This week on The Flashing Badger Podcast, Gordon leads Mike, Wegs, and Fitz through a chilling game of Delta Green, the modern-day horror RPG set within the Call of Cthulhu universe. As shadowy conspiracies and unspeakable horrors lurk in the dark, Mike portrays a grizzled FBI agent past his prime, Fitz steps into the boots of a retired special for…

Team Bones joins TDZ fresh off their 115-hour epic at Raid Bimbache in Morocco. From battling illness and chasing down runaway maps to staying strong and supportive as a team, they trekked (and biked... and paddled...) through it all together. Sleep-deprived and still processing their experience, they still made time to bring us their story. Thank …

Welcome to The Flashing Badger Podcast, where four friends—Gordon (host), Mike, Fitz, and Wegs—dive into wild, one-shot tabletop RPG adventures every week! In this chaotic and hilarious episode, we’re concluding the fan-favorite RPG "Everyone Is John" — but with a high-stakes espionage twist. This week, our players each take turns controlling John,…

Oh Canada! The Dark Zone recently sat down with the leadership team behind the upcoming Adventure Racing World Championships to be held in Penticton, British Columbia to dig into the necessary training, team planning, travel logistics, and what racers can expect. They held their ground under our not-so-subtle questioning about the course, but we st…

Welcome to The Flashing Badger Podcast, where four friends—Gordon (host), Mike, Fitz, and Wegs—dive into wild, one-shot tabletop RPG adventures every week! In this chaotic and hilarious episode, we’re playing the fan-favorite RPG "Everyone Is John" — but with a high-stakes espionage twist. This week, our players each take turns controlling John, a …

In this episode, we go international—literally—with Cormac and Lisa of the International Adventure Racing Association (IARA). As a worldwide organization, IARA is on a mission to unify, support, and elevate adventure racing on every continent. We talk about what it means to define standards of fairplay, safety, and sustainability in a sport that th…

Today we conclude our uproarious adventure of Oh Dang, Bigfoot Stole My Car and It Had My Friend's Birthday Present in It, a comedy-filled role-playing game podcast that combines hilarious storytelling and wild scenarios! Join host Gordon and players Mike, Fitz, and Wegs as they chase down Bigfoot across the United States after the legendary creatu…

Rootstock Racing has never been one to shy away from a challenge. This time, their racing takes them deep into the arid beauty of southern Africa. In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, Abby Perkiss, Brent Freedland, Matt Cymanski and Michael Garrison share their experience racing in Expedition Africa Namibia, a once-in-a-li…

Get ready for an uproarious adventure with Oh Dang, Bigfoot Stole My Car and It Had My Friend's Birthday Present in It, a comedy-filled role-playing game podcast that combines hilarious storytelling and wild scenarios! Join host Gordon and players Mike, Fitz, and Wegs as they chase down Bigfoot across the United States after the legendary creature …

What do caves and adventure racing have in common? More than you might think. Dave Jackson, founder of CaveSim and a highly experienced caver, joins us to share lessons learned in the dark, cramped passages of the underground—and how those lessons apply to racing, teamwork, and managing fear. His traveling cave simulator teaches thousands each year…

Welcome back to the Flashing Badger Podcast where our Call of Cthulhu RPG of The Lightless Beacon concludes here in part 3. Undergound Antiques Dealer Richie Sasquatch (Wegs) knows more than he is letting on, Carter Dixon (Fitz) is working a clandestine operation for the Bureau and Nautical John (Mike) is destined to fulfil his work as a marine bio…

Welcome back to the Flashing Badger Podcast where our Call of Cthulhu RPG of The Lightless Beacon continues with part 2. Undergound Antiques Dealer Richie Sasquatch (Wegs) knows more than he is letting on, Carter Dixon (Fitz) is working a clandestine operation for the Bureau and Nautical John (Mike) is destined to fulfil his work as a marine biolog…

TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint, presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association, through this crosspost of Episode #10. Thank you for listening and for supporting USARA. Episode Details Below: Welcome to Episode 10 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast. In this episode, Brent sits down with Cliff White of Strong Machine Adventure Ra…

Welcome back to the Flashing Badger Podcast where our next RPG begins. Open the blinds or flick the lights on because things are about to get a little scary around here as Gordon takes the team back 100 years and out across the ocean to uncover the mystery of Beacon Island in Call of Cthulhu. Underground Antiques Dealer Richie (Wegs) knows more tha…

TDZ is thrilled to welcome race director Robert Le Brun to the show to talk about The Ratel — South Africa's newest and most exciting adventure race! This epic 450 km challenge will unfold in the breathtaking Richtersveld, known as Africa’s “holy grail” of adventure. At TDZ, we love shining a spotlight on new races, and The Ratel promises to delive…

Welcome back to the Flashing Badger Podcast where our RPG Warhammer 40k Only War continues. For in the far future, there is only war...well, there's only war and also a whole bunch of banter around the dining table. Jelena Ramirez (Mike), Shanidah the Ogryn (Fitz) and G.Cole (Wegs) are Catachan fighters from the Imperial Guard and this week they fi…

TDZ is pleased to welcome back Kim Beckinsale to discuss her experience as a racer, referee, and race director for the Amazons Australia Stage Race. Kim’s long history in multisport, combined with her perspective as both a champion racer and a race official, gives TDZ listeners a valuable look into the world of adventure racing. This is a conversat…

Welcome back to the Flashing Badger Podcast our RPG Warhammer 40k Only War continues. For in the far future, there is only war...well, there's only war and also a whole bunch of banter around the dining table. Jelena Ramirez (Mike), Shanidah the Ogryn (Fitz) and G.Cole (Wegs) are Catachan fighters from the Imperial Guard and this week they find the…

Thanks to a listener recommendation, TDZ is excited to welcome Adventure Racer, Ultrarunner, and Former Navy Seal Harald Zundel. With nearly 30 years of ultrarunning and adventure racing under his belt, Harald brings tons of stories, wisdom, and that signature adventure racer attitude. Oh, and if you're into jungle leg parasites, you’ve come to the…

Welcome back to the Flashing Badger Podcast and to part 2 of our Warhammer 40k Only War RPG. For in the far future, there is only war...well, there's only war and also a whole bunch of banter around the dining table. Jelena Ramirez (Mike), Shanidah the Ogryn (Fitz) and G.Cole (Wegs) are Catachan fighters from the Imperial Guard and find themselves …

TDZ is happy to spotlight the upcoming SOAR Women + Adventure Racing Retreat coming this March 2025. Karyn DuLaney, Britt Mason, and Jen Tillman join the show to discuss SOAR (Stretching Ourselves in Adventures and Racing), the Women of AR Team, and the immersive retreat filled with workshops, clinics, and community, plus an orienteering meet to fi…

Welcome to the Flashing Badger Podcast and to our first RPG, Crash Pandas. Three cunning incognito racoons Bin Diesel (Mike), Raspberry Sweets (Fitz) and Ben D. Koot (Wegs) are part of the Los Angeles underground street racing circuit and they are gearing up for one last race to win it all! This is the Flashing Badger Podcast where a group of frien…

This week we continue our game of Crash Pandas. Three cunning incognito racoons Bin Diesel (Mike), Raspberry Sweets (Fitz) and Ben D. Koot (Wegs) are part of the Los Angeles underground street racing circuit and they are gearing up for one last race to win it all! This is the Flashing Badger Podcast where a group of friends play a variety of one-sh…

Welcome back to the Flashing Badger Podcast and to our second RPG, Warhammer 40k Only War. For in the far future, there is only war...well, there's only war and also a whole bunch of banter around the dining table. Jelena Ramirez (Mike), Shanidah the Ogryn (Fitz) and G.Cole (Wegs) are Catachan fighters from the Imperial Guard and trying to escape f…

