Podcast
Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara
Hosted by Des Linden and Kara Goucher · EN
Once competitors and Olympic teammates, now friends and podcast partners, Des Linden and Kara Goucher share their hot takes about all things running with a little bit of life-stuff sprinkled in too. Come for the insights on running and stay for the inspiration from two legends in the sport. No filter needed.
This podcast is presented by Brooks Running.
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
4.26. Live from Duluth featuring Dakotah Popehn (aka Des's Nemesis)
Yesterday01:03:03Tap to summarizeDuluth got two shows last week, and YOU are getting two shows this week. For this first one, we replay the audio from the live show on Thursday at the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, featuring the one and only Dakotah Popehn (Des's nemesis). Then later in the week, we will release another BONUS episode with fresh content from Monday recapping the weekend in Minnesota, plus a replay of the 2nd live show in Duluth. Stay on top of your audio downloads this week, so you don't miss any of it. In this episode, Kara oozes all of her love for this race, Des gets introduced to Minnesota accents and Minnesota nice, and Dakotah shares the story about how this race inspired her Olympic dreams. Plus, the audience asks great questions. If you want to race Grandma's someday, there is a lot of great course beta too. Even if not, this episode will definitely make you smile. Listen in and then check back later this week for the full weekend recap! Thank you to the team at the Grandma's Marathon and the fans in Duluth for all of their hospitality. Selling out TWO live shows is amazing. Kara and Des really appreciate it. Note: There is no YouTube for this episode - audio only.
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4.25. The NCAA Champs Recap Episode (aka It's Complicated)
1w ago01:09:19Tap to summarizeYes, they talk about the NCAA Champs for a good portion of the episode, but this episode is about so much more (as usual)! Des and Kara start with some hilarious catch-up stories where Kara can't stop laughing (sorry Adam!). Then, they dig into the LA Grand Prix results where Parker Valby ran another PR, and Josh Kerr ran an 800m in prep for his WR attempt. Of course, they talk about the NCAA Champs where there was a potential WR run in the prelims of 110 hurdles. But, will it count due to the doping protocols of the NCAA? There was also a big DQ in the women's 5K. Fair or not? Plus, what does it all mean for NIL as the professionalization of the NCAA continues... Finally (before a top 5), they discuss a big doping positive from the pro ranks with an unusually short punishment timeline. Was it justified or should it have been longer?? It's all a bit complicated, and Des and Kara are here to simplify for you! To support the pod and get your LEVER Movement system, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 20% off here... Purchase link: https://bit.ly/4bLI2tG. Speaking of Lever lift-up moments, thank you to everyone who registered for the Brave Like Gabe 5K. You can still support the cause via the 5K (virtual or in-person). Use promo code - Kara&Des - for 5% off at this link: https://organizations.hakuapp.com/sites/organization_sites/cd4e4817d889bfcc5e42. Register before June 25th!
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4.24. The Diamond Episode
2w ago01:08:16Tap to summarizeDelayed but still diamond! The Diamond League results in Sweden and Norway were the centerpiece of this episode, but it has so much more! Des at Harvard Business School. Colt at Brooks PR. Travel delays. Fast times and great racing in the DLs. Holy Cooper. More heat for Puma in the legal system. And more! To sign-up for the Brave Like Gabe 5K (virtual or in-person in 9 locations nationwide), use our promo code by June 25th - Gabe's 40th birthday! If 500 of you register, then we can raise almost $20,000 for BLG! Use promo Code - Kara&Des - for 5% off at this link: https://organizations.hakuapp.com/sites/organization_sites/cd4e4817d889bfcc5e42 Also, thank you to our additional sponsor for this episode - Lagoon Sleep. Take the pillow quiz and get 15% off on your first order here: https://lagoonsleep.com/pages/lagoon-the-nobody-asked-us-podcast-from-kara-goucher-and-des-linden.
