Run The Race

He battled depression for 15 years, half his life. I worked at a TV station with him 7+ years ago and didn't even know it. During this Mental Health Awareness Month, Brandon Saho is this week's guest, being open and vulnerable about his journey, and how he got help that saved his life! Make sure to subscribe to "Run The Race" to hear more inspiring stories like his.

(3:45) We start off talking about the stigma of mental health, which this now-former TV sports reporter hopes to break by with his own podcast called "The Mental Game" - talking weekly to pro athletes, musicians, celebrities about mental health. This comes a year after he wrote an open letter (that went viral) while checking into a hospital.

(10:24) How did his depression start at age 14? As the years went by, alcohol played a big role. Going far from home to work in TV didn't help. Brandon talks about serious suicidal thoughts of jumping off a bridge, laying in traffic. While he appeared on the outside like he was living the dream, covering sports in his hometown of Cincinnati OH, he was lost...wrote a goodbye letter, took pills, but woke up.

What are the (18:25) red flags for all of us to look out for, especially when depression is disguised? You may save a life. Brandon also has two key pieces of advice for those feeling like they want to end it.

(24:20) Getting help, going to therapy, talking to your family are big steps! And it's a misconception that it makes you look weak. Brandon says "therapy is cool" and its like having an unbiased coach. Fitness and faith also fit into his mental health healing. This "casual Catholic" prays all the time, and also feels much better when going to the gym. But he doesn't miss working in TV, the stress and odd hours.

Now, he's a one-man-show with (34:45) The MENTAL GAME podcast, going all over the nation to interview well-known guests, even getting national attention for his recent chat with QB Joe Burrow's parents. Brandon describes the behind-the-scenes of this podcast now being his full time job. Check it out on YouTube too: https://www.youtube.com/@MentalGamePods.

(43:35) After drinking almost daily for the last 6-7 years, Brandon made it to more than 100 days sober! He feels so much better vs. being depressed when drunk. To go with nonalcohol drinks, what food does he recommend in Cincy? Hear about Skyline Chili. (51:51) 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/.

This is a very personal episode, as I open up about the struggles and mental health crisis that our daughter and family has gone through for several years, telling these stories with their permission to hopefully anyone who listens.

We shouldn't just talk about this during Mental Health Awareness Month, and we're getting better at that, as we hear about overcoming mental disorders in Ted Lasso, even from inspiring Disney quotes, More than 1 in 5 adults and youth live with a mental illness, sometimes debilitating. If you are considering suicide or know someone who has, get help. You are seen and loved.

Our daughter Olivia, who's now 20, has battled chronic illnesses and mental disorders since she was 9 years old, but it was hidden for years. I talk on this pod about the path to therapy for her and us as parents. It's been a difficult road, but we are all still alive and working through the pain.

She has also written a lot about this journey on a Christian Instagram and blog filled with vulnerability and Bible verses to inspire you to be courageous in the darkness...and that it's ok to be broken and God will comfort you in the mess. It's called "Your Pain Has A Purpose." Check it out: https://bit.ly/3J161ZW.

I read some of the brave things she's written about herself and Jesus and mental illness and faith and discouragement. There's also a lot in the Word about worry, hope, God's protection. We dive into that with some scripture, plus some wisdom for Christians about how to talk about mental health without judging or offending.

As we "just keep swimming" through the struggles or pain, God is there. I close the pod, as always, 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/.

We just celebrated Mother’s Day and our latest guest on “Run The Race” (which you can subscribe to now) is a mom who helps other women experience adventures in the outdoors through a unique non-profit she created in Georgia involving camping, confidence, motherhood, snakes, even bears!

(3:11) Sanna Moravek, executive director of WILD - Women’s Initiative for Learning and Discovery – is the mother of a 14-year-old. We talk about the importance of unplugging for quality time with your children and “mommy time” to recharge your batteries.

(7:20) She was working at an outdoors store 7 years ago when she helped come up with WILD. It started with basic outdoors classes. It led to adventure “girls trips” in the woods all over the southeastern US, for females of all levels, from overnights with lodging or sleeping on the ground to 6-day backpacking trips through the Smokies. It’s a way to have fitness, fresh air, and learn new skills.

But is there a (14:00) double standard for men vs women going camping and hiking? More ladies are involved in these activities now – getting a sense of accomplishment, stepping out of their comfort zone and overcoming fears. (17:35) There are plenty of critters, snakes too. The organization balances risk with reward, with WILD focusing on safety.

(20:44) Outdoor fitness also hells Sanna in her battle with thyroid cancer…and for this psychology major to share about her struggles of health, motherhood with other women. (27:15) She also gets to have experiences in the outdoors with her daughter, including doing half of Maryland's section of the Appalachian Trail with her. This guide has also thru hiked around half of the AT solo.

