Why I Run
The Why I Run podcast from Red Bull celebrates the extraordinary and the everyday stories of running, to inspire you to pick up those running shoes and just get going! Runners of every skill level are welcome, from passionate regulars, to runners who struggle themselves to get out the door, and everyone in between. We had some incredible episodes in Season 1; an F1 driver, a writer, an activist, and a BMX rider, who discuss topics such as running to spend time with others (including your dog), running to clear your mind, even running to be creative and much more!In this season we’ll be meeting even more unexpected runners, where we’ll be asking them the question why they run and building our team for the 2023 Wings For Life World Run. We really hope you can join us!Meet your hosts: Erin Azar became a TikTok sensation when she documented her running journey. Though she doesn’t run to hit the fastest speeds or go the longest distances, her passionate love for running has brought a lot to her life. Ayo Akinwolere is a broadcaster and world record-breaking swimmer, who at one stage could do a half-marathon, but has since relaxed into a casual runner. Together, they’re going to meet a whole world of different kinds of runners to find out why they run. The tenth anniversary of Wings For Life World Run – the run for those that can’t – takes places on May 7th 2022. Participants will be able to run individually or join one of the many organised App Runs in various countries around the world. 100% of all entry fees and donations go to spinal cord research and help find a cure for spinal cord injury. We’d love to hear from you! Get in contact on Instagram at @wflwordrun or with our hosts @ayoakinwolere and @immrsspacecadetListen to all episodes at www.redbull.com/WhyIRunWant to be part of our team? Join the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteam
Episodes
Why I Run Special: Nims Purja – I run to achieve my goals
In this special one-off episode ahead of the 2024 Wings for Life World Run on May 5, Why I Run host Ayo Akinwolere sits down with the awe-inspiring Nims Purja. Nims is an ex-Ghurka and one of the world’s best mountaineers. He’s achieved some incredible physical feats – including summiting the world’s 14 tallest mountains at record-breaking speeds. And while they look like different skills, running has been super important to Nims’s mountaineering, so today we hear about how he runs to help him achieve his goals. And you can run to achieve your goals too! Be part of the largest running event in the world and run with us on May 5 – you can take part with the Wings for Life World Run app wherever you are around the world. Sign up and join our special Why I Run team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com. 100% of your entry fee goes towards spinal cord research.
23/04/24•23m 52s
Bonus episode: Hear how the Wings for Life World Run 2023 went
Did you run with us this year in the Wings for Life World Run 2023? Even if you didn’t but are curious how it was for our hosts, Erin and Ayo, plus all the guests and listeners who ran it too… well, get listening to this bonus episode! They take a moment to chat with previous guest and GPS runner Jeric Yuen, hear about Ayo’s experience (spoiler: he didn’t run!) as well as Erin’s App Run drama. The 2023 Wings for Life World Run took place on Sunday, May 7, with more than 200,000 runners taking part across the globe. Together, they ran in 165 countries and covered 1,573,221km for those who can’t. And most importantly, they raised 5.8 million euros to go towards spinal chord injury research.All news, results and reactions from the run can be found at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com as well as info on how to register for 2024.
