Tales from the Trail: Why I Reimagined My Podcast Around Running, Hiking, and Real Life
For a long time I have always wanted to have a podcast about running and the outdoors. And when I finally took the leap, I posted a few episodes, but then just fell off the habit of creating and posting episodes. It has been a couple months since I had posted an episode. And during this down time, I have done a lot of reflecting and thinking about the podcast and what I wanted this podcast to really be able. And this weeks episode was all about what I saw this podcast looking like. This one is a reset, a reintroduction, and a look at where the show is headed. I’m sharing why I reimagined the podcast, what the new name means, and the four themes that will shape future episodes. If you love running, hiking, backpacking, or simply want to stay connected to the outdoors while managing everyday life, this show is for you.
Why I Reimagined the Podcast
Life got busy. I started teaching again, began a new graduate program, and dealt with a summer injury. That made it harder to keep the podcast going at its old pace. And honestly, not being able to run and hike the way that I wanted, made me feel like I didn’t have anything to share, or know what I was talking about. You could say that my imposter syndrome hit me hard. But the break also gave me time to consider whether the show still felt like the one I wanted to make. I realized it needed a new direction. The old name, Running for Joy, is still part of this show’s story. But I wanted a name broad enough to encompass running, the outdoors, and the ways they connect with mindset and everyday life. That’s how Tales from the Trail was born.
Bringing Running and the Outdoors Together
Running and outdoor adventure are two worlds I love. And I have always wanted to find a way to share my experiences from both worlds in one place. I’ve found plenty of social media accounts dedicated to one or the other, and a few that bring them together. And honestly I don’t know of any podcast that combine them. So if you know of any let me know! But I wanted a podcast where both could share the same space. Some episodes might be about trail running or race training. Others might focus on a backpacking trip, a hike, a shift in mindset, or the way everyday life affects our ability to get outside. This isn’t about presenting a perfect outdoor life. It’s about making room for the fun, the challenges, and the messy reality of trying to stay active and connected to nature. I still feel like I am not good enough, but yet I also know that I have a lot of knowledge and experience that I can share.
The Four Themes of the Show
The reimagined podcast has four main themes. They’re guideposts, not strict categories. Some episodes may explore more than one.
The first pillar is The Grounded Trail. This theme is about mindset, personal growth, and the inner side of outdoor life. Nature can be a mirror: a solo trail mile or a tough run might reveal something about patience, resilience, or burnout.Episodes may explore:
Lessons learned from solo trail miles
Working through burnout or a tough day
Finding patience when plans change
Seasonal mental resets
How digital culture affects our connection to nature
These conversations are personal reflections and experiences, not professional coaching or mental health advice.
The second pillar is Paces and Pine. This is the hiking, backpacking, and wilderness-culture side of the show. It’s where I’ll talk about weekend trips, day hikes, camping, gear, and the practical details that help make outdoor time possible. You may hear about:
Hiking and backpacking trip recaps
Favorite high-elevation routes
Trail meal experiments
Gear reviews and innovations
Permits, trail closures, and park policies
Current events
Leave No Trace and outdoor advocacy
Getting outside is about more than enjoying the view. It also means caring for the places we visit and staying informed about the rules and conditions that affect them.
The third pillar is Trail and Tempo. This is the running-focused theme, covering road runs, trail runs, workouts, races, and the process of building toward goals.Possible topics include:
Workout and race recaps
Training updates and race build-ups
Breakthrough moments
Fears and challenges in the running world
The solitude and perspective that running can bring
I’m excited to return to this part of the show as my heel heals and I can start training again.
The last pillar is Growth in Motion. This theme connects outdoor life with work, routines, and everyday responsibilities. Our schedules affect our energy and our ability to get outside, and time outdoors can shape how we feel when we return to daily life. Episodes may touch on:
Morning routines and habit building
Balancing outdoor time with work and life
Fueling my body
Celebrating non-metric victories
Staying grounded through changing seasons and circumstances
Not every win is measured by pace, distance, or a race result. Sometimes success is getting outside, taking the rest you need, or building a routine that supports you through a busy season.
A Podcast That Can Change With Real Life
I want this podcast to feel fun to make. Some episodes will focus on one theme; others may bring two, three, or all four together. That flexibility is intentional. Real life doesn’t fit into neat categories, and the show doesn’t have to either. I hope Tales from the Trail becomes a welcoming place for stories, practical ideas, and honest conversations about outdoor life. I’d love to hear your feedback and ideas, and I hope we can build a positive community around the show.
What’s Next for Tales from the Trail?
You can expect stories from the trail and from running, honest updates about training and setbacks, outdoor trip ideas and gear talk, and reflections on the habits and mindset that connect adventure with everyday life.Whether you’re a runner, hiker, backpacker, or someone who simply wants to spend more time outside, I’m glad you’re here. This is the beginning of a new chapter—and I’m excited to see where the trail leads.
