The GJBeat

Justin left his lucrative career in the financial industry following a passion to co-found Noke Van Co in Roanoke.  It started small with explosive growth in a very short time.   His vans are a dream for anyone who loves adventure.   In 2023, Noke Van Co. won the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce's New Small Business of the Year Award.   Justin and wife Keri are now jumping the endless hurdles to pursue their other dream of opening the doors to Fishburn Perk Coffee Shop in Roanoke.  And what a story it is.  This family has no limits of passion and grace.  Enjoy!

Molly Bullington finally made it here for an excellent conversation.  She tells of how she gained ownership of Blue Ridge Racing which is the management company for Roanoke's largest running events.   She has likely given you a high five at the finish of the Blue Ridge Marathon, Salem Half Marathon, The Drumstick Dash or others.  Charleston, SC is her birthplace making it to Roanoke as an engineering graduate from Virginia Tech.   She found her career passion elsewhere and her personal passion most recently in the woods hunting and harvesting deer.  We had quite a deer treat during the conversation.  Did you know Molly and her husband own the Texas Tavern?!  Be sure to say hi to her at the finish lines!

This is the first official repeat guest on the GJBeat.  Matt's life turned upside down in early 2022 and he was instantly thrown into the local spotlight.  Since the cycling death of his wife, Tabatha, life has changed in so many difficult yet positive ways.  Matt left his career to pursue ownership of Fleet Feet Roanoke which finalized in late 2022 while also fighting grueling court battles until recently.  His honesty is refreshingly brutal and unedited giving a real insight to his struggles and victories.  Hope you enjoy!(I misnumbered the episode in conversation.  Yes, I know)

Carrie Cousins is a writer, designer and marketer in Roanoke with a strong bond to the region and its growth. Having worked in media, marketing, and education, she's passionate about seeing people here grow and thrive. She's currently the Director of Digital Marketing for LeadPoint Digital and an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech and 4x marathoner. The conversation starts with the outdoors and running -- viva Las Vegas! -- and moves into marketing, AI, and back to running again. 

Third time's a charm for Kat Van Orden(we hope!).   She is a self proclaimed newbie of trail running while showing the results of a seasoned champ.  Kat got the victory at the 2023 Frozen Toe trail race immediately followed up by an injury she is very familiar with.  She now navigates coming back from not one, not two but three ACL reconstruction surgeries at the age of 25.   But she isn't letting it diminish her optimistic outlook.  She's a coach, fitness addict and lover of all things outdoors.  After graduating from Roanoke College she said goodbye to the beach and hello to the beautiful Blue Ridge which she now calls her permanent home.  She undoubtedly has a future of excitement!

Dick Howard and I had never met and this was the best of connections.  He is considered to be the Grandfather of Mountain Biking in Virginia.  Why that self proclaimed title?  You'll find out not just about Dick's passion for cycling but his stories of bartending in Richmond, celebrity encounters, education and everything in between.   Saddle up and get ready to take a ride with the Grandfather!

Mark Long has been on the future guest list for quite a while.  He's a very well known and respected athlete around Roanoke and beyond for his genuine personality and exceptional race finishes.  Mark's latest life adventure centers around making a difference for  the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  He has completed over 100 triathlons and even some ultra marathons mostly with podium finishes.  His passion and kindness are beyond measure making him a major influencer on many levels.  Enjoy!

Hop in the saddle for this endurance length podcast with all things bike with Ron Glowczynski as he tells his tale from being trained as a mechanic in a pro shop, getting roped into racing triathlons, biathlons and bikes in college and ultimately opening his own bike shop in Roanoke VA.  Ron talks about the mentors who inspired this unique business model with the reopening of American Flyers.  Since college he has jumped into all sorts of cycling and running events with impressive results and experiences.   The latest leg of his bicycle journey pedaled him into the arms of his best friend, Sarah, to start an entirely new chapter of bikes, love and family.  

