The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings Support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCEBEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPAC...
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings
Support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
Check Out MPP Merch
Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.
Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching?
Check out Troy’s Coaching Page
STOKED TO PARTNER WITH
JANJI
HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE
BEAR BUTT WIPES
USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT
TRAINING PEAKS start your free trial at https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/
“Running is more than a race. It’s art, memory, and freedom.”
On this episode Troy Meadows sits down with Malcolm Pascotti, founder of Can’t Buy Cool Studios. Malcolm’s journey is one of quiet evolution. He started as a road runner, lots of miles in high school and beyond, but during the pandemic, while living in San Francisco, he began exploring trails in the Marin Headlands and hills around Pacifica. That slow, natural shift eventually led him into mountain running and “DIY ultras” solo, self‑supported runs of 30–40 miles, all on his own terms.
What makes Malcolm stand out isn’t just distance or pace, but the way he mixes movement with creativity. Outside of running, he climbs, skis, scrambles, shoots photography (both professionally and for fun), writes poems and musings. He calls it living.
He also quietly gives back to the community: providing gear and support to fellow runners, like when he ran a T-shirt sale to help fund race entries for another runner, proof that support doesn’t always need spotlight.
Malcolm is quietly building Can’t Buy Cool Studios, weaving together art, running, identity, and community.
Motivational Highlights
Embrace adventure on your own terms — solo ultras don’t have to be for trophies, they can be for the soul.
Running can be part of a creative life — movement, art, writing, identity — all deeply connected.
Quiet generosity matters: supporting others in small ways helps build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Balance is messy but possible: holding down a full-time job, a creative process, and still getting out for the run.
Links & Resources
Partner Links:
Janji - Janji.com
A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust.
Check them out at janji.com.
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com
Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.
More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.
Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.
“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary
Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/
A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/
Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com
Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.
Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.
Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/
Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!
Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase.
Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.
Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/
Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.
trail running, DIY ultra, solo ultra, creativity, running life balance, community support, running brand, outdoor adventure, Puerto Vallarta UTMB, Can’t Buy Cool Studios
