Run The Race

Rock on! My guest this week is a longtime friend who's now in Kentucky and just released his first solo album, full of songs about overcoming and hope related to his health crisis and almost dying during brain surgery. He doesn't label it Christian rock, but hopes the music reaches the lost and nonbelievers. As you'll hear later in this podcast (which you should subscribe to), he's also passionate about mental health which is part of his current job.

(3:04) After a taste of his music on the pod, we hear from Eric Bivens, who was in full time ministry almost two decades - including being a youth pastor at my church in Columbus GA. He did all the singing and playing of instruments for his band "My Cavernoma" on the just-released album "Once in a Lifetime," which you can listen to on all major streaming platforms, linked at https://mycavernoma.com/.

A cavernoma is a ruptured blood vessel. He explains how that going unnoticed in his head led to a decade of seizures, how they came out of nowhere, even while leading worship at church. Eric talks about yelling at God for not healing him and also how the Lord opened doors for a new pastor job in WV that led to a neurologist who helped heal him. In surgery, they took out half his skull. His scar is now his testimony. Now, he wants to use rock music to help others struggling, give them hope.

(22:50) Why is this longtime youth pastor so passionate about music and working in visual communications, part of his church and secular jobs? It started with a guitar, an art class, and a band in high school. Music has been part of his ministry. Eric wants his songs to be for anyone, Christian or not. His core audience is males aged 30-55.

(30:56) We hear the story behind several of his "My Cavernoma" songs about memories, addiction, and material things...and Eric plays an acoustic version of "Hello," We also give you some of the album version.

For the last 4 years, (38:20) this former youth pastor has worked for Talkiatry. Eric himself has a college degree in psychology and Christian counseling. He says psychiatry is not something to be afraid of, but God can use it to heal us, as the nation struggles with mental health challenges.

(43:20) While he used to express his emotions through sermons, now it's through new rock songs with honest lyrics. We also hear a little bit about his hugging wife Jodie's video devotionals...and connecting with their three boys over basketball and other sports. (49:32) Eric also delivers the prayer for this episode, with just a little more of his music to close us out.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

She survived breast cancer - twice! And now she's on a team that's getting on bikes for a cross-country ride to raise money for cancer research, taking us inside her fitness training and faith mindset for next month's big challenge.

(2:15) Susan Glisson starts by telling us how this former swimmer and softball player got into cycling, including an Ironman. Her second bout with cancer prompted her to put the bike down 8 years ago, but she picked it back up this year to take her life and body back from the disease. How does cycling differ from other sports, in terms of a workout? She explains the muscles you use, what burns, what kind of road bike she uses, and the bruises she's gotten.

(6:36) Starting September 7, the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride will start in Oregon and end a month later in NJ. Susan is riding around 80 miles, 3 days straight - in late Sept - from St Louis MO to Indianapolis IN. The goal for the dozens of Bristol Myers Squib employees and cycling teammates is to raise $1 million for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Here's how you can help: www.cancerbikeride.org.

This competitive woman talks about her motivation to take on this big ride, at her age in her mid 50s, not as strong or fast as she used to be, but living life to the fullest. What about the last 5 months of training? She breaks down the schedule and numbers.

(12:51) We discuss her personal cancer journey, from her first diagnosis in 1997 to the next one that involved a difficult 8 hour surgery, an emotional wakeup call from God, and mental strength through the pain. Susan also learned to eat clean. For this cycling adventure, she hydrates every 5 miles or 20 minutes, but PB&J sandwiches are favorites to eat.

(21:52) She's also sending a message to her son and family that there's life after cancer! These cancer rides are also about bringing awareness and compressing the stigma she talks about. (26:40) For Susan, faith is also crucial as she lives and cycles, taking in God's beauty and knowing that anything is possible if she believes, as the Bible says.

She was also a former athletic trainer at Auburn University (under coach Pat Dye), where her husband played football. Now, she's the one being served and trained as an athletic team member. Wee end with her talking about this Coast 2 Coast 4 cancer ride - the anxiety of the unknown, their average speed on the bikes, daily plans, and how to donate to this cause. I close out the episode in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

This shorter pod episode is a race recap of my latest marathon and also a deeper look at the difference in beliefs between Christians and Mormons (which made up a big population of where we ran). Make sure to subscribe to "Run The Race" to hear more stories about fitness and faith!

Utah was state #23 for running marathons, in the quest to do the 26.2 mile race in all 50 states! I talk about the pizza & prep the day before the Deseret News Marathon, which has been going on more than 50 years in Salt Lake City, You'll also hear how it was starting early, on a mountaintop at 7,000 feet elevation...how it wasn't all downhill on this path that Utah pioneers took in 1847...tired runners...and nice rewards at the finish line during this state holiday.

