Fans of well-crafted fiction will enjoy this episode: Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist delve deeply into the latest from Daniel Mason, the author of the highly acclaimed 2023 novel North Woods. Ellison rhapsodizes about a debut, multi-generational novel set in coastal Louisiana, then she details another family saga that takes place at a Midwestern island resort. Next up is a buzzy thriller by the author of the popular novel Dietland. The duo wraps up with a lively discussion about a debut novel sparked by a real-life controversy. The books covered:Country People: Daniel MasonShould the Waters Take Us: Stephanie SoileauMake Nice: Ryan EffgenFurious Violet: Sarai WalkerThe Simp: Roshan SethiFeisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

Anyone looking for a new running challenge needs to listen to this episode: The guests are running and strength coach Christy Scott, plus three real-world runners who talk about taking on a new-for-them distance: a half-marathon, a marathon, and a 100-mile (!) ultramarathon. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin, the guests share:-the power of consistency—and staying present in the moment-how one runner proved her cancer doctors wrong-why one chose marathon training to control the chaos in her life-how they fared in their longer race (blisters and all!)-how one 67-year-old runner fit a shower + nap into her 100-milerBefore Coach Christy kicks things off around 13:54, Sarah shares a story about a sporty friend’s birthday party she just attended.Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

This is the ideal episode for anyone struggling with an injury or going through a tough time in life. In a bit of a shift from her usual performance-centric books, Coach Liz Waterstraat tells host Sarah Bowen Shea about The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans by Maya Shankar. As part of the conversation, the host duo talks about the power of awe and its ability to get you out of your own head—a joyous phenomenon that can happen during a run, ride, or game. Coach Liz wisely suggestions ways to reframe a post-injury period. And she details a resonate garden metaphor from the book.Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

This is the ideal episode for runners and walkers to get solutions for all their skin-related issues and concerns—no topic is off-limits or TMI. The guest is Brooke Jackson, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, marathon runner, and author of Skincare for Runners. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Britany Williams, Dr. Jackson offers up:-solutions for post-run heat rash and hives-loads of sun-protection insight + (scared-straight!) wisdom-best practices for effective sunscreen application-deodorant and antiperspirant recommendations-save-the-toenail guidanceBefore the guest joins around 22:52, Molly Williams shares all the happy details about her middle daughter’s recent wedding (part of a family hike last Monday!). Note: The conversation with Dr. Jackson is part of an April 2022 episode, while the Molly-Sarah chitchat is brand new.

Anyone looking for novels to read at the pool, beach, or on a plane will appreciate the entertaining, well-crafted books discussed in this episode. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist start with the “subtle beauty” of the latest novel by Ann Patchett (the host-duo detail their favorite novels by this esteemed author). In discussing a new domestic thriller, they debate why male narrators are somewhat rare in that genre. An engaging new book that elevates the standard beach read prompts a series of sideline conversations about various generations. Finally, each host shares a graphic novel she’s recently read. The books discussed:Whistler: Ann PatchettThe Au Pair: Teddy WayneThe Shampoo Effect: Jenny JacksonAnxietyland: Gemma CorrellCharity and Sylvia: Tillie WaldenFeisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

This is an episode for everyone as grief is a recurring facet of all our lives. The guest is Myra Sack, the founder of E-Motion and author of Fifty-seven Fridays, a memoir about the life and January 2021 death of her young daughter. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, Myra shares:-the founding of her org near Boston’s Heartbreak Hill-why the repetitive, rhythmic nature of running helps process grief-the power of having someone running by your side-the healing capacity of nature-the group’s unique approach to hill repeatsBefore the guest joins around 15:55, the hosts talk about recent adventures they’ve had with their respective daughters.Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

The Miles of Books Non-Fiction Debut Episode originally dropped on April 22, 2025.This debut episode is ideal listening for all athletes, especially ones in a pursuit of increased athletic enjoyment and success. Along with host Sarah Bowen Shea, Coach Liz Waterstraat does a deep dive into the new book Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change by Olga Khazan. Among other things, Coach Liz discusses the importance of openness during a race; how conscientiousness can help runners succeed in training; and why being more outgoing might deepen your connection to running. (As promised, here’s Coach Liz on Goodreads.)Other books Coach Liz recommends:How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be: Katy MilkmanFour Thousand Weeks: Oliver BurkemanUnwinding Anxiety: Judson BrewerThe Miles of Books Debut Fiction Episode originally dropped on May 6, 2025.Fiction lovers will delight in this first novel-filled episode of our new biweekly [now weekly!] podcast. In a lively conversation, Ellison Weist talks up these four books with host Sarah Bowen Shea:The Fisherman’s Gift: Julia R. KellyTilt: Emma PatteeMurder at Gulls Nest: Jess KiddI See You’ve Called in Dead: John KenneyOther books Ellison is looking forward to reading:33 Place Brugmann: Alice AustenA Gentleman’s Gentleman: T J AlexanderFeisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

This episode originally dropped on February 23, 2024.Anyone considering or training for a half-marathon or marathon needs to listen to this episode with running legend Deena Kastor, Olympic bronze medalist in marathon and author of Let Your Mind Run. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, Deena shares:-ways to banish the intimidation factor of a long run-what “the insistent mind” is—and how to get into it-positive interpretations of the signals your body sends you mid-run-her acceptance of slowing down + running shorter races-the power of tune-up races—and inspirational quotesThe hosts talk overnight oats (!) before Deena joins around 9:25.Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

Calling all cooking and baking enthusiasts: This special episode is for you! Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Sheila Gencarelli, both avid cooks/bakers, serve up a conversation about four new cookbooks. They discuss standout recipes; baking with a variety of flours; small-batch nut butters; and numerous quick weeknight dinner options. The cookbooks they discuss:Easy Everyday: 100 Recipes and Meal Prep Ideas for Effortless Eats: Jessica MerchantBig Bites: Time to Eat!: Nourishing Family Recipes That Cook in an Hour or Less: Kat AshmoreMorning Baker: Roxana JullapatCooking Fast and Slow: Easy, Comforting, (Mostly) Plant-Based Recipes for Busy People: Natalia RudinFeisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

If you’re trail-running curious—or just love inspiring athletes—this is the episode for you! Host Sarah Bowen Shea is joined by guest host Corrine Malcolm, co-host of Trail Society podcast, to talk with Stephanie Irving, 64, an avid trail runner running the legendary Western States 100, where she’ll be the second oldest female participant; she’s also the co-founder of Wild Woman Trail Runs. In this in-person episode recorded just days before the big race, Steph and Corrine detail:-what’s so special about WS100-the “magic” of a women’s-only running race like Wild Woman-how to stop thinking about age as an impediment-fueling advice for endurance races-the value in going before you're ready—whether in a race or life!Before Steph joins the conversation around 11:55, Corrine sheds light on the history of the Western States race.Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121