In this episode, we take a break from our usual content (due to summer travel) to share a fun interview with Michael Brandt, the founder and CEO of Ketone-IQ. Michael is also a very fast marathoner with goals to one day break the 2:30 barrier. In this conversation, Michael takes us behind the scenes of Ketone-IQ, including the original story of its founding, the government research that really launched the brand, and the science behind how ketones work as fuel for you and your brain. Plus, good news... it no longer tastes like gasoline (his word, not mine) but comes in great flavors such as peach, green apple, and raspberry lemonade. Michael also shares his personal running journey, including what's motivating him to chase down big goals and how he personally uses Ketone-IQ along the way. This one is for the science nerds, the crazy entrepreneurs, and of course, the runners who like to geek out on it all. Ketone-IQ is a sponsor of the podcast. To support Ketone-IQ and support the pod, use code NOBODYASKED for 30% off on your subscription order (PLUS a free gift with your second shipment) at KETONE.com/NOBODYASKED. [Note: this interview was recorded in April 2025 right before Save the 10,000. And don't worry... we will have a fresh episode with reactions on Faith's sub 4:00 attempt and her new WR (and so much more) coming on July 22].
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3.16. The Faith Episode
Who is ready for Faith Kipyegon's sub-4-mile attempt?!? We are! Des and Kara are big Faith fans, and they are excited to tune in to the attempt on Thursday. But, what do they really think about it and will she get it?!? Listen in to find out what they think, but be ready for SO MUCH MORE! Des and Kara start with the usual catch-up chat. You get updates on Des's pacing duties at Western States this weekend and her plans for a running trip to the Swiss Alps after that. Kara shares about her 5K in Duluth on Grandma's Marathon weekend and her first outdoor broadcasting duties of the year at the Prefontaine Classic. They then talk about Grand Slam Track and their thoughts on the cancellation of the final meet in LA. How are athletes reacting and does anyone have faith that it will be back next year? Plus, Kara TRIES to get Des's reaction to Boston Marathon's qualification adjustments for downhill marathons, but Des tries very hard not to bite. There are plenty of hilarious easter eggs in this one, so listen closely. Finally, we love a Lagoon Sleep top 5, and this one starts pretty hysterically. You won't get the full hysterics on the audio, so if you want that head to the YouTube version. It is well worth the watch. Plus, go get a Lagoon pillow and sleep better by using code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off on your first purchase at lagoonsleep.com/NOBODYASKEDUS.
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3.15. The Tracklandia Episode
"It's free. After you pay for it, it's free. Just a one-time fee, that you pay annually." - Portlandia cell phone episode + most track streaming services, probably, but NOT Portland Track Fest (which is truly free to stream!) In this episode, Portland Track president Jeff Merrill joins the show! Jeff is a former 800m runner himself who spent time at Nike before getting involved with the Portland Track Festival and starting tracklnd.com and Tracklandia. His meet is THIS weekend in Portland, so see the notes below on how to support, attend, or watch (FREE!) from afar. Jeff helped Des and Kara with ideation around the Save the 10,000, and here he shares really interesting perspectives on storytelling in track and field and how to make it interesting for the fan/viewer. You'll get all of the behind-the-scenes intel on the 17-year history of the meet, plus the storylines for this year including Donovan Brazier continuing his comeback. You will love Jeff's thoughtfulness and Des and Kara's thoughtful questions until a top 5 with an epic twist from Kara that will have you rushing to the YouTube version. Check this out and then mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday to watch the PTF! To check out the Portland Track Fest coming up THIS weekend (June 14-15): - Streaming: https://tracklnd.com/ptf/ptf. People can also Sweeten the Pot on this page and fill out the Fan Poll (beginning tomorrow) Winner of fan poll gets $250 Bandit gift card. Second = $150, 3rd = $100. Rules are on the webpage. - In-person tickets to PTF: TICKETS - PTF Schedule: SCHEDULE
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3.14. The Library Episode
Pulling up to this episode is like pulling up to your local library... it's got a little bit of everything in it, except for hopefully those pesky midwestern ticks. The episode opens with the usual intro banter, where Des characterizes Kara as being in "librarian mode." If Kara is the librarian, then that makes Des the person who is relentlessly trying to make you laugh in there. Thus, we are off to a good start riffing about summers in the midwest, travel, and camps. Kara talks about winning an Emmy(!) and about Colt graduating from 8th grade and being on the precipice of both driving and high school. Des shares about her prep for the upcoming Western States training camp. Is she ready to enter the shallower end of one of the most historic 100-milers in the world? Plus, they bond over their mutual hatred of ticks before turning to discuss their impressions of season one for Grand Slam Track (GST). What do they think so far? Where could it be improved? Will it move the needle on interest in our sport? Then, they react to a RW article on influencers and phones in races. Should they be allowed? Where is the line to be drawn? Is it good for the sport or just annoying? Finally, they end with a Lagoon Sleep top 5 where Des questions her chinchilla ways as they both share uplifting moments from their weeks. If you love the pod, support our partners and the pod in the following ways... Get a pair of Brooks running shoes to support our title sponsor. Sleep better by using code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off on your first purchase at lagoonsleep.com/NOBODYASKEDUS. Use code NOBODYASKED for 30% off on your subscription order (PLUS a free gift with your second shipment) at KETONE.com/NOBODYASKED. Â
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3.13. Save the 10,000, the Cooldown Episode
They warmed you up with plenty of pre-race content, Des and Kara and the athletes delivered on exciting races, and now it's time for the cooldown! Des and Kara recap the Save the 10,000 with all of their reactions and lessons learned. They give you even more build-the-scenes details of the event and discuss whether or not there will be a year 2 for the event. But first, there is plenty of intro banter on Des's post-Boston recovery and Kara's Mother's Day with the family. They also give you some teasers on Des's fall racing schedule. Is it a 50-miler or 1-mile race in the plans?!? Kara may have different plans for Des than Des has for herself! And of course, they finish with a very uplifting Top 5 from Lever Movement. To support the podcast, please support our sponsors for this episode - Brooks Running and Lever Movement. Use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 20% off at levermovement.com.
Once competitors and Olympic teammates, now friends and podcast partners, Des Linden and Kara Goucher share their hot takes about all things running with a little bit of life-stuff sprinkled in too. Come for the insights on running and stay for the inspiration from two legends in the sport. No filter needed.
This podcast is presented by Brooks Running.
Listen to Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara, Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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