Run The Race

This episode, coming out on Christmas Eve, is with two of my best friends. They are pastors who lead a church in Illinois, formerly led youth ministry in Georgia. We had a superb conversation about the true meaning of Christmas...what a close relationship with Jesus looks like...misconceptions of our faith because of "headline theology"...the importance of friendship on Earth...reading the entire Bible in 30 days...the challenges of ministry...and a lil football too.

(3:03) Joe Banks and Jarrod Six are the lead and executive pastors of Abundant Church in Alton IL. The 3 of us met a decade+ ago in Columbus GA. We start our pod chat with why CHRISTmas is the culmination of our faith and how it's an opportunity to show others our authenticity. How can an intimate relationship with Jesus (his birth being celebrated) be compared to intimacy in our marriage?

(13:51) For those who want to hear God speak to you, His Word is a great start. Pastor Joe talks about some in their church kicking off 2025 with a Bible Shred, reading the entire book in 30 days! And they both gives keys to success to discipline in reading the Bible on a regular basis.

In the face of life's ups and downs, (24:05) friendship is also crucial or "redwood faith." They explain. And instead of Christianity being about a stuffy set of rules to follow, His Word describes a life of joy. But what's it really like working with a best friend, side-by-side in the tough world of ministry? They both love football, but sports or other things we put above God...can become a real problem.

(49:30) Holidays are for celebrations, but it can also be depressing and difficult, so these guys talk about how to bring people into community. Jarrod opens up about how it can be heavy for pastors carrying other people's burdens but it's a calling. And finding balance in ministry is a myth. (1:04:50) Joe closes us out with a prayer of blessing. Merry Christmas everyone!!

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/.

Cheerleading is a sport 150%, so says my guest this week on the "Run the Race" podcast, which you should subscribe to. She's dancing her way to fitness at age 40 now too.

(3:05) Mandy Hood has coached hundreds of students in cheerleading and has been a part of more than 20 national titles, at all levels. (5:45) We talk to this coach and mom about the fitness aspects and misconceptions of cheer, from a tight core and strength to clutch execution and endurance.

(17:25) She also had plenty to share about the challenges and rewards of coaching, (23:44) starting out as a competitive dancer at age 4...mental health, (35:50) getting back into dance as a Pro partner and choreographer for Dancing Stars of Columbus GA...her heart for their cause of fighting Alzheimers Disease, (42:58) and being creative with choreography on a journey that's more important than the wins. I close out the episode with some more fitness practice from a famous cheerleader...then prayer.

Here are links to learn more about our local Dancing Stars competition benefiting such an important cause that we hope you'll donate to: https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=18356&pg=entry.

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/.

We have a lot going on in our world and personal lives these days. Preaching lately about stress-free leadership and stress-free marriages, my guest this week is a Pastor in East AL and West GA who's giving some raw insight on hearing the voice of God (instead of trying to build faith) to help discover His will for your life...helping spiritual leaders in America plus on his numerous missions to Africa...strengthening the church's connection to communities...and why he started the "Unite The Valley" nonprofit that's about to have it's first big leadership event, a month from now. You can learn more and sign up at https://utvchatt.com/.

(2:28) Pastor Curtis Doleman Jr. of Praise Ministry Tabernacle (Phenix City AL) explains how a deep connection to God and knowing His voice...leads directly to hearing the Lord's instructions for our life. To improve in leadership or anything else, do you try using your own tools or trust God and the tools he gives us? That can make it stressful or not. There are pre-conceived notions for leaders. He also explains the "staring contest" with God.

(15:55) 33 years ago, Pastor Curtis had an unconventional salvation experience, alone in his bedroom. You don't want to miss this story, what he said to God and the quick responses in Scripture. (21:01) After going into ministry, he went on overseas Missions including to Africa, where Curtis also focuses on preaching to the leaders of churches, who also are stressed out and striving at times. He talks about the difference in prayer and worship in African nations.

(29:45) A pastor for three decades himself, Curtis has long been called to help strengthen the church, which at times he says is like a "circus." Should we be quiet and stoic in church out of respect, trying to act perfect...or should we strive for freedom, real faith and an authentic experience with God? We talk about grace and sin too. (39:45) He also describes the paramount importance of faith leaders being connected with the community, local government, other leaders where you live.

(46:50) The nonprofit he founded "Unite The Valley" has "lunch and learns" the 2nd Thursday of each month. And soon, they're hosting a leadership symposium January 9-10 in Columbus GA. He talks about the goals of these events, to lift up leaders. Pastor Curtis says the church does not lack anointing but has a lack of leadership. (55:35) And he closes our episode out 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/.

Happy Thanksgiving! As you're traveling, or before/after you eat, check out this special and shorter episode of the "Run The Race" podcast that you can also subscribe to.

