The Extra Mile - The Official Charity Miles Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Manoj Kumar, a tech leader at Harman and passionate cyclist, to hear the incredible story of his 6,000km solo ride across India.   Manoj opens up about what inspired him to take this journey—navigating traffic, burnout, and the desire to break out of the ordinary—and how cycling became both a physical and spiritual path. From flat tires to moments of doubt, from conversations with strangers to meditative stillness on the road, Manoj's story is one of resilience, clarity, and quiet courage.   We explore the diversity of India's landscapes and cultures, the role of family and inner conviction, and how a simple commute became the foundation for a life-changing experience.   A huge thank-you to Manoj Kumar for sharing his journey—and to Harman for supporting personal transformation inside and outside of work.

In this episode of The Extra Mile Podcast, we're joined by Pat Morrissey and Brendan Cusick of Human Powered Potential—a four-person team that rowed across the Pacific Ocean to raise over $43 million for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Pat, who lives with early onset Parkinson's, shares his powerful journey from diagnosis to joining this life-changing mission. Brendan, the team's skipper, walks us through the inspiration behind the row, the mental and physical preparation, and what it was like to face 30-foot waves and total isolation in the middle of the ocean. Together, they talk about the strength of community, the power of purpose, and how the support they received from thousands kept them moving through even the hardest days. This is a story of resilience, teamwork, and pushing beyond limits for something bigger than yourself. Don't miss this incredible conversation. Every mile matters.

We're thrilled to share this interview with Kiera Smalls, the Executive Director of the Running Industry Coalition.  The RIDC is an educational nonprofit with a mission to unite the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.  This is a conversation about how running can be a tool for connection, empowerment, and change, but also how the running community, and how we think about diversity in the running community, is a microcosm for so much more.   In a time where we seem to see a movement in opposition to diversity, equity, inclusion, we are doing our best to double down on these values. At Charity Miles, we believe in inclusivity, and that our diversity is what makes us resilient. It also makes our life experiences so much more rich and enjoyable.   But most of all, because it's the right thing to do. So we're going to try to do our part, in this podcast at the very least, to bring you more voices like Kiera's. — This podcast is sponsored by our partners at UCan, a brand that I have personally relied on for years to fuel my performance, both in big events and every day. UCan provides steady, long lasting energy without the sugar roller coaster that's in other energy gels and drinks. The unique LiveSteady carbohydrate is a starch, not a sugar, that is trusted by elite athletes like Kira D'Amato and Emma Bates, weekend warriors, and everyday movers alike. Unlike fast burning sugars and gels, UCan delivers a slow, sustained release of energy to keep you going strong without the crashes. Whether you're training for a marathon, heading out for a long ride, or just staying active, UCan helps you feel and perform your best. And as a special gift to the Charity Miles community, UCAN is offering a free sample pack of four energy gels, plus, you can get 20% off any other UCan products by entering the code “CharityMiles” at checkout. Click here to learn more.  

It's a tremendous honor for me to share my podcast with Olympic legend and humanitarian, Billy Mills.  Billy Mills was born in 1938 and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Oglala Lakota Nation. Billy had a very difficult childhood, losing his mother, sister, and father by the age of 12. He turned to running as both an escape and a source of discipline. After his father's passing, Billy attended the Haskell Institute, a U.S. government run boarding school for Native American children. Schools like Haskell were controversial for their forced assimilation, physical and emotional abuse, and systematically trying to erase their students Indigenous identities. Billy, though, had a positive experience at Haskell, where he met his coach Tony Coffin, who became somewhat of a father figure to him. Coffin recognized Billy's talent and helped nurture his running abilities, providing him with the foundation that would later lead to his collegiate and Olympic success. Also, during his time at Haskell, Billy spent one of his summers as a counselor at Camp Greylock in Beckett, Massachusetts, which is the summer camp that I went to many years later and is a very important part of my life. So it's very special for me to share this link with Billy. At Haskell, Billy won multiple state championships in track and cross country, earning him a scholarship to the University of Kansas, where Billy would be coached by Bill Easton. Easton was a highly respected track and field coach who led Kansas to multiple NCAA championships, and at Kansas, Billy was one of the best distance runners in the country. He was a three time All American, won multiple Big Eight titles, and was runner up in the 1960 cross country championships. Through all of this, however, Billy faced numerous challenges, including discrimination at every level, including from Easton, hypoglycemia, and struggles with self doubt. At times, Billy even contemplated suicide, and in his senior year, he walked off the track and quit the team completely. Fortunately for Billy, the University of Kansas is also where he met and began dating a young woman named Patricia Pat Collins. Pat played a crucial role in Billy's journey, supporting him through the challenges he faced as an athlete and as a Native American navigating the world of elite sports. After graduating Kansas, Billy married Pat, joined the U. S. Marine Corps, and resumed training with the goal of not just making the U. S. Olympic team and not just winning a medal, but winning the gold medal in the 10K. Which he did. In 1964, Billy qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in the 10, 000 meter race, where he stunned the world with a historic, come from behind victory, becoming the first and still the only American, or even the only person from the Western Hemisphere, to win the gold medal in the event. He also remains the only Native American, other than Jim Thorpe, to win a gold medal in the Olympics. His triumph is considered one of the greatest Olympic upsets and victories of all time. Since Billy's victory in the 1964 Tokyo Games, Billy and Pat have dedicated their lives to giving back, co founding Running Strong for American Indian Youth, an organization that empowers Indigenous communities through health, education, and self sufficiency programs. Their journey is one of perseverance, cultural pride, and spreading a message of unity through diversity. All values that are very much at the heart of the Charity Miles community. Which naturally, is why we want to also thank our partners at Brooks Running who are very much champions for these values as well. For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K,  peace of mind after a stressful day, or an Olympic gold medal.  It could be a cure for Parkinson's, a cleaner planet, fair play, or the strength that comes from our diversity. So… let's run there. With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place. Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. Let's run there. Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more. Chapters: 00:00 - The Historic 1964 Olympic 10K Final 02:14 - Introducing Billy Mills: A Story of Resilience 06:12 - Billy's Early Life on Pine Ridge Reservation 13:06 - The Impact of Haskell Indian School 24:16 - Overcoming Struggles in College and the Marines 32:24 - The Journey to the Tokyo Olympics 35:55 - The Epic 10,000-Meter Race 42:54 - Winning Gold: A Dream Fulfilled 50:26 - Giving Back: Running Strong for American Indian Youth 1:03:01 - The Secret to a 63-Year Marriage

In this episode, we're joined by Brad Pitassi, Chief of the Maricopa Fire Department, who shares his incredible journey from EMT to fire chief. We discuss wildfire response, community resilience, and the personal sacrifices firefighters make to keep us safe. Brad's stories are both eye-opening and inspiring, offering practical tips on disaster preparedness and how we can all support our local heroes. #EveryMileMatters! Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 0:26 – Becoming Fire Chief of Maricopa 1:31 – Inspired to Serve After 9/11 3:23 – Managing Large-Scale Disasters 5:36 – What It's Like Fighting Wildfires 10:00 – How to Fight a Forest Fire 19:57 – Wildfires in Urban Areas 31:52 – Personal Preparedness Tips 43:36 – Cancer Risks for Firefighters 52:45 – Final Thoughts & Thank You

We're excited to bring you this inspiring conversation with Charles Costa, an ultrarunner who accomplished the incredible challenge of running 90 marathons in 90 days along the Pacific Crest Trail. In this episode, Charles shares his journey of resilience, his dedication to raising awareness for mental health through organizations like the Jed Foundation, and the lessons he's learned from this life-changing experience. We explore powerful themes like finding freedom and purpose through running, the connection between physical activity and mental health, and how perseverance can inspire change not just for yourself but for others. A huge thank-you to Charles Costa for sharing his story and to everyone supporting mental health initiatives that truly make a difference. Don't forget to follow Charles on Instagram at @CharlesCostaOfficial for more inspiration! #EveryMileMatters Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:18 Finishing the Challenge 0:39 Background and Motivation 2:07 Discovering Ultra Running 4:00 The Sicily Experience 6:36 Running for Freedom 12:05 Running for Mental Health Awareness 18:16 Running as an Expression 25:10 The Challenge of Resilience 36:30 Support and Community on the Trail 41:11 The Power of Resilience 54:07 What's Next 59:16 Calls to Action