(34:27) Our chat closes with more on the $10 classes WILD provides, upcoming trips that include their bus "Wanda," and how age or experience levels won't keep you from getting involved. To learn more about WILD, go to https://www.wildoutdoorlearning.org/. 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/.

He's easy to spot at races, wearing a flashy Maryland flag outfit, from head to toe! But he's lived in Georgia the last few decades now. We talk about running and religion on this "Run the Race" episode.

(2:42) Bryan Greenberg calls his race outfits the "obnoxious and beautiful" Maryland flag, from the state where he grew up. It helps him bring the fun to 5Ks, half marathons, wherever. Hear examples of how he cheers on his fellow runners, each and every mile!

What's this 46-year-old's (9:24) motivation for running? It started out with him as a "short fat kid" in school, stumbling onto the cross country team, then it was lessons from fitness boot camp. And he wants to be a healthy example to his sons, ages 8 and 12.

(15:01) Lately, he's been running a half marathon every month...for about 3 years now, even injuring himself to keep the streak going. We discuss difficult marathon experiences, but his goal is to still beat Oprah Winfrey's 4:29 finish time. (23:15) At his @bryankgreenberg twitter, he also posts daily about plank and crunch challenges, knowing how important core training is.

(30:07) With Passover several weeks ago, Bryan shares his Jewish traditions that really launched with his bar mitzvah at age 13 when you become a man in the eyes of God. How important is faith in his life and talking to God? He discusses that and how he's not orthodox, but follows some rules for Sabbath or Shabbat, as a "Reformed Jew."

Now, he lives (40:15) in Dunwoody, GA which they have coined "RUNwoody." One of the next big races, that I'll be at too, is the Peachtree Road Race 10K in Atlanta with 60,000 other runners/walkers, where it'll be a party, especially with Bryan there wearing his Maryland flag hat, shirt, short, socks. He's also improved thanks to the hills of Georgia. (52:45) I closed out the podcast with the Lord's Prayer - which has a lot of Jewish origins - on this National Day of 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 Friday "food for thought" episode is partly a recap of my latest marathon in Midwest USA, with a movie theme that may remind of you of the path to God. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast for regular content on fitness and faith to entertain and educate you.

I flew to Kansas City to run the Garmin Olathe Marathon in Kansas, my 25th marathon in a 22nd state, and my 3rd fastest. I talk about how the conditions - wind and hills - made it challenging. There was also great BBQ and cool sites in KC after the race!

How did I train for these 26.2 miles? I did more than follow the yellow brick road to this Wizard of Oz inspired marathon.

That movie has some symbolism in it related to the Christian faith journey. I explain...and sing the scarecrow song because would I run this much "If I Only Had a Brain"? I close the pod in prayer...then we're off to see the Wizard.

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/.

This former business manager has been on the radio and GM for 107.7 the Truth for 15 years now! Brian Hite is getting the chance to talk about God and Biblical wisdom between Christian music (which has changed a lot) on a daily basis in West Georgia. He also writes songs/poetry and loves sports.

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/.

Today's Friday "Food for Thought" shorter podcast episode is about overcoming doubts and fears that creep in...with peace from God. Make sure to subscribe to "Run the Race."

I talk about last night's Dancing Stars of Columbus performance, the nervousness leading up to it, the prayer before hitting stage, and the fun we had entertaining the crowd for a very worthy cause. It's symbolic of the anxiety we can face with a lot of things, how we can build it up to much worse than it actually is. Trust the process...the work you put in...and most importantly, Jesus who can make a way! There's a Bible verse mentioned on the pod to back it up.

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/.

On this week of the most famous golf event of the year, The Masters in Augusta, we're talking to a man who played golf for his homeland of Ireland and for a university in West Georgia. He's been in America for nearly 2 decades now, and has worked in the fitness industry for the last 15 years, many of those as a personal trainer who now has his own business,

(6:05) Chris Kendrick first tells us what it's like to play at the magical golf course August National, how nervous a top golfer like he was there. We then dig deep into the sometimes unknown benefits of strength training for golf or any sport or any person. Better body and balance = better athlete at whatever you do. Chris talks about the keys to make small changes in your routine or workouts, and being consistent with those.

For those who are busy, (14:32) the owner of Chris Kendrick Human Performance - who's now based out of Atlanta - talks about finding time to get fit and when a "one-size-fits-all" plan can or cannot work for people. Is it worth it to hire a personal trainer? https://www.chriskendrickhp.com/ (19:30) Along with physical, Chris also tackles the mental side of sports and getting healthier, as elite athletes and golfers get nervous too.

