# Crack A Brew With AJW

Crack A Brew With AJW is a trail and ultra running podcast hosted by Andy Jones-Wilkins. One-on-one interview show in seasons, mostly weekly, with occasional solo 'AJW Unplugged' commentary episodes; each runs about as long as a beer, usually 45 to 65 minutes.

## What it is
A relaxed conversation show in which a veteran ultrarunner shares a drink with someone from the trail world. Guests range from Western States contenders and record setters to race founders and media figures, and the talk mixes their races with life outside running. Themed runs of episodes have covered young ultrarunners, running couples and the people behind trail media.

## Why listen
- Heavy Western States coverage: contender interviews before the race, history with its co-founders and solo reaction afterward.
- Themed series such as the Youth Movement (runners in their early twenties) and the Partnership Series (running couples).
- Solo Unplugged episodes with the host's own predictions and views on prize money and doping in trail running.

## Start here
- [Ann Trason - Her Legacy at Western States and Thoughts for the Future Ann](https://7caeba47-d0c9-47b9-aea3-831f4715bcf1.libsyn.com/ann-trason-her-legacy-at-western-states-and-thoughts-for-the-future-ann) (2026-06-25): AJW talks with 14-time Western States champion Ann Trason about her legacy at the race, her relationship with the trail and the future of women in ultrarunning. Listen: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZLCiyeH6t82PUBAmj64q0), [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ann-trason-her-legacy-at-western-states-and-thoughts/id1670279724?i=1000774249516)
- [Courtney Dauwalter and the Importance of Relationships, Education, and Going With the Flow](https://7caeba47-d0c9-47b9-aea3-831f4715bcf1.libsyn.com/courtney-dauwalter) (2023-02-03): The show's first episode: three-time Ultrarunner of the Year Courtney Dauwalter on the Western States/Hardrock double, her teaching background and crewing with her husband Kevin. Listen: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0d7Hc6xeg4F0wgAH76OGKF), [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/courtney-dauwalter-and-the-importance/id1670279724?i=1000598388492)
- [Anton Krupicka - Running, Writing, and the 2010 Western States](https://7caeba47-d0c9-47b9-aea3-831f4715bcf1.libsyn.com/anton-krupicka-running-writing-and-the-2010-western-states) (2023-02-11): Anton Krupicka revisits the 2010 Western States 100 and his 'Riding the Wind' blog, and compares trail running with gravel cycling. Listen: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gQCncRAlkjVnHIa1A3dtO), [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anton-krupicka-running-writing-and-the-2010-western-states/id1670279724?i=1000599133630)

## Hosts
- Andy Jones-Wilkins: Runner and coach (AJW) who talks with trail athletes, coaches and race directors over a drink, per the show's description.

## Recent guests
- Dylan Bowman, "Dylan Bowman - The Trailrunning Media Landscape, Fan Experience, Athlete Reality and Western States" (2026-11-07) Listen: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YxlUzdTJ7PZZfXC8vJ8Q1), [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dylan-bowman-the-trailrunning-media-landscape-fan/id1670279724?i=1000800377366)
- Jason Koop, "Jason Koop - CTS Dominance at Western States, Why Ultras are Getting so Much Faster, and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Endurance Coaching" (2026-09-26) Listen: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Y3Gj7qMjEluJcEhyOpS1B), [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jason-koop-cts-dominance-at-western-states-why-ultras/id1670279724?i=1000791737956)
- Rachel Entrekin, "Rachel Entrekin: Training Philosophy, Becoming a Full-Time Runner, and Life After Cocodona" (2026-09-19) Listen: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gIBBQGNR1KpyXXWoCUuRs), [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rachel-entrekin-training-philosophy-becoming-a-full/id1670279724?i=1000790639415)
- John Medinger, "Tropical John Medinger: Reflections on Five Decades in the Sport and the Reprise of the Lake Sonoma 50" (2026-09-12) Listen: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6jmZX7VPbuEVnafOn9kCll), [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tropical-john-medinger-reflections-on-five-decades/id1670279724?i=1000789142771)
- Scott Warr, "Scott Warr - Podcasting Every Week for 16 Years and the Camino de Santiago" (2026-09-05) Listen: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4IJ4Ha7eAXCQIjdcO5hanZ), [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scott-warr-podcasting-every-week-for-16-years-and/id1670279724?i=1000787977081)
- Jeff Garmire, "Jeff Garmire - Appalachian Trail FKT, Cocodona, and the State of the Sport" (2026-08-29) Listen: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2GokZ8dPg2yuOtJBIlyzhL), [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeff-garmire-appalachian-trail-fkt-cocodona-and-the/id1670279724?i=1000786620589)

## Facts
- Episodes: 125
- Latest episode: 2026-11-07
- Apple Podcasts Running chart, Nov 12, 2026: #36 US, #87 UK, #65 Canada, #84 Australia.
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FTfgS8tvK7Is4XsSRn8Us
- Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crack-a-brew-with-ajw/id1670279724
- RSS: https://rss.libsyn.com/shows/456963/destinations/3847590.xml

Checked 2026-11-12. Source: https://runningpodcasts.com/shows/crack-a-brew-with-ajw/