HappyCast Happy Endings Trail Productions

Join us for a lively and laughter-filled episode of Happy Cast as we recount the highs and lows of the Captain Mountain 34 Hour Race. Stephanie, alongside guests Moe Villanueva and Shashi Reddy, delve into their experiences tackling this daunting endurance race that pushes runners to their limits and beyond.
The episode kicks off with an exploration of the race’s unique setting in the Capitan Mountains, where runners face a continuous 4-mile loop filled with natural beauty and unyielding challenges. Under the cover of darkness, lit only by headlamps and the occasional campfire, our hosts and their guests share tales from the trail— including those midnight cravings satisfied by the unexpected delight of food trucks.
Amidst the recounting of physical endurance, Stephanie shares a humorous anecdote about her attempt to play wingman for Moe during the race. What was meant to be a subtle setup turned into a series of comical missteps, proving that even in the toughest races, there's room for a little romance... or at least an attempt at one.
From unexpected wildlife encounters to the mental battles against exhaustion, this episode isn't just about running—it's about finding humor and humanity in the face of extreme challenge. Tune in to hear how each lap not only tested their physical stamina but also strengthened their camaraderie and left them with unforgettable stories.
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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

Join us on this episode of the HappyCast as we venture to one of the most beautiful places in America, Zion National Park, as we talk about the Zion 100 Ultra Marathon by Vacation races! 

For this episode, Andrew sits down in the guest chair and is joined by Jessica Schiller as they both detail their experience running the 100 miler. We gain insight and perspective regarding the race itself, as well as the different mindsets going into the race. We hear about their overall thoughts on the race as well as their recommendations for those interested in running it in the future. 

For Andrew, this was a race that originally wasn’t supposed to be, and for Jessica, this was her first attempt at a 100 mile trail race. And to make things more interesting, they were both going to run the entire thing together! Naturally, things could ONLY work out without any issues, right? 

So sit back (or run upright) and listen to how things went down. Many successes, failures, and learning experience aplenty in this one! And congratulations to Erica Garner and Kaitlin Kennedy, both local Texas runners, who are also mentioned in this 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

In this deeply moving episode of Happy Cast, we welcome Rosie Gagnon, an ultra-marathon runner with a mission that goes far beyond physical endurance. Rosie has set herself the extraordinary challenge of completing 100 100-mile races, a goal inspired by the tragic loss of her son, a Marine veteran who struggled with mental health issues after his service and ultimately took his own life. Through her running, Rosie aims to honor her son's memory and raise crucial awareness about the mental health challenges facing veterans.

Join us as Rosie shares insights into the transformative power of her running journey, detailing how each mile has helped her process grief and connect with others who have faced similar losses. With over half of her 100-race goal completed, Rosie's story is not just about personal resilience but also about creating a legacy of understanding and support through her advocacy work with Wear Blue: Run to Remember. This organization focuses on commemorating the service and sacrifice of military personnel and veterans, aligning perfectly with Rosie’s personal mission.

Listeners will gain an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs of Rosie's races, from the emotional first race she entered just months after her son’s passing to her latest endeavors and how these experiences have shaped her advocacy. Rosie also opens up about the community and support system she has found in fellow runners and veterans' families, emphasizing the collective healing that her efforts foster.
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

In this gripping episode of the Happy Cast, we sit down with ultrarunner Dena Carr, whose recent endeavor at the Barkley Marathons has captivated the hearts of many. Known as the race "that eats its young," the Barkley Marathons is not for the faint of heart, pushing the limits of human endurance, resilience, and spirit.

Dena shares her journey from the call of the conch shell to the final, grueling miles, revealing the preparation, challenges, and unexpected lessons learned along the way. From serious insights into the mental fortitude required to tackle such an extreme challenge to lighter moments on the trail and her unique recovery rituals, this episode is a deep dive into what it means to chase the extraordinary. Join us as we explore the highs, the lows, and the sheer willpower it takes to face the Barkley Marathons head-on.

If you're someone who loves a good adventure story, Dena's tale of perseverance will inspire you to explore the limits of your own potential.
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

This week on HappyCast, we're thrilled to welcome back Jenni Ashcroft, fresh from her awe-inspiring debut at the 100-mile Prairie Spirit Trail in Kansas. This episode is extra special as Jenni is accompanied by her husband and stalwart crew chief, Sean, to unpack the intricate dance of a 50-mile out-and-back challenge. While the Prairie Spirit Trail may have been a rails to trails race, Jenni's stellar finish time of 22 hours and 15 minutes is a testament to her grit and determination. 

Dive deep with Jenni as she reveals the rigors of preparing for a distance that was uncharted territory for her, the strategies she employed to overcome stomach woes, and the sheer willpower it took to push through the final stretch with no calories to fuel her. Adding a touch of whimsy to the grueling race, Stephanie, who paced Jenni for an incredible 34 miles, shares her own experiences and the unexpected joy of donning a blow-up unicorn costume for a finish line celebration that was nothing short of magical. 

Join us for an episode brimming with perseverance, love, and a dash of enchantment on the trails.
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

This week on a special episode of the HappyCast, we examine what it’s like to “run fast and fly young” with Hans Troyer, an up-and-comer in the ultra running game who was shot out of a cannon and made his presence known in the elite scene with one of the most interesting and intense first two months you’ll hear about in ultra running. 

We examine his memorable performance at Bandera 100k - where he broke Jim Walmsley’s course record, but also somehow later DIDN’T break it. This lead to a last minute appearance at Black Canyon 100k - where unfortunate circumstances right before the race made things more challenging than they should have been, and yet, he still got out to an early lead in an extremely competitive field. And, of course, to make this two month stretch even more interesting, we talk about his serious and unfortunate stint in the hospital that almost lasted two weeks. 

So sit back and join us in the fast lane as we explore the start of a potentially amazing ultra running career budding before our very eyes. And definitely stick around for the end as we decide to debut an impromptu new segment, “trail math”. And it’s probably not what you were expecting. 
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