We're thrilled to share this interview with Dr. Bill Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society. Dr. Dahut is a renowned oncologist and researcher who is helping set the vision for the world's most innovative cancer research initiatives. In this interview, we cover a wide range of topics, including the groundbreaking research the American Cancer Society is supporting, the critical role of early cancer detection, and how lifestyle choices like diet, and exercise can significantly reduce cancer risk. Dr. Dahut is both inspiring and empowering, because he gives us an inside view for how we can all make an impact —not only by fundraising but also by living healthier lives to reduce our risk of getting cancer. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Huge thanks to Dr. Dahut for his leadership and taking the time to share so much with us. Also a huge thanks to everyone at the American Cancer Society for leading the charge in the fight against cancer, and for giving us all the opportunity to be a part of it. Head to American Cancer Society to learn more and find out how you can join the fight. Click here to download Charity Miles and get moving for the American Cancer Society. #EveryMileMatters!   Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 0:28 Meeting Dr. Bill Dahut 3:46 Dr. Dahut's Journey to Oncology 6:12 The Role of Lifestyle in Cancer Prevention 9:03 Advances in Early Cancer Detection 12:16 The Connection Between Obesity and Cancer 15:54 How ACS Supports Cutting-Edge Research 22:10 Modifiable Behaviors That Reduce Cancer Risk 35:39 Innovative Treatments and AI in Cancer Care 54:14 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action

We're thrilled to share this interview with Martinus Evans, author, coach and founder of the Slow AF Run Club.   Martinus' journey is not just about running. It's a journey of overcoming setbacks, challenging norms, and motivating people of all shapes, sizes, and speeds to lace up and get moving.   From an “impossible” goal set in a doctor's office, to founding a movement that encourages tens of thousands of people to get moving, Martinus' story is about turning doubt into determination and making the impossible inevitable. We have not doubt that you'll inspired by Martinus' insights on resilience, grit, and the power of embracing your own journey in running—and in life. -- Of course, we also want to express our sincere gratitude to our partners at Brooks Running, who make interviews like this possible. For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.  So… let's run there.   With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place. Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinson's, a cleaner environment or some goal that you think just might be impossible… Let's run there.  Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.

Today, I have the immense privilege of walking with one of the most influential thinkers, authors and teachers of our time, Seth Godin. Seth is the author of 21 best-selling books that have transformed how we think about marketing, leadership, and the power of creative work. His books have been translated into over 35 languages, helping readers across the globe learn to challenge the status quo and make a lasting impact. In addition to his writing, Seth is the founder of several successful businesses, including the groundbreaking altMBA, an online workshop that has revolutionized the way people learn to lead and create meaningful change. He also invented email marketing, so we can thank him for that. Above all, Seth is a teacher. He's taught at some of the most renowned business schools, founded one of the most successful online learning platforms, and spends his time sharing wisdom on everything from business strategy to life philosophy.  In this episode, Seth shares his insights from his new book, This is Strategy, on how to embrace systems, time, empathy, and games to create change—not just for business, but in any aspect of life. As Seth says in the intro to the book, this is for someone who wants to make things better—which I know is all of us. --  Big thanks to our partners at Brooks Running. For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.  So… let's run there.   With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place. Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinson's, more ethical treatment of animals, or even a stormy day on the New York City Aqueduct. Let's run there.  Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more. -- Also big thanks to our partners at Lifeway Foods. Lifeway is more than just a company that makes delicious, probiotic-rich kefir—it's a forward-thinking brand committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world.  Many of you are well familiar with Lifeway Kefir.   But in case you're not, Kefir Kefir is an ancient healing superfood from the Caucasus Mountains that has provided microbiome support for over 2,000 years. The villagers who consumed it often lived past 100 years of age and attributed their longevity to their consumption of kefir. It's like a tart and tangy cultured milk smoothie that's packed with probiotics and bioavailable nutrients like high-quality protein, calcium, and Vitamin D to help you feel your best inside and out. Lifeway's commitment to making a positive impact is part of their DNA. Their CEO, Julie Smolyansky, is someone who I think embodies the spirit of what Seth talks about in this interview. She has a deep passion for social causes, from advocating for wellness to tackling issues like the maternal healthcare, hunger and social justice. Julie was also one of the first people to take a chance on Charity Miles, after we met at SXSW over ten years ago. It's safe to say that we wouldn't be where we are today without their support.  So huge thanks to Julie and Lifeway for being such an important part of the Charity Miles story.

Today we're honored to share a very special interview with the great Harvey Lewis, one of the world's top ultrarunners of all time. (Also, like Courtney Dauwalter in our last episode, one of the nicest.) Harvey is not only an accomplished runner but also a dedicated high school teacher at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati. He runs to work every day on what he calls his "run commute," and I had the incredible opportunity to join him on one of those runs—from his home all the way to his school, winding our way through Cincinnatti and Kentucky, over and back across the beautiful Ohio River. In this episode, we'll talk about Harvey's journey as an ultrarunner, including his record-setting win at Big's Backyard Ultra, where he ran an astounding 454 miles over 4 and a half days. We'll dive into what drives him to push beyond physical limits, and his approach to inspiring others to live healthy, active lives.  After relistening to and reflecting on this interview, I think that what comes through the most is not just what Harvey has to say, but how he says it. He truly has a passion, not just for running, but for inspiring and helping others—whether that's other runners, people that he passes on the road, his fellow competitors in a race, his students or animals. When we finished our run commute, I had the chance to meet with some of Harvey's students, and I asked them what it's like to have such an extraordinary person as their teacher. I'm grateful that they allowed me to share their responses, which will give you a real sense of the impact Harvey has, both inside and outside the classroom.  Of course, I'm also grateful to Harvey for such a memorable run and for sharing so much with us. And, of course, we're all grateful to our partners at Brooks Running.  For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.  So… let's run there.   With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place. Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinson's, more ethical treatment of animals, or first period government class at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati. Let's run there.  Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.

In this interview, I'm incredibly honored to be joined by Courtney Dauwalter, one of the greatest ultrarunners of all time. For those unfamiliar with the ultrarunning world, Courtney has shattered expectations and rewritten records in some of the most grueling races on the planet.  In 2023, she became the first person ever to win the Western States 100, the Hardrock 100, and the UTMB all in the same year -- which is like the ultrarunning triple crown, an achievement that stands alone in the history of the sport. Known not only for her incredible endurance but also her positive attitude, sense of humor, and love of candy and nachos, Courtney has conquered races like the Moab 240 (a 240 mile race in Moab!), which she won by more than 10 hours, and the Big's Backyard Ultra, where she set a women's record of 279 miles. She's also renowned for her trademark "Shortney" baggy shorts, her love for the "Pain Cave," and her unique ability to push herself through the most difficult physical and mental challenges-- whether it's running through storms, climbing mountains, or even hallucinating friendly woodland creatures along the trail. In this episode, we talk about what Courtney has learned about the mental side of ultra-running and try to glean some lessons that we mere mortals can apply to our everyday challenges—things like problem-solving, positive self-talk, and mantras that keep her going for hours on end.   We'll we also explore how she stays grounded, connected to the community, and why she believes there's always another level we can reach if we just keep moving forward, and stay curious about what's possible. Courtney is like the Ted Lasso of running. I think her superpower is her curiosity. And speaking of curiosity, I want to give a special shoutout to our partners at Brooks Running! For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation.  Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day. So… let's run there.   With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place.  Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinson's, a cleaner environment, justice, or shattering what you previously thought was possible… Let's run there.  Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more 

Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Alison Mariella Desir, a powerhouse disrupter and activist in the running community and a true advocate for change. Alison is the founder of Harlem Run, a running club that brings people together through running while championing diversity and inclusion. She's also the author of Running While Black, which sheds light on the intersection of race and running. I like to think I'm pretty progressive and aware of the ways that race affects us all personally and collectively.  But reading Alison's book, my eyes were opened even more to the ways that race continues to shape the running community—and society generally. In this conversation, Alison shares her personal journey, the inspiration behind Harlem Run, and the powerful message in her book that challenges and invites us to all open our eyes to the hidden forces of race in the running world and beyond.  We dive into how running can be a vehicle for social justice, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can feel welcome and empowered. This is a conversation about more than just miles—and more than just race.  It's about community, activism, inclusivity, intentionality, culture and using movement to drive change. -- This interview is presented with gratitude to our partners at Brooks Running For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day. So… let's run there.  With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place. Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line—or a cure for a disease, a cleaner environment or a more just and equitable society. Let's run there. Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more .