11/05/23•22m 6s
I run to break boundaries with runner Bobbi Gibb
It’s the last episode until the big run and we are going out with a bang with the inspirational Bobbi Gibb. Bobbi was the first woman ever to run the Boston marathon and her story is one of resilience, perseverance and blind optimism. She broke every boundary around to run this race in 1966 and showed women everywhere they were capable of running much more than the 1.5 miles they were told they could by doctors of the time. When it comes to women and running we’ve really come so far – listen here to see why. Join the big movement and run with us as part of the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamWe’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your run this week or let us know what you thought of our guest… whatever it is, you can drop us a note on our team feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams, leave a review, or message us at @wflworldrun @immrsspacecadet @ayoakinwolere
04/05/23•36m 9s
I run to listen… with a leading headphone technology expert
The simplicity of running is something we often praise on this podcast. Not needing anything but a pair of trainers and the outside world makes running one of the easiest sports for exercising, that’s for sure. However, it is kinda nice to geek out on good gear from time to time, and while Erin is away, self-confessed tech geek Ayo is doing just that. To help him he has Head of Product Team – Philips Sound, Diederik Houtman, on the show. Diederik has been in charge of the creation of Philips Sound’s new bone-conduction headphones and, as Ayo will attest, they are a thing of beauty. Listen to today’s episode to discover how these headphones cater to everything a runner might need to listen to their music (or podcasts!) safely, and the fascinating process of trial and error that helped this be the case. On the topic of listening, we are compiling a playlist for the Wings For Life World Run! Let us know your favourite running tracks @wflworldrun. We can’t wait to hear them.Join the big movement and run with us as part of the WhyI Run Podcast team atwww.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteam. We’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your run this week or let us know what you thought of our guest…whatever it is, you can drop us a note on our team feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams, leave a review or message us at @wflworldrun @immrsspacecadet @ayoakinwolere
27/04/23•20m 19s
I run for the freedom with Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi
Kanoa Igarashi is one formidable surfer and loves running to help him keep agile for the waves. His name translates to the ‘the free one’, so naturally he loves running for the freedom it gives him. In this episode, Ayo hears all about this, as well as the burgeoning Japanese surf scene, which is about to take the world by storm, and also what it was like for Kanoa getting a silver medal for Japan in the 2020 Olympics in the event’s first-ever surfing competition.Join the big movement and run with us as part of the WhyI Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamWe’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your run this week or let us know what you thought of our guest…whatever it is, you can drop us a note on our team feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams, leave a review or message us at @wflworldrun @immrsspacecadet @ayoakinwolere
20/04/23•18m 13s
Bonus Episode – Well Far Daily
Here’s something very special for all the Why I Run listeners. Hosted by Amy Lane, Well Far Daily is a daily dose of tips and tricks to help you crush your running goals, one day at a time. Whether you're just starting out or looking to hit a new marathon PB, Well Far Daily combines advice from experts in the industry and Amy's extensive knowledge to make running accessible for you at every stage of the running journey. You can listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/well-far-daily/id1651212526 [podcasts.apple.com]
18/04/23•3m 22s
I run to switch my perspective with rock climber Emily Harrington
Erin talks with tenacious rock climber Emily Harrington. Emily fell in love with rock climbing when she was a child and has never looked back (or down!). She’s a force to be reckoned with on the cliffs and is five-time US National Champion in sport lead climbing. But when rock climbing is your job it can be hard to associate exercising with leisure time. Enter running. Emily loves running as a way of switching her perspective from a competitive one to a more meditative one and is here to teach us how to do the same. Emily regularly uploads her outdoor exploits, including walks with her new son, on Strava, the largest community of active people. Follow her here. https://www.strava.com/pros/3052716 Join the big movement and run with us as part of the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamWe’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your run this week or let us know what you thought of our guest… whatever it is, you can drop us a note on our team feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteam, leave a review or message us at @wflworldrun @immrsspacecadet @ayoakinwolere
13/04/23•28m 31s
I run to celebrate myself with running coach Marcus Brown and comedian Helen Thorn
It’s always nice to find time to celebrate your wins and running should be no exception – two people who know this all too well are today’s guests, podcasters Marcus Brown and Helen Thorn. Marcus is a running coach and host of the sensational A Runner’s Life podcast. He’s been on a massive journey with his running, which has even helped him get a diagnosis of autism – something he says has changed his life for the better in many ways. Listen to hear how.Helen is a comedian and host of hit show Scrummy Mummies. Helen uses running as a break from parental duties as well as to pump her up for first dates, weeks away on tour – whatever life brings. She’s a huge advocate for using running as a tool for self-care and is full of top tips to help you do the same.Join the big movement and run with us as part of the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteam We’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your run this week or let us know what you thought of our guest…whatever it is, you can drop us a note on our team feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams, leave a review or message us at @wflworldrun @immrsspacecadet @ayoakinwolere
06/04/23•32m 59s
I run to live better with Scuderia AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost
Franz Tost is the team principal of Formula One's Scuderia AlphaTauri, or as Ayo puts it, ‘the boss... the head honcho of the team’. Franz has a no-nonsense coaching style like no other, believing that dedication and passion are vital to success – both as a driver and as a person. (He also practises what he preaches and gets up every day at 5am for a run before work!) This F1 legend absolutely loves running and considers it the key to a better life. Listen to hear why. Join the big movement and run with us as part of the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamWe’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your run this week or let us know what you thought of our guest… whatever it is, you can drop us a note on our team feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams, leave a review, or message us at @wflworldrun @immrsspacecadet @ayoakinwolere
23/03/23•30m 0s
I run to spread joy with web developer Jeric Yuen
London-based web developer and running enthusiast Jeric Yuen shares his passion for GPS art – making pictures out of running routes. Host Erin Azar hears all about how the idea came about and how he uses it to spread joy among his running community and beyond. Still can’t get your head around it? Follow Jeric at @coderunnerguy to discover the joy of GPS art yourself. Be part of the big movement and run with us as part of the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteam and start training on the Wings For Life app! We’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your run this week or let us know what you thought of our guest…whatever it is, you can drop us a note on our team feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams, leave a review, or, message us at @wflworldrun @immrsspacecadet @ayoakinwolere
09/03/23•24m 56s
I run for the challenge with freerunner Hazal Nehir
Jumping across rooftops is all in a day’s work for the world’s foremost female freerunner, yet Hazal Nehir claims running is a lot tougher. Known for her gravity-defying acrobatics and movie stunt work, she always squares up to a challenge. In this episode Ayo talks to her about managing her doubts, coming back to parkour after injury and why running is a challenge Hazal has learned to love. Be part of the big movement and run with us as part of the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamWe’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your run this week or let us know what you thought of our guest…whatever it is, you can drop us a note on our team feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams, leave a review or message us at @wflworldrun @immrsspacecadet @ayoakinwolere
23/02/23•28m 53s
I run through the ups and downs with TikTokker Jimmy Jan
We all have good days, bad days, a rough patch or a few months of feeling on top of the world – perhaps no one more so than Australian TikTokker Jimmy Jan. In this episode, Jimmy speaks to Ayo about how running has helped him through the ups and downs of life. Suffering an accident in 2021 that paralysed him from the waist down, Jimmy shares what it’s been like reframing running to suit him as well as his delight at finding out you can still achieve a runner's high on wheels!Be part of the big movement and run with us as part of the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamWe’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your run this week or let us know what you thought of our guest… whatever it is, you can drop us a note on our team feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams, leave a review or message us at @wflworldrun @immrsspacecadet @ayoakinwolere
09/02/23•19m 30s
I run for the inner buzz with Ironman triathlete Lucy Charles-Barclay
Ever had a natural buzz after really pushing yourself at something? Well that’s achievable no matter who you are according to this week’s guest, multiple Ironman champion Lucy Charles-Barclay. Lucy is a professional swimmer-turned-triathlete, so she knows first-hand the joys that adding running to your training regime can offer, and she’s here to share some tips and tricks for how to stay motivated and get that running buzz, no matter your ability.Find every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRunBe part of the big movement and run with us as part of the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamWe’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your run this week or let us know what you thought of our guest… whatever it is, you can drop us a note on our team feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams, leave a review, or message us at @wflworldrun @immrsspacecadet @ayoakinwolere
26/01/23•28m 9s
I run for simplicity with US Team Skipper Jimmy Spithill
It’s our first episode of season 2 and hosts Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere couldn’t be more excited about it. To mark this ceremonious occasion, Ayo chats with highly decorated yachtsman Jimmy Spithill. Jimmy has won world championships, been named World Sailor of the Year and currently leads the U.S. team on the global SailGP tour. Jimmy tells us about growing up in the Australian outback and how he uses running to get back to basics on busy sailing trips.Find every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRunWant to run with us? Join the Why I Run Podcast Team at https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteam We’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your run this week or let us know what you thought of our guest… whatever it is, you can drop us a note on our team feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams, leave a review, or, message us at @wflworldrun @immrsspacecadet @ayoakinwolere
12/01/23•23m 35s
What to expect from Season 2
We’re back with Season 2! The Why I Run podcast from Red Bull celebrates the extraordinary and the everyday stories of running, to inspire you to pick up those running shoes and just get going! Runners of every skill level are welcome, from passionate regulars, to runners who struggle to get out the door – and everyone in between. We had some incredible episodes in Season 1: an F1 driver, a writer, an activist, a BMX rider. They discuss topics such as running to spend time with others (including your dog), running to clear your mind, running to be creative, and much more!In this season we’ll be meeting even more unexpected runners, where we’ll be asking them why they run and building our team for the 2023 Wings for Life World Run. We really hope you can join us!Episode 1 drops Thursday, January 12! We’d love to hear if you’re joining us this season, so get in contact on Instagram at @wflwordrun or with our hosts @ayoakinwolere and @immrsspacecadet.