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4.23. High Standards
3w ago01:00:21Tap to summarizeDo you see what we did there? Maybe not... This episode begins with Kara detailing her impromptu, "red-eye" drive to Minnesota, and the sleepy aftermath. Then, you get a proper pet update with fun stories from both Des and Kara on their furry and not-so-furry animals. If you are watching the YouTube, you get a Boston sighting! Kara and Des also give their takes on the Netflix documentary called The Crash about a teenager in Florida who was convicted of murder for intentionally driving her car into a wall, killing her boyfriend and his friend. There is so much to process from that tragic story, but at least one thing is clear: the parents of the convicted murderer were completely out of touch with the reality of the situation. Of course, we do get to the latest running news. Des and Kara digest the new World Championship standards released by World Athletics, and the times are FAST. The objective from WA seems clear... to get more athletes into the event via the world rankings. BUT, are those rankings fair and legit or do they just reward the same group that can run fast? What are the implications for the sport and how does this trickle down to affect development in the NCAA as well? Finally, they end with a top 5 where, among other shout-outs, Yared Nuguse gets some love for his 1500m win at the Diamond League meet in Rabat - a big win for him! To take advantage of the Ketone deal from the episode - 30% off on your first subscription order - go to this link for Ketone-IQ: https://ketone.com/pages/nobody-asked-us.
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4.22. Real Track Talk
4w ago00:57:25Tap to summarizeYes, there was that other gimmicky meet this weekend, but we don't have time for that. There is real track to talk about it after all! Outdoor track is *finally* in swing, and there are some great story lines to discuss already. First, Kara and Des acknowledge that the last episode did indeed live up to its name. There was plenty of "hate mail" and feedback to go around. They discuss the polarizing opinions on it and if they would do anything differently. Then, they catch up on their own lives - Colt's mile PR and blazing fast Bolder Boulder (while a little under the weather no less), Des's return to running after her break, summers in Minnesota and Michigan, and plans for the live shows at Grandma's soon. Next, they get into all of the "real" track action from the weekend from the LA Track Fest and the Diamond League, before previewing a few exciting things to come later this summer. Parker Valby. Emma Coburn. Brandon Miller. Josh Kerr. Emily Mackay. Keely Hodgkinson. And more. From comebacks and PRs to WR attempts on deck. It's going to be a fun summer of track! Enjoy the Lever lift-up moments and the top 5 to close the episode. This one is for the track nerd and the aspiring track nerd! Now to support the pod and get your LEVER Movement system, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 20% off here... Purchase link: https://bit.ly/4bLI2tG
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4.21. The Hate Mail Episode
May 2001:02:26Tap to summarizeCue the comments section. We think this one is going to get a lot of attention - good and bad. It was a slower-news, running week, so there were a lot of angry runners arguing on social media about silly (?) things. Naturally, Des and Kara have to weigh in because many of you did already. But first (!)... Kara gives us a recap of Colt's amazing run in the 2-mile at state, after correcting the record on his 800m PR. His race at state was full of surges, but he finished higher than his seed in 14th and now is exciting to head to the Brooks PR meet. Meanwhile, Des is enjoying her time off from training but is now feeling the urge to get started again before this becomes a permanent break. Then, they dig into the drama with reactions about the Satisfy Running debate, where many people (particularly in the trail world) are frustrated about how they are showing up in the sport. Satisfy is a new-ish running shoe and apparel brand. Their gear is really expensive, but should we be mad about it? As a fun side question on this debate, Kara was asked: "Is she sad that she missed the NIL era with her own college career?" Next, they weigh in on the Cam Hanes vs. Sage Cannaday showdown on the socials. Sage turned Cam into USADA for openly admitting to using banned substances in his build-up to the Eugene Marathon (where he won his age group and placed 2nd Masters). Many people are mad at Sage on social media, defending Cam since there was no money or Team USA spot on the line. The Eugene Marathon, however, is a USATF-sanctioned event where there are rules against doping, amateur or not. What is the obligation of the amateur to follow anti-doping rules and do we want USADA or WADA worried about enforcement for the entire field? This topic is trickier than you think, when you dig into the nuance of it. What do you think?! Note: Kara mistakenly said Cam's time at Eugene was 2:37. He ran 2:39:11. Finally along with a top 5, they get to the real crux of the episode. Are you a Minnesota or Irish goodbye person and when is the Irish goodbye ok?!? Plus... Des and Kara give a huge shout-out and some advice to listeners Nick and Avery on their upcoming wedding! Now, go pick up your pillow from Lagoon - the Otter or the "Thin"-Chilla (as Des dubbed it). Use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off on your first order here: https://lagoonsleep.com/pages/lagoon-the-nobody-asked-us-podcast-from-kara-goucher-and-des-linden
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4.20. The Colt and Cocodona Episode
May 1301:05:00Tap to summarize1KG was a one hit wonder, Colt is going to state, and Rachel and Courtney are serious badasses. This episode is just a fun one, as usual. Kara gives a masterclass on parenting a young athlete while trying to stay calm during Colt's push for a state qualifying time in the 2-mile. He gets it with a massive PR. Kara and Des break down the impressive action from Cocodona 250 where Rachel Entrekin WON the whole damn thing in a course-record time. Meanwhile, Courtney Dauwalter conquers the 200+ mile distance for the first time to earn 2nd female and 6th overall. Is there anything she can't do?! Abby Steiner is suing Puma over "defective shoes?" What does that mean? Are super shoes even safe?!? Who needs a cuddle from their dog? And, who needs a little Ketone for recovery? Grab a blanket, your favorite pet, and cuddle up for another great episode! To take advantage of the Ketone deal from the episode, go to this link for Ketone-IQ: https://ketone.com/pages/nobody-asked-us.
