Meb Keflezighi - Exit Interview After Retirement

Picture this: you are a marathon runner – but not just any marathon runner. You've got a personal best under 2:45. You're a Stanford grad with a background in computer science and design. Instead of heading off to business school, you decide to start a company – one that's rethinking human metabolism from the ground up. That is the story of Michael Brandt. He's the CEO and co-founder of Ketone-IQ, a company pioneering the future of metabolic health. Their flagship product, Ketone-IQ isn't just a supplement – it's an entirely new category of fuel. In just a few short years, it's taken off. It gained traction with elite athletes, high powered execs, and even the U.S. Department of Defense, which awarded the company – then known as HVMN – a $6 million contract to study how ketones can optimize soldier performance.But Michael's story isn't just about biochemistry and business strategy; it's about thinking differently about seeing opportunity where others see obstacles. It's about choosing to put yourself out there even when it feels uncomfortable and about the unexpected connection between running a business and running a marathon, from testing the limits of human performance to building a multi-million dollar company. In a brand new category, Michael Brandt is a founder who's always running fast and thinking ahead with Ketone-IQ.Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram Guest: Michael Brandt | @michaeldbrandt on Instagram SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSKETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS.RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.

8 Maalis 1h 7min

“You can't be someone who shies away from sticking your neck out. I tell our guys: ‘We are trying to win.’ I'll say it publicly. I will say it to anybody. Maybe that puts pressure on us. But life is pressure. Athletics is practice for life. You need to figure out how to handle pressure, how to handle stress, how to handle others’ expectations, your own expectations, and manage it”.We continue with our office hours episodes as I sit down with Coach Dave Smith, one of the most accomplished coaches in NCAA cross country history and the architect behind Oklahoma State's dominance. Since taking the helm in Stillwater, Coach Smith has built a powerhouse program leading Oklahoma State to four NCAA men's cross country titles and a Big 12 record of 13 conference championships. He guided the Cowboys to a historic team performance at the 2023 NCAA Cross Country Championship, scoring just 49 points, the third lowest winning total since 2000.Coach Smith’s accolades don't stop there. He's a four-time National Coach of the Year, a Team USA coach on the world stage, and a leader of a program that has consistently produced NCAA champions, All-Americans, and world-class athletes like German Fernandez, Taylor Roe, Alex Maier, and Sinclaire Johnson.In today's episode, we dive into his journey from athlete to coach, how he's cultivated a championship driven environment at Oklahoma State, what's next for his program, his athletes, and his take on the future of distance running in the NCAA and beyond.Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram Guest: Dave Smith | @coach_dave_smith on Instagram SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.KETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS.RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.

7 Maalis 58min

“I remember during the race just never looking back. I was like, ‘It doesn't matter. What I need to be focused on is what's in front of me. I remember in the last 50 meters I turned back to check and make sure like, ‘Wait, is this right?’... To come away with the win – that was just never on my radar.”Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Taylor Roe, the newly crowned USATF Half Marathon Champion and one of the most exciting young talents in American distance running. Just a week ago, Taylor took on frigid temps, biting winds, and a stacked field in Atlanta—and walked away with her first national title, a massive personal best of 1:07:22, and a spot on Team USA for the World Road Running Championships in September.Her victory was anything but easy. She chased down national record holder Weini Kelati, battled back and forth with Emma Grace Hurley, and ultimately showed the strength and confidence that has defined her rise from NCAA champion at Oklahoma State to a force on the roads with Puma Elite.In today’s episode, Taylor takes us inside her winning race strategy, the training that’s propelled her to a new level, and how training alongside Fiona O’Keeffe and the Puma Elite squad has changed her approach. Plus, we talk about her transition from the track to the roads, what’s next for her in 2025, and whether she’s ready for another half marathon.Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram Guest: Taylor Roe | @taylor.roe_ on InstagramSUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.KETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS.RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.

6 Maalis 39min

“It was just trusting my fitness. It was only my second half marathon coming in… It was a new experience, but it felt familiar to me given all the training that we've done. I felt like I was very prepared to handle what was thrown at me and the unique challenges you get in the half marathon. So coming into Atlanta, I had a lot of confidence.”My guest for today’s episode is Alex Maier – a rising star in American distance running who just made a statement at the USATF Half Marathon Championships. In near-freezing conditions and a brutally fast race, Alex surged ahead late to claim his first national title, running 1:00:48 and securing a spot on Team USA for the World Road Running Championships, which we just learned today will not be held in San Diego in September. No reason was given by World Athletics but a new host city is expected to be announced soon.Alex is a former All-American at Oklahoma State and is no stranger to tough courses and big races. But his transition to the roads with Puma Elite has taken him to another level. In this episode, Alex takes us inside his breakthrough win and how his training at OSU, and now with Puma Elite, has set him up for success. We also talk about his future goals, his experience moving up in distance, and what’s next as he prepares for Worlds.Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram Guest: Alex Maier | @alexmaier._ on InstagramSUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.KETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS.RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.