I talk about the origins of Thanksgiving - which involve President Lincoln wanting us to use the new holiday to acknowledge God first. It's a holiday that's about much more than food and football (those are great too). You'll also hear, on this pod, some insight on giving thanks as a spiritual discipline...what the Bible says about thankfulness (Psalms, Thessalonians) and how it's tied directly to God...being grateful being the purpose of Thanksgiving...what complaining can end up doing...and why being thankful out loud is powerful, with the help of God's peace.

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 almost 63-year-old strength and conditioning coach has helped people get stronger, faster, lose weight for 30+ years. And this year, he finished 3rd in his age division in a competition for "Mr. Health & Fitness" and try to be featured in that magazine.

(2:05) Richard Berklin - also an elementary PE teacher in Columbus GA - first talks about the importance of being fit, toned at an age. He talks goals and food when he first meets potential clients. That got us talking about nutrition and even moderation over the holidays, including those "cheat days." (8:25) This big strong guy also talks about what he does at the gym in his workouts close to every other day...and how his lifelong passion for fitness started in 7th grader with a coach that told him he was too small. He's still proving people wrong!

(12:22) We chatted about Richard's competition to be in "Mr. Health & Fitness" and what he learned in the process. He also has a passion to lead by example and inspire others, educating them with scientific knowledge about strength and conditioning that he's learned along the way. (18:00) How does his coaching work? It depends on what you need. He also tells a story about a client losing close to 200 pounds that emphasizes why support from loved ones like your spouse is vital.

(23:31) Richard Barklin has also worked with pro athletes, like some familiar past names with the Atlanta Falcons, but he enjoys college football more. And he reminds us...you can have new fitness goals at any age. What can wealthy people teach us about health and priorities? He explains that...plus why discipline, positivity, and being in the right crowd are ingredients for success. (31:05) There's also that spiritual side to sports and working out. Speaking of that, I close out the episode...with a 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/.

A few weeks out from Thanksgiving and with all the holiday parties/travel coming up, is exercising a priority for you? My guest this week on the podcast (go subscribe) has some wisdom for you when it comes to fitness, health, plus nutrition, leadership! She is a Crossfit gym owner, an accomplished athlete with Ironmans and triathlons, also a city council member in Columbus GA.

(2:09) Joanne Cogle wants to help people get 1% better every day. If you have excuses about working out, she says there's no time like the present to do it. If you're waiting to be good enough or ready, stop waiting. She says it's about your future and quality of life! Group fitness also helps, but how?

(11:55) Her fitness journey started in Canada where she grew up, from biking and the YMCA...to being a basketball coach, PE teacher, personal trainer...to taking ideas from an Army gym to open her own. (17:35) Joanne opened CrossFit CSG almost 9 years ago. What's her favorite exercise? She also explains how they're bridging gap for those on the rebound from injuries etc. and the typical "workout of the day" their eclectic group does that are very structured and coached. Learn more about her gym: https://crossfitcsg.com/.

(24:36) Also vital for your wellness is nutrition - protein is underrated - and sleep/recovery. (29:06) Seeing a competition on TV sparked Joanne to do an Ironman, and the super competitive athlete has done 20 Ironman distances since then, but says simply walking a 5K is a great start for anyone. The key is to do things that you'll succeed at...then build on that.

(36:12) Joanne is also the event promoter for TriColumbusGA that does many local triathlons and races. Making exercise fun is also important, including holiday-themed events like one she's race director for, the Santa Claus Classic 10K through Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort and Gardens in GA: https://www.active.com/pine-mountain-ga/running/distance-running-races/santa-claus-classic-10k-2024.

(39:20) Finally, she has some advice about leadership and how to treat people as a woman that wears several hats, including now city government leader. The priorities, she says, should be public safety and parks (and rec). Joanne closes us out with how CrossFit has changed her definition of fitness, and how she's inspired by the opportunity to change others' lives. (54:36) And at the end of the episode...my closing 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/.

I talked to a war veteran in Cusseta GA who survived 4 combat deployments, including one of the most famous battles from the War in Afghanistan. On the heels of darkness he also went through off the battlefield, this Army hero helped write a semi-autobiographical song "Warriors Set Free" that's now been adopted by a nonprofit for veterans based in West Georgia.

(1:25) I give a quick faith-based take on politics on the Presidential election results, then (5:21) you'll hear most of the acoustic version of that song "Warriors Set Free" performed by singer/songwriter and fellow Army vet Tim Maggart. Hear the studio version at https://open.spotify.com/track/71Y7gxRldfsGq0pNfZUwfb?si=930427c932d7472f.

(9:42) My wide-ranging conversation with 1st Sgt (Ret) James Clark starts with his 2 deployments to Iraq and 2 to Afghanistan, including his involvement in that war's second costliest battle for the U.S. - the Battle of Kamdesh (at COP Keating) that was portrayed in the movie "The Outpost." He goes into detail about that immense attack by Taliban insurgents and the trauma years later that led him to a nonprofit ministry.

(17:22) Clark talks about his "come to Jesus" moments, how faith led him to a much better life, with the help of the Warriors Set Free's one-day "Freedom Appointment" while being on guard for Satan: https://warriorssetfree.org/freedom/.

