Canada Adventure Racing World Championship 2025
John Ford
Race director
Episode: Episode 144: A Podcast Crossover - Course Reveal: Subaru Canada Adventure Racing World Championship 2025

Host

Brian Gatens
Host covering topics related to adventure racing, personal challenges, and community engagement. Known for his engaging interview style and passion for the sport.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 120 ratings
  • I've learned so much from this podcast. Real people and real experiences. Keep it up!

    Audible
    5
    Carol M Abrahamzon
    United States8 months ago
  • Real experiences

    I've learned so much from this podcast. Real people and real experiences. Keep it up!

    Audible
    5
    Carol M Abrahamzon
    United States8 months ago
  • Amazing

    Great podcast! Thanks for sharing amazing experience and thrilling stories!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    a.gorodynets
    Ukrainea year ago
  • I have dome multiple, small, individual races with the goal to be a productive part of a team. this is the guidance and direction I need. Thank you!

    Audible
    5
    Matt Humlicek
    United States2 years ago
  • perfect intro

    I have dome multiple, small, individual races with the goal to be a productive part of a team. this is the guidance and direction I need. Thank you!

    Audible
    5
    Matt Humlicek
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many highlight the quality of guests and informative discussions that are beneficial for those starting out in the adventure racing community.
The host is noted for providing thoughtful questions and dynamic interactions that enhance listener engagement.
Some feedback suggests the desire for more personal stories and experiences shared by racers, indicating a preference for relatable content.
Listeners are praising the engaging storytelling that evokes excitement and inspiration for both newcomers and seasoned racers.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 150 - Dan Brannen: Endurance Legend and The Best First Teammate A Guy Could Ask For
Q: When you look at the marathon of the Ultra Run of the Adventure Racer, what do you see in them as a racer that you most respect?
Dan highlights the importance of persistence, patience, and perseverance as qualities he most respects in racers.
Episode 150 - Dan Brannen: Endurance Legend and The Best First Teammate A Guy Could Ask For
Q: Do you think that if he didn't enter your life, you would not have been on the path that you've been on all these years?
Dan reflects that it's questionable whether he would have been on the same path without the influence of his significant coaches.
Episode 141 – Olga Huber: Prolific Solo Racer, Strong Teammate, and a Student of AR
Q: What message do you want to leave for the community?
We need to encourage more female participation in endurance sports.
Episode 139 – Lauri Hollo of Finland's Endurance Quest Saimaa/European Championship 2025
Q: How did your first international race go?
Lauri discusses their challenges with navigation due to different map styles compared to what they're used to in Finland.
Episode 139 – Lauri Hollo of Finland's Endurance Quest Saimaa/European Championship 2025
Q: What got you into adventure racing?
Lauri explains he was surrounded by adventure racing from a young age, learning orienteering with his dad.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show focuses on the exhilarating world of adventure racing, capturing the hearts and minds of both newcomers and seasoned athletes alike. Featuring a mix of engaging guests such as professional racers, race directors, and adventure sports enthusiasts, episodes offer unique insights into the challenges and triumphs of this demanding sport. The narrative often emphasizes personal stories, teamwork, and the spirit of community within adventure racing, coupled with practical tips for racers looking to improve their skills or simply become more involved in the sport. Listeners can expect deep dives into various aspects of adventure racing, including unique events, training strategies, and mental strategies for overcoming fears and challenge... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Adventure Race Training Podcast
2. The Bend Racing Podcast
3. Not Stupid
4. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
5. The Joe Rogan Experience

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 163 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Dan Brannen
2. Becca Lunnon
3. Em Panietz
4. Slade Combs
5. Flavie Bahuaud
6. Tyler Stancill
7. John Karlsson
8. Alex Man

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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