
THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST
The Running Effect is changing the way the world sees running.
Every week, host Dominic Schlueter sits down with the fastest, smartest, and most inspiring people in the sport to share untold stories, elite insights, and powerful conversations that move the culture forward.
Whether you're chasing a personal best or dreaming bigger about what running can mean in your life, The Running Effect is your home for passion, performance, and possibility.
🚀 Join the movement that's reshaping running media.
More than a podcast — a revolution in how running is told, lived, and loved.
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2023 • 47min
Running Towards Greatness: Inside The Journey Of Hoka Professional Runner & NCAA All-American Abby Nichols
Today I have the privilege of speaking with Abby Nichols!
I had the great honor of doing a live podcast with Abby this past month in St. Louis the evening before she ran 4:26.08 in the mile. From the moment I met her, I knew Abby was genuinely an amazing human being. I did her cooldown with her after she ran that race, as we dove into the depths of philosophy, trust, and other subjects that I normally discuss on the podcast. At that point, I knew I had to get Abby on for a proper long-form conversation and display her depth and wisdom.
For those unfamiliar with Abby, she is a standout distance runner with an impressive track record (no pun intended). She was a State Champion in both track and cross country during her high school years in Kettering, Ohio. At Ohio State University and later the University of Colorado, she showcased her talent, earning multiple accolades, such as the Big 10 Champion in the 5,000 meters and three-time Pac 12 Champion. Abby's success continued as she joined HOKA NAZ Elite last summer, achieving remarkable performances both on the track and grass, setting personal bests, team records, and securing top finishes at national championships. Her dedication and passion for running has made her a rising star in the world of distance running.
In this conversation, you'll hear about Abby's journey in the sport, the different adversity she's faced throughout her career, handling failures, why having a short-term memory in sport is so important, separating your identity from your sport, and much more. This conversation was wide-ranging and packed with depth. I know you'll find great value in Abby's story and the wisdom she shares.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-GET YOUR SAMPLE PACK OF 2Before: 2before.com
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Jun 18, 2023 • 1h 3min
Inside The Mind Of Stanford's Coach Ricardo Santos: How He Coaches World Class Athletes & Teams + Coaching Charles Hicks & Ky Robinson To NCAA Titles
What does it take to be a good coach? What does it take to lead others to success? We explore these questions and many more with the one and only Coach Ricardo Santos, coach of the Stanford cross country and track teams.
Coach Ricardo Santos is an accomplished distance coach at Stanford University, where he has been the primary men's distance coach since August 2019. He has had remarkable success, including coaching Charles Hicks to become the first Stanford runner, male or female, to win an NCAA individual cross-country title in 2022. Under Santos' guidance, the Stanford men's cross-country teams have achieved 13 top-10 finishes in NCAA championships and won numerous regional and conference championships. Santos has been recognized with multiple Coach of the Year honors, including USTFCCCA West Region and Pac-12 Men's Coach of the Year in 2022. His coaching prowess extends to track events as well, with his athletes setting records and earning international recognition. Santos brings a wealth of experience to his coaching role, having previously coached at the Boston Athletic Association and Iona College.
This conversation encapsulates the subjects of what it takes to coach a successful team. We discuss culture, instilling patience, a process mindset, and what makes a good leader. We also go through his recent success with athletes Charles Hicks (who won the 2022 NCAA XC title) and Ky Robinson (who won the 2023 5k/10k Outdoor titles).
It was an absolute pleasure having a conversation with Coach Santos and dissecting his extremely successful career so far! I know you'll find value from this conversation with one of the best coaches in the world.
There's a saying, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." This perfectly describes Coach Santos, and I know you will learn from him in this conversation.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-GET YOUR SAMPLE PACK OF 2Before: 2before.com
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en
-Coach Santos's Stanford Profile: https://gostanford.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/coaches/ricardo-santos/4403

Jun 16, 2023 • 40min
Mastering The Game: Chad Noelle's Journey Of Success From NCAA Champion To Coaching Elite Athletes
Today on the podcast, I get to speak with the 2015 1500m NCAA Champion, and now accomplished coach, Chad Noelle.
Chad is the Founder and Coach of Apex Athletics Club, where he coaches some of the top runners in the US. Chad won the 2015 1500m NCAA Championship to close out his collegiate career. After a short career as a professional with Asics, Chad went into coaching and hasn't looked back since. Chad holds lifetime PRs of 1:48 (800m), 3:38.35 (1500m), 3:57.0 (Mile), 7:56 (3k), and 13:57 (5k).
