In this episode of Motivate to Move, we welcome back Boyd Dunleavey, a two-time survivor of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and someone who has truly stared down impossible odds. Boyd is a longtime listener, and after everything he’s been through, we wanted him back on our show. Boyd was first diagnosed in 2011, and after his cancer returned, he ultimately received a life-saving stem-cell transplant in 2012. His donor, Nathan Barns, was flown by the U.S. Army from Japan to make the donation that would give Boyd another chance at life. Even his doctors have told him how shocking it is that he’s still here today. Boyd’s passion for living shines through in everything he does. He is actively involved with Man Up to Cancer, participates in Disney races, and has run multiple Boston Marathons, along with many other full and half marathons. On top of all that, he plays guitar and brings that same enthusiasm to his music.

This episode is Part 1 of a 2-part series, where Boyd shares the beginning of his extraordinary journey — his diagnosis, the stem-cell transplant, his deep faith, and the gratitude he carries forward every day. An inspiring start to a story filled with courage, resilience, and hope.

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In this episode of Motivate to Move, we chat with Savannah Awde, a Fredericton-based adventurer, journalist, and all-around powerhouse. When she’s not working as a reporter and editor for CBC, Savannah can be found pushing her limits — on the trails, in the mountains, or halfway up a frozen waterfall. Savannah recently completed 85 km at Loonie Loops, her longest distance yet! John met her there in the middle of the night — she was smiling, chatting, and moving strongly while he tried to keep up (and didn’t). In July, she took her energy to the Québec Mega Trail, and when she’s not running, she’s out rock climbing, scaling cliffs, or ice climbing in the winter. We talk about what drives her, how she balances a demanding career with her passion for adventure, and the funny, unforgettable moments that come with exploring wild places. From late-night ultrarunning conversations to epic photos hanging off icy cliffs — this episode is as inspiring as it is entertaining. 🎧 Tune in for laughs, motivation, and a healthy dose of “if she can do it, maybe I can too.”

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We wanted to try something a bit different for our 200th episode. We recorded on 2 different evenings, and I would piece it together no problem, right? On Wednesday, we had a massive thunderstorm, and the internet wasn't good; the program stopped recording. Luckily, people stayed to give me more content, and I want to thank them because 15 minutes turned into 90 minutes easily. 
 The second evening, everything went off without a hitch, awesome. I did get much more content the second evening but that was okay. I put it all together, and hopefully you enjoy some of our favourites. It was a fun way to ask people why they decided to come on our podcast in the first place. We ask more questions and, of course, do some Irrelevant game questions. So many great people to chat with, it's an amazing time with all of them. 

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Legs for Literacy is back, and I take my mic and my recording program and interview as many people as possible. I want to know how their Legs for Literacy experience went for them. How was the weather and the course? Will they run the event again, and what was the course support like? It is an incredible feeling to hear someone telling you live how they crushed their goal at the finish line—some incredible stories from incredible people. 

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We sit down with runner, filmmaker, and world traveller Mark Hemmings, whose running story is anything but ordinary. Mark only started taking trail running seriously in April 2023, and instead of easing in, he immediately set his sights on getting listed on the Fastest Known Time (FKT) website. His target? The legendary Fundy Footpath — a brutally challenging 64.3 km trail along the rugged New Brunswick coastline. Along with good friends Colin Swift and Markus, Mark completed the full route in 17.5 hours, mixing endurance with laughter and the occasional moment of chaos. The entire journey was documented and turned into an 18-minute film, which premiered at the Outdoor Outdoor Film Festival (OOFF) starting October 16th. But Mark’s adventures don’t stop there. When he’s not tearing up trails, he’s leading groups of runners up Mount Fuji in Japan — a country he’s visited 18 times. He shares the wild story of climbing through lava rock, razor-sharp volcanic sand, and even a typhoon, with sideways wind, sideways rain, and moments where crawling was the only safe option. We also get into Mark’s humbling moments — like leaving Loonie Loops feeling discouraged after pushing too hard, too early. Instead of quitting, he’s reframing pride, reworking strategy, and planning smarter. Another 100-miler attempt is definitely coming. Oh, and did we mention he qualified for Boston — again — but never got to race it? Legs for Literacy will be his fourth attempt at redemption. From FKTs to films to typhoons on volcanoes — this one delivers inspiration, adventure, and real talk on resilience.

