Fun Beyond the Finish Line | Fiery Embers Guest: Ashley Ljesevic

Why This Episode Hits Different

When endurance sports feel more like spreadsheets than adventures, Fiery Embers podcast steps in with a reminder: this is supposed to have humor and be fun. Hosted by Jason Bahamundi on the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network platform, this unscripted podcast flips the script on what it means to be an athlete. No talk of paces. No FTP metrics. Just pure joy and absurd questions designed to make even the most serious triathlete crack a smile.

In this laugh-out-loud episode, Jason welcomes Ashley Ljesevic, host of the Endurance Diaries podcast. Together, their conversations ranges from food and nostalgia to mental health and why Jason has never eaten macaroni and cheese (seriously, he hasn’t).

Let’s Talk Pasta, Popcorn, and Pine Nuts

The show kicks off with a culinary confession session. Ashley’s favorite meal? Pasta with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts. Her take on dinner duty? Her husband cooks—she cleans. As for Jason? He reveals his long-standing beef with dairy and shares his pride in his cooking skills. (He says it’s one of his seven talents. We believe him. Kind of.)

Then comes the ultimate movie snack combo: popcorn, M&Ms, and Coke Zero. Ashley swears by it, and honestly, we’re intrigued. The conversation drifts into rom-com favorites (Just Go With It starring Jennifer Aniston), and the Disney classic that still tugs at Ashley’s heartstrings: The Lion King.

What’s Your Walk-Up Song for Mini Golf?

Yes, you read that right. Jason and Ashley dive into the creative absurdity of designing a dream mini golf course. Unlimited budget. Wild themes. A whisk as an obstacle. Transportation by school bus. And to top it off? You get to pick a walk-up song. Ashley chooses a Missy Elliott track, because why not make mini golf legendary?

It’s these moments, unexpected, joyful, and just a bit ridiculous is what makes Fiery Embers the perfect mental reset for endurance athletes chasing big goals.

Real Talk: Screen Time, Social Media, and Being Present

Ashley gets candid about her relationship with Instagram. Her 25-minute screen limit? Often ignored. But she’s working on it. The discussion turns to phone-free living, with Jason recounting a spontaneous 30-minute conversation with a stranger during a grocery store run. No phone in hand, just human connection.

This segment is a wake-up call for athletes glued to Garmin stats and Strava likes. Fiery Embers reminds us that performance is just one part of the story. Being present is where the real endurance begins.

Celebrate the Human Side of Sport

What makes this episode special is its authenticity. Because the show is recorded live, there’s no room for rehearsed answers or brand-friendly scripts. Jason and Ashley go where the conversation takes them—sometimes that means talking about themed dance videos after long runs, and other times, it means exploring the beauty of trying something new just for the joy of it.

Forget your metrics. Let go of the grind. This Fiery Embers podcast brings humor, joy, and laughter to endurance sports…..and so should you!

Join the Fun: What’s Your Walk-Up Song?

Let’s keep the fun going:

💬 Head to Instagram and comment:What’s your mini golf walk-up song?
🕺 Tag @runtrimag with your Sunday dance or grocery store finds
▶️ Like, share, and subscribe so you don’t miss a moment of the madness.

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