That led him to volunteer with the organization, where he's now on staff as the outreach coordinator for the ministry that also has 4-day "Warriors Battle" mens' retreats that also changed his life.

(25:58) Collaborating with Maggart to write the song (just released a month ago), James talked about his testimony now being in music form and how he hopes it touches, inspires other veterans. He also says...it's no longer Army combat, but they're still in battle and spiritual warfare. And he discusses how encounters with God and growing in your faith can lead to transformation and fulfillment. (42:25) I close out the pod 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/.

What’s it like to run one of the biggest races in the world, The Chicago Marathon? You’re about to find out. Subscribe to this podcast for stories of fitness and faith, like this race recap.

This was several firsts for me: 1st World Major marathon…and as a charity runner for a race…and first time as an adult tourist in Chicago! I was one of the more than 52,000 people, a record number, to finish the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Listen to this “Run the Race” episode to hear about the inspiration (like singing “Amazing Grace” with 1,000 other runners) pre-marathon…the logistics of this huge event and race route that was mostly flat…the incredible support from more than a million spectators including plenty of funny signs…raising money for and being a part of Team World Vision…what I saw and ate in the Windy City, from the Chicago River and deep dish pizza to really cool parks and Chicago dogs…plus dealing with post-race blues and recovery.

To learn more about the cause I supported (might do the same with the NYC Marathon next year) and how you can still give, go to https://www.teamworldvision.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=418235&fbclid=IwY2xjawGEA85leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdTaYu-eaopfRYu74ZP4HWwgKFANOD2yBwC4H_Xk8DoF0ESCz8_8SQNxng_aem_Tv_RiIFbhaANYeI8dhPoAQ.

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/.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:31

Are we in the End Times or will we be soon? In it's 24th year, a popular and professional outdoor production called "Judgment Journey" is relaunching (after 4 years gone during/after Covid) in Georgia. It depicts what the Bible foretells about the Rapture to the Tribulation. On this pod episode, hear what this special event is all about, leading to thousands of lives transformed.

(4:00) David Barr leads the final conversion portion of "Judgment Journey" that takes place at Faith Baptist Church in Lagrange GA, which 3,000 people attended on its first two nights. There are 6 more opportunities, the next Fridays and Saturdays through November 2. In these perilous times, this 45 minute human drama that you ride through brings the Bible book of Revelations to life, according to David. He talks about the new technology, tickets selling fast, and their goal of presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Tickets are $25 each and they are selling out. Here's more info: https://www.judgmentjourney.com/.

(11:20) Is it ok to make a decision for Christ out of fear? in Judgment Journey, they present the dark realities of post-Rapture life and Hell, but they also are focused on planting seeds of faith by presenting the love of God, as we make a monumental choice. (15:13) David explains what you can expect on this 45-minute journey - with 14 different scenes/elements - and how it's Scripturally based.

(25:20) Judgment has a negative connotation, but in this sense, David says what God does is like discipline from a parent, out of love. He also describes the steps they take before/during/after someone chooses Salvation at Judgment Journey, which they signify by ringing a bell.

(38:00) For those who don't attend church or have been hurt by Christians, this is seen as a nontraditional church activity that some people event think is a Haunted house or trail. Prayer is the #1 part of this production, David said too, and he closes this episode out (47:00) with a 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/.

As Hurricane Milton heads straight for Florida, and we pray for the people in its path, our guests on the podcast this week is a family that took a trip from East Alabama up to Western North Carolina to use God's love and kayaking...to help with search and rescue, meeting basic needs like food, and more in the wake of the devastation from Hurricane Helene. Subscribe to "Run the Race" for inspiring stories of faith and fitness.

(5:13) That includes a world class kayaker who turned pro at age 15. Now 21 years old, Mason Hargrove talks about what he and a few others are doing in kayaks, going to hard-to-reach places to find survivors from Helene and bring things they can for storm relief. He's got some amazing stories! And the missions in his second home of the NC mountains will only continue. (16:13) Mason also talks about the mental fatigue that can happen for volunteers, first responders. He's also using his passion for kayaking to help others in distress, teach the sport too, and dispel misconceptions about kayakers.

(23:58) Back in Columbus GA, this young pro kayaker and his family also help active duty military and veterans get on the water for free, teaching them kayaking through the nonprofit Team River Runner. He talks about how the water can be therapeutic for anyone. The 3 time Team USA competitor was in the world championships in his hometown, and will continue competing in the future, as he hopes things will get better and better in NC. You can learn more about their Hargrove Adventures at https://www.instagram.com/hargroveadventures/.

(36:00) His mom Melissa Hargrove is also helping in storm ravaged West NC and East TN, from delivering food to teaching camping...to just giving love as the hands and feet of Jesus.

(50:31) She is also the Fort Moore Columbus chapter coordinator for Team River Runner: https://www.teamriverrunner.org/get-involved/chapters/columbus. She talks about what they do to help the military and others find community and confidence, while learning how to kayak. And I close out 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/.