Welcome to Episode 11 of the WILD ONEZ podcast. Volumes up for this one - post race 9pm conversation with some new swimrunners from the WILD Ascent program and some very well traveled and competitive swimrunners & there take on the OTILLO Orcas Island race.  Really loved recording this one & we hope you do too!!

Episode 11. Fern A Friend 

In this episode of the WILD One podcast, we sit down with our friend Liza to talk about her incredible stoke for life, endurance sports, and what it's like trying new things as an adult - & after a hip replacement!!

Liza shares stories from races, adventures, and backpacking trips that have shaped her journey, while reminding us that the real reward is the life you build along the way. Her perspective on adventure as simply the "icing on the cake" is inspiring, grounding, and something we know will stick with listeners long after the episode ends.

This conversation is full of honesty, resilience, laughter, and a reminder that it's never too late to chase new experiences, challenge yourself, and stay curious. We wanna be like Liza when we grow up.

Episode 10. Icing on the cake 

Episode 9 of the WILD Onez Podcast features a conversation with our bestie Kate.  We get into her background in endurance sports and how those early experiences shaped the way she approaches challenges today. From there, we dive into the evolving relationship between movement, mindset, and everyday life—especially when things don’t go in a straight line. We also explore how finding something new can shift your perspective in unexpected ways, and what it can look like to reconnect with sport on your own terms. This one is reflective, a bit chaotic and centered around growth, change, and figuring things out as you go.

Episode 9. Kate Melberg

Welcome to Episode 8 of The WILD Onez Podcast. We are so excited to share this episode with y’all! Team WILD VerMamas: a powerhouse swimrun duo made up of two Vermont moms Amanda & Fiona who turned an instant connection into an unstoppable partnership. Connected through their shared love of movement and the outdoors, these women have built a life that blends fierce competition with family adventure.

Between them, they’re raising five kids, often bringing them along for the ride, and balancing it all with the support of their husbands.

With the Swimrun World Championships on the horizon, Team WILD VerMamas is training hard and enjoying all the moments along the way. In this episode, they share their story of friendship, grit, motherhood, and what it takes to chase big goals while staying grounded in what matters most.

Episode 8. WILD VerMamas 

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Wild Onez Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Kelsey Pfendler to talk about her upcoming and truly extraordinary journey—a SOLO ocean row from California to Hawaii.

We explore Kelsey’s origin story in endurance sports, her time working as a Grand Canyon river guide, her previous adventures as a team of 4 on this route  and how those experiences shaped the mindset she’s bringing into this next chapter. She shares what it takes to prepare—mentally, physically, and logistically—for a challenge of this magnitude, as she gets ready to spend weeks alone at sea , with her boat named Lily, pushing her limits in pursuit of something  world record breaking. 

This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, courage, and committing fully to a goal that  Kelsey dreamt up a few years ago. FOLLOW HER STORY AS IT'S HAPPENING!!!

Follow her journey on Instagram: @YouRowKelsey [https://www.instagram.com/yourowkelsey?igsh=ZTVya2Niazk5Nndn]
Support her expedition: http://spot.fund/dnmq22hsc

Episode 7. Kelsey Pfendler - on the edge of an incredible adventure

In this episode, we're joined by Kayla Kobelin, a professional triathlete who discovered the world of swimrun-and hasn't looked back since.

Beyond the podiums and race results, Kayla is also a genuinely inspiring human being whose passion for endurance sports is contagious. In our conversation, she shares the journey that led her from triathlon to swimrun, the lessons she's learned along the way, and the mindset it takes to push the limits of human performance.

This episode is packed with hilarious race stories, honest insights from life as a pro athlete, and practical advice for anyone curious about stepping into the world of endurance sports.

Whether you're a seasoned racer or just thinking about your first challenge, you won't want to miss this fun and motivating conversation. 

WILD Ascent first virtual meetup March 22nd 3pm CT. Sign up here: https://www.wildswimrun.com/20-may_ascent-program/?v=0b3b97fa6688



Episode 6. The Endurance Queen: Kayla Kobelin

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle and Annie—two truly courageous women who have chosen to step far outside their comfort zones and take on swimrun for the very first time at ÖTILLÖ Austin. Saying yes to a challenge like this requires grit, vulnerability, and a deep willingness to grow. Danielle and Annie embody what it means to be brave in real time—committing to something new, demanding, and uncertain, and showing up fully for the journey. YOU WON'T WANNA MISS THEIR STORIES!

We are sooooo  excited to share that the WILD Ascent Program 2026 is launching soon. If you feel inspired to pursue your own bold goal, you can learn more and sign up through the link here : https://www.wildswimrun.com/20-may_ascent-program/?v=0b3b97fa6688

Disclaimer: Around the 30-minute mark, one of our audio sources failed, and things get a little choppy. We’ve done our best to piece things together. 

Episode 5. Danielle & Annie take on their first swimrun experiences 

In this episode, we sit down with a dear  friend who spent most of her life as a dedicated soccer athlete before finding herself drawn into the wild world of endurance sports. From the rugged challenge of Colorado’s iconic 4 Pass Loop to triathlon racing and to the salty, scenic adventure of Swimrun Orcas Island, her journey is anything but ordinary.

We talk about what it’s really like to step into endurance sports later in life — the excitement, the doubts, the physical grind, and the emotional breakthroughs. She shares the highs that keep her coming back for more and the lows that tested her confidence, along with how community, curiosity, and grit helped shape her path.

Beyond the races and miles, this conversation is about friendship, kindness, and showing up for yourself in new ways. Honest, inspiring, and full of heart, were so exited to share the journey. 

🎧 Tune in for stories, laughter, and a reminder that endurance isn’t just about distance — it’s about who you become along the way.

Episode 4. Genevieve Henderson

Welcome to episode 3 the WILD Onez Podcast! In this episode we’re sitting down with our swimrun friends Carolyn & Leah — a duo whose friendship has been forged through sailing, endurance sports, and plenty of wild adventures.

We dive into their swimrun origin story, how they found the sport, and how their long-time friendship naturally turned into racing together. But that’s not all — they’ve got some big news to share! 

Episode 3: Friendship, Swimrun & a Race in the Making - Team BTB

On this episode we welcome swimrun legend Trista and her incredible daughter Addi. Join us in listening to this adorable mother daughter duo as they talk about training, racing dynamics and of course so many fun & silly things in between. You WON'T want to miss out on learning the importance of protecting your cheesecake at all cost. 

Interested in swimrun but not sure where to start? Check out the WILD Ascent program - dedicated to mentoring, empowering, and supporting female athletes in North America on their journey to completing their first swimrun! Link below :) 

https://www.wildswimrun.com/20-may_ascent-program/?v=0b3b97fa6688

Check out our instagram for more deets on this years races as well! wildonez.podcast



Episode 2. Floppy Fishsticks 

A podcast highlighting amazing woman athletes, coaches & supporters in endurance sports! Talking the good, the bad & the questionable. 