This group began their journey of 100 miles on feet at 8am on a recent Saturday morning in Norton VA at the Cloudsplitter races.  They finished Sunday just before midnight with this huge accomplishment.  The experience is difficult beyond belief and these four tell all about it.  Ed Mckeown, Jack Bugo, Keya Price and Matt Warner.  Emily Jamison got her first big win in the 50K portion and it's a great story.  Ordinary people doing extraordinary things! 

Mark Taylor made his way across the country from Oregon while stopping at Northwestern for his education and spending some years abroad in the Navy.  The Roanoke Times called his number in 1998 and he chose to remain here.  He's now the Eastern Communications Director for Trout Unlimited.  The conversation ventures into many different subjects with Mark's knowledge of the outdoors.  

George piqued my interest in a presentation he gave about his work as an engineer in Afghanistan and experiencing the sudden evacuation in 2021.   He has and continues to travel the world with Antarctica next to complete his mission to visit every continent in the world.  He joined the Rocky Mount Rotary Club as his latest project to give back to the community he loves.  It doesn't look like he is going to slow down anytime soon and I'm honored to call him my friend.  Enjoy!

So much can be said about 'Army Brat', West Point Graduate and self proclaimed neurotic triathlete Scott Moir.   Scott made his way to Roanoke and eventually discovered his relentless passion of being a triathlete and stacking up some impressive stats.  His first race was at the age of 47 and has since completed 7 full Ironman distances and 20 half Ironman distances with 3 Ironman 70.3 World Championship Qualifications.    He's a fierce competitor with many podium finishes.   Scott has a tremendous presence in the local triathlon community and has been an influencer for so many things in Roanoke and beyond.  He's a pharmaceutical sales representative by day and has a lot to talk about.  Enjoy!

Matt Thompson left his career in biotechnology to try his hand as General Manager for Fleet Feet Roanoke. On the surface this may seem like an odd transition. However the path becomes clear as we discover his business experience, passion for fitness, commitment to our community and a life altering tragedy that was the catalyst to change.  The loss of Matt's wife, Tabitha, while cycling near their home a few months ago has raised major awareness in the fitness community.   Matt is determined to push forward and glorify her life to the fullest.   He is an amazing guy as the local fitness community already knows.  

Dr Jim Casey and I met thanks to ultra and pub running around the Roanoke region.  His medical background specializes in obstetrics and gynecology with Carilion Clinic.  His passion for adventure, family and travel compliments his love for helping people.  Jim excelled at the University of Virginia and the University of North Carolina making him a highly respected medical professional.  He is relatively new to ultra running and producing some impressive results.  His best life is yet to come.  This was a fun conversation and you'll surely enjoy it!

Jeff talks all about his life as a traveler and patent attorney while calling Roanoke his home at the moment.  We met a couple of years back and I knew he was someone I'd want to know more about.   It's unlikely for most of us to have ever met a patent attorney and he starts the conversation with that subject.  His travel adventures peaked my interest after following him on social media.  Jeff has a great way of painting mental pictures of the places he has traveled.  It's a great conversation and hope you enjoy!

Chad is currently Battalion Chief at Roanoke City Fire-EMS with an extensive background in public service.  He's a competitor in everything he involves himself in.  He gives a very detailed vision into the life of a first responder and athlete.  Chad is a wealth of knowledge and life experience and this conversation ventures deep into many areas of interest.  From whitewater rafting guide to swift water rescue to training others to effectively carry out public duties... Chad has an awesome story and is excited to tell it!

Seth was born and raised just down the street in Boones Mill.  The twists and turns of life eventually led him to discovering his huge passion for running.  Like most, he started small and is now running ultra marathons a few times each year. Seth is an excellent photographer of running which you can see on all of his social media pages.   His approach to running and life is uniquely his own and he tells all about himself in this conversation.   Enjoy!

Sam Dean is a photographer/videographer and adventurer with curiosities that have taken him around the world.   He spent many of his young years in Latin America and eventually landed at the University of Montana amongst other great places.  These days he resides in the Roanoke area and produces some of the finest photo/video art imaginable.  Sam's bio lists his work as authentic storytelling which is exactly how I would describe him.   The conversation was deep at times and his world view is so interesting.  Enjoy!