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In this episode, it’s just your favourite duo — John and Diane — catching up on everything life, running, and a little bit of lawn bowling! We kick things off with Diane, who says she’s too busy to go to work — and she’s not kidding. Between lawn bowling in multiple leagues, playing with her grandson (and winning, of course), being president of the Centennial Lawn Bowling Club, running, and co-hosting this podcast, her days are jam-packed. Then John shares his experience at this year’s Loonie Loops — a 24-hour trail running event around a beautiful 3.1 km lake loop. Armed with determination (and hiking poles to protect a torn meniscus), John pushed through 33 laps for a total of 102 km, earning himself a spot on the event’s Wall of Fame. He talks about his strategy, mindset, the challenges through the night, and why this was one of the best-run events he’s ever attended. It’s an episode full of motivation, planning, perseverance — and the reminder that sometimes the best things happen when you keep moving forward, one lap at a time. 🎧 Tune in to hear the stories, laughs, and inspiration from the Motivate to Move crew!

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Episode #195 – The New Pickleball of Winter Sports: Stick Curling with Harry McDougall This week on Motivate to Move, we welcome Harry McDougall, who’s bringing fresh energy back to Saint John’s curling scene. After returning home, Harry found the old curling club nearly shut down and lifeless. Instead of letting it fade away, he helped breathe new life into the rink by launching a stick curling league. Now, Friday nights are buzzing with action, and the club proudly hosts the largest stick curling league in Canada. Harry shares how this version of curling makes the game more accessible, fun, and social — and why he believes stick curling is quickly becoming the “Pickleball of Winter sports.” We dive into how the league came together, why participation is growing so fast, and what makes stick curling the perfect fit for all ages. Whether you’re a longtime curler or just looking for a new way to stay active in the colder months, this episode is sure to inspire. 👉 If today’s conversation got you curious, check out your local curling club — you may be surprised to find stick curling happening right in your own community. Give it a try, meet new people, and keep moving all winter long!

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In this episode of Motivate to Move, we welcome Denis LeBlanc, a runner with an extraordinary story. Denis is legally blind, with only about 5% of his vision, yet he is determined to take on his very first full marathon this year at Moncton’s Legs for Literacy event. Denis shares the unique challenges of training and racing with limited vision, and how running with guides helps him safely navigate obstacles on the course. His story is one of perseverance, courage, and refusing to let barriers stand in the way of big goals. Join us as Denis talks about his journey, his determination, and the drive that keeps him moving forward toward 42.2 km. And of course, we wrap things up with a round of The Irrelevant Game — always a fun way to get to know our guests just a little bit better!

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In this episode of Motivate to Move, we head to Riverview, N.B., for the Greater Moncton Run Club’s annual Ice Cream Run. With both 5 km and 10 km distances on the menu and a Dairy Queen treat waiting at the finish line, it’s no wonder this event sold out with over 200 runners. We brought our mic to Claude D. Taylor School to catch the excitement, chatting with participants about their runs, the atmosphere, and of course — the ice cream. It was the perfect August morning: clear skies, cool air, and plenty of smiles all around. Tune in for a fun, community-focused episode that celebrates running, friendship, and a little reward at the finish line.

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As always, please consider giving the gift of life by donating blood today.


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In this episode of Motivate to Move, we welcome back four familiar faces: Drew Wallace, Dawson Mossman, Chester Dana, and Tim McDonough. These New Brunswick trail runners took on one of the most unique and challenging events out there — the Vermont 100.
Chester and Dawson tackled the 100 km course, while Drew and Tim pushed through the full 100 miles. Along the way, they faced changing weather, tough terrain, and the mental battles that come with ultra distances. What makes this event truly one of a kind? It’s not just runners on the trails — horses are racing too. Imagine rolling into an aid station and seeing buckets of water set out for the horses beside you!
We dive into what went right, what went wrong, how they managed the long hours, and the lessons they’ll carry forward. It’s a conversation about grit, strategy, and the pure joy (and suffering) that comes with finishing such a legendary race.
Tune in for an inspiring look at the Vermont 100 through the eyes of four determined New Brunswick athletes.

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As always, give the gift of life and donate blood today.


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