Real Life Runners with Angie and Kevin Brown

Angie and Kevin Brown
Real Life Runners with Angie and Kevin Brown

Angie and Kevin Brown are here to help real life runners to improve their running and their life through conversations about training, mindset, nutrition, health and wellness, family, and all the crazy things that life throws at us.  The lessons that we learn from running can carry over into all aspects of our life, and we are here to explore those connections through current research, our experiences, and stories from real people out on the roads and trails, so that you can become a physically and mentally stronger runner and achieve the goals that matter to you. We are Kevin and Angie Brown, husband and wife, mom and dad, coaches, and runners. Angie holds her doctorate degree in physical therapy and uses running as part of her integrated fitness routine. Kevin is a marathoner who has been coaching runners for over a decade.  Together, we want to help make running more accessible to more people, so that more people can gain the benefits of being a Real Life Runner. 

  1. 1D AGO

    418: Push Through

    Pushing Through Life’s Challenges: How Running Builds Your Resilience In this episode of The Real Life Runners Podcast, I’m getting real about feeling overwhelmed — from home repairs to family chaos to just life piling up. Honestly? My first instinct is often to shut down. But that’s not where growth happens. Today, I’m sharing how running teaches us to keep moving forward, even when life feels heavy. The same skills we use on the run—taking one small step, focusing on the next breath, shifting “I have to” into “I get to”—can help us navigate life’s messier moments too. I’ll walk you through how I’m leaning into these strategies myself right now, and how you can use them to stay grounded, find your strength, and keep showing up… both on the run and in life. 00:00 Introduction: When Life Feels Overwhelming 01:10 A Messy House and a Heavy Heart 02:34 Pushing Through the Tough Times 05:06 The Power of Gratitude and Reframing 05:55 Running as a Metaphor for Life 08:46 Zooming In and Zooming Out 12:58 Taking the Next Right Step 18:51 Embracing the Journey Join the Real Life Runners Team today!  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Join the Team! --> https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

    23 min

  2. JUL 10

    417: Menopause Myths in the Running World—And What Women Really Need

    As women runners over 40, we often face a wave of confusing (and sometimes extreme) advice about menopause and fitness — especially on social media. In this episode, we cut through the noise and dive into what really matters when it comes to training during perimenopause and beyond. We break down the most common menopause myths circulating in the running community and explore the physiological shifts happening in midlife. From hormone changes to training adaptations, we highlight what women truly need to feel strong, empowered, and capable — not just now, but for the long run. In this episode, we cover: The problem with social media extremes & one-size-fits-all adviceHormonal changes and their real impact on training and recoveryWhy strength training is non-negotiable in midlifeThe truth about weight gain, metabolism, and cortisolHow to balance intensity, recovery, and mindset for lifelong performanceThe trend of “cycle syncing” vs. what’s actually helpful for aging runnersWhy personalized training matters more now than everWhether you're running through hot flashes or just looking to stay consistent through the transitions of midlife, this episode will leave you informed, empowered, and supported. 02:01 Menopause Myths and Social Media 06:23 Understanding Hormonal Changes 08:07 Training Adaptations for Menopausal Women 12:06 Menopause Myths in Training 14:20 Cycle Specific Training 18:31 Progressive Overload and Recovery 22:42 Training Intensity Debate 27:14 Understanding Exercise Intensity for Aging Bodies 27:47 Weight Gain and Menopause: Myths and Realities 29:08 The Role of Cortisol in Weight Management 34:03 Strength Training: Essential for Midlife 35:11 Balancing Strength and Cardio for Runners 41:03 The Importance of Recovery and Nutrition 45:41 Mindset Shifts for Sustainable Health Join the Real Life Runners Team today!  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Join the Team! --> https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

    53 min

  3. JUL 3

    416: Cracking the Code: Overcoming Emotional Eating with Holly Bertone

    In today’s episode, I’m joined by the incredible Holly Bertone — a former FBI Chief of Staff turned certified holistic health coach — who now helps midlife women break free from emotional eating and step into their power. Holly shares her deeply personal journey, from leading high-stakes intelligence operations to uncovering the root causes of her own struggles with food. With a unique blend of counterintelligence tactics and brain science, she teaches how to identify emotional triggers, interrupt destructive patterns, and rewire your brain for long-term freedom — all without relying on willpower or restrictive diets. Together, we dive into the lies we’ve been told by the diet industry, why food feels so emotionally loaded (hello, childhood conditioning and clean plate club!), and how to create lasting change through awareness, forgiveness, and self-compassion. Holly also walks us through her signature 3-step process — See It, Stop It, Shift It — and shares a powerful tool to help you reclaim your relationship with food. Whether emotional eating has been a quiet companion or a daily struggle, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and empowered with tools that truly work. 🎁 PLUS: Don’t miss Holly’s free Emotional Eating Tactical Blueprint — available exclusively to our listeners!  00:13 – Meet Holly: From FBI to holistic health coach  02:00 – Her personal journey and struggles with food  12:57 – Exposing the lies of the diet industry  18:48 – Why we turn to food for comfort  23:56 – Food, emotions, and celebrations  26:18 – The Clean Plate Club and early conditioning  27:08 – Holly’s 3-step process: See It, Stop It, Shift It  36:48 – The power of rewriting your food story  42:23 – How to get Holly’s Emotional Eating Blueprint Ready to feel more in control and at peace with food? Let’s crack the code together. Join the Real Life Runners Team today!  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Join the Team! --> https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

