Jesse Ellis of Let's Wonder Productions pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a media brand in the ultra running world. From scrappy beginnings to a full-fledged live streaming operation, Jesse walks through the evolution of Let's Wonder Productions — how it started, what shaped it, and where it's headed. He digs into the unique challenges of live streaming ultra races: unpredictable terrain, remote locations, and the logistical puzzle of keeping a production running when athletes are racing through the night for 24+ hours. Jesse shares what he's learned about keeping audiences engaged across those long windows, and how storytelling becomes just as important as the technical setup. Looking ahead, Jesse teases upcoming tech innovations that could change how race coverage is produced and consumed, along with new strategies for expanding Let's Wonder Productions' reach in the ultra racing calendar. Whether you're a race director, an ultra fan, or someone curious about the business side of endurance sports media, this episode is a masterclass in passion-driven entrepreneurship.

Lance Smith didn't set out to become a name in ultra running — he just laced up and kept going. In this episode, Lance tells the unfiltered story of his journey through the sport: the grind, the setbacks, and the moments that made it all worth it.

We get into his Mickelson Trail FKT — what it took to chase it down, what broke him along the way, and what pushed him across the finish line. But Lance's story doesn't stop at personal records. He's been building something bigger: community-driven events and challenges rooted in purpose, proving that running can be a force for real impact.

Gritty, honest, and fueled by a deep love for running — this one hits different.

Lance Smith's running journey and community involvement

Setting and breaking FKTs in South Dakota

Creative and fun running challenges like gas station runs and track races

resources

Lance Smith's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LanceSmith1970

Lance Smith's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lance_smith_1970/

Join Justin Andreas and guest Chris Riley as they explore ultra marathon topics, race strategies, race experiences, and the evolving landscape of trail running. Gain insights into race planning, gear choices, and the mental aspects of ultra running.

ultra marathon, trail running, race strategies, race experiences, gear, mental toughness, race planning, ultrarunning community

key topics

Pacers in elite ultra races Race preparation and strategy for 200-mile events Trail race experiences and course insights Gear and nutrition for ultra running Mental resilience and recovery in ultrarunning

sound bites

"Black Hills is my hometown course." "Tailwind is my go-to nutrition." "Follow me on Strava for updates."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Chris Riley 03:01 The Role of Pacers in Ultra Races 05:46 Chris's Journey into Ultra Running 08:37 Experiences with Various Ultra Races 11:27 Favorite Races and Future Aspirations 14:09 The Cost of Ultra Racing and Race Selection 23:15 Exploring 200-Mile Races 28:33 Planning for Ultra Races 29:40 Motivation and Mental Breaks in Training 35:18 Setting Goals and Managing Expectations 39:00 Favorite Gear and Nutrition Strategies 45:42 Red Sunset Mountain Background Thanks for Watching Youtube Outro .mp4

If you'd like to donate to Orla's fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research Foundation for NYC marathon. https://give.bcrf.org/newyorkrundiva

The Story Orla McCarville was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas 2024. Rather than stepping back from her life, she ran straight through treatment—literally. She completed six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and 19 sessions of radiation, all while lacing up her running shoes and even racing on chemo days.

Key Moments

Diagnosis as a starting line, not an ending. Orla reframed her diagnosis as a reason to move forward, not retreat.

Running as medicine. She found that the steroids from chemo gave her energy to keep running, and her oncology team supported the routine. The hardest days weren't the treatment days—they were the days she couldn't run.

Celebrating the finish. After her final immunotherapy session, Orla threw a "cancer-free party," treating milestones as victories worth marking. What's Next Orla is training for the New York City Marathon, running for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Her message to others facing challenges: "If I can do this during chemo, so can you."

There's something striking about using the very body that's being treated as the vehicle for healing—running becomes both defiance and therapy. If you want to adjust the tone, length, or focus (maybe highlight more of her mental health insights or the fundraising angle), let me know.

Justin and Robbie recap their experience at the Tanana River Challenge, a race that perfectly captures what running in Alaska is all about. Tough conditions, wild terrain, and the kind of mental resilience that only comes from pushing through long miles in the cold.

Race morning started at a bitter -18°F, setting the tone for the day. The first 17 miles were surprisingly runnable and allowed runners to find a rhythm early. But like many ultras, the race quickly changed character. The final 16 miles turned into a grind with rougher conditions, tired legs, and the kind of miles that test mindset just as much as fitness.

In this episode Justin and Robbie also talk about Robbie’s Alaska experience, joining a local group run, and getting a taste of the running culture in the Interior. From the brutal cold to the camaraderie on the trail, the Tanana River Challenge became more than just a race. It became a reminder that ultras are about problem solving, adapting to conditions, and staying mentally strong when the day gets hard.