5 Maalis 34min

The 2025 U.S. Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta delivered fireworks, with PUMA Elite’s Alex Maier and Taylor Roe claiming national titles and locking in their spots for the World Road Running Championships. Roe’s late-race surge past Weini Kelati underscored Oklahoma State’s pipeline of elite talent. Meanwhile, indoor track is officially in chaos mode. Heather MacLean ran 4:17.01 for the mile, which also unknowingly broke the U.S. indoor 1500m record. Nico Young continued his meteoric rise, clocking 12:51.56 for 5000m—second-fastest by an American ever. Yared Nuguse chased the mile world record but settled for 3:47.22. Also at BU – Graham Blanks broke 7:30 in the 3K and Aidan McCarthy ran a historic 1:45.19 in the 800m. With NCAA Indoors, World Indoors, and outdoor season approaching fast, the distance scene is more competitive than ever. Tune in as we break it all done.Bonus: Harry Styles ran 3:24 for the Tokyo Marathon.

3 Maalis 1h 4min

Seventy years after Roger Bannister became the first man to run a sub-four-minute mile, researchers say a woman could soon do the same. A new study suggests that Faith Kipyegon—the fastest female miler in history—could break the four-minute barrier under ideal conditions, using strategic pacing and aerodynamic drafting.Today, we look at the science, the strategy and the debate over one of the great frontiers in track and field. My guest is Olympian and now Dr. Shalaya Kipp. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSKETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS.RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.

3 Maalis 19min

“I want them to be able to come across the river as you cross into Harvard Athletics and be able to let their hair down and relax. I want it to be the best part of the day with their teammates that they really enjoy. What I usually say is, ‘We're going to take what we're doing seriously, but we're not going to take ourselves seriously.’”My guest for today's episode is Alex Gibby, one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in collegiate distance running right now. He's in his 8th season as the Associate Head Coach of Harvard Track and Field and Cross Country. He's built a program that competes at the highest level on both the track and in cross country. In the past year alone, his athletes won four NCAA titles, made history in cross country, and set a bunch of Ivy League records. He also put two athletes on their respective Olympic teams.Gibby's influence extends far beyond Harvard. Throughout his coaching career, he's guided teams to the NCAA Cross Country Championships consistently, developed multiple All-Americans, and led programs at Michigan, William and Mary, Charlotte, and Stephen F. Austin. From mentoring champions like Graham Blanks and Maia Ramsden to shaping the next generation of elite runners, he's at the center of some of the biggest success stories in the NCAA right now.In this episode we talk about his coaching philosophy, how he's built this team culture in a high pressure academic environment like Harvard, what it takes to develop national champions, and his insights on the future of collegiate and professional distance running.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSKETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS.RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.

28 Helmi 56min

“Some of what this journey has been about is just the relentless pursuit of excellence through this gift. I really have made that my mission this year and I hope I can do that for people.”My guest for today's episode is Josh Hoey – one of the most compelling comeback stories in American distance running right now. At just 18 years old, Josh made headlines by turning pro straight out of high school, signing with Adidas after setting the national high school indoor 800m record. But instead of a smooth trajectory to stardom, the years that followed were filled with coaching changes, setbacks, and hard lessons about what it truly takes to succeed at the highest level.Now at 25 years old, Josh is having the season of his life. In just the past month, he broke the American indoor 800m record twice, first at the Millrose Games and then again at the U.S. Indoor Championships this past weekend, where he ran 1:43.24. It's a world leading time and the second-fastest indoor 800m time in history. The win also secured him his first Team USA berth for the upcoming World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China. In this episode, Josh opens up about his rollercoaster journey from the struggles of turning pro at such a young age to finding stability with his coach Justin Rinaldi and a training system that finally clicked for him. We talk about the mental shifts, training breakthroughs, and the faith that has carried him through it all. And finally, what his hopes and expectations are as he gets ready for World Indoors.Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram Guest: Josh Hoey | @joshhoey21 on InstagramSUPPORT OUR SPONSORSKETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with ⁠KETONE.com/CITIUS⁠.OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.

26 Helmi 56min