On Your Left with Trails of Mississippi

On this episode of On Your Left, Matt Clem sits down with Mississippi artist Robin Whitfield, whose life and work are rooted in the rivers, swamps, and forests of the South. Robin is more than a painter; she is a storyteller of the natural world, using watercolors and pigments foraged from plants and minerals to capture the rhythms and relationships of wild places.

From her Grenada studio to the creation of Friends of Chakchiuma Sw...

In this special episode of On Your Left Podcast, host Matt Clem sits down in the Line Shot Photography studios with PK and Cooper, while Pinhoti race directors Jamie and Todd Henderson join remotely. Together, they dive deep into the rich history of the Pinhoti Trail and the legendary Pinhoti races that have captured the hearts of trail runners everywhere.

From the rugged terrain and unique challenges to the community that has gr...

In this episode of On Your Left with Trails of Mississippi, host Matt Clem sits down with Tim and Caroline Irvine, the powerhouse duo behind Time2Run. What started in 2010 as Tim Irvine Race Timing has grown into a premier race timing and event company serving Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. From fun runs to marathons, ultras, cross-country meets, bike races, and even stair climbs, Tim and Caroline have seen it all.

They share...

In Episode 13 of On Your Left, Matt sits down with Big Butts Trail Race Director Kara Hankins for an inside look at this year’s event. Joining the conversation are both 100K champions—Lindsey Norris and Peter Kazery, who not only claimed victory but also set a new course record. From trail conditions to personal grit, they break down what it takes to conquer one of Mississippi’s most beloved endurance races.

Whether you ran it, vol...

Matt sits down with Michelle Williams and Selena Swartzfager, cofounders of the Mississippi Interscholastic Cycling League, to explore how this statewide movement is reshaping youth development through the power of mountain biking. Rooted in the values of inclusivity, equity, respect, and community, the league is more than a sports program; it is a launchpad for building strong minds, bodies, character, and connections. Whether you...

In Episode 11, Matt sits down with Memphis native, Ole Miss alum, and Jackson community builder Dallis Ketchum. What began as a career path in medicine transformed into a deep dive into the rhythms of human movement, property, and place. Dallis shares how his sociology background, paramedic days, and a timely entry into real estate in 2005 all collided to shape a unique career rooted in resilience and vision.

From weathering the ...

In this episode, Matt sits down with two powerhouse women who embody grit, heart, and a love for the long haul—Selena Daniel and Deanna Boyles.

Selena, Director of Business Operations at Children’s of Mississippi, is a seasoned endurance runner, devoted wife, proud mom and grandma, and Race Director for Run the Rainbow. From 5Ks to 50Ks, she’s done it all—and now she’s training for a 100-miler. Her secret? Have fun doing the hard t...

Today on On Your Left, Matt Clem, Zed Thompson, and David Sugg sit down with an inspiring guest—Jody Penton, a lifelong runner, recovering addict, and passionate advocate for healing through movement. As co-founder of Magnolia Recovery & Wellness Foundation, Now I See Interventions, and Run 4 Recovery JXN, Jody shares his powerful journey from managing sober living to helping others find hope and continuity in their recovery. D...

In this energizing episode of On Your Left, host Matt Clem sits down with Arree Williams, Board President of Soul City Cycling, and Cedric Chaffee, Director of Memberships. Together, they dive into the heartbeat of Central Mississippi’s cycling culture—how Soul City Cycling is more than just a club, it’s a movement.

Founded in 2021 and proudly affiliated with the Major Taylor Cycling Club, Soul City Cycling has created a space wher...

In this episode, host Matt Clem dives into the heartbeat of Mississippi’s endurance scene—the Mississippi Triathlon Club. Whether you’re a seasoned Ironman or thinking about signing up for your first 5K, MSTC has a place for you. Matt sits down with club members to talk about what makes this group special—from year-round training sessions and social events to the powerful community that lifts every athlete, no matter their pace.

Th...

Join us on the On Your Left Podcast with Matt Clem as we dive into the incredible stories of local doctor and ultra-distance athlete Rick Yelverton and Mississippi native turned Flagstaff resident Jackson Wolf. Both have conquered the legendary BadWater 135 and are gearing up for the upcoming Cocodina 250 in Arizona. Although Rick had to withdraw from this year's race, he shares valuable insights into the demands of ultra-distance ...

In Episode 5 of On Your Left, Matt Clem sits down with his sister, Kathy Clem, to talk about the Good Samaritan Center’s upcoming Kick Up the Dust Trail Run — a community-driven race you won’t want to miss.

Joining them is Claire Jungling of runSTRONG, the co-owner (along with her husband Jeremy) of a one-of-a-kind “running gym” based in Flowood, Mississippi. Known for shaking up the local running community with creative events lik...

For 23 years, Fleet Feet Jackson has been at the heart of the local running and fitness community, helping countless runners, walkers, and athletes find their stride. In this episode of On Your Left, host Matt Clem sits down with Jeff Wells, the original founder of Fleet Feet Jackson, and Lesley Holloman, the store’s current owner, to take a nostalgic walk down memory lane.

From its early days to becoming a go-to spot for running g...

Mississippi’s mountain biking scene is thriving, but do you know the key players behind the trails? In this episode of On Your Left, host Matt Clem sits down with the leaders of the state’s top MTB associations and SORBA representative Kevin McKone to discuss trail development, advocacy, and the future of mountain biking in Mississippi.

Meet the voices shaping your rides:

🚵 Luke Jackson – MSFits MTB (South MS)

🚵 Zack McRaney – SM...

In the debut episode of On Your Left, host Matt Clem dives into the rich history and community spirit behind the Mississippi 50, one of the most beloved trail races in the South. Joining him are three key figures of the event: longtime Race Director Dennis Bisnette, who shares insights into what it takes to organize this iconic race; Ethan Mayeu, a dedicated volunteer coordinator and aid station leader, who gives a behind-the-scene...