Caleb is the founder and owner of Hammer and Forge Brewery in Boones Mill, VA.  His story leading up to now living in Boones Mill is pretty interesting.  He was born in Alaska and has spent his life in many parts of the country.   At one point, regular travel deep into Russia was part of his career.  His brewery is a uniquely phenomenal place and he has been a big influence in pushing Boones Mill forward.  But that's only a small part of his journey.  Hope you enjoy!

Marty calls the Roanoke region his home now while spending his childhood near NASA in Florida.  He became know in local circles through the very labor intensive All Trails Challenge which was a big hit for those trying to span nearly every trail within sight of Roanoke VA.   He has become quite the local personality for his adventures and attention to detail.  Marty just completed his first trail ultra marathon after numerous weight loss battles.  He's currently winning the battle handily!  During daylight hours he works as a reverse engineer of mostly foreign warfare technologies and I wish he would tell us more!  Ruth Winn was in attendance and they are very kind people with unique and intelligent backgrounds.  Marty has dedicated himself to his next ultra marathon and we will be hearing a lot from him.  Enjoy!

Raven has run 8 miles on South Beach Miami every single day since Jan 1, 1975 for one of the longest streaks in the world.  Robert Kraft is quite a personality around Miami Beach and continues his ritual each day starting at the 5th Street lifeguard stand.  He lives right by the ocean and spends the rest of his time writing songs and impressing the crowds around Muscle Beach.   His kindness is genuine and it's no wonder he is such an influencer around Miami.  This was an excellent conversation and we plan to visit Raven again in the future.  

Jay has been around foot races for quite a few years now.  He has become quite a personality around the Roanoke area for the quality of his race photography.   Lynchburg is his hometown and he spends his days designing course material at Lynchburg University.  Everyone loves seeing him during races in hopes of getting their latest profile picture.    Jay tells all on the GJBeat and this was so much fun for both of us!

Nancy Hans is a phenomenal athlete and career professional with so much to talk about.  She has been a trained triathlete for many years and found her way to Roanoke from Maryland some years ago.  Her profession is an interesting one as she is a leader in drug prevention and treatment in the region.  She has mentions and was an important influence in the writing of Dopesick amongst countless other projects.   You'll want to meet her if you haven't already.  Enjoy!

Rachel Spaulding is taking her ultra running to the highest of levels.  She has won more than half of the ultras she has competed in so far, including a 100 miler.  Rachel had just returned from Lake Tahoe and placed in the top 10 at the Broken Arrow Skyrace 52K.    She's a coach by day and dedicates most of her free time to running.  You could say she's obsessed!  Rachel was an excellent guest with so much positivity.  

This conversation took place at just the right time.  The Crooked Road 24 Hour Ultra is upon us with Ricky as race director.  He and Sharon are well known in the local running community as two in the group of founding members of the Crooked Road Running Club.  They have run countless long distance races and are excellent positive influencers in the running community.  Ricky is a cancer survivor and is not slowing down.  Sharon fell in love with running as well and these are two of the kindest people around.  Enjoy!

Most everyone on a local level knows Emily in some way through her wide variety of fitness and life activities.  She was born and raised and has chosen to stay just up the street in Callaway VA.  Strength training and Spartan races have been her thing for several years while now getting lured into cycling and ultra running.  Emily brings a large positive presence wherever she goes.  But don't be fooled... she's a fierce competitor and has the results to show.  She talks all about life balance with three children, career and adventures.  Hope you enjoy!

Joanna Kimmel is known by some but maybe by few.  We slowed her down just enough to have a conversation about herself and life.  She takes on some major adventures and travel doing so mostly solo.  Her backyard backs up to one of the best mountain trail systems in the area.  Joanna spends almost all her time on trail or in water when she's not dispatching for the electric company.  You probably won't see her at a group run but you'll love to hear all about her life and what she is passionate about.    An excellent conversation for sure!

