Runners, listen up! Even the best playlists can get boring after a lot of miles, so I suggest you start tuning in to podcasts as an alternative to your top-40 playlists. Whether you are in need of some extra running or fitness motivation, lifestyle tips and hacks, or general entertainment, there is a podcast that will fit your mood. Here are some podcasts that I am currently obsessed with now, that will get you THIS pumped to run:
Photo credit: Meredith Ruth, Seattle 108 Wanderlust Festival
- Rich Roll: My new favorite podcast! Episodes cover a wide range of topics, but tend to focus on health, wellness, and nutrition, a balanced lifestyle, and incredible feats of athletic achievement. Rich Roll has a relaxed tone and his lengthy interviews dive deep into the lives and minds of his inspirational guests. I get very excited every time I see a new episode on my iTunes queue! Some favorite Rich Roll episodes: Stephen & David Flynn Are the Happy Pear, How Jasmin Singer Lost 100 Pounds by Finding Peace With Herself, and Robin Arzon Wants You to Shut Up and Run.
- Real Talk Radio with Nicole Antoinette: Upon finishing every one of these podcasts, I immediately want to tackle something new and adventurous. Nicole has a gift for keeping conversations interesting and provides listeners with some passionate, unfiltered, honest conversations. Some favorite Real Talk episodes: Alaistar Humphry’s on Cycling Around the World, Chelsea Fagan Why We Need to be Honest About Money, Matt Frazier on Running, Compassionate Eating, and the Messy Reality of Setting Big Goals.
- Running on Om: A delightful podcast. As one reviewer commented, “If you are into wellness, optimal health, being active, or just need a little positive inspiration in your life, podcast host Julia Hanlon interviews runners, yogis, hikers, marathoners, ultra-marathoners, triathletes, and gets a beautiful glimpse into the lives of some seriously inspiring, motivated people doing really cool things”. I couldn’t agree more! Julia’s genuine interviews are often running and yoga focused, and are definitely worth a listen. Some favorite ROO episodes (hard to narrow the list down!): Ask Lauren Fleshman series, Real Talk Reflections series, Sally Bergesen on the Inspiration Behind Oiselle and Sports Activism, Amanda Nurse on Finding Joy in Improvement.
- Marathon Training Academy: Hosts Trevor and Angie Spencer have a great knack for keeping listeners informed and entertained in their running-focused podcasts. They are a cohesive pair that provide straightforward marathon and ultra-marathon reviews, running tips and lessons learned. Some favorite MTA episodes: How Running Changes Your Brain, Interview with Tom Foreman, How to Beat a Motivational Slump in Your Running, and Race Recap of the Boston Marathon.
- Ultramarathon News: Also known as ultra-runner podcast, this ultra-distance focused podcast is perfect for long runs where you need extra inspiration to keep going. The guests and host Eric Schranz are interesting, entertaining, and informative. Nothing like an interview with an ultra-marathon runner to get you motivated! Some favorite URT episodes: Caroline Boller Interview, Michele Yates Interview, Ethan Newberry Ginger Runner Interview.
What are YOUR favorite podcasts? Do you also listen to any of the above?
Do you prefer listening to podcasts, music, or neither while running?
What are YOU up to this weekend? Anyone running a race, long run, or have any other fun plans? Enjoy the outdoors but stay cool whatever you do! I have a wedding on tap this weekend and then some beach time for a few days on Cape Cod. Can’t wait! Have a great weekend and let me know what you’re up to!
Note: this post was originally written by me for Run Farther and Faster blog.
Jane Runs Wild 
Thank you for those! I listen to podcasts when I do my cooking marathons (for several blocks of 12-hour shifts that I work) and will certainly tune in to these for added inspiration.
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Awesome! Rich Roll’s podcast has a lot of food talk- enjoy and let me know what you think!
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Yes! A good list of podcasts made most of my long solo training runs for my spring 50k possible! I love Running on Om and Real Talk Radio with Nicole Antoinette, and I especially love the Real Talk reflection series with Julie and Nicole. One of my other favorite podcasts is Snap Judgement. It’s not running related, just awesome story telling. I highly recommend it!
As far as running and then weekend goes, I am also headed to a wedding on Saturday, so I’m getting my long run in this morning, and thankfully, it’s nice and cool!
