Run The Race

Run Across Georgia, a 277.2 mile trek from Tybee Island to Columbus by teams (and 3 solo runners), just kicked off for Memorial Day Weekend, and one of the 2 beneficiaries of this event is MercyMed of Columbus. Their chief development officer joined me to talk about the non-profit ministry's Godly mission, bridging the health care gap, how this running event will help, plus how faith and fitness mix.

After talking about what Run Across GA is all about, (3:40) Billy Holbrook gives us some perspective about how MercyMed of Columbus aims to demonstrate the love of Christ by meeting physical, spiritual, emotional needs at their safety net clinic for the uninsured and underinsured.

(6:04) Does faith exclude anyone there? And how does Christianity play a role in how MercyMed started, how they care for others now? It's as simple as providing something practical.

(12:00) Billy started in private sector corporate world for 10 years. Hear his story about how his own diverse church led to him to a job at MercyMed nearly 8 years ago, where he and other staff members are working for less pay so they can give access to physical therapy, dentistry, primary care - all for the sake of the Gospel. (17:06) The Lord calls you to serve where you are! A big part of his job is ministering to donors.

(21:16) Billy calls the big community event "Run Across Georgia" a call to action, with people using their talents for their cause. (27:12) He also explains how MercyMed mixes physical activity and faith, including at their garden and at free fitness classes. (34:02) This development director also shares some "goosebump moments" and how it's a family ministry that includes his wife and 3 kids. (39:045) Billy gave the closing prayer.

Go to https://mercymedcolumbus.com/ to learn more about MercyMed of Columbus. Run Across GA is going on now: https://www.project42running.com/run-across-georgia-2022. And here is how you can donate to my son's team or any of those running across Georgia, with all proceeds going to MercyMed and military cause House of Heroes: https://raceroster.com/events/2022/54892/run-across-georgia-2022/pledge/team/7

Thanks for listening! And tell your friends about the #RunTheRace podcast. Subscribe to it! For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

In the midst of the Stanley Cup playoffs, our guest this week is pro hockey player Jay Croop, known as "The Beard," a popular member of the Columbus (GA) River Dragons, which fell just short of repeating as FPHL champs in a 2OT loss. In the words of him and his coach, you better listen and subscribe to this "Run The Race" podcast...or else!

(4:51) We start with fighting in hockey, why he gets into them, telling stories, and how his temper has changed. (8:07) Jay Croop talks about how he first fell in love with the sport in the 3rd grade during Show and Tell at school, going on to play hockey tons on the street or on the pond in Wisconsin.

(10:30) He talks about the thrill and celebration of winning the Commissioners Cup 2 years in a row, with 2 different teams. He also talks about how losing can teach you a lot, for pro athletes or anyone.

(15:45) Jay goes through his cardio and strength fitness routine in the offseason, and why he doesn't take days off from working out during the hockey season. (19:14) He also loves the fans in the "Hockey town of the south." And they love his trademark beard!

(21:57) What drives him to compete so hard? (24:40) Jay also discusses his hockey injuries, losing teeth to a puck, and playing other sports like baseball. (28:06) He also opens up aboit being a role model and a future coach...whenever he hangs up his skates.

(30:11) This hockey star has advice for those lacking motivation to keep fit and work hard. (34:01) Jay also mentors teammates, with losing the recent championship being a big fuel to the fire. What does he love most about hockey? (39:31) He also has an important message for those chasing dreams, since he's still living his - playing hockey.

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

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, our guest this week is a mom to young boys who focuses on women’s health and running injuries as part of her day job. This physical therapist talks on the “Run the Race” podcast about the benefits of exercise for moms, finding time to do so…the most common injuries she sees at their clinic, how they can be prevented…how motherhood transformed her faith in God…and the misconceptions about exercise during and after pregnancy.

(5:17) My judgment-free chat with Rachel Selman starts with balancing motherhood and exercise and work, now that she has 2 sons, ages 1 and 4. (9:52) She talks about what she learned about workouts after having a baby, plus what’s safe to do while you’re pregnant, with a lot of bad advice out there about rules and limits. She didn’t run for the entire 10 months of her first pregnancy, but it was much different the 2nd time around. She saw a gap in guidance and education for pregnant women exercising and post-partem, motivating her to help more with women’s health and give specialized advice.

She also encourages a (21:44) healthy balance with strength training, for the sake of longevity, not necessarily heavy weights or bulky muscle, but being stronger can also make you a faster and more efficient runner.

(23:06) What are the most common sports-related injuries and can they be prevented? The short answer from Rachel is yes. She says people often do Core training in the wrong way, explaining “deep core.” And the stronger the glutes, the fewer issues you have below that. Her 3 top things to focus on: core, hips, and feet! She explains why.