It was also a father son trip, from hiking in Utah canyons and seeing the famous Temple square...to a layover on the Las Vegas strip with magician and expensive steaks.

I also dive into the differences between Christianity and Mormonism, with both believing in Jesus, but some other stark differences - involving the Bible, the Trinity, the Virgin Mary, plus avoiding substances like caffeine and alcohol. You may learn something. I did.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Valeria Marto is from Brazil but has lived longer in America now. Since she's been in Georgia, she's bought or started two successful businesses - helping schoolkids communicate through thewater and now giving people opportunities to travel the world. She's passinate about both those, plus her relationship with Jesus, her family, and going to CrossFit gym regularly. We talk about all that on this new episode of "Run The Race."

(3:00) Valeria had humble beginnings in Sao Paulo, Brazil - barely traveling from where she lived. Now, she and her husband run Planet Fun Travel. She talks about how traveling to different places in the USA and overseas can change you for the better...how it can be affordable...her favorite spot (hint, it's in Italy)...and their upcoming dream trip to Israel.

(12:25) Growing up Catholic, she later was scared of death and questioning God, but talks to me about a transforming moment of faith at an evangelical church 20+ years ago. Valeria now has a passion to reach the unchurched, loving and listening to others, knowing the Holy Spirit does the real job. She talks about what a real Christian does, and not just on Sundays.

(21:02) Not only does her family share a passion for faith, but also for being healthy through working out. A breast cancer diagnosis was a wakeup call for this mom of 2, changing her mindset so that exercise would be like doctor appointments she did not need to miss. Intimidated by CrossFit? She says if little her can do it, anyone can! Valeria describes what she does there in competing against herself and loving the community of fellow CrossFit participants.

(30:05) For more than 16 years, she has owned and operated DramaKids International of Greater Columbus GA, with 600 students going through her programs. She talks about kids, from 5 years old to high schoolers, learning tools of confidence and communication. (36:20) We close the chat talking about being able to go for your dreams in America, where it's not possible in many other countries. This entrepreneur tells the story of how she started with DramaKids, thanks to a woman prophesying Jeremiah 33:3 over her, then God spoke clearly to her. After our conversation, the pod ends in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Growing up in India, our guest this week on "Run The Race" is a doctor who's been practicing 41 years, including almost 3 decades in America. As an endocrinologist, he's been helping people live longer especially in Columbus GA, part of the South where there's an epidemic of obesity of obesity and diabetes. As he gets ready to open a new state-of-the-art weight loss, clinic, we hear his life hacks on nutrition, expert advice on weight loss drugs and more on this podcast, which we hope you subscribe to,

(3:22) Dr. Bantwal Suresh Baliga says learning your body stats (on new technology) is so important to help you know how to change your lifestyle for the better. Some people have hormonal, genetic challenges. What's the best way to achieve weight loss goals? He says there's not a one size fits all diet that can work, but what to watch for is insulin resistance climbing - making you more at risk for lots of health problems like cancer, stroke, etc. but there are things you can control. (14:50) Faith is also vital for your health, as he recommends especially wives and moms to take time for yourself. This physician says if you're frustrated, turn to the Lord and meditate.

(17:00) Dr. Baliga has some wisdom on food shopping and exercise instead of "yo-yo dieting." He lists steps for insulin resistance. Can you live on a diet of 800 calories per day? That's what he suggests for some patients as an initial kickstart. Other recommendations: eat before you grocery shop; exercise (he gives some numbers); walk to places and while working.

(22:31) We see a lot of ads for weight loss drugs, but none are 100% safe. These medications change pathways of the brain, to take away cravings and that happy dopamine from tasty food...but there are side effects.

(30:15) On Friday July 14 in Columbus GA, he and his wife (also a doctor) are opening the Chattahoochee Institute for Wellness, Longevity & Weight Management. He breaks down how patients will pay, plus what they'll do at the new clinic - including special tests for your hormones and calorie burn, yoga, cooking demonstrations, cognitive behavioral therapy. He also says yes you can do this weighr loss on your own, if you're disciplined and healthy enough. Dr, Baliga has specific advice about foods to eat and avoid. Sleep is a factor too!

