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Welcome to the Runner Dudes podcast. Everyone is welcome! Runners are welcome, walkers are welcome, and the running curious are welcome. We are going to widen the door to running and soften the impact for anyone willing to lace up and show up. Today can be the day you take the first steps towards physical, mental and spiritual well being and become the person you were intended to be. We hope to inform, inspire, listen, learn and help you start your own running journey all while being moderately funny and low key entertaining!
Episodes
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Friday Dec 19, 2025
In this special episode of The Runner Dudes Podcast, Michael and Dusty turn the microphones toward the people who make their running lives possible—their wives. Joined by Cigi England and Mandy Smith, the conversation pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to support a runner through early mornings, long training blocks, emotional highs and lows, and the unseen sacrifices that happen behind the scenes.
Cigi and Mandy share honest, often hilarious stories about marriage, military life, mental health, entrepreneurship, and what it means to show up for someone when running isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifeline. From deployments and PTSD to sobriety, failed marriages, and second chances, this episode highlights how consistency, communication, and support can shape both personal growth and strong relationships.
Whether you’re a runner, a spouse, or someone trying to understand why running matters so much to the people you love, this episode celebrates partnership, patience, and the power of showing up together.
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
In this episode of The Runner Dudes Podcast, Michael and Dusty sit down with Ayessa Holbrook for a warm, honest, and often funny conversation about stepping outside your comfort zone and discovering who you’re becoming along the way. Ayessa shares her journey from the Philippines to Tennessee, her love for theatre, and how a simple “nice day” run turned into a life-changing habit.
She opens up about insecurities—like her accent slipping out—and the culture shock of moving across the world, yet also celebrates the confidence and community she’s found at The Exceptional Bean. With encouragement (and a little pressure) from Michael, she went from running a mile to toeing the line at the Turkey Trot and eventually conquering the Haunted Half—panic attacks, self-doubt, and all.
The conversation highlights how running has strengthened her mental health, grounded her spiritually, and helped her rediscover joy and discipline. Whether you're new to running, returning after a long break, or looking for a spark of encouragement, Ayessa’s story is a reminder that growth begins with simply showing up.
*REUPLOAD*
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
In this episode of The Runner Dudes, hosts Micheal and Dusty—alongside producer Jimmy—welcome special guest Tammie Wright, founder of the Red Silo Runners Club. Tammie shares her journey from reluctant runner to community-builder, explaining how her passion for running grew into creating one of Cookeville’s most inclusive and welcoming run clubs. From her personal story of finding connection through the sport, to the origins of Red Silo Runners at a local brewery, she highlights the club’s focus on camaraderie, accessibility for all paces, and the joy of running for health and friendship. The conversation dives into running culture, safety, the social side of the sport, and how Red Silo Runners continues to grow as a hub for both seasoned athletes and those just lacing up for the first time.
Friday Sep 19, 2025
Friday Sep 19, 2025
In this episode of The Runner Dudes Podcast, hosts Micheal and Dusty welcome back guest Dusty Rawls for a candid and motivating conversation on running, discipline, and overcoming mental barriers. Dusty shares his personal journey from completing a marathon on a zero-carb plan to rediscovering the joy of running after setbacks and injuries. The discussion dives into the importance of consistency over motivation, the pros and cons of solo vs. group runs, and how to overcome self-consciousness about body image. Packed with humor, practical tips, and inspiration, this episode reminds listeners that running—and fitness as a whole—is about progress, health, and joy, not perfection.
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Friday Sep 05, 2025
In this special anniversary episode of The Runner Dudes Podcast, Micheal, Dusty, and producer Jimmy celebrate one year of inspiring runners, walkers, and the running-curious to take that first step toward physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The trio reflects on their favorite moments, the growth they’ve experienced, and the powerful role running plays in overcoming challenges—from mental health struggles to major life transitions. With heartfelt stories, honest conversation, and plenty of laughs, this episode is a reminder that small, consistent steps can lead to life-changing transformation.
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
In this episode of The Runner Dudes, Micheal, Dusty, and producer Jimmy welcome guest Dustin Rawls for a candid, often hilarious, and deeply encouraging conversation about breaking stereotypes in running. From battling extreme summer heat to confronting body image pressures, Dustin shares his journey as a larger-framed runner, his “on-again, off-again” relationship with the sport, and how walking can be the best place to start. The crew dives into comparisons, the dangers of toxic running culture, and the importance of going slow, staying consistent, and finding your place in an inclusive running community. Along the way, Dustin opens up about life in Cookeville, his work with the Rising Above Dads podcast for fathers of children with special needs, and why every runner—no matter size, speed, or season—belongs on the road.
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Friday Aug 01, 2025
In this episode, Micheal and Dusty dive deep into the challenge of rediscovering your "why" when motivation runs dry. With honesty and humor, they explore burnout, discipline vs. motivation, mental health, rest, and the importance of starting slow—whether you’re new to running or returning after a break. They reflect on personal journeys through sobriety, PTSD, and identity, emphasizing the power of community, self-care, and grace. If you've lost your spark or are afraid to take the first step, this conversation offers both insight and encouragement to keep moving forward—one honest step at a time.
Friday Jul 18, 2025
Friday Jul 18, 2025
In this heartfelt and honest episode, hosts Micheal and Dusty—along with producer Jimmy—dive deep into the spiritual side of running. Through stories of recovery, faith, and failure, they explore how running can be a powerful tool for mindfulness, healing, and self-discovery. From personal journeys through addiction and doubt to rediscovering faith and freedom on the run, the trio shares how movement connects to meaning. Whether you're a runner, walker, or spiritually curious, this episode reminds us that we're all running a race—and it's about more than just the miles.
Who We Are
Join Michael and Dusty, two seasoned runners with deeply personal stories, on "The Runner Dudes Podcast." This show is all about breaking down the barriers to running, whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just curious about lacing up your first pair of running shoes. Sharing their journeys from different starting points—Dusty’s military background and ultra-endurance events, and Michael’s transformative path to sobriety through running, together, they explore how running can be a powerful tool for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, all while keeping things light, funny, and accessible. Perfect for anyone looking to start or deepen their own running journey.