Welcome back to the Mission of Spe Podcast! In this episode, Mark sits down at St. Louis Union Station with Brian O'Loughlin, Vice President, and Cameron Schoeffel, Director of Sales & Entertainment at Lodging Hospitality Management (LHM)—the team behind some of St. Louis’s most iconic hospitality destinations.

Brian and Cameron share the inside story of Union Station’s transformation, the art of hospitality, and how LHM is building community through innovative events—including the Market Mile, a unique downtown race and fitness festival that’s quickly become a new St. Louis tradition.

What’s Inside:

• The evolution of St. Louis Union Station: from historic train hub to a vibrant center for entertainment, dining, and family fun.
• The story behind the Market Mile: how LHM partnered to launch this one-of-a-kind race, its roots in the 1980s Market Street Mile, and its mission to bring people together downtown.
• How the Market Mile is more than just a run—it's a celebration of community, wellness, and St. Louis pride, complete with a post-race party, local vendors, and opportunities to support nonprofit partners.
• Insights into LHM’s approach to hospitality, event creation, and the vision for the future of Union Station and Westport Plaza.
• The impact of events like the Market Mile and Polar Express on the local economy, tourism, and the spirit of St. Louis.

Get Involved:

Sign up for the Market Mile and experience the excitement for yourself!
https://www.marketmilestl.com/

Learn more about Lodging Hospitality Management and their properties:
https://www.lhmc.com/

Plan your visit to St. Louis Union Station:
https://www.stlouisunionstation.com/

Follow LHM and Union Station on social media for updates, events, and behind-the-scenes content:
Instagram: @stlunionstation | @lhmhotels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlunionstation/ | https://www.facebook.com/lhmcstl/

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave us a review. Your support helps us highlight the organizations and leaders making a difference in St. Louis.

#MissionOfSpe #StLouisUnionStation #MarketMile #LHM #Hospitality #StLouis #Community #Podcast #Innovation #Running

Mission of Spe Podcast – Emma Klues, Great Rivers Greenway

Welcome back to the Mission of Spe Podcast! In this episode, Mark does a follow up with Emma Klues, Vice President of Communications & Outreach at Great Rivers Greenway (GRG), a returning beneficiary for the 2025 Market Mile. GRG is dedicated to making St. Louis a more vibrant, connected, and active community through the development of greenways, trails, and public spaces.

What’s Inside:

• Emma shares exciting updates on GRG’s latest projects, including the expansion of the Brickline Greenway and the impact of ongoing construction in downtown St. Louis.
• Reflections on GRG’s 25 years of community-driven work, the transition to a new CEO, and the organization’s vision for the future.
• Insights into how GRG collaborates with local neighborhoods, hosts community events, and learns from similar organizations nationwide.
• The importance of accessible outdoor spaces for everyone—runners, bikers, walkers, families, and people of all abilities.
• How the Market Mile event supports local nonprofits and strengthens the St. Louis community.
• Ways listeners can get involved: volunteering, attending events, sharing on social media, and supporting GRG’s mission.

Get Involved:

• Visit greatriversgreenway.org for volunteer opportunities, event calendars, and more.
• Follow GRG on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube (@GreatRiversGreenway or @GreatRiversSTL).
• Register for the 2025 Market Mile at marketmiletl.com and choose your beneficiary!

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave us a review. Your support helps us highlight the organizations making a difference in St. Louis.

#MissionOfSpe #GreatRiversGreenway #MarketMile #StLouis #Community #Podcast

Welcome to Mission Of Spe Podcast! In this motivating episode, Mark returns to share practical wisdom for runners facing the challenges of summer training. As the heat rises and the initial excitement of signing up for fall races fades, Mark offers encouragement, actionable advice, and a reminder that the journey is just as important as the finish line.

This solo episode is packed with honest talk about staying consistent when conditions get tough, the power of process goals, and the importance of building mental resilience. Mark draws from his coaching experience and personal journey to help listeners find motivation, embrace adversity, and keep running—no matter the season.