Rachel also describes how bring a mom (35:47) has changed her faith and perspective on God, moving more from religion to relationship, pointing to a moment in her life involving a injury to her son, teaching her about trusting in God that doesn’t always rescue us either. And she says it takes practice to…let go.

(43:18) As a PT and soon-to-be performance/sport scientist, Rachel has a message for women about finding something active you enjoy, what that does for your mental health and how it affects motherhood. (48:07) She also recently took part in a Ragnar Relay, the only female on a competitive male team, running together night and day.

Thanks for listening! And tell your friends about the #RunTheRace podcast. Subscribe to it! For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Easter is like the "Super Bowl" for churches, with the most attendance, but what happens after the holiday for churchgoers and others? For this podcast - which you need to subscribe to - I talked to a lead Pastor in Georgia about that, transitioning from small biz owner to the ministry, pastoring during the pandemic, plus he also explains gifts like speaking in tongues and the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

(5:33) Pentecostal Pastor Paul Thomas, of Evangel Church in Columbus, says the focus is on excellence in services every week, not just Easter, as he discusses the importance of connections...after the holiday. (9:48) He also says Restoration is a vital post-Easter message, with the story of Peter from John 21. we all fall short! Food can also be away to bring people back together.

He tells the story of (14:03) being saved at 8 years old, but straying from the Lord, eventually becoming a small business owner - building fences. He talks about learning true integrity from his boss (and father-in-law) when Paul came to work hung over. What is integrity?

(20:55) This now-pastor also talks about how faith applies to our everyday lives and jobs, the importance of being authentic. As for his job, he describes how and why he started doing business work for a church then becoming a lead pastor, crying and overwhelmed in his first day on that job. (27:11) What did churches learn from the coronavirus pandemic? He talks about small groups, isolation, reaching out to the lost including those hurt by church.

Nearly 35 years into his marriage, (34:53) Pastor Paul breaks down the order of priorities to successfully balance family and work and ministry. (38:28) And he didn't grow up in a Pentecostal church, but Pastor Paul breaks down the truth and misconceptions of Speaking in Tongues, how the Assemblies of God got started, (43:35) the Baptism in the Holy Spirit that anyone can experience, like he did alone in his kitchen. He says, "We don't seek gifts, we seek Jesus." Are we tapping in enough to the power of the Holy Spirit?

(54:00) "Food or Thought" tackles a gut check for Christians post-Easter, a "Parting Gift" from a famous pastor about restoration, and the closing prayer is from local Youth Pastor Max Samples.

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

He's one of the most famous competitors on one of the most popular TV shows of all time, SURVIVOR. Season 3 winner - in Africa - Ethan Zohn joins me on the "Run The Race" podcast to talk about being on that reality TV show 3 times, beating cancer twice with the help of fitness, helping kids worldwide through soccer, and how cannabis can help with overall wellness.

(4:26) Ethan is also about to run the Boston Marathon - on Monday, April 18, to celebrate being in remission from cancer for 10 years! For that race, he's working with companies to promote cannibas and being active to fight cancer. He also talks about last running Boston in 2013 when the terrorist bombing happening, and being pulled 2 miles before the finish line.

What was it like for (9:01) this former pro soccer player to be diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer in his mid 30's? It was ups and downs - with support from others too - then there's the fear of cancer coming back. (11:36) Fitness also played a big role in his cancer fight, and now he uses sports and his fame to deliver important health messages, including erasing the stigma on alleged "gateway drug" cannibas.

(15:14) Ethan takes us through how he was picked to be in Survivor: Africa in 2001, thanks to an audition on VHS tape. He calls it a "game of relationships...and networking" that tens of millions of people watch. He also talks about how the game on TV has changed like with social media, how he went back for season 40, and how he lost 30 pounds in 35 days while on Survivor.

This athlete (21:31), after experiences playing soccer in Zimbabwe and playing with HIV+ kids in Africa while on the show Survivor, also co-founded "Grassroots Soccer." He explains how they use soccer to help children overcome health challenges. Ethan says sports like that break down barriers, and believes plant-based wellness can do that too vs. taking lots of pills. (29:13) Mental strength is also important. Ethan talks about his visualization before a big event like a marathon, and why he got involved with taking/promoting cannibas.

We close our chat with his final preps for the Boston Marathon and I ask if he'll ever play "Survivor" again. (36:36) I also give a recap of my experience at GO! St. Louis for what is now my fastest marathon, then (41:58) "Parting Gift" from the Bible about surviving troubles, and a closing Prayer.

Thanks for listening! And tell your friends about the #RunTheRace podcast. Subscribe to it! For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Award-winning movie director, writer and producer John K.D. Graham joins me to talk about how the Bible and storytelling leads him in the faith-based films he makes, the latest one being shot in the Columbus GA area called "The Greatest Inheritance," starring Jaleel White and Mena Suvari. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast!

