Another Mother Runner

This is the ideal episode for anyone struggling with an injury or going through a tough time in life. In a bit of a shift from her usual performance-centric books, Coach Liz Waterstraat tells host Sarah Bowen Shea about The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans by Maya Shankar. As part of the conversation, the host duo talks about the power of awe and its ability to get you out of your own head—a joyous phenomenon that can happen during a run, ride, or game. Coach Liz wisely suggestions ways to reframe a post-injury period. And she details a resonate garden metaphor from the book.
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This is the ideal episode for runners and walkers to get solutions for all their skin-related issues and concerns—no topic is off-limits or TMI. The guest is Brooke Jackson, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, marathon runner, and author of Skincare for Runners. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Britany Williams, Dr. Jackson offers up:
-solutions for post-run heat rash and hives
-loads of sun-protection insight + (scared-straight!) wisdom
-best practices for effective sunscreen application
-deodorant and antiperspirant recommendations
-save-the-toenail guidance
Before the guest joins around 22:52, Molly Williams shares all the happy details about her middle daughter’s recent wedding (part of a family hike last Monday!). Note: The conversation with Dr. Jackson is part of an April 2022 episode, while the Molly-Sarah chitchat is brand new.

Anyone looking for novels to read at the pool, beach, or on a plane will appreciate the entertaining, well-crafted books discussed in this episode. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist start with the “subtle beauty” of the latest novel by Ann Patchett (the host-duo detail their favorite novels by this esteemed author). In discussing a new domestic thriller, they debate why male narrators are somewhat rare in that genre. An engaging new book that elevates the standard beach read prompts a series of sideline conversations about various generations. Finally, each host shares a graphic novel she’s recently read. The books discussed:
Whistler: Ann Patchett
The Au Pair: Teddy Wayne
The Shampoo Effect: Jenny Jackson
Anxietyland: Gemma Correll
Charity and Sylvia: Tillie Walden
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Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/
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This is an episode for everyone as grief is a recurring facet of all our lives. The guest is Myra Sack, the founder of E-Motion and author of Fifty-seven Fridays, a memoir about the life and January 2021 death of her young daughter. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, Myra shares:
-the founding of her org near Boston’s Heartbreak Hill
-why the repetitive, rhythmic nature of running helps process grief
-the power of having someone running by your side
-the healing capacity of nature
-the group’s unique approach to hill repeats
Before the guest joins around 15:55, the hosts talk about recent adventures they’ve had with their respective daughters.
Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/
Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/
Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/
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The Miles of Books Non-Fiction Debut Episode originally dropped on April 22, 2025.
This debut episode is ideal listening for all athletes, especially ones in a pursuit of increased athletic enjoyment and success. Along with host Sarah Bowen Shea, Coach Liz Waterstraat does a deep dive into the new book Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change by Olga Khazan. Among other things, Coach Liz discusses the importance of openness during a race; how conscientiousness can help runners succeed in training; and why being more outgoing might deepen your connection to running. (As promised, here’s Coach Liz on Goodreads.)
Other books Coach Liz recommends:
How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be: Katy Milkman
Four Thousand Weeks: Oliver Burkeman
Unwinding Anxiety: Judson Brewer
The Miles of Books Debut Fiction Episode originally dropped on May 6, 2025.
Fiction lovers will delight in this first novel-filled episode of our new biweekly [now weekly!] podcast. In a lively conversation, Ellison Weist talks up these four books with host Sarah Bowen Shea:
The Fisherman’s Gift: Julia R. Kelly
Tilt: Emma Pattee
Murder at Gulls Nest: Jess Kidd
I See You’ve Called in Dead: John Kenney
Other books Ellison is looking forward to reading:
33 Place Brugmann: Alice Austen
A Gentleman’s Gentleman: T J Alexander
Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/
Cozy Earth: Use code: AMR to receive 20% off at https://cozyearth.com/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/
Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121