Whether you’re training for your first 5K or your tenth marathon, this episode is full of real-world strategies to help you stay on track, enjoy the process, and become a stronger, more confident runner.

In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as:

• How to stay motivated when summer heat makes training difficult and the “honeymoon phase” of race prep is over.
• The value of setting process goals—like consistency, strength training, and nutrition—beyond just chasing a race-day result.
• Why community, coaching, and accountability partners can make all the difference.
• Building mental toughness by embracing hard training days and learning to bounce back from setbacks.
• Mark’s advice for finding joy in running, keeping perspective, and making the sport a positive part of your life.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more listeners and keeps the Mission of Spe community growing!

Thanks for tuning in, and stay tuned for more inspiring, practical conversations in upcoming episodes.

Reach out to Mark Spewak:

Website:
https://spewaktraining.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/spewaktraining

Email:[email protected]

Welcome back to the Mission of Spe Podcast! In this episode, Mark sits down with Kindle Barber, Development Manager for Peter & Paul Community Services (PPCS), a returning beneficiary for the 2025 Market Mile. PPCS is dedicated to providing shelter, support, and hope to those experiencing homelessness in St. Louis, and continues to make a significant impact in the community.

What’s Inside:

• Kindle shares major updates from PPCS, including the one-year anniversary of their men’s emergency shelter at the Community Campus in North City, and the expansion of services and partnerships at the new facility.
• Reflections on the challenges and growth PPCS has experienced over the past year, including their rapid response to the recent tornado that affected many St. Louis residents.
• Insights into how PPCS collaborates with other organizations, provides direct services, and adapts to the evolving needs of the community.
• The impact of the Market Mile event, and how participants can choose which nonprofit their registration supports—including PPCS, Great Rivers Greenway, BackStoppers, and Boys and Girls Club.
• The importance of community involvement, volunteerism, and the power of collective action to support those in need.
• Personal stories and testimonials from individuals whose lives have been changed by PPCS’s work.
• Upcoming events, including the annual gala (April 11, 2026) and new fundraising initiatives.

Get Involved:

• Visit https://ppcsinc.org/ to learn more about volunteer opportunities, donation drives, and upcoming events.
• Follow Peter & Paul Community Services on social media for updates and ways to help.
• Register for the 2025 Market Mile at marketmiletl.com and select your beneficiary!
• Consider volunteering for the meals program or supporting PPCS through financial or in-kind donations.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave us a review. Your support helps us highlight organizations making a difference in St. Louis.

#MissionOfSpe #PeterAndPaulCommunityServices #MarketMile #StLouis #Community #Podcast

Welcome to Mission Of Spe Podcast, In this introspective episode of the Mission of Spe Podcast, Mark again celebrates the milestone of 50 episodes and discusses his plans to inject new enthusiasm and inspiration into the next 50. Mark opens up about his passion for podcasting, the inspiration behind trying new formats, and his commitment to interviewing guests who inspire both him and the audience.
This solo episode dives deep into the often-cliché advice of “following your dreams” and “building your brand,” but Mark brings a refreshingly authentic perspective. He discusses the challenges of staying motivated in a world saturated with social media advice, and the importance of discipline, consistency, and patience in any long-term pursuit—whether it’s business, events, or personal growth.
Recorded at the Thrive Co Studios in Clayton, Missouri, Mark wraps up with a reminder that results speak louder than words, and that every creator’s path is unique. If you’re building, innovating, or just trying to excel in your career, this episode is packed with real talk and motivation to keep you moving forward.  
In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as:

• Honest talk about comparing yourself to others, dealing with setbacks, and learning to celebrate small wins along the way.
• The value of structure, setting goals, and finding balance between hard work and self-compassion.
• Encouragement for listeners to trust the process, stay consistent, and surround themselves with supportive people—even when the journey feels lonely or misunderstood.
• Personal stories about early business ventures (like “More Miles, More Smiles” t-shirts) and the lessons learned from both successes and failures.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more listeners and keeps the Mission of Spe community growing!
Thanks for tuning in, and stay tuned for more short-form, inspiring conversations in upcoming episodes.

