THE MONSTER POD
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Six episodes to give you an additional edge and insights into specific facets of The Monster. Every episode has a knowledgeable guest expert sharing insights on the topic with our hosts as well as a previous finisher of an Ekistica West Macs Monster distance to share about their experience. For the most detailed and up to date information for your event please check our Event Info Menu and specific race distance pages.
Episodes have been recorded with event participants in mind but even if you're not joining us this year, we hope you find The Monster Pod inspiring, informative and fun to listen to.
Please remember to seek your own personalised advice before putting anything you hear from The Monster Pod into practice.
EPISODE 1: WHAT THE HECK HAVE I SIGNED UP FOR!
The Monster Pod hangs out with Morgana, founder of local trail running group, the Dusty Divas to unpack what the Ekistica West Macs Monster Trail Running Festival is and what makes it so special for new and seasoned trail runners alike.
On The Finishers Lounge, Simone Edney shares about her 25km Simpsons Monster Finish and a couple of epic pacing stints she's done with friend's and family in recent years!
EPISODE 2: TRAINING TO FINISH WITH A SMILE
The Ultra Journey's Nick Muxlow (IAAF Level 4 Run Coach) from SA gives some great trail running specific insights into what it takes to train well and finish whatever distance you're taking on, with a smile.
Then hear from Bec Braganza on The Finishers Lounge on what went well and some of the lessons learnt from her 65km Standley Monster finish in 2024!
EPISODE 3: LARAPINTA TRAIL SECTION OVERVIEW
Local trail-runner and one of the longest serving members of the Friends of the Larapinta Trail (17yrs!), Kylie Cowan joins The Monster Pod crew to talk through what runners can expect on the trail from start to finish.
Carlo Simpson, 128km Ellery Monster Finisher, joins us on The Finishers Lounge sharing the highs and lows of his 2024 epic as he prepares to take on the 231km in 2026.
EPISODE 4: IT'S REALLY AN EATING COMPETITION
Accredited Practising Dietician and Nutritionist, Megan Scott comes on The Monster Pod to talk about fuelling for a strong finish, and what the body really needs to go the distance on race day.
On the Finisher's Lounge...Matthieu Pangrazzi (equal 1st place in the 231km Sonder Monster in 2025 with Chris Avery). He's tough as nails...tough enough to pull off a 43h31m finish while nursing a double hernia!
EPISODE 5: MANDATORY GEAR AND ALL THAT JAZZ
A critical episode for anyone running a West Macs Monster distance. Annie Knight from Lone Dingo (and 1st place 128km female in 2025) unpacks and clarifies all the gear you need to have in your running pack come race day.
Nicola Crook joins the Finisher's Lounge, giving inspiring insight into what her 25km Simpson's Monster finish meant to her. A great reminder to all of us why we should do more new things that scare us a bit 🙂
EPISODE 6: VOLUNTEER TIPS, TRICKS & INSIGHTS
Behind all of the amazing trail running feats is a team of 150+ vollies! Katie Thompson, WMM Volunteer Coordinator and dynamo for a number of years is our special guest as we talk about all things volunteering. Essential listening for all WMM vollies!
On the Finisher's Lounge, local trail runner Dan Wilson beautifully articulates and describes his 25km Simpsons Monster finishing experience from 2025. Moving stuff!