The calendar may say February, but on today's episode, it's September 2025, and the USARA National Championships is right around the corner. Thank you to USARA Executive Director Michael Garrison, Nationals Coordinator Stephanie Ross, and Ozark Foundation Director of Operations Brannon Pack for joining TDZ to offer an early peek into the 2025 USARA…

We don’t track humor-based metrics at The Dark Zone, but if we did, this episode would be tough to beat. Barb Campbell is a fixture in the Canadian adventure racing community, and we’re delighted to finally have her on the show. She’s been a longtime reach guest on our episode planning whiteboard, and it was well worth the wait. Enjoy the conversat…

We’re thrilled to welcome Paul McGreal of Durty Adventures to TDZ! As the Race Director behind the legendary ITERA race, Paul dives into the exciting return of this epic 5-day adventure, the timeless allure of AR, and the life lessons we pick up while navigating through the wild. Paul’s been a longtime friend of TDZ, and having him on the show felt…

TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint, presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association, through this crosspost of Episode #9. Thank you for listening and for supporting USARA. Episode Details Below: Welcome to Episode 9 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast. In this episode, Brent discusses doping, supplements, sleep, caffeine, and all the…

Abby Perkiss and Brent Freedland of Rootstock Racing join TDZ to discuss the 3rd edition of The Endless Mountains Adventure Race: Les Verd Monts. Shifting from Pennsylvania to Vermont for this edition, Abby and Brent discuss the course, race travel logistics, training, teamwork, and just enough beta to whet a racer's appetite. Great training fuel f…

Kim and Joel Ford recount their 40+ days and 700+ miles on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in the Northeast United States. Preparation, gear, teamwork, and battling the bugs were all part of the adventure, and they brought it to us in vivid detail. We'll let them tell you the story about their new/borrowed tent, but suffice it to say that people ar…

Australian adventure racer Scott Balhatchet recounts his first race experience at Chris Dixon's Mountain Designs GeoQuest 48-hour Adventure Race. Scott was on his couch minding his own business when a friend's phone call came in, and it was time to give AR a go. Thank you to Scott as he walks us through his (lack of) formal preparation, communicati…

TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint, presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association, through this crosspost of Episode #8. Thank you for listening and for supporting USARA. Episode Details Below: Welcome to Episode 8 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast. In this episode, Brent interviews Andrea Larson of Ironbull and Rib Mountain Racin…

Just hours after winning the ARWS 2024 World Championship, thank you to ARWS 2024 World Champions Team400 - Sébastien Raichon, Sandrine Berange, Adrien Lhermet, and Benjamin Fayety - along with Race Director Santiago Lopez for coming onto this special flash episode of The Dark Zone. Hear as they overcame adversity, worked together, and ultimately c…

Thank you to Race Director Santiago Lopez for coming onto the show to reveal and discuss the 2024 ARWS World Championship Race Course. This conversation is being released at the very start of the race so that fans, dotwatchers, and at-home teammates can get a sense of this challenging and rugged race course. See the tracking link below. Thank you f…

Vermont Adventure Racer Megan Moir, known for her hard work, effort, and positive attitude, is one of the more frequently requested "Hey, can you bring her on the show?" guests that TDZ hears about. In Episode 107, Megan shares her athletic background, entry into the sport, and how she has grown as an adventure racer. We were delighted to have her …

Thank you to Mary Foster, Alyssa Godesky, Wayne Leek, Greg Prouty, and Race Directors Brent Freedland and Abby Perkiss for joining TDZ for an in-race flash episode live from the race course. It's been a great, fast race and their analysis/thoughts help everyone at home get a sense of the race so far. Thank you for being a listener. If you like what…

Thank you to Abby Perkiss and Brent Freedland of Rootstock Racing for coming onto the show to reveal and discuss the 2024 USARA North American Championship Race Course. This conversation is being released at the very start of the race so that fans, dotwatchers, and at-home teammates can get a sense of this challenging and rugged race course. See th…

TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association through this crosspost of their Episode #6. Thank you for being a listener and thank you for supporting USARA. Episode Details Below: Welcome to Episode 7 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast. In this episode, Brent introduces the Two Rivers Adventure Ra…

Thank you to Glyn Sadler for coming onto the show. From his years as a Royal Marine Commando to tackling a Trans-Atlantic Rowing Race, Glyn has many lessons for the adventure racing world. Glyn goes deep on his mindset, preparation, teamwork, and all the pieces necessary for a full ocean crossing (including turning down mid-race offerings from a we…

Thank you to Liz and Michelle Faucher of Adventure Addicts Racing for coming onto the show to reveal and discuss the 2024 USARA National Championship Race Course. This conversation is being released at the very start of the race so that fans, dotwatchers, and at-home teammates can get a sense of this challenging and rugged race course. See the trac…

Thank you to Lyndie Hill and John Ford of Expedition Canada for coming on the show to discuss the ARWS 2025 World Championship in British Columbia. They go deep about the race location, the beauty and challenge of the area, being good Canadian hosts, and their race design philosophy. This episode has just enough beta to whet your racing appetite. F…

Thank you to Darren Steinbach and Chelsey Magness for coming onto the show for a TDZ Flash Episode. Recording live from the Expedition Oregon finish line, Darren and Chelsey walk us through the race course, the team experience, the challenging terrain, and their immersive race media style. Flash episodes are built for publishing speed so this episo…

Thank you to Luis Becdach for coming onto the show. Luis is the perfect guest when discussing the upcoming ARWS World Championships in Ecuador. A longtime racer, Luis has raced Worlds multiple times and knows Ecuador like the back of his mano. Having raced alongside him in Huairasinchi in 2021, TDZ can attest to the accuracy of that last sentence. …

TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association through this crosspost of their Episode #6. Thank you for being a listener and thank you for supporting USARA. Episode Details Below: Welcome to Episode 6 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast. In this episode, Brent speaks with Allen Wagner of Broad Run …

TDZ helps the United States Adventure Racing Association with 'The Checkpoint' Podcast. In editing Episode #6, Steph Ross and Troy Farrar were asked by Host Brent Freedland about their favorite USARA National Championship memories. Their answers were so interesting, fun, and poignant that we pulled them out for Episode 100.5 of TDZ. Call it a 'TDZ …

Thank you to Grant Killian for joining us for our 100th episode. Untamed New England holds a special place in the AR World as well as for The Dark Zone as it was the first expedition race that we tackled. A legendary race, UTNE was known not only for its challenging terrain and navigation, but for the ethic of exploration and discovery brought to t…

Thank you to Nathalie Long, Race Director for Raid The Rockies, for joining TDZ to talk about her newest stage race in the Canadian Rockies, her own racing career, and a little race called UTMB. Natalie runs the well-named Adventure Immersion Lab and her racers got their fair share of immersion at the inaugural Raid the Rockies. Shownotes: https://…

Thank you to Thomas Ogander, Race Director for the One Water Race, for joining TDZ to talk about One Water, the limits of human capacity, and how the Swedish Archipelago provides a challenging backdrop for his race. An increasingly popular event, racers swim/run for sixty hours and navigate among the coastal islands. Adventure Racers will see echoe…

Thank you to Expedition Canada's Ben Kwiatkowski for joining TDZ to talk about his big goals and his big races. In the past several years he has competed in some of the most challenging races on multiple continents including Eco-Challenge Fiji and the AR World Championships in South Africa. A firefighter by training with many years of outdoor exper…

These may be the smartest guests that we'll ever have on The Dark Zone. Thank you to Dr. Barton and Dr. Sutcliffe for joining TDZ to discuss the findings in their paper, "Enacting Resilience: Adventure Racing as a Microcosm of Resilience Organizing." Published in March 2023, they go deep on their onsite research at races and what AR teamwork teache…