(41:20) We wrap up our podcast chat talking about bringing medical care to a rural village in India where there were many cobras and he saved lives through a state-of-the-art snake bite clinic. (45:50) And we learn about his journey from India to the UK to the USA, where he believes it's God's Will for him to be, where there's not enough endocrinologists. I close out the episode with my quick weight loss story and a prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

To streak or not to streak? I’m talking about running every day…and the same for reading the Bible, on this shorter episode of the “Run The Race” podcast. My run streak right now is at 400+ days, with a previous best of 750+ (more than 2 years). I’ve read through all of God’s Word before, but just trying the daily streak, at 3 weeks now.

(3:35) First, I’ve got a quick recap of what it was like at my first AJC Peachtree Road Race, the largest 10K in the world, alongside tens of thousands of other runners in Atlanta.

(5:15) Why run every day and should you do it? The current male and female records are staggering. I give you 6 steps of how to do a run streak, plus who should not be trying to run every day. There are pros and cons to streaking…from motivation and mindset and community…to stress and injuries.

(14:15) You can also get discouraged or intimidated when trying to read the Bible regularly. How can you make reading God’s Word daily a habit? I’ve got 6 steps for that too, that includes picking a time, plan, accountability partner. I also talk about the benefits of reading scripture every day, as spiritual nourishment like food. (22:41) And I close this one in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Two years after failing big in his attempt to run across Georgia solo, he succeeded this time at running and walking 277.2 miles from Jekyll island to Columbus GA. Make sure to subscribe to "Run The Race" to hear inspiring stories like his, people talking about fitness and faith.

(2:13) Runner Kevin Schied talks first about how and why he started running 13 years ago, in his early 40s while working a desk job and wanting to lose weight - graduating from 5Ks to ultramarathons on trials. He says it's never too late to get started, and has advice and how to do that smartly. We also talk about knowing the difference between injury and aches or pains, for newer or experienced runners.

(11:30) One month ago, he was one of the 3 people that finished the solo Run Across Georgia event, finishing 1st place! It ended up being more than 280 miles in less than 5 days, about 8 times the distance he made it in 2021. We talk about his daily mileage strategy...training for this...sleeping a few hours at a time in the back of a truck...mind games when running so much by himself in the dark...how vital his CREW was...and how a runner behind him was a good push.

As for equipment, (26:36) good running shoes are crucial, but they had to be doctored or cut. In a parking lot in the middle of Georgia, he also talks about the surgery done on his foot, blisters. What was the emotions for him and his team as they crossed the finish line? For one, he just wanted to sit down...and eat too, Along the way, distractions helped. And he had more fun (and foot pain) than he expected! Will he do it again?

(35:10) Mental toughness is important for a lot of things in life. Kevin talks about pushing through in running and life, even when it hurts. Nutrition is crucial too, as he took in too much sodium at the start of RAG that led to major ankle swelling. Adversely, lots of rice krispie treats were key to his success!

(41:29) Finding other people to motivate you is also very helpful, people like Jennifer and Lisa that crewed Kevin in his journey across GA. He likes group running with others better. Now, Kevin has some new speed and distance goals.

After the chat, I share some reflections from a young soldier who made it more than halfway in the Run Across Georgia, but learned a lot about himself and Christ along the way. And I close the episode in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

With Father's Day weekend coming up, a dad shares his difficult story related to his son and the Georgia church that he's led for decades.

(5:25) Pastor James E. Allen I is releasing a new book on the upcoming holiday called "The Hypocrisy Of The Church." If the name catches your attention, you'll want to hear his story. In ministry nearly 40 years, there was a big change in his life more than 5 years ago when his son was born. He fathered him outside of his marriage. How did his church harshly respond? And how does Jesus treat sinners and wrongdoers? This Reverand wants to make sure sin is not glorified or openly allowed, but hopes his story is a wakeup call for church to give hope, rather than be judgmental hypocrites when it comes to sinners - which we all are.

You can find the book at https://www.takingoffthemask.com/. Despite the title, Pastor Allen loves the church and is still leading Macedonia Christian Ministries in Columbus GA. His book is filled with hundreds of scriptures as evidence for his argument.

(18:35) He also is open with what it was like nearly 6 years ago with people he hurt through having a son, but not with his wife. A number of people left his church because of it. And he didn't get the right to privacy. But as he says on the cover of his book, with a picture of his the 5-year-old with his same name, "I chose my son," There are stories in the Bible about Jesus stopping them from stoning the woman that had committed adultery too. What is hypocrisy? Is sin a discipline problem? And can sinners have integrity? This pastor and author answers those.

(39:26) Being treated differently because he's a pastor, Allen dives deeper into the meaning of righteousness and how Jesus made reparations for our sin with his blood. Since his son's been born, we get an update on how his church is doing now, and his stronger passion for the church to be more effective in bringing people in vs pushing them away.