Bryan has been nearly a lifelong friend who reconnected after a few years to talk about his life and adventures.  He is an avid conservationist and hunter climbing mountains in much the same way as an ultrarunner.  But with more clothes and equipment.  His approach to the outdoors is quite spiritual and unique.  Bryan's gratitude shines in everything he talks about.  He's an adopted son with and adopted daughter.  An excellent conversation with a great friend! 

"Liz Ackley is a middle-aged, adventure seeking, mess of a woman, hell-bent on changing the world.  A seeker of joy, Liz approaches life with a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and mud between her toes. She's a teacher, a dedicated community advocate, and a backwoods aficionado.  Be it a mountain trail, an epic solo adventure, or a community-level health disparity, Liz runs at challenges with the force of a thousand suns."  ~anonymous 

We spoke vaguely about this project in episode 23 with Robin and Blaine Lewis and that big things are on the horizon.  They certainly are.  They unveiled their plan shortly after coming on the GJBeat and it's their largest service project yet.  Between now and 8/21/21 they are raising the funds and planning the logistics to gift shoes to 8000 students in Roanoke City Schools who otherwise would not have that opportunity.  The link is on the Fleet Feet Roanoke website and every $30 donation will purchase a pair of new shoes and socks for a student in need.  Robin and Blaine give all the details in this episode and they'll need lots of financial and volunteer assistance.  Thank you both for your service to the Roanoke community!

The moment I met Lee Sandstead, I knew he had a lot to talk about.  So we did and it was extensive.  Lee currently coaches elite cycling athletes but his story is deep.  He hosted the show Art Attack on the Travel Channel a few years back while also serving as a university professor and world traveler.  He's had some personal struggles with alcoholism and relationships and his openness is interesting to say the least.  This one is full of passion and energy!

Robin and Blaine Lewis stepped way out of the safety of normal life many years ago to come to Roanoke and take a tremendous risk for their passions.  The passions of family and running.  They talk about the decision to make Roanoke their home all the way to their present day activities and love of the community.   They are doing their finest work in the people business!

Johnny Robinson has done just about everything.  But he does everything very well.  He's a kind and restless soul enjoying every second of life.  As a very recent cancer survivor, his active lifestyle has returned.  He recently retired from his dentistry practice and is living his best life in the Roanoke Valley.  Some call him "The Legend" while others are just happy to be in "The Johnny-verse"!  

Aaron comes to the podcast directly after his RockStar Challenge completion starting in Harrisonburg and ending in Roanoke, VA.  He is loaded with unique adventures told by him and his wife Carrie.  They own and operate Trader Jerry's in Salem, VA.   Enjoy!

Josh Grice is known mostly as the front man of the Harwell Grice Band.  However, this episode was recorded just after finishing his first marathon.  Just to see if he could.   He's a huge local personality and makes his living as a public school assistant principal.  Take a listen as Josh talks and sings about life.  Check out the Harwell Grice Band as live shows are back!  

Brendon Voelker is an adventure trail guide in the western part of North Carolina.  He is also a freelance writer for FATMAP and expert level geographer.  His business name is White Dot Adventures.  He visited our area to spend a few days with us trail running, socializing and podcasting.  He's pretty amazing and hope you enjoy!!

The Roanoke region is full of athletic talent.  David Angell holds a solid position amongst the very best.  He's an elite speed runner with too many victories to count.  Much of what he does takes place in other parts of the country and he gives us a full description of who he is.  David was born and raised in Franklin County VA and is an excellent person far beyond his physical talents.  Enjoy!

Julia is the Director of Events for the Roanoke Outside Foundation and organizes the Blue Ridge Marathon, GO Fest and others.  Her podcast appearance happened to be on the day that BRM was approved as an in-person event for 2021.  Thank goodness!!  She's a dynamic lady with tremendous responsibilities.  Take a listen!

Pete's outdoor involvement in the Roanoke region is almost beyond comprehension.  His hands are in all major events: GO Fest, Blue Ridge Marathon, GO Cross and endless other projects relating to outdoor economic development.  The list is long and he tells so much about who he is, where he has been and his vision for the area.  His energy is obvious and you're going to love this one!