After a sneak peek at that film, for which he was the lead director, (5:20) we talk to this founder of Mustard Seed Entertainment about what it was like to make a movie in the midst of the COVID pandemic, how that "leap of faith" went and what they learned about safety for the future. He said God made a way!

(10:25) There are stereotypes about faith-based movies, and Graham talks about that, how to get audiences to watch, especially with more places to stream like Pureflix where his movie "Switched" (starring Denise Richards and John Schneider) was voted a fan favorite. (17:25) He talks some too about working with bigger name actors and actresses, and why they may choose a Christian-based film, like Jaleel White and Suvari.

(22:05) I also ask Graham about the infamous moment at the Oscars, Will Smith slapping Chris Rock, which he said was extreme but indicative of the times. Our guest for the "Run The Race" podcast also enjoys helping future filmmakers like at his alma mater the Savannah College of Art and Design. His advice: Go do it! He also gets some fitness while shooting a movie.

(30:05) In his writing and directing of movies. Graham talks about how faith and the Bible influences that storytelling, following God's lead. (34:49) He also talks about the branding of Mustard Seed Entertainment, providing family friendly things for people to watch. (44:25) Before my closing prayer, the segment "Food for Thought" is about the movie-like fairy tale run of the UNC Tar Heels in March Madness, including their new coach being candid about Jesus.

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

After running 60+ Spartan and obstacle course races over the last decade, our guest this week on the podcast gives you some advice on getting through obstacles in races and beyond!

After a quick look back at my one and only Spartan race, (5:35) Steve Slater talks about how a Tough Mudder launched his obstacles course racing, which he calls a great equalizer. (12:35) He has specific advice for training to get a stronger grip and core. Steve breaks down what his typical weeks of training are like, from gym work to running with sand bags to burpees.

(20:01) As the Bible says, suffering produces perseverance which produces character. That's Steve's running mantra, which he got from a church sermon. The racing also helped him teach a lesson to his 2 sons about mentally pushing. What's his longest time spent on an obstacle course race? And he's done some with 30+ miles of running or 100+ obstacles! (26:17) Why does he keep putting his body through the grueling competitions? His favorite part is making it a family affair.

(35:48) At almost 55 years old now, how does he stay mostly injury free? Steve gives us some keys that have to do with rest and what you eat. He's still highly competitive, no matter the age.

(41:01) He picks his favorite and least favorite obstacles on a course. And Steve says get in the arena, because it's easy to be brave from a safe distance! Down the road, he's got a goal at the Grand Canyon. (51:25) I close this episode with some final segments: obstacle wisdom from the Bible, me singing the appropriate "Warriors," and a closing prayer.

Thanks for listening! And tell your friends about the #RunTheRace podcast. Subscribe to it! For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Leaving a long TV news career, he's still covering breaking news as he serves faith-based non-profit Convoy of Hope during the devastation in Ukraine, where millions of people are being forced out and escaping the war there, with continued attacks from Russia. His inspiring story of faith is one of many you'll hear on the "Run the Race" podcast if you SUBSCRBE to it.

After I talk about 3 steps you can take during this humanitarian crisis, (4:48) you'll hear a unique perspective from Ethan Forhetz, the national spokesperson and VP of Public Engagement for CONVOY OF HOPE. He and his wife, who he talks about meeting through journalism, both decided to leave their successful on-air jobs in 2020 to pursue ministry-based jobs. He describes that transition, how the Lord worked, and the big step of faith.

(14:08) A year into their new jobs, there's this international crisis in Ukraine and Europe. Ethan talks about what Convoy of Hope does around America and the World, the same things they're doing now (16:58) with teams on the ground in Ukraine, Poland, trying to quickly get supplies needed to the refugees and hurting. It's faith in action! He says meeting tangible needs is also giving hope, telling a story too about how a cheese sandwich helped save the life of a woman who was going to commit suicide in the midst of Hurricane Harvey. Ukrainians are feeling very hopeless too,

(23:37) Ethan says the refugees coming our of Ukraine have the "1,000 yard stare." What can Americans, churches, you do to help Ukraine? He gives some ways, even if you cannot donate money.

He and his wife (29:12) also have an upcoming trip to Israel (back open for tourists), that you can join them on, to have the stories of the Bible come to life. COVID has been impacting ministries and travel, but it's improving, and the Forhetzs are able to go spread the Gospel, which they also did in more subtle ways in TV news.

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

Sam Mitchell played professional basketball for 18 years in the NBA and overseas, then went on to coach, including being the 2007 NBA Coach of the Year when he led the Toronto Raptors. He knows a lot about the sport and lessons learned, on and off the court!

