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.
42episodes
Episodes
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4.3. Houston and World XC Recap Episode
Jan 1401:14:38Tap to summarize"The files are in the computer." Guess that movie reference as we open the show! Well, the runners were in the TV this weekend with live action at the Houston Marathon/Half Marathon and the World XC Champs in Florida. Des was on the call in Houston on Sunday, and both Des and Kara watched the coverage of the races in Tallahassee on Saturday. What amazing races they were! They cover all of the amazing chaos from World XC (from water to "mud" to obstacles and snakes), which made for some carnage on the course. Jacob Kiplimo from Uganda won the men's race, and Caroline Agnes Ngetich absolutely stole the show on the women's side. Des and Kara talk about it all and assess the US performances, with both men and women finishing in 4th place in the team results. Congrats to Tallahassee for putting on a great show! Then in Houston, perfect weather brought some very fast times. You had 4 US men under 60 for the first time in a single race, with both the US men's and women's half records very nearly going down. And in the marathon, Zouhair Talbi won the men's marathon in 2:05:45 with the third fastest time ever by an American. Talbi is a recently naturalized citizen. He can't compete for the US yet but should be eligible by the 2028 Games, so watch that name. Great Britain's Calli Hauger-Thackery won the women's marathon in 2:24:17 after also winning Honolulu just a month ago. Finally, they talk about a big doping bust in marathoning - Albert Korir - before ending on a more positive note with a top 5 for the week. We are only 13 days into January and already 3 episodes into this fourth season of podcasts for Des and Kara. It's going to be a good year!
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4.2. Live from Houston 2026 (with Breaking News)
Jan 1001:10:11Tap to summarizeDes and Kara are back in Houston for 2026 with another podcast, live from the Cullen Theater. We had another great turn-out, and the crowd brought their A game with great questions. The audio is clean for a live pod, and the content on this one is must-listen. Des and Kara start with some preview thoughts on World XC and on Houston Marathon weekend. Then, they take a little trip down podcast memory lane as they enter their 4th year of podcasting together. Finally, the crowd brings their A game with some fire questions. You get breaking news from Des on her 2026 racing calendar, and you might just learn something new about the two of them. There are some fun facts in here that not many know, plus plenty of inspiration to go around. Thanks to everyone who joined us and good luck to everyone racing on Sunday! Note: Unfortunately, this one is audio only as we had a video malfunction. We apologize to our YouTube loyalists!
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3.43. The Last (Running) Hoorah of 2025
Dec 901:08:37Tap to summarizeThis isn't the final episode of 2025 for Des and Kara, but this is the last episode of the year with a long list of running results to discuss. Listen in because there was A LOT of running action this past weekend from XC to the indoor track to the marathon. Des and Kara start with updates on their recent travels - Des to Shanghai and Seoul, Kara to snowy Wisconsin. As highlights, we learn Des's nickname in China and get an update on Colt's race at Brooks XC regionals in proper blizzard conditions. Then, they turn to this past weekend's results, starting with Nike NXN and the US XC Champs in Portland. Who showed up and showed out to earn spots on the World XC team for the US? Plus, holy Hedengren(!) as Jane H ran 14:44 to break the collegiate indoor and outdoor 5K record at BU. That's also the 2nd fastest time ever by an American indoors. She is only 19, but it seems like she is making it look too easy! The sky is the limit for her. Finally, they drill in on the US Marathon Champs at CIM (including Courtney D's near OTQ) and some fast times at the Valencia Marathon in Spain as the fall marathon season finally wraps up. Thanks to Lever Movement for sponsoring the very uplifting Top 5 this week. For 20% off on your Lever system, use code NOBODYASKEDUS at levermovement.com.
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3.42. The X-Rated Episode (XC that is...)
Nov 2501:10:31Tap to summarize"So, it doesn't hurt or bother you when someone's in your mouth?" - Kara "For his Thanksgiving, he used to go to a strip club that would have a potluck." - Des OMG... this is a good one. Where do we even start? Des and Kara start with some catching up, talking about the dentist, holiday decorations, and Thanksgiving plans. We also get a proper update on Colt and his team's amazing performance at NXN Regionals, plus a preview of what's to come at the Brooks XC Championships (live NAU podcast alert!). Des shares her travel plans to China and Korea over the holiday, while prepping a collab with the one and only Courtney Dauwalter at CIM. Then, they dig into all things NCAA XC Championships, including the amazing races and the controversies. From Jane's historic run to the team competitions, beef between coaches, and the course-cutting, there is plenty to talk about... Finally as usual, they end with an uplifting top 5 to cap this Thanksgiving-week episode. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We are grateful for everyone who listens!
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3.41. For the Women and the Girls (and the Moms)
Nov 1901:03:28Tap to summarizeDes and Kara return this week, fresh off of Kara's annual, girls weekend and Des's trip to the Every Woman's Marathon in Flagstaff, AZ. You get proper updates and behind-the-scenes stories on both of those. Then, they turn to interesting discussions on the upcoming Brooks XC Championship presented by Fleet Feet. The regional qualifying events are at the end of November with the finale in San Diego in mid December. Spoiler alert: Des and Kara will be there for it with a live podcast incoming. Finally, before a Top 5, they have an in-depth conversation about NCAA XC including the dominating performances of break-out freshman Jane Hedengren, as well as the potential impact of having many more international athletes in those fields. You might be surprised by the factor that could be most challenging/disruptive about this trend. Stay for the end when Kara gives the funny story about a mom listener and her son that gave Kara and her friends the ultimate laugh at girls weekend. And... don't worry guys... you will like this one too. Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode Lagoon Sleep. Lagoon's biggest sale of the year is happening right now - and it's better than the usual deal we share. From now through Black Friday, get $25 off every Lagoon pillow, $60 off two, or $160 off four - no code needed. Go to LagoonSleep.com to take the 2-minute quiz and find your perfect pillow, or if you already have a Lagoon pillow - this is your chance to stock up and save!
