Together, We Shall

On episode 43 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster kick off the new year reminiscing with Tracie David, Ainsley’s Angels of America Executive Assistant, about how her acceptance of an invitation to be part of a “running organization” as a non-runner evolved into a beautiful sense of belonging well beyond her imagination.

On episode 42 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster had a duo dance while reflecting on previous episodes with an emphasis on being thankful as we approach Thanksgiving. We also discuss the upcoming AinsGiving period, Giving Tuesday deals with Spartan, and a little challenge to close out 2023.

On episode 41 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster chat with father/son duo, Michael and Donald Harms. When Michael and his wife, Hope, traveled to Jamaica in Spring 2010 to volunteer at a facility for people with special needs, they met a young man named Donald. What transpired since then is an amazing story of trust, triumph, and togetherness generally only encountered on the big screen.

On episode 40 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster chat with two special physical therapists. These are not just any physical therapists. Peggy was Ainsley’s physical therapist and Laura interned with Peggy during her last year of Doctor of Physical Therapy school.  Join us as we reminisce and reflect on a few never-before-shared moments from the last 15 years. 

On episode 39 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster chat with ASISCS professional athlete Makenna Myler about topics ranging from running a 5-minute mile while 9 months pregnant to acknowledging the impacts a menstrual cycle has on training and diet. Makenna also shares multiple messages aimed at different age groups of women on how to intentionally create environments to make daily decisions easier.  Great episode for women of all ages and for those with women in their lives…hence everyone!

On episode 38 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster chat with High School Class of 2023 graduate Kamden Rossiter about how America’s Gen Z population perceives life and other generations. Kamden also shares his intimate perspective on living with and then grieving the loss of his sister, Ainsley. His keen insight into the strong influence that technology and politics have shaped his generation and why he has volunteered to serve America in the United States Coast Guard.

On episode 37 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster chat with fellow Marine Corps Intelligence professional Kelly O’Clair. We talk about the burden of carrying secrets and how suppression can lead to fear, anxiety, and depression. Kelly shares his revelation of how embracing his true authentic self allowed him to escape his perceived need to blend in and to hide in the shadows as a gay man on active duty, married to a woman during and after the days of America’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. 

Episode 36 acknowledges Mental Health Awareness Month through conversation aimed at demonstrating how our connection to one another can be formed with sharing and listening.  Joe and Rooster chat with fellow Marine Corps Veteran Lupita Hernandez.  Lupita started running to improve her mental health to fight her depression and PTSD, but what grew from it was “Run for Their Lives,” a yearly ultra-marathon for PTSD awareness.  Parts of this conversation might make you feel a certain way; you are not alone; we believe to break the stigma associated with mental health requires discussion, sharing, and feeling all the feels.

The Together, We Shall Podcast has no script. It aims to bring people together to share their stories, and this week’s story just so happens to tie into Mother’s Day week(end) beautifully.  Lauren Perkins is the Mom of sextuplets.  She shares details of her pregnancy and the 11 years that I have followed. Her acknowledgment that as moms (people) we struggle to give ourselves grace and are really hard on ourselves can resonate with many of us. We appreciate her advice to give yourself some grace this Mother’s Day, and every day.

On episode 34 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster chat with 1st Generation American and retired United States Marine Corps Fighter Pilot, Vishal Amin. After being placed on a kill list by the terror group ISIS in 2015, Vishal found himself and his family with their backs against the wall. This episode is not about how he fought back with his F/A-18 jet, but rather how he found safety by leaning into what really matters in life.... love, service to others, and reflection.