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Great suggestions. I will definitely check out the Ultramarathon News one, since I’ve been thinking about dabbling more in the trails. I have a list of all of the podcasts I’ve listened to on my blog. My favorites at the moment are Katy Says and the Runner’s World podcast, but I have about 7 podcasts in my regular rotation.
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Really enjoy trailrunnernation. Currently working back through the archives
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I’ve never thought to listen to a podcast. I usually don’t listen to this sort of thing because I don’t want to use up all my data but I bet you could download one and add it to your phone. I’ll have to look into this, thanks!
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You can download the podcast when using wifi so it will be on your phone and you won’t have to use data when you listen. I actually listen to mine through my ipod which doesn’t take up data. Enjoy!
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Thanks, I’ll check it out :)
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Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll definitely check out the Marathon Training Academy during my next long run.
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can you believe i’ve never listened to a podcast? i am so out of the loop (and such a music junkie)! i should check them out -thx for the suggestions. i thought of you recently b/c one of my best friends goes to Wanderlust in VT every year, and i know you teach at them!
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Oh nice, how did she like it?! You should definitely check out Wanderlust if you haven’t already! Also how’s marathon training going for you? Wineglass training has been tough in the heat but I’m seeing some reprieve from the hot weather this weekend up north fortunately :)
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So many years running and I never thought about listening to a podcast! Great idea! Thank you!
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Some of these podcasts are life-changing. Check them out and let me know your thoughts!
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I actually have never listened to a podcast during a run! I bet I’d like it though. When I had to resort to the treadmill during winter runs, I would bring my iPad with me and watch Netflix! This weekend I’m running a beer mile relay race (as long as my foot is okay) and then going to a Pure Barre workout Sunday for charity!
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Thanks for these. I’m going to try some of these. Any feedback on the Runner’s World podcast? I’m planning to check those out as well.
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I haven’t listened to it yet actually! It’s on my list. Check it out and let me know your thoughts!
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Will do. :)
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I’ve tuned in and they have potential. Not my favorite yet, but I look forward to seeing how they improve in the future :-)
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:)
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Oh, exactly what I needed today! I mainly listen to Swedish (unfortunately not very helpful unless you understand Swedish!) training and health related podcasts but have been looking for interesting and ‘training based’ podcasts in English. Will check out the ones you recommended, thanks for sharing! x
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If you want training-based podcasts, definitely check out marathon Training academy first! Good luck and have a great run this weekend!
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Ah fabulous, thank you so much! :) Have a lovely weekend!
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These are awesome suggestions–I can’t wait to check out Rich Roll, and I love ROO and Real Talk Radio! I’m a little bit of a podcast junkie–here are some other fun ones:
– Runner’s Connect’s Run to the Top (super motivating/lots of running-related interviews)
– I’ve listened to a couple of the Runner’s World podcasts and they’re great
– Call Your Girlfriend (not running-related but super interesting and fun empowering topics from two very smart, sassy ladies)
– Nerdy NPR favorites: Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me, Note to Self, Invisibelia, This American Life, Dear Sugar Radio, Freakonomics
– Serial! Especially the first season if you somehow missed it.
– Any of the Slate.com podcasts–I love the Slate Culture Gabfest
I’m running the Old Port Half Marathon in Portland Maine this weekend and looking forward, especially since the weather is looking MUCH better than it was early this week! Enjoy the Cape!!
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Marathon talk and Talk Ultra are good uk ones
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I agree – I tend to go through phases of listening to MarathonTalk and then I won’t listen to it for a few months, but it’s good to come back to it :-)
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Thank you for the suggestions! Rich Roll is my husband’s favorite podcast yet I’ve somehow never checked it out. I listen to Runner’s Connect Run to the Top and Totally Married. Totally Married isn’t running related, but it’s a pretty hilarious wife and husband show.
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YES! I love all of these!! Some others I listen to: Thought For Food podcast, Endurance Planet podcast, No Meat Athlete podcast, Ask Me Another with Lindsey Heim and The Sporkful
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I also Love Nicole Antoinette & Julia Hanlon!! And completely agree with the episodes you recommended. I’d also add with Nicole’s- the episode with Jason Fitzgerald!
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Oh good call, that’s a great episode as well! Very informative.