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3.40. The Transitions Episode
Nov 1101:01:10Tap to summarizeLife is a series of transitions from one thing to the next, and this year marks a transition for Des with the move from elite marathoning to her next chapter. This episode is about just that and her documentary titled "The Next Chapter," where she talks about the timing and reasons behind this transition for her. If you haven't checked out the documentary already, then do so here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuPVzH3HN8I. It's a must-watch that will have you wiping your eyes. Kara shares the moment with Des as she relates back to her own transition from elite marathoning. This episode, however, is not all tears. There are plenty of laughs too, as with any conversation between these two. They also talk about signing and getting autographs, hugs from Taylor Swift, first pitches, Kara's new tattoo, hiding purchases from your partner/spouse, food delivery, and some very fast times on the trails at Tunnel Hill. Plus, you get an update on Kara's running and her dystonia. Though running news was light this week, this conversation has so much good stuff in it. As always, they finish with an uplifting Top 5 sponsored by Lever Movement. For 15% off on your Lever system, use code NOBODYASKEDUS at levermovement.com.
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3.39. The NYC Recap Episode
Nov 501:12:26Tap to summarizeThis is the post-NYC episode you have been waiting for! First, we catch up on Colt's race on Saturday at the CO state meet where somehow Kara dropped the ball and missed seeing him mid-race. Fortunately, he and his team still ran well, but Des coaches Kara up on how she can be a better specator next year ;). We also get an update on Des's knee and whether or not she will be racing the 50-miler this weekend after running 26.2 in NYC. Then, it's all about New York where Des and Kara mix together Des's run with Anthony Ramos (to an impressive 4:44) with the excitement in the elite races, especially on the women's side. Did Des really experience what it's like to run with the masses in the main field, or is she still a little bit elitist?! How are her legs feeling after 26.2 miles in what might have been her longest run ever by time on her feet? How about that exciting women's race where so many Americans were in the mix and then Obiri, Lokedi, and Chepkirui fended off the challenges from Hassan who just wouldn't go away?! Plus, what about the men's near-photo finish and amazing races for all of the top Americans? What a day in NYC which never disappoints! Special thanks to new sponsor Celcius for sponsoring this episode's top 5 to close the episode. Yes, Celcius is an energy drink but did you know they have electrolyte-based hydration powders with no caffeine as well? Kara and Des are both fans so check them out!
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3.38. NYC Marathon Preview, aka the Spicy Episode
Oct 2901:13:12Tap to summarize"If you could smell ringworm... " - Des Linden Des and Kara took ketones before this episode so you know it's going to be a good one. They start with life updates including a tick bite and a banged-up knee for Des :( and amazing performances from Colt and his team at XC Regionals to qualify for the state meet. Then, they get spicy and fired up about a host of topics including the recently-announced Treadmill World Championships, a doping storyline on The Morning Show (spoiler alert!), and details about the Ruth Chepngetich doping case. There is plenty to get frustrated about in there, but it is more fun when Des and Kara do it. Finally, they give a thorough NYC preview covering the international and American fields with hints and picks on who might win and be top American on each side. This is a must-listen before you watch (or run) it on Sunday! As always, thank you to Brooks Running who is our presenting sponsor. Thanks also to Ketone-IQ for supporting this episode. To get 30% off on your subscription order and a free 6-pack with your second month, go to this link: https://ketone.com/pages/nobody-asked-us.
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3.37. The Showgirl Episode
Oct 2101:04:42Tap to summarizeFrom two of your favorite showgirls... this episode covers Taylor's Life of a Showgirl, but it is so much more than that! Some highlights... neti pot usage, (violent) dreams, books, Hunting Wives, Alanis Morissette, Japanese maples vs. redwoods, Showgirl, TS marathon prediction, Femke Bol to the 800m, Courtney Dauwalter on the roads, pillow talk, motivational sunglasses, and so much more! And the real question is: do you hear the words in your head when you read to yourself?! Now, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off on your first order at Lagoon Sleep. You can check it out at this link to take their pillow quiz and find the perfect pillow for you: https://lagoonsleep.com/pages/lagoon-the-nobody-asked-us-podcast-from-kara-goucher-and-des-linden.
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3.36. The Chicago Marathon Recap Show, aka the Raw Denim and Happy Sweater Episode
Oct 1401:02:35Tap to summarizeIt's October, and marathon season is fully here, which means you will be hearing plenty from Des and Kara over the coming weeks. We know you aren't mad about that! First, you get some fun intro banter talking about college tours, hotel rooms, raw denim, and happy sweaters from the sale rack. You might want to check out YouTube to see the happy sweater. Can you guess who was wearing it?! Then as the main course, they recap the results from the Chicago Marathon including Conner Mantz's American Record, before finishing with their takes on the 2nd Athlos meet that happened in NYC this past weekend. The sport of running is alive and well in its many forms, and we are here to cover it all! Next up... NYC!
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