05/01/23•1m 9s
Bonus episode: Hear how the Wings for Life World Run 2022 went
Erin and Ayo, along with over 161,892 participants from 192 nations at runs in 165 countries around the globe, were part of the ninth annual edition of the Wings for Life World Run this May and together they raised 4.7 million euros for spinal cord research. They’re taking a moment to chat with each other about their individual runs, and to hear from some of the Why I Run team about how they got on, including our team’s furthest runner who clocked up an impressive 26km! All news, results and reactions from the run can be found at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com [wingsforlifeworldrun.com] as well as info on how to register for 2023. The Why I Run podcast from Red Bull was hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and Erin Azar. Mixing was by Mark Pittam and Chris McLean. The assistant producer was Bukky Fadipe, the producer was Philippa Geering and the executive producer was Alex Hollands for Storyglass.
12/05/22•23m 9s
I run for those who can't with Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson and wheelchair tennis player Nico Langmann
It’s our last episode before the Wings for Life World Run on Sunday May 8! Erin and Ayo sit down for a round-table chat with international sports director and record-breaking Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson, and wheelchair tennis superstar Nico Langmann, to hear about what that idea of ‘running for those who can’t’ means to them both and to share some of their most memorable running experiences.There’s still time to join the Why I Run Podcast Team on https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamFind every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRunGive us your burning questions – drop us a note on the feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams or leave a review!
05/05/22•38m 25s
I run for fun with Wesley Butstraen
This week is all about putting the fun back into your run. Erin and Ayo speak to Wesley Butstraen. If you’ve ever encountered a big bearded man in a bright pink suit on a Wings for Life World Run, that’s Wesley, and it’s completely joy-inducing. We hear about how he started running for health reasons but found his mindset shifting as his running progressed. As the 2022 event draws nearer, Erin and Ayo also take some time to hear from a few listeners about why they run, and discuss their own reasons for getting their shoes on and getting out there. Find every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRunWant to run? Join the Why I Run Podcast Team on https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamGive us your burning questions – drop us a note on the feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams or leave a review!
28/04/22•38m 15s
I run to connect with my environment with climber Sasha DiGiulian and runner Erik Ahlström
Climber Sasha DiGiulian and runner Erik Ahlström join hosts Erin and Ayo to explore the connection between running and nature. Sasha is a world champion professional rock climber from the USA, while Erik is the Swedish creator of ‘plogging’ – running and picking up litter. Find every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRunWant to run? Join the Why I Run Podcast Team on https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamGive us your burning questions – drop us a note on the feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams or leave a review!
21/04/22•37m 49s
I run to spend time with others with freeskier Kelly Sildaru and runner Adolfo Salgueiro
Freeskier Kelly Sildaru and hobby runner Adolfo Salgueiro chat with Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere about sharing the running experience with others. Adolfo talks about how his father’s running inspired him as a child. Adolfo Senior was running in Venezuela in the 70s, long before the trend of running evolved to what it is today – he was running marathons in tennis shoes! We’ll hear how their journey of running together has continued, even though his dad is now 84. Kelly Sildaru is an Estonian freestyle skier, but her competitive nature doesn’t stop at the slopes. She joins the podcast to tell us about her regular running companion, a husky, who loves getting out on the trails as much as she does.Find every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRunWant to run? Join the Why I Run Podcast Team on https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamGive us your burning questions – drop us a note on the feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams or leave a review!
14/04/22•39m 2s
I run because I'm hooked with BMXer Matthias Dandois and runner Hellah Sidibe
BMXer Matthias Dandois and runner Hellah Sidibe share their passion for running with hosts Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere. Matthias Dandois was crowned the world’s best BMX flatlander at the age of just 19, using running as his cardio exercise to keep his energy high during the flat runs. Hellah Sidibe has been running every day for the past five years, and is showing no sign of slowing down! They both caught the running bug, and they’re here to tell Ayo and Erin how they developed the habit.Find every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRunBe part of the big movement and enter the run. Join the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamGive us your burning questions – drop us a note on the feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams or leave a review!
