Episodes

  • Tales of 3 Retailers
    Jun 2 2026

    They say you could write a book about run retailing. Well Mike Cosentino did. The founder of Big Peach Running Co. does a deep dive on his Peach Partners growth plan and why language and terminology are essential to his stores' culture. We also hear from Deanthony White, director of Charm City Mobile, about how this innovative program literally meets customers where they are. And we get up close with Eric Contreras of Runners Plus in Dayton, the new president of the Running Industry Association.

    All sessions were recorded at the recent RIA Summit in Atlanta.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Family Transition Plan
    May 27 2026

    As their store celebrates its 50th anniversary, Jon and Betsy Hughes of Track Shack in Orlando discuss how the business is moving on to its next generation of ownership through their son Christopher. The Hughes family shares the practical, personal and legal challenges involved in this transition and offer their lessons and advice for any store that is going through this process or considering it.

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    46 mins
  • Jenny Simpson: From Specialty To The Olympics And Back Again
    May 5 2026

    One guest. Dozens of stories and insights. Olympian Jenny Simpson dishes on her new role as Chief Running Officer at Fleet Feet and recalls getting her first pair of shoes at Track Shack in Orlando, where she was "raised on running." She also sheds light on her year-long cross-country road trip where she and her husband Jason ran with thousands of runners from Colorado and North Carolina. Jenny also reveals what she got wrong about super shoes and how better gear, fueling and recovery will continue to help runners break records.



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    32 mins
  • The Sustainability Episode - Happy Earth Day!
    Apr 14 2026

    Join Mark and Chris and four guests as we do a deep dive on sustainability and the running business in advance of Earth Day. Hear from Wayne Elsey, founder of Sneakers4Good, about how his organization helps shoes find a productive second life; Gain some wisdom and insight from Alicia Chin about her role with Altra, Smartwool and Icebreaker. Caspar Coppetti, one of the founders of On Running, shares how living in Switzerland has shaped his personal and business perspective on sustainability. And Laura Bolgen discusses ASICS' ambitious Nimbus Mirai shoe.

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    57 mins
  • From Switzerland to San Antonio
    Mar 31 2026

    From the mountains of Switzerland to the hills of Texas, Slingin' Shoes features two uplifting conversations. Garrett Sage, owner of Irun Texas, tells Mark and Chris what he learned managing an Amazon warehouse and why he walked away to work for Fleet Feet and eventually buy his own store.

    Our brand interview is with Caspar Coppetti, one of the founders of On, who recently assumed the co-CEO title with another founder David Allemann. Caspar discusses product innovation, channel segmentation and how On works to stay entrepreneurial at $4 billion in annual sales.

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    56 mins
  • Empowered Women
    Mar 17 2026

    We celebrate Women's History Month with two women who are leaving their mark on the run business: Kathy Dalby of Pacers Running and Burke Beck of Red Coyote Running. The pair share what prompted them to launch the Empowerun Retreat and reveal how the event is an important forum to discuss the challenges women face not only in the business, but in their work and home relationships. Tune in for a candid, inspiring conversation.



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    33 mins
  • 30 Years and Counting with Dave Zimmer
    Mar 3 2026

    Dave Zimmer shares some of his greatest hits from 30 years as owner of the Fleet Feet Chicago franchise. He also talks about his plans to open a 10th store and the relationships, community, charitable giving and customers that keep him motivated. Spoiler alert: Dave also reveals who really developed the phrase "Running Changes Everything." Tune in and find out.

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    41 mins
  • In The Loop
    Feb 17 2026

    Mark and Chris explore two very different stores: The Loop Running Supply in Austin, Texas and Whirlaway Sports in Methuen, Massachusetts.

    Ryan Hess from The Loop discusses his "new age running store," which blends the style and innovation of a fashion sneaker boutique with the community outreach and customer service of a running store. Ryan gives the scoop on the store's brand collaboration strategy and how he has pioneered brands such as Satisfy and Pleasures.

    Ryan Kowal is a second-generation slinger who has worked at Whirlaway Sports for 22 years. He shares his tips on product knowledge, customer service and making customers happy.



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    53 mins