Today's interview is with Dana Snyder, founder and CEO of Positive Equation, where she helps charities grow their communities and monthly giving programs. This interview will be helpful for anyone that works at a charity—which some of our members do. But, more than that, this interview will provide all of us with insight – and empathy – for how hard our charities work to fundraise in support of the missions we all care about—and, therefore, how we can better support them in that endeavor. Most crucially, I hope Dana's insight will help us all think less transactionally, and more relationally, about how we support our favorite charities. I also want to give a huge shoutout to our partners at Lifeway Kefir. Lifeway was one of our first sponsors, and their CEO, Julie Smolyansky has become a friend and has been on the pod before too. Lifeway Kefir is purpose-driven brand and a champion for many social causes, supporting initiatives that promote maternal health, girls education and empowerment, the environment, mental health and well-being, and more—all things we care deeply about here at Charity Miles. Speaking of mental health, did you know that what you eat can have a profound effect on your mind? It turns out that the gut and brain are connected in ways we're just beginning to understand. Lifeway Kefir, with its rich probiotics, supports your gut biome, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, stress, and overall mental health. It's a simple, delicious way to nourish your body and your mind. So, whether you're fueling up for your next walk, run, or bike ride—or just looking for a way to take care of your mental well-being— head over to lifewaykefir.com to learn more and get started today.

Today's interview is with Nathan Chappell, one of the world's foremost experts on the intersection between Artificial Intelligence and philanthropy. Nathan serves as Senior Vice President of DonorSearch AI, and is the founder of Fundraising.Ai, a member-centric collaboration of nonprofit professionals with a focus on data ethics, data equality, privacy and security and sustainability. Nathan is also the co-author of The Generosity Crisis, which we discuss in the interview. Nathan elaborates why there is a generosity crisis now and how the remedy for that crisis is for people like us to think less transactionally and more holistically about our relationships with the charities we care about.  I'm sure his message will resonate with all of us. -- Big thanks to our newest partners at Lagoon Sleep, which makes the most comfortable pillow I've ever used.  Which is why I reached out to them to ask if they'd sponsor us. No joke, I ordered myself a Lagoon pillow when I saw how many NCAA and Olympic athletes were using them to improve their sleep and recovery. To be honest, I wasn't expecting too much but I was curious what the hype was about. But I've been completely blown away.  I go to bed pretty early so that I can wake up very early for my runs. And sometimes it's hard to fall asleep when it's that early. But not with my Lagoon pillow. Once I get into bed, I'm usually asleep within minutes. And I'm staying asleep – no more tossing and turning or waking up in the middle of the night. No kinks in my neck. This has definitely translated into improvements on my morning runs– and how I feel the rest of the day. I've said this many times: Getting more and better sleep is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. So if you'd like to get the best sleep of your life, go to LagoonSleep.com and take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find which Lagoon Pillow is right for you.  Use the code EXTRA for 15% off your first purchase.

Today's interview is with Brian Reynolds, one of the world's fastest double amputee runners. When Brian was four years-old he contracted a rare form of bacterial meningitis, which led to him having both of his legs amputated below the knee. Despite this, Brian was fairly active as a child-- and did his best to participate in most common childhood sports like baseball, basketball and even hockey.  (He grew up in Boston after all.) When Brian was in college, he got into power lifting... which led to him to join the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training to hike across the Grand Canyon... and then finally to running. Brian is now one of the fastest double amputee runners in the world, having set records in distances from the 5K to the marathon.  Brian happens to live about a mile from me, so we see each other on our morning runs quite often. I'd love to run with him more, but I don't think I can keep up! Last month, the Fleet Feet in our town hosted a trail running film festival featuring several short documentaries about trail running and ultramarathons.  One of the films was about Brian's attempt, last year, to complete the Leadville 100, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. In a few weeks, Brian will be heading back to Leadville for another attempt.  And as we publish this episode, Brian is currently climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.  Brian is also sponsored by our partners at Brooks Running, so we definitely want to give a big thanks to them as well.  For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.  It could be a cure for Parkinson's, a cleaner planet, fair play. So… let's run there. With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place. Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. Let's run there. Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.

Soraya Alexander is the Chief Operating Officer of GoFundMe and as the President of Classy, a GoFundMe subsidiary. Through her work, Alexander supports thousands of nonprofits and hundreds of thousands of people to unlock the world's generosity. GoFundMe is on a mission to help people help each other. Through innovative technology, Classy helps nonprofits raise more so they can do more good in the world. Together, the two organizations help billions of dollars per year get raised for social and environmental good.  In this interview, we discuss the challenges charities face in engaging their supporters, generational shifts in donor expectations, effective fundraising techniques, community building, and the psychological barriers to making donation requests. Soraya shares how GoFundMe and Classy are tackling these challenges and how we, as people who care about charities, can take a more active role in supporting them.   On a final note, I'm happy to share that Charity Miles is developing a partnership with Classy and GoFundMe to help bring some of these ideas to life, and to better help our members support the charities they love. We're grateful for the opportunity to make an impact with Classy and GoFundMe. And we're grateful to Soraya for sharing so much with us in this interview. #EveryMileMatters! --- Here are some time stamps: 04:29 The Power of Individual Donors 08:21 Generational Shifts in Philanthropy 10:19 Engaging Donors Beyond Donations 13:12 Building Community and Connection 14:09 Innovations in Fundraising Technology 21:43 Charity as a Way of Life 24:49 Community Support and Long-Term Stewardship 25:05 Connecting Immediate and Structural Change 26:09 The Power of Donor Engagement 28:02 Building True Community vs. Marketing Segments 32:29 Empowering Supporters and Relinquishing Control 34:15 Successful Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Tips 36:57 The Psychology of Asking for Donations 41:13 The Importance of Consistency in Fundraising 45:04 Call to Action for Nonprofit Supporters 47:00 Conclusion

Laura Putnam is a global wellbeing activator, author of the bestselling book Workplace Wellness that Works, and CEO and Founder of Motion Infusion, a leading wellbeing provider.  She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and has worked with a wide range of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofits. Laura has trained over 40,000 managers and leaders on how to lead wellbeing from the inside-out and outside-in to truly champion wellbeing that works for all. I recently met Laura at the First Coast Worksite Wellness Council's conference in Jacksonville, Florida where she was the keynote speaker. (Shoutout to FCWCC for including us!) After hearing her keynote, I knew we had to get her on the podcast-- not just for our members and partners in our Employee Empowerment Program, but for all our members, most of whom work at companies in one way or another, and in their own capacity have the power to foster a culture of wellbeing. In this interview, we dive deep into the importance of workplace wellness and how it ties into building high-performing teams. Laura shares insights on the challenges companies face with wellness programs and provides practical strategies for creating a culture that supports wellbeing.  She discusses the significance of team leaders in fostering a healthy work environment and offer tips for both organizational and individual improvements in workplace wellness. Whether you're an HR leader, a manager, or an employee, this episode provides valuable advice on enhancing wellbeing in the workplace. Big thanks to Laura for sharing so much with us! -- Here are some helpful timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:35 Meet Laura Putnam 06:42 Laura's Journey and Mission 09:45 The Importance of Workplace Wellness 11:37 Challenges and Solutions in Wellness Programs 17:55 Role of Managers in Promoting Wellbeing 22:06 Creating a Culture of Wellbeing 30:26 Practical Tips for Managers 39:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

It's also a great privilege for me to share today's interview with Kara Goucher.  Kara is a two-time Olympian, World Championship medalist, and one of the most accomplished and admired long-distance runners of our time.  Beyond her competitive achievements, Kara is also a passionate advocate for clean sport and gender equity, an inspiring speaker, author, podcaster and NBC broadcaster for track and field.  She's someone who continues to inspire runners of all levels. As we'll talk about in this interview, two years ago, Kara began slipping while she was running.  And after seeing multiple doctors, she was diagnosed with Runner's Dystonia, a neurological disorder with some similarities to Parkinson's.  Many of you may remember the interview I did with my friend, and fellow Team Foxer, Justine Galloway, who also has Runner's Dystonia.  So this is something we'll also talk about in this episode. Kara also as a unique and hard-won perspective on the power of brands to affect social change, and the power that we have as people– individually and collectively– to move and work with them to do so.   Most recently, Kara has partnered with Brooks Running, a brand that holds a very special place in our hearts here at Charity Miles.  Whenever we ask you what brands you want us to partner with, Brooks is always the #1 response. Which is why we are so thrilled to also be partnering with Brooks this year. For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move. It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. And we're all moving towards something. It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.  It could be a cure for Parkinson's, a cleaner planet, fair play. So… let's run there. With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place. Whether it's a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. Let's run there. Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.  