In this conversation, you'll learn all about Chad's story and accomplishments. From his NCAA title to now coaching elite athletes and everything in-between. You'll learn valuable tips on training and hear fun stories from Chad's career.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-GET YOUR SAMPLE PACK OF 2Before: 2before.com
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en
-Chad's Coaching Website: https://apexathleticsclub.com/

Jun 14, 2023 • 34min
The Road To Hayward: World Champion & National Record Holder Hana Moll On Flying To New Heights In The Pole Vault
Today on the "Road To Hayward" is one of the greatest high school pole vaulters of all-time, Hana Moll.
Hana is debatably the greatest high-school pole vaulter of all-time. She won the 2022 IAAF World Junior Championships last year in incredible fashion. Along with her twin sister Amanda, they have rewritten the history books. Amanda holds the National Record indoors, and Hana holds the National Record outdoors. Hana is committed to compete for the University of Washington next year.
In this conversation, Hana goes through her start in the sport, her dominant performances and records, her goals for Nike Outdoor Nationals, and so much more! Hana is full of spirit and inspiration, and I know you'll enjoy this unique conversation with the top pole vaulter in the country.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-Nike Outdoor Nationals Info: https://nikeoutdoornationals.runnerspace.com/
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Jun 12, 2023 • 35min
The Road To Hayward: Sky High With Sophia Beckmon | Inside The Mind Of The Long-Jump Phenom
Today on the series "The Road To Hayward" is the one and only Sophia Beckmon.
Sophia is the top long-jumper in the country this year and has set history time and time again. Sophia is a 2xNike Outdoor National Champion, 2xUSATF National Champion, 1xAAU Long Jump National Champion, 3xOregon State Champion, she holds the state record, and her current mark is 22’4. Sophia is committed to compete for The University of Illinois this upcoming year.
In this episode, Sophia shares her story, the ups and downs of her career, exclusive insights from her historic performances, and how she's preparing for the Nike Outdoor National meet, where she'll be jumping toward history.
Tap into the Sophia Beckmon special.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-Nike Outdoor Nationals Info: https://nikeoutdoornationals.runnerspace.com/
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Jun 10, 2023 • 41min
In Pursuit Of Greatness: Gatorade Cross-Country Player Of The Year Daniel Simmons' Road to Success
Today on the podcast, I have the great privilege of speaking with the 2022-2023 Gatorade Boys Cross-Country Player Of The Year, Daniel Simmons.
Daniel is the fastest junior in the country at the moment and looks to make history every time he steps on the grass or track. Last Fall, he raced to All-America honors by placing second at Nike Cross Nationals in a time of 14:51.7. Perhaps most impressive, he broke course records in each of his last six races and won the Class 6A individual state championship while leading his team to the team title. On the track thus far, he has run 8:34 in the 3200m at the Arcadia Invitational, won state titles, and set meet records. He'll be racing the Brooks PR on June 14.
This conversation with Daniel was a ton of fun and very inspiring. Daniel documents his recent two seasons and all the history he made, as well as this track season and ambitions for the future. Join us on this podcast episode to hear Daniel share his incredible journey, his record-breaking triumphs, and his aspirations for the future. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation that will leave you motivated to chase after your own dreams.
Tap into the Daniel Simmons Special.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-GET YOUR SAMPLE PACK OF 2Before: 2before.com
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Jun 8, 2023 • 1h 4min
A Conversation With Jackson Heidesch After Eclipsing The Four Minute Barrier & Becoming The First Ever High School Iowan To Do It
THE KING OF IOWA RETURNS TO THE PODCAST.
On June 1, 2023, at the Hoka Festival of Miles, Jackson Heidesch became the 20th-ever prep boy to break four minutes in the mile. Jackson ran 3:59.08 to become the 10th fastest boy in history at the distance. A feat that was thought to be "physically impossible" less than a century ago, Jackson went and did the impossible, yet this wasn't unimaginable to those who know Jackson and have seen his years of hard work and dedication leading up to this accomplishment.
I had the privilege of spending most of the day with Jackson leading into his race. From hanging out at breakfast to going to the world-famous Arch, I saw Jackson prepare and get ready to attack history. Because of that, today's conversation is more special than most of mine due to being able to go through a plethora of topics surrounding the race and preparing for it.
In today's conversation, you will hear all about the race, how Jackson prepared for it, what he's looking to do next, and hilarious stories from the day leading into the race that are one of a kind.