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Hmm I’ll have to check those out. I honestly haven’t delved into any running podcasts yet. I mostly listen to the DnD podcast and I am currently burning my way through The Adventure Zone (another DnD/comedy podcast).
When I’m out on the trails I do not bring anything with me in terms of music or sound. I prefer to hear the ambient noises around me, good or bad.
This weekend: long run Saturday and maybe a hill or two on Sunday. Probably going to a splash park with the family and maybe get a little writing in.
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Sounds like a fun weekend ahead! Have a good one!
And trail running is definitely different from roads- I can see why you’d want to just be one with nature. Speaking of- I have a trail race next weekend– I usually bring music with me when I race, but since it’s a trail race I’m not sure. What are your thoughts? Music or no music? There aren’t any headphone restrictions at this trail race.
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Tough call. I’d leave it up to personal choice. If you are used to using earbuds in a race it might change your game to suddenly hear everything (or nothing).
Also in a race setting you’re less likely to need to hear what’s happening around you as in animals sneaking up on you.
Give a shot without. What’s the worst that could happen? You decide you don’t like it and go back to music.
Have fun in the race!
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Thanks so much for your opinion! Really appreciate it :)
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These are great! A few that I love- Tough Girl Podcast, all about ladies kicking butt. They recently did one with Nikki Kimball which I absolutely loooooved. What else…. ooh Running Commentary, which is just two guys who record the conversations they have when running. It’s really interesting to listen to, as they talk about life, the universe, running, and pretty much everything else. Love it :)
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Thanks so much for these recs! I can’t even imagine recording a podcast while I’m running, so I’m curious what running commentary is like! Have a great weekend girl!
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I’m saving this list. I love finding new podcasts! I haven’t tried podcasts while running, yet, but that’s a great idea for changing up the playlist (I once tried an audiobook and that completely didn’t work out while running, but podcasts might be different).
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Great list! I’ve listened to Marathon Training Academy before. I’ve recently been turned onto Run to the Top podcasts with elite, Tina Muir. I like her genuine and down to earth tone. Her episodes are full of useful info. I usually listen when driving to work or getting ready. Pandora radio takes me through long runs. :-)
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Love Tina’s podcast! She has some great interviews. Thank you!
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Great list! I have several of them in my line up as well. I find listening to podcast is often more relaxing than music. Here’s a couple I enjoy while running: The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe, This American Life, and TED Radio Hour.
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TED radio hour is awesome. Thanks for these!
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Great list and will have to check them out. I am a huge fan of Denny Krahe and his podcast at DizRuns. He has a great background in exercise and running and has some great guests on too.
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I’ve never listened to podcasts while running or working out. I like music, generally. For running I use Zombies, Run! because I find it’s helpful to have my music broken up by the story, and I know that if I keep going I get to hear a bit more of the plot!
I have watched YouTube videos and documentaries whilst on the exercise bike, which is a great distraction from the pain in my legs. I should give podcasts a go for running.
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Wow, I’ve never heard of Zombies, Run! But will check it out!
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It’s really fun. Although I am a wimp and turn chases off because I think I would freak out at the sound of hungry zombies groaning behind me!
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I’ve never listened to a podcast. This is a good list to start because even though I enjoy listening to music, sometimes it annoys me and I find myself turning it off.
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Sounds like podcasts would be a great alternative!
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I think so.
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Very excited to get into The Marathon Training Academy. Thanks for the suggestions Love!
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Ooooh! I love this! I usually listen to audiobooks via Overdrive (one double speed because it helps me keep my pace). I’ll have to check some of these out!
xox
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*ON double speed…
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I normally listen to rock music when I run. But, I occasionally listen to podcasts while running, and always when I’m working out at the gym. I have a desk job, so I spend my day listening. I listen to all that you listed except Real Talk Radio and Ultramarathon News. I’ll check those out.
I also listen to The Running Lifestyle Show with Kari Gormley, and Runners Connect Run to the Top with Tina Muir. And of course the Diz Runs With podcast with Denny Krahe (on which I was a guest).
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Hi Jane
I enjoyed this article, thanks for posting it! I will look into adding some to my jogging routine, let’s connect?
Visit my blog at http://www.healthyliving894.com
Kind regards
Greta
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I have heard lots of talk about listening to pod casts and have never tried. I’ll give it a go.
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