Sami Inkinen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Virta Health, which is reversing type two diabetes through nutrition, lifestyle change, and a new standard of medical care. Prior to Virta, Sami was the Co-Founder and COO of Trulia, which many of you probably used to find a house or apartment. Sami took Trulia public and then sold it to Zillow. Sami is also an Ironman Age Group Champion and all-around world-class endurance athlete. To raise awareness about the dangers of sugar and its connection to diabetes, Sami and his wife rowed from California to Hawaii—2,750 miles, completely unsupported.  I've been personally lucky to know Sami for over ten years now.  I was introduced to Sami through the Global Good Fund, a fellowship program for social entrepreneurs.  Sami became my mentor through GGF, and has always been generous with his time and insight whenever I need it through the years. I've wanted to record this interview for a long time. Big thanks to Sami for sharing so much with us. #EveryMileMatters!

Today's interview is with Jenny Lawson, the president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, a leading national nonprofit that inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful provides the expertise, programs, and resources to help people end littering, improve recycling, beautify America's public spaces, and restore and support resilient communities.   Before joining Keep America Beautiful, Jenny was the Chief Civic Innovation Officer at Points of Light where she led forward thinking initiatives, partnerships, and campaigns to advance the mission of Points of Light around the world. She designed, led, and championed programs and research to aid companies in achieving their social change goals through the actions of their employees, including the Corporate Service, Council of Leading Brands, the Civic 50, Ranking of Community Minded Companies, and a newly developed digital community, the Community for Employee Civic Engagement.  So needless to say, I think Jenny has a lot of expertise on how nonprofits can work with companies and communities to advance social change, which is a topic that I know all of us are interested in, particularly those of us who are part of the Charity Miles Employee Empowerment Program.  One of those companies is AT&T which is supporting Keep America Beautiful now through our Employee Empowerment Program, and connected us with Jenny for this interview.   I met Jenny in a park up in Connecticut, and we recorded this as a live walking webinar with our members and AT&T's employees.  It was a bit rainy, but that didn't seem to faze Jenny one bit. Huge thanks to Jenny for all of her insight, and to AT&T for their partnership in bringing this to life. #EveryMileMatters!

On March 8th, I ran the Jerusalem Marathon. As you surely know, Israel is in the middle of a war that started on October 7th.  I, like everyone, have a mix of different feelings about this. But I didn't go to Jerusalem to make a statement about my own feelings. I went to listen and try and share what others in Israel are feeling right now. I think a marathon is a great way to experience the true essence of a place. The New York City Marathon feels like New York City.  The Moab Canyonlands marathon feels like the Moab Canyonlands... And the Jerusalem Marathon feels like Israel.   If you listen to this, I hope you feel it too. #EveryMileMatters    

Maria Baltazzi is an Emmy Award winning television producer, traveler, marathon walker who raises money for cancer charities, author and longtime Charity Miler with over 8500 Charity Miles!   Maria recently wrote a book called "Take a Shot at Happiness" which invites and coaches us to explore happiness in our own lives. While Maria discovered that her own "happiness essentials" include faith, self-love and physical health, she encourages people to explore and understand their own personal meanings of happiness. She also draws from her experience as a producer on shows like Survivor to help us all think like storytellers to script, perform in and capture our own reality shows of happiness. Thank you to Maria for sharing so much with us. Thanks also to our sponsors at Factor 75. Eating better is easy with Factor's delicious, ready-to-eat meals. Every fresh, never-frozen meal is chef-crafted, dietitian-approved, and ready to go in just 2-minutes.  You'll have over 35 different options to choose from every week, including Calorie Smart, Protein Plus, and Keto. Also, there are more than 60 add-ons to help you stay fueled up and feeling good all day long.  I've been enjoying Factor for two months now, as I get back in shape. I've lost 15 pounds since starting Factor, and I've taken nearly 90 seconds off my mile pace for my long runs. My favorite things about Factor are:  The variety of meals, all of which have been delicious. The convenience.  They're really ready in less than two minutes which makes the healthy choice the easy choice when it comes to mealtime during a busy/hectic schedule. You all know that we work hard to develop partnerships with brands that we believe in, brands that share our values, and brands that can help us all live healthier and make an impact. That's why we're truly grateful for our partnership with Factor and I hope you'll check them out. Head to Factor75.com and use code MILES to get 50% off your first box while subscription is active.    --- Here are some noteworthy timestamps for the interview.... 02:59 Maria's Journey with Charity Miles 04:08 Maria's Role on Survivor and Connection to Ethan Zohn 06:19 Maria's Transition from Producer to Author 06:46 Understanding Happiness through Survivor 08:27 Maria's Personal Journey to Happiness 09:19 The Role of Storytelling in Happiness 10:06 The Power of Photography in Capturing Happiness 17:06 The Impact of Storytelling on Personal Behavior 25:40 The Foundational Three Elements of Happiness 29:07 Exploring the Concept of Happiness 30:00 Making a Choice for Happiness 31:04 The Role of Education in Happiness 31:47 Personalizing Your Happiness Essentials 33:09 The Importance of Exploration in Happiness 35:13 The Role of Faith in Happiness 37:21 The Problem with Prescriptive Self-Help Books 38:18 Understanding Happiness as a Choice 45:53 Practical Steps to Cultivate Happiness 51:48 The Connection Between Happiness and Resilience

In this episode, we're thrilled to walk with Susan Greeley, SVP and National Director of Wellness Services for Castle Connolly Private Health Partners, one of the newest partners in our Employee Empowerment Program.   Susan is also a registered dietician, cookbook author and the host of her own podcast, A SENSe of Wellness.  So we recorded this as a doubler that Susan will be releasing on her podcast too :)   Susan lives near me in New Jersey, so we were able to meet up for a walk in a park near my home.  It was a beautiful, chilly day before Christmas.  And since we were in the holiday and new year spirit, our conversation weaves through several themes that can help us all stick with our 2024 resolutions.   Hint: make them easy and fun. And don't go it alone.   Here's a quick rundown with timestamps:   00:05 Introduction and Welcoming 02:23 Susan's Background and Role in Wellness 04:02 Susan's Cookbook and Approach to Wellness 05:13 The Importance of Support and Community in Wellness 05:48 Gene's Background and the Founding of Charity Miles 07:13 The Impact of Charity Miles and the Importance of Community 10:10 The Importance of Change 15:26 The Role of External Support in Behavior Change 16:58 The Importance of Community and Positive Surroundings 28:11 The Impact of Charity Miles Beyond Fundraising 33:32 The Power of Intrinsic Rewards 36:11 The Role of Feeling Good in Behavior Change 37:21 The Problem with Wellness Challenges 39:52 The Importance of Consistency 40:13 The Power of Tiny Habits 53:36 The Role of Fun and Laughter 55:18 The Importance of Sleep, Hydration, and Outdoor Activities 56:37 The Power of Community   --  We're also thrilled to introduce our newest sponsor, Factor, America's #1 Ready-to-Eat Meal Delivery Service. Simply put, Factor meals are Easy, Nutritious and Tasty. No matter your eating or dietary style, Factor serves up the meals you're looking for with a flexible menu of chef-crafted, dietitian-approved options. Imagine having delicious, chef-prepared meals that align perfectly with your diet - be it Keto, Vegan, Protein Plus, or Calorie Smart - delivered right to your doorstep and ready to eat in under two minutes. With over 34 meal options and 45 add-ons each week, including snacks, smoothies and more, Factor makes it easy and tasty to keep your health journey on track. No more boring salads. Just mouth-watering dishes like roasted garlic filet mignon and shrimp, or blackened salmon with smoked gouda cauliflower grits and broccoli. Charity Miles members get 50% off your first order of Factor plus Free Wellness Shots for Life! Just go to charitymiles.org/factor to claim this exclusive offer. No commitment is necessary—skip or cancel at any time. But, of course, I don't think you're going to want to skip or cancel once you try it. Huge thanks to Factor for their support, and for helping us all make it easy and delicious to reach our 2024 goals.