07/04/22•37m 14s
I run to feel part of a community with DJ Charlie Dark and ultrarunner Dylan Bowman
DJ Charlie Dark and ultrarunner Dylan Bowman join Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere to discuss their shared love of being part of a running community. Charlie Dark, DJ, poet and youth mentor, is the founder of Run Dem Crew, the London-based running collective. Erin and Ayo are also joined by Dylan Bowman, an ultrarunner, to discuss their experiences of running to feel connected as well as to keep fit.Find every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRunBe part of the big movement and enter the run. Join the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamGive us your burning questions – drop us a note on the feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams or leave a review!
31/03/22•44m 6s
I run to open up the world with runner Rahaf Khatib and F1 driver Pierre Gasly
Runner Rahaf Khatib and F1 driver Pierre Gasly talk to Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere about what running means to them. Rahaf Khatib made headlines when she graced the cover of Women’s Running magazine in October of 2016 as the first hijabi to appear on the cover of a fitness magazine. She’s a huge advocate and inspiration for Muslim women running all over the world. Pierre Gasly is a French racing driver, who helped make history with Scuderia AlphaTauri by putting them top of the Formula One podium. He travels, and runs, all over the world, and he shares how running helps to ground him, wherever his career might take him next.Find every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRunWant to run? Join the Why I Run Podcast Team on https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamGive us your burning questions – drop us a note on the feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams or leave a review!
24/03/22•38m 27s
I run to explore with athlete Mario Rigby and racer Ida Mathilde Steensgaard
Athlete Mario Rigby and racer Ida Mathilde Steensgaard talk with hosts Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere about where running has taken them. Mario Rigby is a former professional track and field athlete, turned adventurer and explorer. He completed an epic two-year-long walk across Africa, from Cape Town to Cairo. Ida Mathilde Steensgaard is a Danish environmental engineer and professional obstacle course racer. Together, they speak to Erin and Ayo and take us on a journey to discover how running gives them the joy of exploration and the thrill of adventure.Find every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRun Be part of the big movement and enter the run. Join the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamGive us your burning questions – drop us a note on the feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams or leave a review!
17/03/22•38m 47s
I run to clear my mind with wheelchair-user Sandile Mkhize and street dancer Angyil
Wheelchair-user Sandile Mkhize and street dancer Angyil share their running experiences with hosts Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere. Sandile Mkhize, from South Africa, shares his story of entering the Wings for Life World Run to raise money for spinal cord injury research after a motorbike accident that paralysed him. Then, Angela ‘Angyil’ McNeal, winner of Red Bull Dance Your Style USA, discusses her prolific dance career.Want to run? Join the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteamYou can tune in to every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRun, and let your voice be heard – drop us a note on the feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams or leave a review!
10/03/22•35m 40s
I run to be creative with triathlete Courtney Atkinson and writer Helen Mort
Writer Helen Mort and triathlete Courtney Atkinson talk with hosts Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere about what running means to them. Helen Mort is a renowned poet and novelist – she discusses how running can scratch the creative itch. Professional Australian triathlete Courtney Atkinson dives in to share his thoughts on running. Could running be the creative outlet everyone should discover? Want to run? Join the Why I Run Podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteam You can tune in to every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRun, and let your voice be heard – drop us a note on the feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams or leave a review!
03/03/22•42m 42s
Why I Run... available now
Join the fun and join the run with Red Bull’s Why I Run podcast, talking to guests ranging from professional athletes like Courtney Atkinson to casual joggers with a passion for plogging. Join Erin Azar, aka Mrs. Space Cadet, and Ayo Akinwolere, the world-record breaking swimmer, diving into the reasons why people run as we approach one of the world’s biggest running events: the Wings for Life World Run 2022. Listen to all episodes at redbull.com/WhyIRunSign up and join the Why I Run podcast team at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteam Got anything you’d like to hear/like to ask us/comments – then either drop us a note on the feed at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams or leave a review!
15/02/22•43s