(22:41) Nowadays, more and more pro golfers are lifting weights more and more. Chris gives us his take on that trend and the force it takes to hit a golf ball. (25:52) He also talks about the lessons that can be learned from Tiger Woods overcoming injuries and adversity. He and all of us question sometimes: do I play it safe or push myself hard?

Speaking of sports, (31:06) Chris also plays the Irish sport Gaelic Football, winning a lot with an Atlanta team. He explains that sport. (33:51) He also has been doing obstacle course races for the last 6 years, how that is something that may be appealing to those who want to do more than run. This fitness pro also shares a story about a late night adventure that helped him win a 24 hour Spartan challenge...which taught him a life lesson to keep moving, even when your body and mind tell you you're too tired to go.

(42:22) Finally, we talk about his "terrifying" experience participating in Dancing Stars of Columbus in 2019, an event I'm dancing in next week as we continue to raise money to help fight Alzheimer's Disease: https://act.alz.org/site/TR?px=22073268&pg=personal&fr_id=16244. And he gives us what he's watching for at THE MASTERS this week, from Rory McIlroy to Tiger to a trio of Columbus GA guys and some of the golfers from Ireland. (49:15) 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/.

Music is powerful! Independent Christian artist Mike Marshall left a stable job, taking a leap of faith in going into full-time music ministry, and he hasn't looked back. Along with releasing several singles (he plays some for us on this episode) and an album, he's also a leader in a ministry that will be hosting an annual event in a few weeks called "Revival on the River" in Alabama.

(3:44) Why Christian music? Mike talks about the connection to something bigger, how he found God through music, which gave him a deeper relationship with the Lord. Now, he wants to share Jesus with others through music too, whether it be Christians or the unchurched.

(10:05) He plays and sings part of his 1st single, an original song appropriately called "Jesus."

Music can also (14:12) touch people through the love and healing power of God, he believes. He points to examples in the Bible and also how music is used in church services and even Beethoven. As a worship leader, Mike is led by the Holy Spirit but also believes in practicing, preparing to get it right and create those moments for God to move.

For the last few years, (21:380 he's also been the Operations Director for the non-profit Take The City, a humbling experience to see real life challenges more and to play music for sometimes just one person in a prayer room - which has helped him make it intimate when he's leading worship for hundreds of people.

(26:50) Thousands are expected at their "Revival on The River" (where I'll be the emcee) at the Phenix City AL amphitheater on Friday, April 14 - a free event with free Chick-Fil-A sandwiches! There will be music, fun, a message, water baptisms and more. The goal is unity for churches, salvations, and an opportunity to get involved with this street ministry's monthly outreaches.

(33:22) Mike also shares with us how and why he trusted God to go into music ministry full-time. He also explains how he looks at life with God like a marriage covenant. And how does he write those original songs? Mike shares how he started writing his most popular one...while in a Chick-Fil-A bathroom.

(40:15) He plays and sings another song for us: "Thank You" off his album that came out 1 year ago called "Come On In." You can find more information about Mike and download, listen to his songs at https://www.mikemarshallmusic.com/.

Music helps him come alive and he's grateful to God for saving Him! Mike closes us 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/.

When this podcast episode comes out, my friend Steve will have run at least a mile for 1,114 days in a row. For a few years, I've run with the now 71-year-old close to once per week. What he does is impressive, especially at his age!

(3:45) We start the chat with Steve Warren talking about his current and longest run streak, which is more than 3 years and still going! Why did it start? Accidentally, he says. How does he run every day? He's got some tricks, but mostly it's an enjoyable habit.

(11:06) There's also concerns about injuries, running that much, especially being over the age of 70. He does make some changes when there are aches, pain, fatigue. Steve has also landed on his face a few times, thanks in part to an efficient running form.

Steve has also qualified for (16:57) the Boston Marathon a number of times - including just last month. He describes the experience of running that famous race 3 times so far. This runner - who has logged 30,000 miles in the last 12 years - also has advice on how to run more, if you want to. It involves community and conversational pace. My friend also gives some pros and cons of both solo running and going on runs with friends.

(26:21) This former computer science employee also loves data, which can be useful in improving your running. Technology can help too! Steve describes the differences with different tech, including the heart rate strap he uses.

Speaking of stats, (31:27) it took him a long time to get smarter in realizing the benefit of starting longer races much slower! How does he warmup before races? Steve also talks about lessons learned from some of his adventures and the importance of handling what's right in front of you, when times get tough. Next milestone for him in the run streak: (Forrest) Gump Day at 1,171. And I close (48:44) episode #150 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/.