In this episode we talk about Robbie experiencing Alaska Joining a local group run Starting a race at -18°F 17 runnable miles followed by 16 tough miles Why mental resilience matters in long races

summary

Join us as we discuss ultra running in extreme conditions, training strategies for limited schedules, and the mental toughness required for endurance sports. Perfect for runners looking to push their limits and adapt their training.

keywords

ultra running, training, endurance, snow, race strategy, mental toughness, marathon, race conditions

key topics

Ultra running in extreme weather conditions Training strategies for limited schedules Mental toughness and race mindset

sound bites

"You only control what's controllable." "It's more about the journey than the finish." "It's a mind game more than a physical challenge."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Trail Encounter with a Buried Car 01:24 Discovering a Car Buried in Snow and Its Possible Origins 02:32 Preparing for Cold Weather Races in Alaska 03:57 Race Day Conditions and Temperature Expectations 05:07 Impact of Snow and Trail Conditions on Race Strategy 07:06 Medal Incentives and Race Participation in Extreme Weather 09:14 Controlling Expectations and Adapting to Weather Conditions 10:50 The Value of Pushing Through Adverse Conditions 13:36 The Challenge of Ultra Races vs Marathons 14:59 The Rewards and Mental Toughness of Ultra Running 17:54 Training on Limited Days: Is It Possible to Prepare for an Ultra? 20:54 Structuring Training for 50K and 50 Mile Races on 4 Days a Week 23:45 Balancing Mileage, Time, and Strength Training 26:07 The Importance of Consistency and Experience in Ultra Running 29:26 The Mental Aspect of Ultra Races and Overcoming Challenges 30:24 Upcoming Race and Post-Race Reflections 31:01 Red Sunset Mountain Background Thanks for Watching Youtube Outro .mp4

guest links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/justinandreas/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/robbiepike/

Summary

In this episode of Golden Hour Adventures, Justin and Robbie discuss Robbie's recent switch from Android to Apple, exploring the seamless integration of Apple products and the benefits of the Apple ecosystem. They also delve into the recent world record-breaking performance in ultra running, the role of pacers in elite races, and the need for prize money in the sport. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of technology in running and the competitive nature of ultra running.

Takeaways

Robbie switched from Android to Apple after years of resistance. The Apple ecosystem offers seamless integration across devices. Robbie finds the Apple Watch more useful than his phone. The SOS feature on Apple devices is a game changer for safety. Breaking a world record requires perfect conditions and preparation. Pacers in ultra running races raise questions about fairness. Prize money in ultra running is essential for athlete support. The popularity of ultra running is growing but still lags behind marathons. Races like Western States should consider offering prize money. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability in race organizations.

Sound bites

"I'm digging it." "Welcome to the Colt." "That's insane!"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Hair Transformation 01:50 Transitioning to Apple Products 03:23 The Apple Watch vs Garmin Debate 07:51 Breaking Records in Ultra Running 12:22 Pacers in Elite Races 22:00 Prize Money in Ultra Running 28:09 The Future of Trail and Ultra Running

Summary

In this episode of Golden Hour Adventures, Justin and Robbie welcome Ashley Pipkin, an ultra-runner and cross-country coach. They discuss Ashley's journey from running in high school to competing in ultra marathons, her experiences in collegiate athletics, and the challenges of coaching young athletes. The conversation also covers race strategies, fueling techniques for long-distance running, and Ashley's recent podium finish at the Promise Land 50k. The episode concludes with quickfire questions that reveal Ashley's personality and preferences in the running world.

Takeaways

Ashley started her running journey with the presidential fitness test in elementary school. She transitioned from sprinting to longer distances during her high school years. Collegiate running can vary greatly in terms of resources and training intensity. Ashley emphasizes the importance of individualized training for athletes. She enjoys the camaraderie and humor of cross-country kids as a coach. Ashley recently completed a 50k ultra marathon and aims to improve her time. She prefers trail running over road marathons due to the natural environment. Fueling strategies for ultra running can include unconventional foods like burritos and gummy worms. Ashley plans to explore more ultra races and potentially tackle a 100-mile race soon. The conversation highlights the balance between training, competition, and personal life for athletes.

sound bites

"I want to go back for more." "I want to try for a hundred in the next year." "I want to eat one. I'm pretty risk averse."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Running Adventures 02:52 Ashley Pipkin: From Cross Country to Ultra Running 05:46 Collegiate Running Experience and Training Insights 08:24 Coaching Cross Country: Strategies and Challenges 11:02 Transitioning to Ultra Running and Trail Experiences 13:58 Experiences in the Smoky Mountains and Eerie Encounters 16:44 Recent Achievements and Future Aspirations 33:09 Race Reflections and Future Goals 38:44 Nutrition Strategies for Ultra Running 43:53 Quickfire Questions and Fun Insights