I hope you all take some time to listen to this inspirational and, at times, hilarious discussion with my friend and the King of Iowa, Jackson Heidesch.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-GET YOUR SAMPLE PACK OF 2Before: 2before.com
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Jun 6, 2023 • 41min
Simeon Runs 3:57 & Makes History While Connor Prepares To Become The Villain | THE CALL ROOM With Connor Burns & Simeon Birnbaum Season Finale
Episode 10 of The Call Room With Connor Burns & Simeon Birnbaum! The season finale. In this episode, Connor and Simeon recap their respective experiences and performances at the 2023 Hoka Festival of Miles Meet. We also discuss some fun subjects and close out this series in memorable fashion.
ABOUT THE CALL ROOM: Introducing The Call Room With Connor Burns & Simeon Birnbaum.
The Running Effect will document their season in-depth this outdoor track season. Each week, Connor and Simeon will pull back the curtain and show you how they train physically and mentally and handle failure, adversity, and the ups and downs that ensue this season.
Connor Burns ran 3:58.83 in the mile last June, becoming the first high schooler from Missouri to break the four-minute barrier. He is also a reigning national champion in the 3200m and became the fifth-ever high schooler to break four minutes in the mile indoors by running 3:59.11. Most recently, Connor became a national champion indoors in the 2-mile by running 8:43.24. Connor has committed to run for The University of Oregon this fall.
Simeon Birnbaum is the first sixteen-year-old in America to break four minutes in the mile. He did this by running a 3:59.51 while winning a national title in that same race. Simeon also holds a personal best of 1:50.12 in the 800m. Simeon holds the South Dakota state records in the 3200m, 1600m, and 800m. Simeon has committed to run for The University of Oregon this fall.
This season Connor and Simeon are chasing history; we are here to document it in a historic and unprecedented fashion. Over the coming months, Connor and Simeon will dive deep into their outdoor campaign leading into big invitationals, state championships, national record attempts, and national meets. We will go into their training, racing, mindset, and answer your questions along the way!
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. If you really enjoy the podcast, consider sharing it on social media to spread the word!
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-FESTIVAL OF MILES: https://festival-of-miles.runnerspace.com/
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en
-Connor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connor_burnsy/?hl=en
-Simeon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simeonbirnbaum/?hl=en

Jun 5, 2023 • 36min
The Road To Hayward: A Conversation With The #1 High-School Hurdler In The Nation Alexander Chukwukelu
Episode 4 of The Road To Hayward is with the one and only Alexander Chukwukelu!
Alex is the #1 high school hurdler in the 110m hurdles so far this year. He is committed to run for the University of Kentucky next year. Alex has set historic marks in his events, running personal bests of 12.98 (110mH), 10.86 (100m), and 21.45 (200m). He recently won his first state title in his home state of Texas and has also won a National Title at Nike Indoor Nationals in the 60mH.
I loved this conversation with Alex. He is full of energy and vibrance, which made this conversation extra-impactful. Like, he has the most fun energy out of anyone I've ever talked to on the podcast; it's contagious.
Through hearing about Alex's hard work, dedication, and resilience, and the stories around these traits, I'm confident you'll walk away more motivated to become a better athlete and version of yourself.
You can all watch Alex chase after a national title at Nike Outdoor Nationals this year. Listen to today's podcast to hear how he's preparing for history, both mentally and physically.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-Nike Outdoor Nationals Info: https://nikeoutdoornationals.runnerspace.com/
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Jun 4, 2023 • 33min
The Road To Hayward: World Champion Hurdler & Fifteen Time State Champ Akala Garrett
Today on "The Road To Hayward" is the U20 400mh World Champion Akala Garrett.
Akala is a fifteen-time individual state champion (yes, you read that right). She won the 100m hurdles and the 400m hurdles at the 2022 USATF U20 Outdoor Championships running 10.91 for the 100m hurdles and 57.47 for the 400m hurdles. She then went on to become the U20 World Champion a few weeks later. She won gold medals at the 2022 World Junior Championships in the 400 meters hurdles and the 4 × 400m relay.
At her state meet this year, she set new meet records in the 100-hurdles (13.52), 200-meter dash (24.25) and was part of the 1,600-meter relay team, which also set a new meet record (3:57.16). Garrett also ran 40.26 in the 300-hurdles, a new meet record and the fastest time in the nation this year.
Akala will return to the action at the 2023 Nike Outdoor National Meet, where she will defend her title in the 400m & 100m hurdles after winning both in dominant fashion last year.
In this conversation, Akala shares her story, journey to get to where she is today, having her mom as her coach, what her faith means to her, winning the U20 world championship in the 400mH, winning Nike Indoor Nationals, her ambitions for Nike Outdoor Nationals, and much more. If you're looking for an inspiring conversation with the top U20 hurdler in the world who is full of energy and wisdom, you'll love today's conversation.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-Nike Outdoor Nationals Info: https://nikeoutdoornationals.runnerspace.com/
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en