Podcast playlist: get these fascinating running and science podcasts in your ears

Whether you are looking for something entertaining to pass the time on your weekly long runs, or want some running and wellness-related content to turn on while you’re driving or cooking, we’ve got the line-up for you.

Legacy of Speed

Hosted by Malcolm Gladwell (also of the Revisionist History podcast), this podcast tells the story behind the 1968 Olympic Games, when two Black sprinters raised their fists in protest, shaking the world. More than 50 years later, the ripple effects of their activism are still felt. Legacy of Speed tells the story of a small university track team who unexpectedly took the world stage, the runners who took a stand and the coaches who helped make them both fast enough and courageous enough to rise up. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop listening.

Episode to download now: Relax and Win

The Shakeout Podcast

Canadian Running‘s own podcast is hosted and produced by the multi-talented Olympian Kate Van Buskirk and celebrates all aspects of running and runners. Van Buskirk connects with sport leaders, coaches, advocates and visionary athletes to dig deep on important topics. She is joined by fellow Olympian and CRM staff writer Maddy Kelly for a weekly recap of events in the running world called The Rundown. Whether you’re a regular runner or simply interested in intelligent and meaningful conversations within sport, The Shakeout is a must-listen.

Episode to download now: Canadian Marathoner Rory Linkletter and Coach Ryan Hall: Thriving on a Razor’s Edge

The Singletrack Podcast

Whether you run in the woods on the daily, or you’re just learning what singletrack is, you’ll love Finn Melanson‘s exploration of the world of trail and ultrarunning. Melanson talks to all the big names in the sport to find out what makes them tick, and does an excellent job of explaining, previewing and recapping trail and ultratrail races across the world. From obsessive ultratrail fan to newbie, The Singletrack Podcast is the place to go.

Episode to download now: Dakota Jones: Javelina Jundred Pre-Race Interview

Chasing PRs: A Running Podcast

This Canadian podcast covers a wide range of topics and is perfect for every runner, from beginners to seasoned athletes. From how to bounce back after an injury to winter running tips, each episode contains a wealth of information shared by hosts (Richelle Weeks and Diego Alcubierre) who have a great rapport and years of experience. “A podcast for everyday runners who want to make the most out of their training and achieve new personal records while managing work, family and life outside running,” says the website, and you’ll want to sign up for their newsletter, too.

Episode to download now: Top Recovery Tips for Runners

The Rich Roll Podcast

Endurance athlete and plant-based nutrition advocate Rich Roll also hosts one of the world’s most popular wellness podcasts. On each episode, Rich dives deep into diverse topics, discussing everything from track and field to the science of longevity, from mental strength to enlightenment. “Rich delves deep into all things wellness with some of the brightest and most forward-thinking, paradigm-busting minds in health, fitness, nutrition, art, entertainment, entrepreneurship & spirituality,” touts the podcast website, and it’s true: the vast range of past guests include Boston Marathon champ Des Linden, boxer Laila Ali, ultrarunner Harvey Lewis and neuroscientist Andrew Huberman.

Episode to download now: The Poet of Endurance Rages On: Surviving Cancer, the Gift of Pain and the Healing Power of Gratitude (with Tommy Rivs)

Running for Real with Tina Muir

Tina Muir is a former pro-marathoner from the UK, now US-based. Her show deals with the darker, less glamorous side of professional sport. Muir is not afraid to bring up tough topics and is a staunch advocate for mental health, women in sport and the belief that “running has the power to change the world.” Muir endeavours to make this clear in her podcast, which opens up with a quote that describes this perfectly: “The podcast for runners who know that for every runner’s high, there are just as many lows.”

Episode to download now: Michael Wardian: If I Had to Walk the Last 500 Miles, I Was Gonna Do It 

Radiolab

While not running-focused, Radiolab has some episodes about running that are fascinating–as is every single other podcast in their history. Hosted by Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser, Radiolab digs into deep questions and uses investigative journalism to get the answers. On any episode, you may find yourself immersed in science, legal history and incredible stories about humans around the world.

Episode to download now: Speed

Women Run Canada

This podcast, hosted by Kirsten Parker, celebrates Canadian women runners from all walks of life. It tackles a wide variety of topics–and while listening, you’ll feel even more connected to the Canadian running community–perfect when you’re needing some motivation to get moving. You’ll learn, laugh and be inspired by this pod.

Episode to download now: This is a Runner’s Body LIVE from the TCS Waterfront Marathon

For the Long Run

Host Jonathan Levitt does an amazing job on For the Long Run diving into an incredible array of topics thanks to the wide and diverse range of fascinating humans he has as guests. Levitt brings an open mind and great insight to every conversation while letting his unique and brilliant guests shine, and once you start listening, you won’t want to stop. Levitt says that the podcast is “exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated.”

Episode to download now: Alison Desir: Running While Black