Running Scared Media

On today's show we are running with So Cal favourite ultra runner, business owner (Ostrich Running) and podcast host Nick Meraz. After establishing that fact that his weather is better than where I live, we dive into an in depth conversation that took us through a wide spectrum of topics. We talk about his personal journey of finding sobriety and mental resilience through distance running after serving in the military. We talk about his - and my -  "run scared" philosophy, which encourages athletes to find growth through discomfort and intimidating challenges. We then shift gears and get into Nicks world as an entrepreneur where he discusses the authenticity of the running community and his desire to provide better financial support for non-elite athletes. We talk professionalization of Trail and ultra running and discuss who holds the power currently and in the future in the sport of running. We finish off with our "Running Scared" question, where Nick describes the scenic but occasionally eerie trail systems of Orange County, emphasizing how patience and service to others help runners overcome physical and mental exhaustion.
Full Transcript here
Follow Nick on Instagram @ostrich.running
Check out his business at: ostrichrunning.com
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FOR a CHANCE TO WIN an INSULAM CREATURA PRIZE PACK, ENTER HERE
On an isolated island, four components of a gene-altering formula have been hidden. Colonel Ken Capstone deploys his best runner to retrieve the parts: you. Codename: Jack Rabbit. But the island is undergoing unimaginable changes - the flora and fauna are mutating and seem to be acting to protect the components you need. With the aid of the grizzled Capstone and brilliant Dr. Malcolm Burr you will traverse through jungle terrain, over waterfalls and into caves to complete the mission. Be warned, not everything on this island is as it seems.
 An immersive audio-drama, this Running Scared Jogcast will motivate and entertain you on your next jog! Best experienced with great headphones on a long run.
 Contains gory violence and coarse language. Not recommended for children.

To Purchase more jogcasts go to: runningscaredmedia.com
Support the show
Subscribe to Running Scared Media wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes!
RunningScaredMedia.com
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Email us at: [email protected]

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On today's show we turn inward to highlight one of our own great athletes! Today's guest is Vegard Jarvis Westergard, a Norwegian-Canadian athlete who competes for the Canadian National Orienteering Team. We discuss his background growing up in Norway, explaining how his father’s Canadian roots and a love for the outdoors led him to represent Canada on the world stage. 
Vegard describes orienteering as a complex sport that blends high-speed physical endurance with intricate navigation skills, where the fastest runner is not always the winner. We then turn to his recent success at the 2025 World Games in China, where he secured a third-place finish. Westergard shares insights into his training routines in Oslo and expresses his desire to see the sport grow through grassroots efforts in Canada. We really dive into his love of navigating the unpredictable nature of the wilderness and the mental challenge of solving puzzles while racing through rugged terrain.
Vegard also introduces us to the maybe the "steepest race in the world" 
The stoltzekleiven opp
Learn more about this race here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTtH7UeQdFA
Also, if you're interested in Orienteering check out Squadrats.
Learn more about Squadrats here
Visit Orienteering Canada here
Sponsors: Ostrich Running here

Support the show
Subscribe to Running Scared Media wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes!
RunningScaredMedia.com
Visit our shop to purchase our jogcasts and other merch
Email us at: [email protected]

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We have a new name and we have new guest! On todays show host Ari welcomes  Jeremy Brown, the founder of Life by Design, discussing his transition from traditional personal training to a holistic wellness and movement brand. Brown advocates for a "movement weirdo" philosophy, which encourages playful, intuitive physical activity over the rigid structure of typical gym routines. He explains that incorporating functional modalities like animal flows, floor rolling, and hand-eye coordination drills can improve athleticism and coordination for people of all ages. They discuss how neurodivergent individuals often thrive in these flexible environments where they can explore various options rather than following a strict script. Ultimately, Brown aims to foster a movement culture in Milwaukee and beyond that balances intense strength training with mindful, dynamic play.
Follow Jeremey on Instagram @lyfebydzyne
Support the show
Subscribe to Running Scared Media wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes!
RunningScaredMedia.com
Visit our shop to purchase our jogcasts and other merch
Email us at: [email protected]

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On today's show we do some hill sprints with John Calabrese, an ultrarunner from Fredericksburg, Virginia. We begin by discussing the intersectionality of running and personal resilience. John explains how he utilizes the sport as a form of meditative therapy to navigate life’s hardships, including divorce, the loss of friends, and his journey toward sobriety. The conversation highlights his preference for grassroots trail races over corporate events, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's personal motivations. Throughout the exchange, he offers a candid look at the ultra-running community, describing it as a "tribe" for those who often feel they do not belong elsewhere. We finish off with reflections on parenting, the value of failure for personal growth, and recommendations for historic running trails in the Virginia area. 
Follow John on Instagram @breezytrailhead
Clips: John C
Original Music: Jamie Roberts
Transcript here
***Audio improves after a few mins of runtime***
Support the show
Subscribe to Running Scared Media wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes!
RunningScaredMedia.com
Visit our shop to purchase our jogcasts and other merch
Email us at: [email protected]

Follow us:
Instagram @runningscaredmedia
Join our FB Running Group