Cameron Hanes - Keep Hammering Collective

A lively Q&A dives into backyard ultras, the Last Soul Ultra, and the fierce competition surrounding it. The conversation also covers a transcontinental run, future books, strange dating stories, fan gifts, goth culture, hunting, archery, and an especially chaotic collection of personal questions. Along the way, heartfelt shoutouts highlight resilience through cancer treatment, surgery, and demanding training.

Truett’s breakthrough 2:23 Chicago Marathon sparks a lively discussion about elite running, forgotten women’s performances, and Peter Snell’s old-school greatness. The conversation turns to Big’s Backyard Ultra, Oregon football controversies, Aaron Rodgers’ ageless brilliance, wilderness buck hunts, podcast growth, political chaos, and a call for change in Oregon.

Christine Drazan, Oregon State Senator and 2026 Republican gubernatorial nominee, makes her case for changing the state’s direction. She discusses housing affordability, public safety, addiction, Portland’s revival, government accountability, and protecting public lands. Drazan also shares her path into politics, a pivotal school bullying bill, and why she separates her Oregon-focused campaign from national political battles.

Matt Johnson, an ultramarathoner, coach, and former Iowa National Guard veteran, shares his journey from military trauma and rock bottom to rebuilding his life through endurance. He discusses moving to Texas, coaching Jelly Roll and the Nelk Boys, overcoming online criticism, finding purpose in family and faith, and plans for Noble Protein and a Texas retreat ranch.

Cameron Hanes and James G. Williams trade laughs about the new Bush Dragons film, online controversy, high-school hazing, and brutal listener comments. They preview ultrarunning races, debate current movies and shows including Obsession and MobLand, then discuss hunting films, trophy bears, a Cactus Jack buck, and future adventures.

Mark Dowdle, a Minnesota ultramarathoner and former college football and lacrosse player, shares the mindset behind his backyard-ultra dominance. They explore competition, psychological tactics, trusted crews, confronting dark moments, and enduring nearly 400 miles at Last Soul. The conversation also covers faith, turning pain into purpose, building a running career, and redefining endurance greatness.

Ultra-running controversy takes center stage, from doping accusations and disputed race rules to bizarre rumors swirling through the scene. The conversation also covers Jeff Browning’s recovery, Oregon Ducks football, Jelly Roll’s elk hunt, cancel culture, and a chaotic paintball story. Plus, there’s talk of a solo podcast debut, Bentley giveaway math, and upcoming ultra and combat sports appearances.

James Williams goes solo with stories about football, meeting Cam, photography, fitness fads, outdoor films, and Cam’s shockingly plain In-N-Out order. He explores intimidating goals, annual misogi challenges, personal accountability, finding support, living “for the lore,” and pushing through depression by taking action. Expect irreverent humor, hunting mishaps, and a memorable lesson about rotten apples.

James recounts the brutal Grand Teton Picnic: biking, swimming Jenny Lake, climbing the Grand, and battling exhaustion on the return. They unpack summit danger, unexpected help, grief, and the challenge of knowing when to quit. The conversation also covers the sheep hunt’s deeper hardships, endurance goals, criticism in the adventure world, and the demands of elk season.

A raw recap of a brutal British Columbia stone sheep hunt filled with travel mishaps, mosquito‑ridden big country, and a near miss at close range. They detail a patient, calculated final stalk and a long 59‑yard kill shot. The story includes heavy pack‑outs, teamwork that made recovery possible, and how the hunt sparked deep spiritual reflection and personal growth.