Edith Wharton once said, "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." Today's guest, Aaron Sherinian, is both—a candle igniting change and a mirror reflecting the light of others. Eleven years ago, Aaron was the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer for the United Nations Foundation, where, amongst many other things, he was instrumental in founding Giving Tuesday, a movement dedicated to turning the Tuesday after Thanksgiving into a day of giving. During these crucial early days for Charity Miles, Aaron observed the power of our community sharing the #GivingTuesday hashtag on social media, sparking his interest in our mission. This led to a breakfast meeting that was a turning point for Charity Miles and me personally. Aaron not only connected us with crucial sponsors like Johnson & Johnson but also provided platforms for us to share our story at events like the Social Good Summit, the Moms+Social Summit, and SXSW. These opportunities were instrumental in introducing us to key members of our community. I've wanted to do this interview for a long time, and it brings me particular joy to share it on Giving Tuesday. In this conversation, Aaron shares insights from his career and personal experiences, including: The potluck dinner of life and how each of us can bring our best dish. Effective ways to invite people to embrace positive change. Think big but start small. The evolving role of social media and its impact on social causes. Why rallies are important. The importance of cultivating a purpose posse. Overcoming taboos to find solutions. The power of showing up. The transformative power of taking a chance on someone. It's no exaggeration to say that Charity Miles would not exist today without Aaron taking a chance on us. In honor of Aaron, I invite you to take a chance on someone else you see spreading light into the world. #EveryMileMatters

If you're not joining our live weekly walking meditations, then you're missing out! We do them on Zoom every week, alternating between Wednesdays and Fridays, at 1PM ET. Here's a recording of our latest walking meditation, led by Haley Fountain. Haley is an integrative nutrition coach, yoga teacher and meditation coach in Houston, Texas. To the point, she's fantastic. If you enjoy this walking mediation, then keep an eye out for our live meditations which we announce my email to all of our members. (If you'd like to get those emails, just download the Charity Miles app.) If you'd like to learn more about Haley, click here. --- Also big thanks to our sponsor, Hope Foods, which makes the most delicious and nutritious plant based hummus and dips.  All Hope Foods products are Organic and/or Non-GMO Project verified, GFCO certified gluten-free, OU-certified kosher, and dairy and soy-free. Hope Foods is also committed to mental health, which is why they're the perfect partner for our walking meditations. To learn ore about Hope Foods and explore holistic well-being resources on their website, click here.

Today's interview is with Elisabet Lahti, Ph.D., an author, speaker, trainer and expert on the Finnish concept of Sisu. What is Sisu? Sisu is a Finnish word that most closely translates in English to "grit".  But if "grit" is the feeling we get when we grit our teeth, Elisabet notes, Sisu is in our guts.  It's in our bodies.  It's gentler.  And yet in its own way very powerful.   These nuances are not just descriptive semantics. They have important implications for how we can cultivate Sisu and how we can apply it in our own lives. In this interview, Elisabet shares: Her Personal Story of Sisu: Elisabet takes us on a personal voyage, revealing the her own challenges and experiences with domestic violence that shaped her profound understanding of Sisu. Her Epic Journey in New Zealand: Elisabet also takes us on her journey of walking, running and biking the length of New Zealand as part of her dissertation research on the concept of Sisu. Sisu vs. Resilience and Grit: We dive into the nuances of Sisu and how it sets itself apart from seemingly similar concepts like grit and resilience. Elisabet's perspective sheds light on the subtle yet profound distinctions. Cultivating Your Sisu: Elisabet generously imparts guidance on how individuals can cultivate and tap into their innate Sisu, empowering themselves to face life's challenges with grace and strength. To learn more about Elisabet and Sisu, click here. -- Also big thanks to our sponsor, Hope Foods, which makes the most delicious and nutritious plant based hummus and dips.  All Hope Foods products are Organic and/or Non-GMO Project verified, GFCO certified gluten-free, OU-certified kosher, and dairy and soy-free. Hope Foods is also committed to mental health, recognizing the connection between gut health and brain health, aligning with Elisabet's description of Sisu as a resilience rooted in our guts, not just in our heads. To learn ore about Hope Foods and explore holistic well-being resources on their website, click here.  

Come along for a special walk in Cambodia to experience how the World Food Program USA's school meals program is changing the lives of studens, their families and their communities. Every day, millions of children walk into school on an empty stomach which makes it impossible to learn, much less thrive. Today, 153 million people under the age of 18 are severely hungry – an alarming, devastating number that is only expected to rise.   That's why WFP's Erase Hunger campaign is focused on supporting kids and their communities through their school meals program. This back-to-school season, starting August 1 and culminating on October 16, World Food Day, together with their partners, they will raise funds to provide 3 MILLION SCHOOL MEALS FOR KIDS AROUND THE WORLD. We are always proud to partner with the World Food Progam USA. And we're surely grateful to collaborate with them on their Erase Hunger campaign this fall. If you'd like to learn more about the World Food Program USA, and how you can get involved in the Erase Hunger campaign, click here.

In this episode of The Extra Mile we speak with George Weiner, the Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, a social impact digital agency. George sheds light on how non-profits can harness the potential of artificial intelligence (A.I.) to drive positive change and amplify their impact. Topics Covered: Understanding A.I.: George breaks down the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, helping non-profits grasp its transformative capabilities. Generative A.I.: Delving deeper, we explore the concept of generative A.I., its potential, and the creative avenues it opens for non-profit organizations. Ensuring Equity and Inclusivity: Discover how non-profits can play a vital role in shaping A.I. platforms, ensuring they align with their values of equity and inclusivity. Optimizing Limited Resources: Learn how A.I. can empower non-profits to achieve more with limited staff and budgets, maximizing their efficiency and impact. Risk Awareness: George highlights the risks and potential pitfalls non-profits should be mindful of when integrating A.I. into their operations. Avoiding the "Grey Suit Problem": Tune in to understand the significance of prompt-architecture and how it can help non-profits steer clear of the common "grey suit problem." Introducing causewriter.ai: George shares the story behind Whole Whale's innovative causewriter.ai, designed to assist non-profits in avoiding the "grey suit problem." Empowering Supporters: Learn how supporters of non-profits can embrace and leverage A.I. to further their impact and involvement. Huge thanks to George for helping us explore the potential of A.I. for non-profits and how they can propel their missions. Links: Whole Whale CauseWriter.ai

Marcey Rader is an accomplished author, consultant, coach, speaker, and an expert on digital wellness, tech-life balance, and health-powered productivity. She is also the founder of RaderCo, a company dedicated to helping executives and their teams banish burnout, cultivate sustainable habits, and enhance productivity through practical tools and accountability. In this interview, Marcey shares valuable insights on improving employee wellbeing, combating burnout, and finding tech-life balance. Her expertise offers valuable guidance for individuals and organizations seeking to optimize their productivity and well-being. Key Discussion Points: A common mistake that leaders make when thinking about how to improve employee wellbeing in their teams. Two things that are usually the biggest contributors to employee burnout. How leaders can think "upstream" to mitigate burnout before it becomes an issue.  Actionable tips leaders can take to mitigate burnout in their teams. Strategies that individuals can implement for themselves to regain more tech-life balance for themselves. Why walking meeitings rock, and how to make them easier. To learn more about Marcey Reader and her work, visit her website, please click here.  To learn more about Rader Co, please click here. Huge thanks to Marcey for shaing so much with us, and for her enthusiastic support for Charity Miles!