    45 min

  4. JUN 26

    415: Injuries Are Not Normal — Let’s Stop Normalizing Pain in Running

    Let’s set the record straight: pain and injury are not just things runners have to live with. In this episode of the Real Life Runners podcast, we’re taking on one of the most damaging myths in the running world — the belief that hurting is normal, expected, or even necessary if you want to improve. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Yes, injuries are common — but that doesn’t make them inevitable. And accepting them as “part of the process” only keeps runners stuck in a frustrating cycle of pain, inconsistency, and burnout. We’re here to break that cycle. We’ll share real-life stories from our own journey and from runners we’ve coached — and we’ll unpack some of the most common injury drivers, including muscle imbalances, overtraining, poor recovery habits, underfueling, and chronic stress. More importantly, we’ll give you practical tools to run strong and stay healthy: ✅ Why strength training is non-negotiable ✅ How to personalize your plan to fit your life and body ✅ What proper recovery really looks like ✅ Why underfueling is sabotaging your progress (and how to fix it) ✅ How to stop outsourcing your intuition to your watch ✅ And the mindset shift that will help you run for the long haul, not just the next race Running shouldn’t hurt. And it’s time we stop normalizing it. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been running for decades, this episode will challenge how you think about pain, progress, and what’s actually possible for you. 00:43 The Trigger: Challenging Common Narratives 02:02 Understanding Pain vs. Discomfort 04:31 The Harmful Impact of Some Medical Advice 05:32 Rant: Misguided Medical Opinions 08:56 Reframing Pain and Injury in Running 10:38 The Elite Athlete Dilemma 19:22 Consistency Over Intensity 22:45 5 Common Causes of Running Injuries 39:41 5 Ways To Avoid Injuries Join the Real Life Runners Team today!  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Join the Team! --> https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

    52 min

  5. JUN 19

    414: Don’t Train on Leftovers: The Profit First Method for Runners

    What would it look like to pay yourself first when it comes to your health? In this episode, we explore how the Profit First principle—typically used in business—can be a powerful tool to help you shift how you think about your time, energy, and well-being. Instead of letting health be what’s leftover, we talk about putting it first—so you can show up stronger in all areas of life. We share personal insights, practical examples, and actionable strategies to help you prioritize what matters most—sleep, training, nutrition, and recovery—even in a busy life full of obligations. From blocking off time in your calendar to conducting a “time profit audit,” you’ll walk away with tools to create more balance, consistency, and sustainability in your health journey. We also dive into: Why so many of us struggle to prioritize ourselves—and how to change thatThe importance of boundaries, saying no, and asking for helpHow consistency beats intensity for long-term health and performanceWays to build a support system that lifts you upWhy recovery isn’t a luxury—it’s essentialThis is your reminder that your health isn’t selfish—it’s foundational. And it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Let’s reframe the way we show up for ourselves—one small choice at a time! 00:10 Profit First: Applying Business Concepts to Health 01:40 The Fence Metaphor: DIY Projects and Running 03:27 Prioritizing Health: A Common Struggle 04:51 The Profit First Equation: Flipping the Script 10:26 Real-Life Application: Prioritizing Sleep and Training 16:00 Balancing Obligations: Work, Family, and Health 20:30 The Importance of a Support System 24:04 Recovery Time: The Overlooked Priority 27:43 The Importance of Saying No and Setting Boundaries 29:53 Prioritizing Nutrition for Health and Performance 32:52 The Power of Consistency in Health Habits 37:10 Practical Tips for Scheduling and Meal Planning 44:43 The Importance of Boundaries and Self-Care 49:27 Join the Real Life Runners Team Join the Real Life Runners Team today!  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Join the Team! --> https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

    52 min

  6. JUN 12

    413: Running and Broken Fences: Stop Patching What Needs Replacing

    In this episode of The Real Life Runners Podcast, we’re diving into a real-life backyard issue—our deteriorating fence—and what it taught us about boundaries, both literal and personal. We use this everyday challenge as a powerful metaphor for the invisible structures that support our lives, our training, and our overall well-being. How often do we let little things slide—like a creaky fence or a nagging ache—telling ourselves we’ll deal with it later? But that “later” rarely comes without consequences. In this episode, we explore the hidden costs of procrastination, the signals our bodies send when we’re under-recovering, and how ignoring those signs can chip away at our physical and mental strength. We talk about what it really means to set healthy boundaries—both in our training and our personal lives—and how honoring those boundaries can lead to stronger results and greater resilience. From understanding your training load and recovery needs to navigating body changes and emotional stressors, we’re bringing it all together. We also emphasize the value of community and support, because just like a fence, we weren’t meant to hold everything up on our own. Whether it’s a running coach, a trusted friend, or a team that truly gets you, support makes all the difference in staying strong, grounded, and moving forward. So, if you’ve been ignoring a few creaky boards—metaphorically or literally—this episode will help you recognize what needs attention and give you the tools to start rebuilding with strength, intention, and support. 02:09 – A Fence Story with Bigger Meaning 05:22 – The Real Costs of Waiting Too Long 06:56 – What Overtraining and Under-Recovery Really Look Like 22:25 – Why Boundaries Matter 23:35 – Creating Smarter Training Limits 24:16 – Balancing Effort with Recovery 25:10 – Setting Boundaries in Life and Relationships 26:19 – Respecting How Your Body Changes Over Time 28:05 – Tuning Into Your Body’s Signals 38:40 – Why You Don’t Have to Do This Alone Join the Real Life Runners Team today!  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Join the Team! --> https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

