HappyCast

Happy Endings Trail Productions
  • 4.9 (34)
  • Running
  • Updated Weekly

From the folks who bring you Happy Endings Trail Crew. Dylan, Stephanie and Andrew talk about how they started Happy Endings and the vision they have for building the community around trail running even stronger.

  1. A 100-Mile Loop Around New York City

    5d ago

    A 100-Mile Loop Around New York City

    Stephanie is joined by Sam Stiles for a chaotic, funny, and heartfelt recap of the Great New York 100, a grassroots 100-mile loop around New York City. After meeting during the Connecticut 123, where they shared roughly 40 miles together, Stephanie reached out to Sam with a huge ask: come pace her through the night in New York, help navigate the city, and make sure she did not accidentally turn the race into what her friends lovingly called “the Murder Race.” Sam answered the call, commuting from Connecticut by car, train, and subway before jumping in for a 36-mile overnight pacing adventure.   Together, Stephanie and Sam break down what makes this race so unique: the 5:00 AM start in Times Square, the route through parks, boardwalks, bridges, and city streets, the grassroots race logistics, the lack of bathrooms, the importance of headlamps, and the constant need to watch for course markings, traffic, bikes, and, yes, rats. From counting 11 oversized New York rats to flying down the Brooklyn Bridge with three miles to go, they share the details that made the race both ridiculous and unforgettable.   The episode also zooms out into the bigger picture of ultra-running community. Stephanie reflects on the way Sam showed up for her in New York, then how she turned around days later to course mark and volunteer at Copper Kings in Montana. Sam shares what is next for him, including running in Colombia and future race possibilities, while Stephanie talks through recovery, upcoming back-to-back 100-milers, and the logistics that still have her nervous. At the heart of the episode is the reminder that ultra-running is full of wild ideas, generous people, and the kind of stories that only happen when someone says yes to doing something stupid with you. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon. Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at info@happyendingstc.org

    55 min
  2. Building Trails, Building Community: Mindy Coolman and the GOATZ Story

    Jun 15

    Building Trails, Building Community: Mindy Coolman and the GOATZ Story

    Stephanie sits down with Mindy Coolman, race director of Crown of the Crest and a key member of GOATZ (Greater Omaha Area Trail Runners), to explore what goes into creating memorable trail running experiences. From local 5Ks to challenging 100-mile events, Mindy shares the story behind GOATZ, the evolution of their race lineup, and the passion that fuels Nebraska’s growing trail running community. The conversation dives into the often-unseen side of race directing: recruiting volunteers, designing runner experiences, balancing logistics, and fostering the welcoming atmosphere that keeps athletes coming back year after year. Stephanie reflects on her recent experience at Crown of the Crest, while Mindy offers insight into what makes a race feel special long after runners cross the finish line. Along the way, they swap stories about ultra-running culture, race-day fueling, recovery, injuries, and the lessons that come from spending countless hours on the trail. From ambitious future race goals to the surprising appeal of sweaty pocket Oreos, this episode is a fun and honest look at the people, challenges, and community that make endurance sports so rewarding. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon. Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at info@happyendingstc.org

    1h 7m
  3. We're Still Here: Life, Running, and the Chaos In Between

    Jun 1

    We're Still Here: Life, Running, and the Chaos In Between

    After nearly two months apart, Andrew and Stephanie finally sit down behind the microphones again for one of the most personal and unscripted episodes of HappyCast yet. Between moves, injuries, career changes, dating adventures, and life simply getting in the way, the crew reflects on why the podcast went quiet and what they've been navigating away from the trails. Dylan may be off racing Possums 56K, but he's still very much part of the conversation as the hosts catch up on everything that's happened since Grasslands. The discussion dives into something many runners eventually face: what happens when running can no longer be the center of your world? Andrew and Stephanie talk candidly about identity, mental health, healing after setbacks, finding community outside of running, and learning to build a life that's bigger than race calendars and Strava segments. Along the way, Stephanie shares stories about fishing, golf cart adventures, dating outside the running community, and discovering new sources of joy and dopamine beyond ultrarunning. Of course, the conversation eventually finds its way back to the trails, including Andrew's wild Cocodona 250 crewing experience, a last-minute rescue mission involving Gus Rodriguez, shout-outs to friends tackling races around the country, and reflections on the pressure, perseverance, and vulnerability that make the ultrarunning community so unique. It's messy, honest, occasionally hilarious, and exactly the kind of conversation that happens when friends finally have time to catch up. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon. Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at info@happyendingstc.org

    1h 23m
  4. Grasslands, Grit,and Women WhoKeep Showing Up with Lindsey Duffield

    May 13

    Grasslands, Grit,and Women WhoKeep Showing Up with Lindsey Duffield

    This week on Happy Endings, Stephanie Stonebraker hosts guest, Lindsey Duffield for an episode full of big feelings, big miles, and a whole lot of women doing badass things. Before diving into Grasslands, Stephanie and Lindsey reflect on the heaviness surrounding Cocodona, while also celebrating Rachel Entrekin’s historic overall win and the powerful reminder that women are showing up, leading races, breaking records, and redefining what’s possible in ultrarunning. Lindsey shares her journey from losing 100 pounds and running her first road race in 2020 to discovering trail running, tackling her first 50-miler, completing the Lone Star Slam, earning a sub-24-hour 100-mile finish, and eventually taking on tough mountain races like Bear, Kettle Moraine, and Silamoo. She also revisits her first Grasslands 100, the muddy year that tested her to the core, and the people who helped get her to the finish when quitting felt close. The conversation centers on Lindsey’s most recent Grasslands finish, where extreme heat, disciplined fueling, friendship, pacers, and a little bit of scheming all came together. Lindsey talks about running most of the race with Sarah, recruiting Ashley to pace her final 50K, and realizing that her pacer was strong enough to almost drop her. The episode wraps with a reminder to chase the scary goals anyway, as Lindsey looks ahead to attempting the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon. Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at info@happyendingstc.org