Reach out to Mark Spewak:

Website:
https://spewaktraining.comI

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spewaktraining

Email: [email protected]

Welcome to Mission Of Spe Podcast, In this episode, Mark interviews his dear friend Melissa Weber, diving into her journey with Rebel Run Club, which recently celebrated its first year. They discuss the logistics and challenges of running a club, from managing routes and maintaining community engagement to handling social dynamics. Melissa shares insights from her marketing background, including the impact of AI, personal branding, and the saturation of social media.

They also touch on her past ventures, like Teddy Media, and the importance of innovation and consistency in achieving success.

In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as:

• The Evolution of Rebel Run Club
  
• Balancing Leadership and Personal Enjoyment
  
• The Role of AI in Marketing
  
• Returning to Roots and Community Focus
  

Reach out to Melissa Kay Weber:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rebelrunclubstl/

Welcome to Mission Of Spe Podcast, In this milestone episode of the Mission of Spe Podcast, Mark reflects on 10 years of Spewak Training, sharing the emotional journey and the foundational story behind its inception.
Mark recounts the early days balancing multiple jobs, the inspiration and support from key figures like Mike Miller, and the host's evolution from coaching for free to building a thriving business. Overcoming challenges such as personal health issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, the episode also highlights the importance of consistency, passion, and community involvement. Listeners will gain insight into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the significance of celebrating small wins, and advice for aspiring business owners.  
In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as:

• The Humble Beginnings
  
• Building the Business
  
• Community Involvement and Sponsorships
  
• Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
  

Reach out to Mark Spewak:

Website:
https://spewaktraining.com

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spewaktraining

Email:
[email protected]

Welcome to Episode 51 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this special episode, of the Mission to Spe podcast, The podcast takes a momentous turn as Mark reflects on achieving the milestone of 50 episodes since its inception in the summer of 2020, marking almost five years of inspiring interviews and personal growth!

Mark candidly discusses the struggle of direction after reaching this landmark, sharing insights and impactful conversations from past episodes. The episode also walks through the podcast's evolution, from initial skepticism during the COVID-19 pandemic to forming a more personal connection with his guests.  

The episode closes with a reflection on the journey so far and an invitation to join in the next 50 episodes of this evolving adventure.
In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as:

• Introduction and Milestone Reflection
  
• The Journey of Starting a Podcast
  
• Unique Podcast Experiences
  
• Future Directions and Inspirations
  

Reach out to Mark Spewak:

Website:
https://spewaktraining.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/spewaktraining

Email:
[email protected]

Reach out to Sydney Lappe:

Website:
www.sydneylappe.com
Amazon link for "Go Get 'Em for St. Jude Activity Book: Turning Miles Into Smiles":
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKJTTLVF?fbclid=IwY2xjawGI5VFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXJy0zvY826kMmaIQ-Oog6S1gr72CwbNbLEcCiRls8TjzNIlEk_evUX9nQ_aem_qoiPLZjpn2QUSxF8rmvWOQ

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sydlappe

Welcome to Episode #049 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode of the Mission to Speed podcast, Mark interviews Jake Goldsborough, the owner of Start 2 Finish Event Management, about his extensive involvement in the running community over the past 23 years. They discuss Jake's journey from high school and college running to his current role in race timing and management. Key topics include the intricacies of race timing, the importance of mental toughness, and the evolution of the running community. Jake also shares insights from his extensive experience, including challenges and best practices. The episode highlights Jake's calm and collected approach to managing events, the growth of Start 2 Finish Event Management, and the importance of passion in sustaining long-term success.
In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as:

Reach out to Jake Goldsborough:

Website:

https://www.s2fevents.com/stlouis

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@S2Fevents

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/s2fstlouis/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/s2fstlouis/