What's it like to be the voice that gets you up that brutal hill during a runDisney race? In this milestone episode, we pull back the curtain with Disney entertainer Jodi Chase, who reveals the method behind the "annoying" character she portrays alongside her race course partner Angie. "We're trying to be as annoying as possible so that you will not want to stop," Jody laughs, explaining how this strategy actually helps distract exhausted runners from their pain.

Beyond her hill-side encouragement, Jodi takes us through her fascinating 30-year Disney career spanning iconic experiences from Citizens of Hollywood to World Showcase storytelling. She shares how she met her husband (fellow runDisney announcer John Pelkey) at Universal's Horror Makeup Show, and details her unexpected journey into race announcing. The conversation reveals the remarkable stamina required to keep high energy for hours while motivating thousands of runners in all weather conditions. "When it's sideways rain, we've got to go in, no ifs, ands, or buts about it," she explains about typical protocol, "but we felt so bad... we were just yelling at people as they're running by, making hopefully people laugh in those little moments where they were just like 'this is the worst thing ever.'"

We also explore Jodi's passionate work founding A Better Life Pet Rescue, a foster-based organization she ran for two decades, saving countless animals from euthanasia. Meanwhile, the hosts share their Springtime Surprise registration experiences, summer training challenges in record heat, and welcome Jake and his 8-year-old son Teddy for a heartwarming Race Report Spotlight about their Fenway Park 5K benefiting veterans.

Whether you're curious about the people behind those encouraging voices on course, looking for motivation to push through summer training, or simply want to feel connected to the broader running community, this episode bridges the magic of Disney entertainment with the heart of the running experience. Join us for the kick-off of our third century of podcasts as we continue rising and running together!

Better Life Pet Rescue

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