In this interview, we have the privilege of speaking with Karim Oumnia, the visionary founder of Baliston, a groundbreaking footwear company that aims to revolutionize the way we walk through life. Karim discusses how Baliston's collaboration with design legend Philippe Starck has led to the creation of beautifully minimalist, tech-augmented walking shoes equipped with sensors that capture biometric data directly from your feet. This data feeds an advanced Al gait-analysis to provide a fitted insole designed to fully personalize your footwear experience, optimize comfort and prevent injury. They can also help develop biomarkers for neurological and other movement disorders (like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, MS and Epilepsy) to better support treatment and scientific research. Additionally, Baliston is on a mission to keep all our shoes from ending up in landfills.   Which is why they haven't just designed a shoe, they've designed a circular system. The shoes are made from just five 100% recyclable materials and designed to monitor the deterioration of their own cushioning, allowing every shoe produced by Baliston to be collected at the end of life and recycled. Baliston then takes responsibility for collecting the shoes and recycling them. When it's time to get a new pair of shoes, they'll send you the new pair (for no extra charge), along with prepaid mailing materials to send your old shoes back to them for recycling. We're grateful to Karim for taking the time to share his vision with us.  We're grateful for Balitson's support. And we're super excited to be in on the ground floor with such an exciting company.   Key Points and Highlights: Why walking is the sixth vital sign. Discover how Baliston's tech-augmented footwear aims to revolutionize the way we walk. Learn about the collaboration between Baliston and renowned designer Philippe Starck. Understand the significance of gait analysis and how it can improve comfort, reduce fatigue, and prevent injuries. Explore the potential of biometrics in supporting treatment and research for neurological and movement disorders. Uncover Baliston's commitment to sustainability through 100% recyclable shoe designs. Dive into Baliston's unique circular system, where they take responsibility for collecting and recycling their shoes. Relevant Resources and Links: Baliston's website Fast Company: These High-Tech Sneakers Tell You When They Need to Be Recycled CNN: Best Insoles for Outdoor Activities WWD: Philippe Starck's New Sustainable Sneaker: Baliston Forbes: Philippe Starck on How Boredom with His Creativity Led Him to AI and His New Baliston by Starck Shoes People: Best Fashion Launches of the Year

In this episode, we speak with Casper Ter Kuile, an author, speaker, consultant and former fellow at the Harvard Divinity School who explores how we make meaning, deepen our relationships, and experience beauty. Casper is the author of The Power of Ritual, and the co-founder of The Nearness, Sacred Design Lab and the podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. In today's interview, we focus on Casper's book, The Power of Ritual and how rituals can be an effective tool for connecting us to ourselves, each other, the world around us, and something beyond us-- however you think of that. We discuss what distinguishes rituals from other types of behaviors like habits and routines, and why rituals can be better than habits for helping us live in accordance with our values. This is one of my favorite interviews, and I could talk with Casper for hours.  Hopefully we'll get the chance to do so, because I have many more questions I'd love to ask him. Huge thanks to Casper for sharing so much with us. Also, big thanks to our partners at Hope Foods.   May is Mental Health Month and this is our third Mental Health Month where we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Hope. Hope Foods creates delicious organic hummus and dips with ingredients you can trust. Made with the freshest, all-natural ingredients, their products are perfect for snacking, meal prepping, and entertaining.  Hope is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing which means you can feel good about the products you're enjoying.  And speaking of feeling good, Hope is equally committed to mental health and emotional wellbeing.  They even have an entire page of their website dedicated mental health which provides a host of resources to support your emotional wellbeing.  Please check them out here.  And the next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to check out Hope Foods. Thanks again, Hope Foods, for your dedication to mental health and our long-term partnership. #EveryMileMatters!

Today we're joined by Larry McAlister, a three-time Head of Human Resources and a natural-born leader in the HR space.  Larry currently runs the Corporate Humanist Consultancy, where he advises on tech-based products-in-development and helping CHROs and growth-minded leaders build transformative talent strategies. Larry most recently served as VP of Global Talent at NetApp, and has been named in the Top 50 Human Resources Professional Awards and is consistently sought after for his transformation and thought leadership in HR. In our conversation today, we explore some of the key principles in Larry's work, including the importance of well-being and mental fitness, how HR leaders can drive bottom line ROI by fostering a culture of well-being, and the role of technology in creating a more people-centric approach to organizational culture. We also discuss how everyone in an organization can be empowered to contribute to this culture, regardless of their seniority. Larry's new book, "The Power to Transform: A Field Guide to Building a Human-Centered, Tech-Enabled Work Culture," explores how NetApp embraced the future by transforming its culture, incorporating best HR practices and cutting-edge tech to build a mold that leaders of all stripes can easily follow. The book, which hasn't even been fully released yet, is already a #1 International Best Seller! If you're interested, click here to pre-order it for just 99¢. Larry is also working with 3sixtyinsights to research employee resilience, a theme we think about a lot in the Charity Miles community.  If you're interested in learning more about this research project, please click here. Here is a link to read more about the BetterUp data and insights that Larry references in the podcast. Lastly, if you're interested in connecting with Larry, you can find him here on LinkedIn. Big thanks to Larry for sharing so much with us today. #EveryMileMatters

Carol is internationally recognized for her work in social purpose and corporate social responsibility (CSR).  For more than 25 years, Cone has embraced a steadfast commitment to building lasting partnerships between companies, brands and social issues for deep business and societal impact.  In her work, she continually brings breakthrough and lasting big ideas to clients to build their business and societal impacts. Early in her career, Cone launched the walking movement with Rockport as its leader, which grew the company three times over in the span of 4 years and led to its acquisition by Reebok. She created the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which grew to 50 countries around the globe and raised $1 billion.  Most recently, Cone conceptualized My Special Aflac Duck, a social robot developed from extensive child-centered design to comfort children going through an average of 1,000 days of chemotherapy. This innovative idea has been heralded around the globe, from the Tech for a Better World Award and Most Unexpected Product at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show, to Time Magazine's list of Best Inventions of 2018. I've known and looked up to Carol since I started Charity Miles over ten years ago.  I'm grateful for her leadership and for sharing so much with us in this interview. #EveryMileMatters

Welcome to our first Walking Meditation of 2023, led by Cassandra Bianco. Merging modern neuroscience with ancient Tibetan techniques, Cassandra coaches her students on how to spend less time in the analytical mind, and instead invest more in the peaceful, natural state of wonder. Cassandra's meditation focus is within the fields of psychology, contemplative science and neuroscience and is rooted in the interconnectedness of all beings. For 14 years she's trained with senior instructors and currently studies a lineage-based meditation with Thupten Phuntsok, a former Tibetan Buddhist monk. Phuntsok's core teacher received direct guidance from a former tutor to the Dalai Lama. To learn more about or contact Cassandra, please click here. To learn more about or contact Cassandra with regards to her corporate work, please click here.