    1h 8m
  5. Running Across Connecticut

    Apr 16

    Running Across Connecticut

    This week, Stephanie is holding it down solo and sitting down with Connecticut’s own Evan Titus. Andrew’s working, Dylan’s tied up, but the show rolls on—and honestly, this one feels like a classic “how did we get here?” kind of episode in the best way. Evan’s story is anything but traditional. From years of playing rugby to signing up for a random 10K in college, he walks through how one decision snowballed into marathons, 50 milers, and eventually 100Ks. It’s the kind of progression that doesn’t come from a perfectly mapped-out plan—it comes from curiosity, consistency, and just not putting the running shoes back down. The conversation dives into what it looks like to figure things out as you go, building fitness on the fly, and embracing the unknown as you step deeper into the ultra world. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have the “perfect” background to get into endurance running, Evan’s story is a great reminder—you really just have to start. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon. Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at info@happyendingstc.org

    56 min
  6. Chasing Cutoffs and Finding Yourself in Kentucky

    Mar 25

    Chasing Cutoffs and Finding Yourself in Kentucky

    HappyCast is back with a new episode at what can only be described as “the speed of slug”—with a raw, unfiltered catch-up episode full of trail chaos, life updates, and a whole lot of honesty. Stephanie dives deep into her recent races, including LOViT and a tough DNF at a brutal Kentucky course, sharing what it’s like to chase cutoffs, navigate technical terrain, and show up completely solo. From sleeping in her car to learning she doesn’t need a crew or pacer, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons and real growth.   The conversation doesn’t shy away from the mental side of ultrarunning either—what it feels like to be proud and disappointed at the same time, how DNFs can humble you, and the ongoing internal battle between “I belong here” and “I have work to do.” Stephanie opens up about pushing into harder races, figuring out whether getting faster actually matters, and continuing to show up in spaces that feel uncomfortable—all while trying to inspire others to do the same.   Andrew brings his signature humor and perspective, recapping the chaos of Sam’s Last Stand, a fat-ass-style race full of DNFs, unexpected wins, and unforgettable moments (including a runner pacing with a random dog). Together, they reflect on how far they’ve come—from running races together to navigating life, racing, and everything in between. It’s messy, hilarious, a little unhinged—and exactly what you’d expect from a HappyCast comeback episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon. Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at info@happyendingstc.org

    1h 9m
  7. Respect the Distance (And the Hip)

    Feb 18

    Respect the Distance (And the Hip)

    The band is back together — and by “band,” we mean three ultra runners in wildly different seasons of life trying to figure out who they are when they’re not toeing a 100+-mile start line. Dylan makes his long-awaited return to the mic and shares how 2025 humbled him at Rocky, why he’s stepping back to truly respect the 50K and 100K distances, and how sustainability (and maybe 2027 plans 👀) are shaping his next chapter. Sometimes the bravest move isn’t chasing another buckle — it’s recalibrating. Meanwhile, Stephanie is navigating a frustrating hip injury, post-race blues, and an unexpected new identity built around puzzles, peaceful evenings, and female bartenders. What happens when running isn’t the loudest thing in your life anymore? Is it growth? Is it denial? Is it both? The crew dives into injury fear, post-ultra depression, and the uncomfortable space between “who I was” and “who I’m becoming.” And Andrew? He spent Rocky Raccoon dressed as a chicken while serving as a race medic. Yes, really. From rhabdo calls to emotional IT band interventions (delivered in feathers), this episode balances vulnerability with absolute chaos — exactly how we like it. It’s a check-in episode. It’s reflective. It’s unhinged. It’s HappyCast. As always: language warning. Possibly costume warning. And remember — the hip don’t lie. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon. Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at info@happyendingstc.org

    1 hr
  8. Texas John & the Pennine Way Crusade

    Jan 28

    Texas John & the Pennine Way Crusade

    The HappyCast is back for its second episode of the season, and what better way to continue the chaos than to have John Farris return for this third episode - this time to talk about one of the most insane and unforgettable races yet: the Montane Winter Spine Race. This is a 268 mile foot race across the pond in the UK in the dead of winter that has developed quite the reputation. Could you do a race that had no checkpoint or aid station for up to 60 miles at a time? How about not having any pacers or crew?  We sit down and sip on some beverages and let loose with John as we catch up and see how things have been going since his last appearance a year and a half ago. From incredible highs, to some unfortunate lows, John has been through it all, but it’s safe to say that things have never been better.  From training, race logistics, oversleeping, testicular chaffing and borderline rectal hemorrhaging (and one unfortunate aid station volunteer), this episode has it all.  And as always, thank you Jose Cuervo for unofficially sponsoring this podcast, and thank you for your service, Trojan. You were good while it lasted.  We can’t wait to have John on for a fourth time, but we will have to wait and see what adventures await the Texas legend himself.  Disclaimer: language warning, and drinking warning Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon. Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at info@happyendingstc.org

    1h 35m
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4.9
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

From the folks who bring you Happy Endings Trail Crew. Dylan, Stephanie and Andrew talk about how they started Happy Endings and the vision they have for building the community around trail running even stronger.

Information

  • Creator
    Happy Endings Trail Productions
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    190
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 HappyCast
  • Show Website
    HappyCast

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