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4.19. The Marathon des Sables Recap
May 601:26:02Tap to summarizeThis is the episode you have been waiting for! Des gives us all of the incredible (and sometimes gory) details of her podium finish at the Marathon des Sables through the Sahara. From the hectic travel to exactly what self-supported means and all of the details of each stage, she holds nothing back (including the water to rehydrate her portable toilet paper). She carried all of her food and gear for each of the 6 stages, and still managed to crush it. The queen of Boston becomes the queen of the desert, and it's an amazing tale to tell. As always, thank you to Brooks Running as our presenting sponsor. Also, thank you to our additional sponsor for this episode - Lever Movement. To support the pod and LEVER, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 20% off here... Link to purchase: https://bit.ly/4bLI2tG
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4.18. Freshy Fresh for London 2026!
Apr 2901:15:03Tap to summarizeIt's been a crazy three weeks for Des and Kara, and now they are happy to be home and sleeping in their own beds with their Lagoon pillows. In this episode, they recap all that was the London Marathon from their live pod with Cynthia Erivo to Des's run with CB to the blazing-fast elite races. Of course, they keep it real with their takes on the sub 2 and the women's only WR. Some of you (guys in particular) might not like their takes, but that's why we love them. They call it like they see it! Plus, they share their perspectives on the shocking 2:05 race at the Glass City Marathon in Toledo, including the fun implications for the men's marathon trials in 2028. Hello Vinny Mauri... welcome to the scene with a US debut record! Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Ketone-IQ and Lagoon Sleep. They both help Kara and Des keep going (in very different ways) through these crazy weeks. To take advantage of the special deals for those two sponsors, go to these links: Ketone-IQ: https://ketone.com/pages/nobody-asked-us Lagoon Sleep: https://lagoonsleep.com/pages/lagoon-the-nobody-asked-us-podcast-from-kara-goucher-and-des-linden
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4.17. Live from London with Cynthia Erivo!
Apr 2400:47:55Tap to summarizeFrom Boston to London Des and Kara are live again, this time with very special guests! In this intimate conversation, Cynthia Erivo shares her journey into distance running, how she balances marathon training with a demanding creative career, and what's fueling her preparation as she heads into London 2026. She'll be joined on stage by Brooks pro marathoner Erika Kemp, her marathon coach, offering additional perspective on the training process, mindset, and work behind the scenes as race day approaches. If you aren't familiar with Cynthia's work, she is one of a select group of people to be nominated for an Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and Oscar, so far winning all but the Oscar. She made her West End debut in the stage musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (2011) and her Broadway debut as Celie in the musical revival of The Color Purple (2015–2017). She expanded to films in 2018 with the crime thrillers Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale and then later Harriet (2019), Wicked (2024), and Wicked: For Good (2025). Hosted live at the Brooks Hyperion House in the lead up to London Marathon weekend, this one-time event brings together honest storytelling, elite insight, and the global marathon community—live and unfiltered. Enjoy as you prep for the excitement of the London Marathon coming on Sunday!
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