The Runner Dudes Podcast

Season two is officially here—and the Runner Dudes are back together to kick things off with an honest, encouraging conversation about New Year’s resolutions, quitting, and what real growth actually looks like.

In this episode, Michael, Dusty, and Jimmy dig into why so many well-intentioned goals fizzle out by mid-January, unpacking the idea behind “National Quitters Day” and why failure isn’t the enemy we think it is. They talk ca...

In this special episode of The Runner Dudes Podcast, Michael and Dusty turn the microphones toward the people who make their running lives possible—their wives. Joined by Cigi England and Mandy Smith, the conversation pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to support a runner through early mornings, long training blocks, emotional highs and lows, and the unseen sacrifices that happen behind the scenes.

Cigi and Mandy share...

In this episode of The Runner Dudes Podcast, Michael and Dusty sit down with Ayessa Holbrook for a warm, honest, and often funny conversation about stepping outside your comfort zone and discovering who you’re becoming along the way. Ayessa shares her journey from the Philippines to Tennessee, her love for theatre, and how a simple “nice day” run turned into a life-changing habit.

She opens up about insecurities—like her accent sli...

In this episode of The Runner Dudes, hosts Micheal and Dusty—alongside producer Jimmy—welcome special guest Tammie Wright, founder of the Red Silo Runners Club. Tammie shares her journey from reluctant runner to community-builder, explaining how her passion for running grew into creating one of Cookeville’s most inclusive and welcoming run clubs. From her personal story of finding connection through the sport, to the origins of Red...

In this episode of The Runner Dudes Podcast, hosts Micheal and Dusty welcome back guest Dusty Rawls for a candid and motivating conversation on running, discipline, and overcoming mental barriers. Dusty shares his personal journey from completing a marathon on a zero-carb plan to rediscovering the joy of running after setbacks and injuries. The discussion dives into the importance of consistency over motivation, the pros and cons o...

In this special anniversary episode of The Runner Dudes Podcast, Micheal, Dusty, and producer Jimmy celebrate one year of inspiring runners, walkers, and the running-curious to take that first step toward physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The trio reflects on their favorite moments, the growth they’ve experienced, and the powerful role running plays in overcoming challenges—from mental health struggles to major life trans...

In this episode of The Runner Dudes, Micheal, Dusty, and producer Jimmy welcome guest Dustin Rawls for a candid, often hilarious, and deeply encouraging conversation about breaking stereotypes in running. From battling extreme summer heat to confronting body image pressures, Dustin shares his journey as a larger-framed runner, his “on-again, off-again” relationship with the sport, and how walking can be the best place to start. The...

In this episode, Micheal and Dusty dive deep into the challenge of rediscovering your "why" when motivation runs dry. With honesty and humor, they explore burnout, discipline vs. motivation, mental health, rest, and the importance of starting slow—whether you’re new to running or returning after a break. They reflect on personal journeys through sobriety, PTSD, and identity, emphasizing the power of community, self-care, and grace....

In this heartfelt and honest episode, hosts Micheal and Dusty—along with producer Jimmy—dive deep into the spiritual side of running. Through stories of recovery, faith, and failure, they explore how running can be a powerful tool for mindfulness, healing, and self-discovery. From personal journeys through addiction and doubt to rediscovering faith and freedom on the run, the trio shares how movement connects to meaning. Whether yo...

In this comeback episode of The Runner Dudes Podcast, Michael and Dusty fly solo—joined by producer Jimmy—to reconnect with listeners and reflect on the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of running. With humor and heart, they explore summer running struggles, the importance of slowing down, the ego traps of both new and experienced runners, and how simplifying life—including your training—can bring freedom. They emphasize the...

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of The Runner Dudes Podcast, hosts Michael and Dusty sit down with Caitlin Robbins—avid runner, business owner, and mom—to talk about her journey from online PE and volleyball to marathons and coaching. Caitlin opens up about the vanity-driven start to her fitness journey, the reality of balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and training, and the unexpected role she played in inspiring the v...

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of The Runner Dudes, Michael and Dusty welcome local running standout Alison Mason to the Willow Window Studio. Alison shares her journey from high school track to marathon victories, all while balancing motherhood and life on the farm. She opens up about the healing power of running after the loss of her son and the role it plays in her mental and spiritual wellness. The crew also discusses w...

Join "The Runner Dudes," Micheal and Dusty, as they chat with Andy Keel, National Sales Manager for Tennessee-based Swiftwick Socks. The episode explores the often-humorous evolution of running gear, with Andy sharing his own impressive running journey from college walk-on to marathon winner and his career in athletic apparel. Discover the story behind Swiftwick, the importance of high-performance socks, and insights into their loc...

This week, Michael and Dusty are hanging out with Jeff and Chad from El Puente, a wonderful organization in town that's all about making the local Hispanic community feel right at home. They're chatting about El Puente's mission to be welcoming and inclusive, and how we can all do our part to make everyone feel like they belong. Plus, they're pumped about the upcoming "Great Chase Race" 5K – it's a fun run to raise money for El Pue...

In this double-dose of The Runner Dudes, we're back with the amazing Angie Briggs, and she's spilling the tea on that legendary 2018 Boston Marathon—think torrential rain, crazy wind, and pure grit. Then, we dive into a real talk session about women's safety on the run. Angie's dropping wisdom about the extra stuff women have to deal with, like harassment and feeling judged, and how we can all make running safer. We're talki...

Alright, folks, buckle up! In this episode of The Runner Dudes, we're hanging out with the awesome Angie Briggs, who's tackled the Boston Marathon eight times! We chat about everything from her crazy PhD life messing with her running schedule (relatable, right?) to how she got started pounding the pavement. Angie drops some serious truth bombs about how running's been her lifeline, especially when life throws curveballs. Plus, we g...

Join Michael and Dusty on "The Runner Dudes" as they welcome Jeff Lynch, a runner from East Tennessee. They discuss Jeff's journey, from his early days of intense weightlifting to his current running passion, and the health challenges he overcame, including Crohn's disease. They delve into their shared running experiences, the impact of COVID-19 on their training, and the pursuit of Boston Marathon qualification. The conversation h...

"The Runner Dudes" podcast, hosted by Michael and Dusty, aims to welcome runners, walkers, and the running-curious alike, focusing on the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of running. 1 In this episode, they feature Travis Shope, Cookeville High School's cross-country coach and a personal running coach, discussing his journey from a 200+ pound Air Force veteran to a marathon runner, and his transition into coaching. They de...