Today we're sharing the story of two important members of our community, Anastasia and Oksana, the designers who make Charity Miles look so good. Anastasia and Oksana are from Ukraine. We started working with them shortly before Russia invaded their country. Today, they share with us what their lives have been like since then. Even after hearing it, I cannot imagine. If you listen, I appreciate your feedback. And, if you're ever in need of a great (and affordable) designer, please check them out here, and email Oksana here. #EveryMileMatters

Sue and Gretja Otten are a mother and daughter team who are thru hiking the Appalachian Trail to raise money for Parkinson's research in honor of their husband/father, Ron. I met up with them on October 2nd while they were in Pennsylvania, nearly halfway done with the trail. I apologize that it took me a while to release this. (I'm not an audio-engineer and had to figure some stuff out to get the sound right.)  So, at the time I'm releasing this (November 3), they're already through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Over the last 104 days, they've completed 1,329.7 miles, which leaves only 864.6 miles to go to their finish line on Springer Mountain in Georgia! Gretja and Sue share what life is like on the trail, lessons learned and most importantly, WHY they're doing this. Personally, I can't imagine what it must be like to take on such an incredible adventure with either of my parents. But one day, I hope I have the opportunity to do something like this with my son, Max. Huge thanks to Gretja and Sue for taking on such an incredible endeavor, inspiring all of us, and for supporting the Michael J. Fox Foundation-- a cause that many of our members know is very close to my heart. Please check out Gretja and Sue on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/channel/UCociBTjQ2TshurgcGxCJmGA If you'd like to donate to their Team Fox Fundraiser, please click here: https://fundraise.michaeljfox.org/endurancegeneral/ATforPD #EveryMileMatters

Robin McGeough is a professional licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor, the Director of Chemical Dependence Services at Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, and a recovering addict himself. Robin is also the founder of Run4Recovery, an endurance and community event designed to provide vital support to those recovering from alcohol and drug addictions in the San Gabriel Valley. Robin founded Run4Recovery after a friend presented a challenge: if he could run 20 miles a day for 10 days, they would donate $1,000 to a charity of his choice. Robin met the goal and raised $3,500 that year. Since then, over the last 15 years, Run4Recovery has raised more than $310,000 for the Puente House Foundation scholarship fund. While the event originated as a running feat, the team transitioned to riding ElliptiGO elliptical bikes to prevent joint and muscle injury.  Robin has personaly run and ridden thousands of miles to draw attention to the cause.  This year, starting on September 26, Robin ran 502 miles on an EliptiGO over 5 days. For more information on Run4Recovery, visit www.run4recovery.com.

In 2014, Andrea was in the prime of her life. She was 33, married and planning to start a family. She had a rewarding career. And she was having fun participating in triathlons and other endurance events, including a marathon and Half Ironman. Then she was diagnosed with ALS and soon walking with a cane. Only 20% of people with ALS live more than five years past their diagnosis. Yet, 8 years after her diagnosis, Andrea is not just living.  She just completed 50 marathons, in all 50 states! Andrea knows she's one of the lucky ones. "Fortunately," she says, "I am able to eat... and breathe... and speak." This may be the most heart-stopping thing anyone has ever said to me in an interview. (Or otherwise.) I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like to not take eating, breathing and speaking for granted. I also cannot imagine the kind of courage, imagination and resilience it would take to be diagnosed with ALS-- and then set out to conquer fifty marathons. In this interview you'll hear Andrea's story in her own voice. But it's not just her voice-- it's the voice of the ALS community. Please click here now to learn more about Andrea and support her Foundation which is raising money to fund research towards a cure or effective treatment for ALS. Thank you to Andrea for having the courage to live and write such an incredible story-- and thank you for sharing it with all of us.

Katerina Biloruska is the Chairwoman of the Parimatch Foundation, the corporate foundation of Parimatch, an international sportsbetting company with deep roots-- and over 1,000 employees-- in Ukraine. In normal times, the Parimatch Foundation focuses on children's sports and education initiatives. But these are not normal times. As of the date of this release, we are over a month into Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A few weeks ago, I sent an email to our community with some resources for how our community could step up to support people of Ukraine. I received a reply from one of Katerina's colleagues to let me know how the Parimatch Foundation (and the company) have shifted their efforts to support the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.   I asked if they'd be willing to share more on our podcast, and I'm grateful that Katerina took the time to share her perspective for what's happening on the ground, and how we can help. If you'd like to learn more about Parimatch's work in Ukraine, please click here.

Ryan Kaplan is the Director for the Jewish Community Center of Krakow's Ride for the Living, an annual cycling event from the gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau to JCC Krakow, giving participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in Krakow's Jewish past, present, and future. As many of you know, we've been working hard to evolve Charity Miles so that we can be more accessible to all the great charities that want to join us.  We're happy to say that we're now more able to do so, and JCC Krakow is one of the newest members of the Charity Miles community. In ordinary times, JCC Krakow provides social, educational and community-oriented services to the Jewish community of Krakow, offers programming open to the entire Krakow community to foster Polish-Jewish relations, and acts as a visitor center for the hundreds of thousands of tourists, many of them Jewish, who pass through Krakow. But these are not ordinary times. As of the date of this podcast, we are over a month into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has sent over 2 million Ukranian refugees to Poland. The Polish people are rising to the occasion, doing everything they can to support the refugees. JCC Krakow is stepping up as well.  Since the war began, they have served many thousands of Ukranians, an average of over 300 each day. They are housing and feeding over 200 Ukrainians, Jews and non-Jews, in hotel rooms and apartments in Krakow.   They have outfitted and opened a mother and child safe space with a local partner that provides day care for 25 young children, and Polish and English classes, psychological counseling, and job training for their mothers in a warm, cozy environment. And much more. I'm grateful that Ryan was able to take the time to share his perspective from the ground with us. If you'd like to support or learn more about the work that JCC Krakow is doing for Ukranian refugees, please click here.

James and Krista White, father and daughter, are the co-authors of Anti-Racist Leadership, a book about how and why corporate leaders at all levels can create anti-racist systems, structure and, ultimately, culture in their companies. James comes to this as the former Chairman and CEO of Jamba Juice, and a board member for several companies, including The Honest Company. Krista is a writer and entrepreneur focused on diversity and inclusion.  She is currently building an app to address the sex-ed gap for the Queer community. This is a book for the moment.  This is something I know everyone in our community cares about-- especially our employee empowerment partners. Huge thanks to James and Krista for writing this book and for sharing so much with us. If you'd like to contact them, here are the relevant handles... Culture Design Labs. James White, LinkedIn. Krista White, LinkedIn. Krista White, Twitter. #EveryMileMatters!    

Jon Montoya isn't just walking around the world with Charity Miles... He's walking to all seven wonders of the world. 1. Chichén Itzá El Castillo, in Mexico 2. Machu Pichu, in Peru 3. Christ the Redeemer, in Brazil 4. The Colosseum, in Rome 5.  Petra, in Jordan 6.  The Taj Mahal, in India 7.  The Great Wall of China It's a 25,000 mile journey that he estimates will take him seven years to complete. He started last July and has already completed 2,500 miles.  So, he still has a long way to go. But he as already come very far, and learned quite a bit. Jon is walking in support of (RED) and to champion the World Health Organizations ambitious and inspiring 2030 Global AIDS Strategy - to eliminate AIDS by 2030. This may be my favorite interview yet - Jon is just incredible. Huge thanks to Jon for sharing so much with us and inviting us to be a part of his journey. >> Here's a link to Jon's YouTube. >> Here's a link to Jon's Instagram. >> Here's Jon's email if you'd like to drop him a note: buenviajemyfriend@gmail.com. #EveryMileMatters

Dave Richman is an entrepreneur, author, public speaker, athlete, and philanthropist. As an author, Dave has written a few books. His first, "Winning In the Middle of the Pack" he shares insights learned on his own transformation journey.  Once a couch-potato (and smoker), David has since completed over 50 triathlons, including 15 Ironman-distance triathlons, and more than 50 ultra-marathons. In his most recent book, "Cycle of Lives", Dave shares the stories of fifteen people who each have their own cancer journey.  Dave then symbolically connected these stories by riding his bike 5,000 miles, zig-zagging across the U.S. to each of people.  There's a lot in this podcast-- so much that I'll probably have to listen to it several times. Huge thanks to Dave for taking the time to share so much with us. #EveryMileMatters!  

Grayson Murphy is the 2019 World Mountain Running Champion, 6th place finisher in the Olympic Trials for the Steeplechase, and a 5X collegiate All American.   She's also an environmentalist, mental health advocate and entrepreneur who makes journals for training and life. I met Grayson two years ago at a running trade show and she gave me one of her journals, which I used last year. So, I was very happy to be reconnected to Grayson by our partners at Nuun. I know that most of you don't need an introduction to Nuun. They make electrolyte solutions without sugar.  I've used Nuun in my training for years, and am still using them now as I train for the NYC Marathon. I also know that many of the people in our community love Nuun as well-- because I see so many of you posting about it on our social media channels.   So huge thanks to Nuun for sponsoring us, and for reconnecting me with Grayson! #EveryMileMatters!