(5:19) We start our chat talking "March Madness" as most of the men's NCAA Tournament basketball games start today/Thursday. He talks about his experience playing for the Mercer Bears, helping take them to their first NCAA Tourney in the early 1980's. Mitchell also gets honest about kids missing out when they don't play college ball, and how the anyone can beat anybody in "Big Dance," where the little guys have a shot.

After we hear a little about his post-pro career fitness, (9:59) Mitchell says he had a great NBA career with memorable relationships but is more focused on what's ahead, with new young basketball stars. (12:04) As a now basketball TV analyst, he also gives his take on NBA during COVID, how fans are back and how God is teaching us through truth vs. alternative facts.

On the faith aspect of things, (16:00) Mitchell says he didn't bring personal, spiritual beliefs in the locker room as a coach, but possibly in 1-on-1 settings. He also remembers playing against basketball icons like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, but also knows the more stardom and money someone has, the more of a target they have.

(20:19) Mitchell talks about a few hot topic teams as we inch closer to the NBA playoffs, with "no clear-cut favorites." (22:19) We close by talking how important it is for him and all of us to give back to our community, especially kids that are struggling, challenging us to show that support! One way he does that is through annual camps and also the SaMarc Foundation Boys & Girls BiCity HS Basketball Awards Luncheon, happening today (March 17) at 11:30am in Columbus GA.

Thanks for listening! And tell your friends about the #RunTheRace podcast. Subscribe to it! For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

We've arrived at the 100th episode of the "Run The Race" podcast, telling people's extraordinary stories of fitness and faith to entertain, inspire, motivate, and educate you with their wisdom from lessons learned. If you don't subscribe yet, do it now! And share this with others. (1:48) Where did the name "Run The Race" come from?

We start this "Best Of" with (3:35) Running Far/Often and a Marathon How To: Weekly marathon runner Dr. Ken Fattman, from the 3rd most popular episodes since last Fall, talks about the benefits of running; Mom of 6 Michelle Walker had just run her 200th marathon when she passed on some advice to us; And Dane Talbert, coming off being the winner of a grueling 24 hour race on a track, discusses pushing through the pain.

(12:21) Faith and Being an Overcomer: Chaplain Neil Richardson is still one of my favorite interviews of all-time on this podcast, turning his life around after 30 years of cocaine and drug addiction then helping others through Christ; Counselor Jon Ebert talks about facing any giant or obstacle in our life with a "single stone"; Mayor Bubba Copeland in Alabama, from the top episode of the last year (700 listens), explains how he lost 100 pounds while doing 3 jobs, including pastor.

(20:45) African-American Men Helping You Get Fit: Our episode with Army Major Dewayne Webb is the 3rd most popular over the last 12 months, and you'll hear his advice on if you're intimidated about working out; Fitness coach Abdul Fox - who played basketball with Michael Jordan - talks about making goals and how to have motivation to go to the gym; Active 90-year-old Eric Lynch shares some physical and spiritual secrets to success.

(27:35) Music for Fun and to Glorify God: Garrett Lee talking and singing got him in the top 4 of these episodes over the past year, and you'll hear him perform one he wrote about his marriage; Local veteran Tim Maggart also plays and sings an original country/patriotic song "American Blueprint"; Music producer Justin Belew and I had fun in his studio for a Christmas special, including a duet you'll hear on this episode #100.

(37:14) Pro & Olympic Athletes: 1st Lt. Amber English, stationed on Fort Benning, explained what it was like shooting her way to Olympic Gold including the mental strength to get there; Former Houston Astros All-Star Glenn Davis, also a man of faith, talks baseball and the Braves in the World Series; Columbus (GA) Lions semi-pro MVP quarterback Mason Espinosa also joined us, to talk about the strengths and weaknesses we can see from losing and failure.

(44:50) Duos Sharing Love, God, Family: Pastors Ron & Susanne Cox of Alabama share their incredible love story after going through so much brokenness; Ultra running married couple Kevin & Annie Randolph, race directors in Georgia, talk about battling cancer, growing closer to each other and God through that; Father and son Pastors Dennis & Brad Lacey discuss the legacy of faith.

(54:09) In The Ring and On The Bike: What was it really like for former pro wrestler, now gym owner, Jerry Oates to wrestle a bear; Asian American friend Heang Uy talks about escaping violence in Cambodia as a little boy, living a life of faith now while coaching HS wrestling and cycling through the USA; Triathlon coach and combat war veteran Al Ahuja has advice that could really help you move to the next level.

(1:03:08) Tackling Serious issues like War, Abortion, Addiction: War sole survivor Marine Sgt. (Ret) Beau Wise and his book co-author talk about losing his 2 brothers in battle, and the Godly faith to get through it, as told in their book "Three Wise Men"; Abortion survivor Melissa Ohden opens up about the attempt to kill her in the womb and why she now fights for life; Rob Morgan tells his dramatic story of overcoming a life of drugs, then losing 100+ pounds.

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