He also tells a story about the leader of a basketball camp, how him bringing his son there was inspiring for someone in the same situation. Pastor Allen says taking all the attacks is worth it, for a greater purpose. He wants the church to be a bright spot! i close the episode in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

An orthopaedic surgeon in Georgia is now the author of a new book, opening up about his family's struggles with drug addiction in a new fiction novel based on their journey, called "The Gardens of Winter." He and his son, the former addict, both opened up to me for this episode of the Run The Race podcast, which you should subscribe to.

(4:57) Dr. Jay McGrory, who works at Hughston Clinic in Columbus GA, starts with his difficulty processing his oldest son Nick's substance abuse becoming a "wrecking ball" for their family, almost dying from an overdose, then being in and out of rehab.

With Father's Day coming up, (13:07) we talk about his reaction as dad, which he is not afraid to say was being frustrated, angry, disappointed with his son at the time. As a physician, he didn't know the nature of addiction either. Instead of it simply being a bad lifestyle choice, it's also a disease and he learned more and more, going through it as a parent. What was the turning point? He tells that story that included tears and now a dad that's proud of Nick.

There's also the spiritual aspect for addicts and their family members for overcoming these challenges, getting help from God and groups going through the same thing, like Al-Anon where they start with the serenity prayer.

(24:32) Why did he decide to write a semiautobiographical novel? And how does Dr. McGrory hope it will help other struggling families, addicts? He says there is hope for you! Those involved have to choose to go get help, just like going to the doctor when you're hurt or sick. we also talk briefly about doctors prescribing so many opioids for pain.

(34:05) My second guest in this podcast episode is his son Nick McGrory, who started his drug abuse after having shoulder surgery as a teenager and getting opioids for it. More than 6 years ago, at age 22, he got sober and he now leads Otter House Recovery in Asheville NC where he's helping other young men with sober living: https://otterhouserecovery.com/.

He takes us through the tough journey leading up to his sobriety (42:21) and we dig deeper into how addictions can start for young people, a disease that impacts the whole family.

(50:34) And finally, Nick and i talk about his dad's book, breaking the stigma of addiction which continues killing so many people! That drug abuse also includes struggles with Higher powers and getting help from people outside your family. (1:04:57) I close the pod in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

And you can buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Gardens-Winter-Jay-McGrory/dp/B0C1JBJH47/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=Q66EIDWLY249&keywords=gardens%20of%20winter%20mcgrory&qid=1685500222&sprefix=gardens%20of%20win%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1&fbclid=IwAR3mg0RRO3p0dPcHBv3YDBbh3Y1Mypi6Ku6qopMpYN7OP_gHqYuJEh-Eg30

As the NBA Finals tip off (tonight), our guest this week is a man who helped lead the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back world championships, part of his 45 years of coaching college or pro basketball, which also included being a scout and assistant coach for the Olympics "Dream Team."

(3:36) Coach Brendan Suhr tells some fascinating stories about being an assistant coach under Chuck Daly for the "Bad Boy" Pistons, including Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, now in one of the top positions in the NBA. One of his fellow coaches was the dad of current Denver Nugget's head coach. One the other side was a guy named Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls! Suhr talks about helping to come up with the "Jordan Rules" at 2am in a hotel lobby, during the playoffs. He says coaching is taking players where they can't take themselves.

(13:38) What does it take for pro athletes to have that really strong winning mentality? Part of it is buying in, and it takes everyone to do that part as a team - not just in sports but other career fields. Suhr gives us the 3 keys to coaching.

For NBA players, (19:36) staying in shape is essential, but Coach Suhr says they used to not play during the offseason, taking a break from basketball and getting needed recovery...but nowadays, overtraining leads to more injuries. Running for an hour every afternoon of a game day was Suhr's ritual. Along with being on the bench for the Pistons in the early 1990's, he also has helped coach the NJ Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Orlando Magic.

(27:19) The most dominant team doesn't always win the NBA Finals, he says, and the Miami Heat have the confidence, but he believes the Denver Nuggets will win thanks top having the league's best player plus home court advantage. Suhr has known both head coaches since they were teenagers, including Erik Spoelstra who started in the video room.

(32:41) He also founded and has led "Coaching U" for the last 15 years, teaching how to be a great coach, business leadership, and more. (38:55) Find out why coaching people to be better involves their heritage, hopes and heartaches. We close with some of his quick stories about Coach Billy Donovan, Tony Robbins, Coach Nick Saban.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.