The following release is published with permission from ATRA corporate member and event standards partner UltraSignup and features news of the new co-host for The Trailhead Podcast.
Nashville, TN – The Trailhead, UltraSignup’s flagship podcast about the people and stories that make trail running special, is getting a new co-host. Celebrated writer, humorist, and ultrarunner Brendan Leonard (aka, Semi-Rad) will join current host Zoë Rom, bringing his signature mix of storytelling, irreverence, and insight to the show.
Brendan is no stranger to the absurdity and beauty of endurance sports. Through Semi-Rad, he has spent over a decade exploring the quirks of running, climbing, and suffering in the outdoors. From cartoons to essays to films, his work captures the spirit of adventure with wit and heart. Now, he’s bringing that same energy to The Trailhead, promising even funnier, deeper, and more human conversations about trail and ultrarunning.
“I would be extremely underqualified to co-host a serious, brooding podcast about how to optimize your lactate threshold,” said Leonard. “But I think what The Trailhead does really well is highlight the characters that make running special—not just the fastest people, but the weirdest, the most passionate, the folks you’d want to hang out with after the race, too.”
At the helm of The Trailhead is Zoë Rom, journalist and producer of several successful podcasts including Your Diet Sucks and DNF. As the show’s producer and co-host, an avid runner and an after-hours stand-up comic, Zoë is excited for the next evolution of the show.
“Brendan’s writing has always made me laugh, but more importantly, it’s made me think about why we do this in the first place,” Rom said. “Trail running is about more than just miles—it’s about the people, the bad decisions, the good snacks, and the stories that stick with you. And that’s exactly what we want to bring to this show.”
The new Trailhead launches April 1, 2025. Listeners can subscribe wherever they get their podcasts and follow The Trailhead on Instagram @TrailheadPod and follow along with UltraSignup on Instagram, Facebook, Strava, and LinkedIn.
Sponsorship packages are available. For more information, please contact Michael Proulx at [email protected].