Erin Azar is a Tik Tok star with nearly 700,000 followers! But she is perhaps an unlikely social media celebrity.  She's not a fast runner.  She doesn't have perfect abs, a spotless kitchen or that one secret trick to whatever. She's a mom of 3 from rural Pennsylvania who started running a couple of years ago, after the birth of her third child.   Just a mile a day she thought, as she started documenting her journey on YouTube and then Tik Tok. At the time, she was just looking for a community of others like her to share the journey with. But something about her posts struck a chord, and her videos "blew up" (as the kids say) to millions of views and hundreds of thousands of followers. Erin is a breath of fresh air, exactly what the running community-- and social media needs these days. Special thanks to my friend Kim at AfterShokz for introducing me to Erin.  Kim and her sister, Christy are running the NYC Marathon for Team Fox.  When they told this to Erin, Erin wanted to join to because her father has Parkinson's. In just the last 2 weeks, Erin has already raised over $40,000 for Team Fox.  And she's not slowing down! Huge thanks to Erin for supporting Team Fox, and for taking the time to share her story and insights with us.   #EveryMileMatters!

You might remember Bill Bucklew from our 2018 interview when he walked across the United States for Parkinson's Disease, which Bill has. In today's interview, we join Bill on his latest journey, something he's calling The Long Walk for Parkinson's: 640 miles, over 17 days, 40 miles per day, from the northern tip of Scotland to London... where he'll then run the London Marathon. For this journey, Bill is not alone.  He's joined by John MacPhee, who also has Parkinson's and has a slate of his own incredible accomplishments, including a previous walk across the U.K. The two of them are representing the U.S. and the U.K. coming together in a collaboration to help people living with Parkinson's live their best lives. Appropriately, they're also raising money for Parkinson's organizations in both countries, including The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson's U.K. and Cure Parkinson's U.K..   Big thanks to Bill (and John) for continuing to inspire and for sharing part of this journey with us! #EveryMileMatters!

Chuck Stravin was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma in 2015, and has been living with it ever since. Chuck is a father of 4 girls.  Shortly after his diagnosis, he made it a personal goal to see all 4 daughters graduate high school.  With that no complete, he's looking ahead to four college graduations (2 down there), followed by four engagements, weddings and grandchildren. This is one of the most vulnerable and personal interviews that I've done since we started this podcast.  One of the things that has stuck with me since speaking with Chuck is what he's learned about – and what he wants to teach others – about resiliency.   Since his diagnosis, Chuck has become a part of the family at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, where he receives his care. He shares a lot about that too, which makes us especially proud to be partnering with them and the Jimmy Fund. So if you want to be part of something special, go to JimmyFundWalk.org and sign up for their walk, which will take place on October 3rd, around the globe. Thanks to the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Institute for the opportunity to be a part of their amazing work, and family.  Thanks to Genentech for their support! Big thanks to Chuck for sharing so much with us. And of course, big thanks to all of you for joining us. Every Mile Matters.  

Sarah Hamilton is a mom. Her daughter, Caroline, is now in college. But when Caroline was just 6, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. This set Caroline, Sarah and their family on a lifelong journey with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In this interview, Sarah shares that journey with us, and also the secret to how she and her team have helped raise over $1 million for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. I'm grateful to Sarah for sharing so much with us, and to the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute for the opportunity to collaborate with them. On Sunday October 3rd, the 2021 BOSTON MARATHON® JIMMY FUND WALK YOUR WAY PRESENTED BY HYUNDAI will unite people around the globe a they walk in their own communities to raise funds to support all forms of pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute-- the premier cancer center.  If you aren't registered yet, visit jimmyfundwalk.org today.  

Ben Kenyon is the Head Strength Coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, an author, and the founder of the Great Day Squad. With the Sixers, Ben helps some of the world's best athletes get stronger both physically and mentally. He has also taken what he's learned from coaching elite athletes, and from his own personal journey, to now help everyday athletes (like me) perform their best - both on the road, and in life. That's what his Great Day Squad is all about.  Which is why I was especially interested in chatting with Ben for this interview. Big thanks to Ben for sharing so much with us. And big thanks to our partners at Honey Stinger for introducing me to Ben. As you've probably seen, we're thrilled to be partnering with Honey Stinger which makes a variety of nutrition and hydration solutions for athletes. I've long been a fan of their waffles. And now they have a new hydration system that consists of three different mixes to help you Prepare, Perform and Recover. This has been a huge game-changer for me personally as I'm currently undertaking my most difficult endurance challenge yet.  It's called the "Calendar Club" and to put it simply: each day this month, I'll be running the # of miles of days in the month. So, June 1 = 1 mile... June 2 = 2 miles... June 30th = 30 miles. That's 465 miles, half of which are after day 21.   Today is June 15, so I did 15 miles.  So things are about to get really interesting. Obviously, hydration is crucial for me in attempting this.  And Honey Stinger has been truly helpful. So, if you'd like to receive a free sample of Honey Stinger, and also enter for a chance to win a Garmin watch, please click here to take our hydration survey. Thanks again! -Gene  

Mark Allen is a legend. ESPN named him the Greatest Endurance Athlete of All Time. 6X winner of the Ironman World Championships in Kona. First ever winner of the Triathlon World Championships. Epic 21-race winning streak, at all distances, the longest in triathlon history But it wasn't just Mark's victories that made him special. Mark was and is known for his mental game and spirituality. Which is something that we dive into during this interview: How to quiet the racing mind. This interview is especially fitting because May is Mental Health Month. We also just announced our newest member of the Charity Miles family, Active Minds. Active Minds is one of the premier mental health charities in the world.  It was started by Alison Malmon, 18 years ago, when she lost her brother, Brian to suicide. Alison recognized that Brian's story is the story of thousands of people who suffer in silence; who, despite their large numbers, think they are totally alone.  Wanting to combat the stigma around mental illness, Alison started a student group at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a student. Active Minds has since grown to more than 800 college campuses, directly reaching close to 600,000 students each year through campus awareness campaigns, events, advocacy, outreach and more.  Active Minds has also grown outside of the college campus with its newly launched, Active Minds @Work program to help companies create a healthy mental health culture in the workplace. As I've written and spoken about before, I have personally struggled with anxiety and depression-- and in many ways, still do.  I've also heard from many in our community on this topic. So I know this is something many of you care deeply about too. So please help me welcome Active Minds to the Charity Miles family by doing some Charity Miles for them today. Also, one more quick note—this interview is sponsored by our great partners at Hope Foods.  As you all likely know by now, Hope Foods makes a variety of delicious Cashew & Almond Dips, Hummus, and Guacamole that feature fresh ingredients and bold flavors to elevate the wholesomeness of your favorite dishes and snacks. Like us, Hope is also deeply committed to mental health.  They aspire to manifest hope by providing food and tools that support your physical and mental well-being, and even have an entire section of their website dedicated to mental health resources.  If you'd like to check that out, please visit hopefoods.com/havehope. So big thanks to Hope Foods.  And a big welcome to Active Minds.  Now without any further ado, turn up your volume and turn on your charity miles and come along for the walk or run with me and Mark Allen, the greatest endurance athlete of all time.    >> If you'd like to learn more about Mark, visit his site here.

If you're looking to develop a healthier relationship with your technology, this interview is for you. Max Stossel is an award-winning poet, filmmaker and the Head of Education & Content for the Center for Humane Technology, an organization of former tech insiders and CEOs dedicated to realigning technology with humanity's best interests.  (He's also a longtime friend.) When I first met Max, nearly 9 years ago, he worked for a startup that could have been a precursor to Tik Tok. There, he experienced first-hand the "Social Dilemma" that comes with trying to make a habit-forming app, with the emerging consequence of hooking people to their screens. Around the same time, Max heard a poet that inspired him to begin writing and performing poetry himself, also turning his poems into short films. His third poem, Subway Love went viral.  As did his next poem, The Panda is Dancing.  They've been seen over 15 million times. Max's poetry often explores our relationships with technology, presence and the importance of prioritizing the relationships that matter to us most. With the Center for Humane Technology, he helps teach people to more consciously design our relationships with technology.   However, after re-listening to our discussion, I think his key lessons are about consciously designing our relationships with each other. Big thanks to Max for sharing so much with us! #EveryMileMatters!