To hear extraordinary and inspiring stories of faith and fitness (like fighting a bear), make sure to SUBSCRIBE to this podcast. Former wrestling icon, now gym owner Jerry Oates opens up about a lot as this week's guest.

I start off this wrestling-themed episode with (2:02) some thoughts on "wrestling with God," and (3:30) a quick recap of my latest marathon in the 14th state and my fastest 26.2 mile race yet.

(7:45) We start the chat with former pro wrestler Jerry Oates - who had more than 4,000 matches in 40 years - talking about his and tag team partner's experience wrestling a muzzled 450 lb. bear named Victor inside a ring set up at a mall in Columbus GA.

Is wrestling fake entertainment? (12:42) You'll want to hear Oates' answer, as a big guy who did a lot of stunts. (14:34) We get to know him some in the "Fast 4" rapid fire questions. He says you can do anything you want to do and he treats his body like the temple God gave him. Oates says he's lived all his dreams, but there's one more. And one of his secrets to success is always having a challenge or ambition to look forward to.

(23:10) This former veteran wrestler has advice for people of all shapes and ages and fitness levels when it comes to getting fit and getting motivated to go to the gym, no matter the excuses. He's 73 years old and still works out 5 days per week.

Oates (27:35) started his wrestling career at age 22 in 1970 and was able to compete in a wrestling match in 5 different decades, his last one being in his early 60s. No special costume or stage name, but he was on a lot of main events around the world. (30:58) He talks about some of his highlights, including places where he wrestled: the Superdome and also in the sacred "sumo palace" in Japan.

(33:14) Imagine jumping in the ring at age 62. Oates did it, despite having 6 knee surgeries. (36:05) We talk about some of those injuries and (40:20) how workouts at the gym can help prevent you from getting hurt.

(43:30) For him, it's now rewarding to help others get fit at Oates Gym, reopened during the pandemic in Columbus GA, saying there's no quick fix. (45:50) This former pro also discusses how prayer and hard work helped him earn success in a long wrestling career.

(52:12) In our final segments, I talk about how faith can be like a wrestling match, as we question God, in "Food for Thought." The "Parting Gift" comes from the Bible then a closing prayer.

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