Laughs, Trails, Quesadillas, DNFs | Fiery Embers Guest: Natasha Swartley
A Podcast Episode About Finding the Funny In Trail Running
When you think of ultra running podcasts, your mind probably jumps to VO2 max discussions, weekly mileage goals, or debates over the best running shoes. But on Fiery Embers, hosted by Jason Bahamundi, you get something refreshingly different. That difference is a podcast that is unfiltered, contains laughter, ridiculous and funny questions, and guests who show the wildly human side of endurance sports like trail running. In a recent episode, Jason sits down with Natasha “Thor” Swartley for a conversation that’s part comedy show, part therapy session, and all-around trail runner real talk.
Introducing Natasha “Thor” Swartley
A familiar face in the trail community, Natasha isn’t just a seasoned ultra runner. She’s also the medical lead at destination trail races, the type of person who has seen it all, from bloody blisters to emotional breakdowns at mile 82. But what makes Natasha such a great guest is her ability to laugh through it all. From stories of backcountry bathroom emergencies to heartfelt tributes to the runners who keep going no matter what, Natasha brings both levity and honesty to the mic.
Let’s Talk About… Nature’s Call
Yes, that kind of nature. One of the highlights of this episode? Natasha’s story about taking care of business on the Olympic Peninsula—surrounded by views, solitude, and a strong urge to… go. It’s a scenario every trail runner knows too well: when the stomach says nope and you’ve got to improvise with a buff, a tree, or pure desperation. Jason and Natasha dive headfirst into trail bathroom etiquette with the kind of humor that makes you snort your electrolytes.
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DNF Doesn’t Mean Defeat
While there’s a lot of laughter, this episode isn’t afraid to get real. Natasha speaks candidly about DNFs and why we need to remove the stigma. “DNFing doesn’t mean you failed,” she says. “It means you made a smart decision based on the day you were having.” In a sport where finish lines get glorified, Fiery Embers brings the much-needed reminder that showing up, trying, and sometimes stepping away is just as admirable.
Mustard Quesadillas and Trail Snacks Galore
No Fiery Embers episode would be complete without food talk. Natasha confesses her odd but beloved aid station snack: pickle, cheese and mustard quesadillas. Jason tries to wrap his head (and stomach) around that one while listeners nod in solidarity with their own mid-race food quirks. From potato chips dipped in applesauce to pickle juice slushies, this is the aid station buffet of podcast episodes.
Music, Community, and a Message That Sticks
The show closes out with Natasha’s favorite walk-up and finish line songs because let’s face it, the right track can power you through a pain cave or get you to ugly cry at the finish line. But more importantly, she reminds us why we lace up in the first place: for joy, connection, and the story that unfolds with every mile, misstep, and moment of madness.
Run Hard, Laugh Harder
If you need a break from pace charts and training logs, this Fiery Embers episode is the breath of fresh, pine-scented, trail-dusted air you didn’t know you needed. It’s about the stories behind the stats, the humans behind the bib numbers, and finding humor even when your legs are shot and your mustard quesadilla is cold.
Tune in, laugh loud, and remember: endurance sports are serious… but we don’t have to be.
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