Jacob Gibson was on my list from the beginning of podcasting.  He has accomplished big things in life so far from his championship years as a Virginia Tech offensive lineman to his career successes thereafter.  He has chosen to spend his life so far in and around the Roanoke region.  Jacob is one of the nicest people I've ever known and his life story up to this point is nothing but positive.  Enjoy!

Daniel came to the U.S. at a young age with no English speaking skills.  He lived in New Jersey until finding his way to Virginia with us.  Locals know him for his huge beard as he flies by everyone on trail.  His newly clean face makes him nearly a stranger to his friends.    He's a pilot, medical professional and beekeeper.  A great guy with a great story.  Enjoy!

Jeremy and Amy are very well known in their areas of influence for their tremendous physical accomplishments.  But mostly for being great people and spreading positivity.  Jeremy goes deep into his entire life story with Amy by his side.  He's an incredible athlete and his stats prove it.   He talks about his nearly impossible childhood, racing and life after 'retirement'.   But I don't think he's ready for retirement.  Enjoy!

Allison is a huge presence in Roanoke running circles.  Her life story isn't exactly as you'd predict and just as well.  She's an expert in medical subjects and the owner of a local running store.  She puts tremendous efforts into promoting local fitness events.  Hope you enjoy!

Kathy Bush is a true favorite in the Roanoke region.  She gives us some perspective of where she's been and where she's going.  Her ultra racing history is pretty strong but she's so much more than that.  Kathy is the picture of professionalism in every part of her life.  Her energy and love for life are amazing.  Take a listen and you'll know.  

McLane recently made Roanoke his new home and got a brand new wife just a few days before his podcast.  His athletic talents are pretty amazing along with his somewhat nonstandard approach to racing.  Before beginning his career in education, McLane spent lots of time in other parts of the country and thru hiked the Appalachian Trail in nearly record fashion.  He's a smart guy with a huge future in whatever he does.  

Matt is another resident of Athlete Avenue in Roanoke who showed to talk about all the things he enjoys.  We focused on triathlon events while comically comparing them to ultra running.  He's quite an athlete and well known medical professional.    His friends refer to him as 'No Show Togo' as he doesn't always make it to the starting line.  Hope you enjoy!

Tim Lewis is mostly known for the number of times he's summited Mcafee Knob and his social media posts that follow.  The number will be 300 very soon.  He's an amazing athlete and ran/hiked roughly half of the fourteen thousand foot peaks in Colorado in two trips this year.  Tim's longest distance run is 158 miles and his future is bright.  Follow his adventures on social media and see what is to come!

Ed Mckeown could easily be crowned "Best All Around" when superlatives are awarded in the Roanoke Valley.   We sat down one day after his whirlwind solo Presidential Traverse adventure and talked about life.  He began in North Carolina and made it to Virginia just in time to find his love for mountains, trails, cycling and brand new friends.  Some call him the 'Activities Director' for his desire and ability to organize some of the best local adventures.  A great guy and good friend.   Hope you enjoy!

Bernie Sanders is known for so many things in the Roanoke Valley and beyond.  He's a Boston Marathon finisher using the tremendously difficult Blue Ridge Marathon as his qualifier.  Bernie is most widely known for his win at the Union Cycliste Internationale Road Masters World Championship in Austria at age 60.  He was a popular restaurant owner and current financial advisor.  A gentleman, champion and grateful friend to many.  

Ercilia is now a SW Virginia local after making her way to the U.S. from Brazil.  She gave us an amazing look into her life and how she earned her citizenship as an American.  Her journey started at zero to become a business owner and ultra-marathon runner.  Her stats are excellent but her personality is better.  

He's pretty much endless on knowledge and life experience.  Bobby is a fearless ultra runner and great guy.  His path to greatness is far from simple.  He and Carrie are strong beyond belief.  So glad he made it to these Virginia hills to hang with us.