    51 min

  7. JUN 5

    412: What to Do Now for Your Fall Race: Why Summer Training Matters More Than You Think

    In this episode of the Real Life Runners podcast, we discuss the importance of starting fall race preparation during the summer months, particularly June and July. We delve into the concept of cycle stacking, emphasizing the need to lay a strong foundation now to avoid last-minute rush and stress. Key topics include the importance of strength training, building mental toughness, adapting to heat, and incorporating up and down weeks for better adaptation and reduced injury risk. The episode also highlights the flexibility required during summer schedules and vacations, encouraging runners to redefine consistency and integrate new training strategies that align with their current life circumstances. 05:00 Importance of Summer Training for Fall Races 08:20 Cycle Stacking: Building a Strong Foundation 12:04 Adapting Training for Runners Over 40 14:33 Strength Training and Addressing Imbalances 18:26 Mental Training and Consistency 21:50 The Power of Up and Down Weeks 25:57 Planning Ahead for Recovery 26:16 Balancing Business and Training 27:33 Training in the Heat 29:12 Heat Adaptation Benefits 34:34 Summer Training Strategies 39:30 Creative Training Solutions Join the Real Life Runners Team today!  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Join the Team! --> https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

    47 min

  8. MAY 29

    411: Unlock Your Potential Through Gut Health with Dr. Nikki DiNezza: How Tending to Your Gut Can Fuel Your Energy, Recovery, and Resilience

    In this empowering and eye-opening episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Nikki DiNezza—a true expert in the world of gut health. Whether you're a runner, a health-conscious human, or someone who’s just trying to feel better in your own skin, this conversation will resonate with you. Dr. Nikki shares her fascinating journey into gut health and explains how our digestive system is so much more than what we often think. We talk about why runners, in particular, need to prioritize their gut—especially if you've ever struggled with GI distress on a long run (yep, we’ve all been there!). Together, we explore the vital role of fiber, why stress management is essential for your gut and nervous system, and the truth about probiotics and prebiotics. Dr. Nikki also gets real about common pitfalls—like jumping too quickly into elimination diets or getting overwhelmed by functional medicine rabbit holes. What I love about this conversation is how practical and holistic it is. We talk about mindful eating, training your gut (just like you train your body!), and tuning in to what your body needs—without falling into restriction or fear. 💡 Whether you're looking to improve your digestion, optimize performance, or just feel better day to day, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and a renewed sense of connection with your body. Dr. Nikki is all about helping people become “citizen scientists” of their own health—and I couldn’t agree more. Dr. Nikki DiNezza is a functional medicine practitioner and the founder of Infinity Holistic Healthcare. She’s also the creator and lead instructor of the popular program FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days, where she helps people struggling with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) finally flatten their bloated bellies and poop like champions—without giving up the foods they love. She’s passionate about helping people get their lives back through holistic, evidence-based approaches to gut health. 👉 Connect with Dr. Nikki: 🌐 Website: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/ 📩 Email: doctor@fodmapfreedom.com 📷 Instagram and YouTube: @gut.microbiome.queen 00:15 Dr. Nikki’s story and how she became a gut health expert 01:33 How stress impacts your gut, your health, and your recovery 02:49 Why gut health matters so much for runners 03:31 Gut health 101: the basics we all should know 09:01 Probiotics vs. prebiotics: what to know and how to use them 17:30 Why fiber is your gut’s best friend (and how to get more of it!) 24:29 The tricky side o Join the Real Life Runners Team today!  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Join the Team! --> https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

    1h 24m
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5
out of 5
157 Ratings

About

Angie and Kevin Brown are here to help real life runners to improve their running and their life through conversations about training, mindset, nutrition, health and wellness, family, and all the crazy things that life throws at us.  The lessons that we learn from running can carry over into all aspects of our life, and we are here to explore those connections through current research, our experiences, and stories from real people out on the roads and trails, so that you can become a physically and mentally stronger runner and achieve the goals that matter to you. We are Kevin and Angie Brown, husband and wife, mom and dad, coaches, and runners. Angie holds her doctorate degree in physical therapy and uses running as part of her integrated fitness routine. Kevin is a marathoner who has been coaching runners for over a decade.  Together, we want to help make running more accessible to more people, so that more people can gain the benefits of being a Real Life Runner. 

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