
The Trailhead isn't your typical trail running podcast—we're not dissecting splits or debating race strategies. Instead, hosts Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard take you straight to the heart (and funny bone) of the sport, celebrating the people, stories, and quirks that make trail running so special. With a mix of humor, heart, and a little irreverence, we explore the personalities, people, artists, an... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 94 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | RunningSportsHealth & Fitness | |||

Ben Ratliff is a former New York Times music critic, a writing professor at NYU, and the author of Run the Song: Writing About Running About Listening, longlisted for the National Book Award and named a finalist for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Aw... more
When you hit the wall at mile 19 of a marathon (or mile 80 of a 100-miler) it feels like your body is the problem. Your legs are concrete, your stomach is in revolt, and the finish line might as well be on the moon. But what if the wall is mostly in ... more
David Raichlen is a professor of biological sciences at the University of Southern California whose research examines how human evolution, physical activity, and brain health are linked across the lifespan. In this conversation, Zoë and Brendan talk ... more
Rochelle Bilow is a romance novelist, food writer, French Culinary Institute graduate, former Bon Appétit editor, and current kitchen gear expert at Serious Eats, and she just came back to ultrarunning after nearly a decade away from the sport. In th... more
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I used to really enjoy this show, but when the hosts changed over it was no longer a running show. The content is interesting enough but it focuses so much on writing and writers that happen to run. Running always comes up but almost as a tangent. It seems they book guests promoting a book and justify it by asking only a few running questions and diving in deep to the books and writing topics. I want to hear about their running and if writing or other hobbies are a tangent then fine.
Humans are cool. This podcast gives some behind the scenes of people doing rad things out in the dirt. I’ve really enjoyed this!!
Great interviews that expand beyond trail running in a good way!
Chatty, upbeat, interesting stories! I’m always intrigued to see who they’ll speak with and they ask really good questions!
Brendan and Zoe are great interviewers that highlight the unique spirit and motivations of endurance athletes. A must-listen for ultra runners or fans of endurance running.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
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Apple Podcasts | #243 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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This show centers on the people, stories, and personalities that make trail running unique, blending humor with thoughtful conversations about culture, community, and the sport's broader meaning. Episodes feature runners, coaches, scientists, writers, and creators who illuminate the human side of endurance—travel, resilience, aging in sport, and the amateur-to-elite spectrum. A standout quality is the hosts' ability to pair levity with real curiosity, inviting guests who offer diverse perspectives beyond performance metrics. Listeners often come away inspired by the community ethos, inclusivity, and the inspirational journeys of athletes, organizers, and educators who shape trail running's culture.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Trailhead:
1. Crack A Brew With AJW
2. Trail Runner Nation
3. Singletrack
4. The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman
5. Everyday Ultra
The Trailhead launched 4 years ago and published 94 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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Recent guests on The Trailhead include:
1. Emily Balcetis
2. David Raichlen
3. Rochelle Bilow
4. Ryan Goodman
5. C. Thi Nguyen
6. Pavel Cenkl
7. Christie Aschwanden
8. Brad Stulberg
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