Voices of Ocean Parkway

For this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with all world triathlete and all star runner, Ari Baum. We touch on everything from his origin story, to his most recent races and everything in between. Our full disclaimer, we had a bit of wifi issues so my apologies if the audio is a bit fuzzy! But Ari makes up with his quality content. I hope you enjoy his conversation as much as I enjoyed having it. You can learn more about Ari by digging through his Facebook page or Instagram posts @theironadvisor, or simply DMing and asking him!  This is the Voices of Ocean Parkway podcast, where we take a deep dive into the running scene of OPR & NYC. Each episode is a laid-back and free-flowing conversation with a member of the local running community, exploring what motivates local runners to lace up. You can catch the latest episodes of the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Anchor, and many other podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on instagram @voicesofoceanparkway Feedback and recommendations are always welcome!

On this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with an up and coming star in the OPR scene, Adam Bendayan. We touch on everything from his origin story, his recent running breakthroughs in the half marathon, food diaries, new training cycles as he trains for his first marathon, and even his daughter's love of llamas! Our full disclaimer, we had a bit of wifi issues so my apologies if the audio is a bit fuzzy! But Adam makes up with his quality content. I hope you enjoy his conversation as much as I enjoyed having it. Without further ado, here is my conversation with Adam Bendayan. You can learn more about Ralph by digging through his old Instagram posts @adambendayan or simply DMing and asking him! This is the Voices of Ocean Parkway podcast, where we take a deep dive into the running scene of OPR & NYC. Each episode is a laid-back and free-flowing conversation with a member of the local running community, exploring what motivates local runners to lace up. You can catch the latest episodes of the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Anchor, and many other podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on instagram @voicesofoceanparkway Feedback and recommendations are always welcome!

On this episode, I chat with Ralph Nasar. As the Vice President of OPR, president of the Deal chapter and now official head coach, Ralph plays many roles. On this episode we dive into the emotional roller coaster of Ralph's lengthy running history, which dates back to 2007, and explore his ten and a half year pursuit of his marathon goal. We tap into the power of running as a platform to do good in the world, pay tribute to loved ones, give back to the community, be there for friends and family, and make a positive-lasting impact. You can learn more about Ralph by digging through his old Instagram posts @Yankeenets or simply DMing and asking him! This is the Voices of Ocean Parkway podcast, where we take a deep dive into the running scene of OPR & NYC. Each episode is a laid-back and free-flowing conversation with a member of the local running community, exploring what motivates local runners to lace up. You can catch the latest episodes of the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Anchor, and many other podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on instagram @voicesofoceanparkway Feedback and recommendations are always welcome!

This week, I chat with the power couple of the Ocean Parkway Runners, Michelle and Sammy Esquanazi. We talk about their start in the sport and how running became a family endeavor. We speak about the power of juggling so many obligations and responsibilities, while still finding the time to commit to running and living a healthy lifestyle. We touch on using running as a platform to give back to the community and the multitude of events they have put on for local organizations. This episode will leave you belly laughing and smiling, but also inspired and touched emotionally. Michelle and Sammy's chemistry and fun nature is so clear throughout this episode and there are so many important values and lessons we can learn from their experiences. You can find out more about them on their Instagram pages, @michelleesqua and @samesqua.   This is the Voices of Ocean Parkway podcast, where we take a deep dive into the running scene of OPR & NYC. Each episode is a laid-back and free-flowing conversation with a member of the local running community, exploring what motivates local runners to lace up. You can catch the latest episodes of the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Anchor, and many other podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on instagram @voicesofoceanparkway Feedback and recommendations are always welcome!

This week, I sit down Jessica Mathews. In this episode, you'll hear how Jessica manages and juggles her many commitments, from running, to family (she has 4 kids), to her full-time career as a teacher and education professional, and her food blog Kosher-Foodies. Jessica had a humble, simply trying to stay active and healthy, but in less than 2 years, she has already broken 1:30 for the half marathon, and it is clear she is nowhere near reaching her potential. There are so many important values and lessons we can learn from Jessica's experience, but what resonates with me is the power of friendships through running, the payoff from consistency, and her commitment to always find time for what is important in her life.  You can find out more about Jessica @jbbm on instagram or by following her food account, @kosherfoodies.  This is the Voices of Ocean Parkway podcast, where we take a deep dive into the running scene of OPR & NYC. Each episode is a laid-back and free-flowing conversation with a member of the local running community, exploring what motivates local runners to lace up. You can catch the latest episodes of the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Anchor, and many other podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on instagram @voicesofoceanparkway Feedback and recommendations are always welcome!

This week, I sit down with 50 time marathon finisher, Adele Laboz. In this episode, you'll hear about Adele's humble start and how she soon after fell in love with racing the marathon. Adele continues to find ways to share her passions with her friends and family, and shares how she has turned running into a family-fun activity. There are so many important values and lessons we can learn from her experience, but what resonates with me is Adele's ability to build strong friendships through running and the ways she uses running as a means to give back to local charities and organizations. Adele shares many fun and inspiring stories but it is clear that we barely touched the iceberg of her racing history! She is always glad to share stories and race-day tips. You can reach her on Instagram @AdeleLaboz This is the Voices of Ocean Parkway podcast, where we take a deep dive into the running scene of OPR & NYC. Each episode is a laid-back and free-flowing conversation with a member of the local running community, exploring what motivates local runners to lace up. You can catch the latest episodes of the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Anchor, and many other podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on instagram @voicesofoceanparkway Feedback and recommendations are always welcome!

This week I had the privilege of sitting down with sub 3 hour marathoner and one of the founding fathers of OPR, Ralph Toussie. In this episode, you'll hear how Ralph had extreme leg speed from a very young age, but that it wasn't until his wife gifted him a Garmin that he shifted from workaholic-lawyer, to the man on a mission to break the three hour barrier. Ralph and I discuss his origin story in the sport, speak about the importance of goal setting, mentorship and role models, dive into his eight year marathon journey, and talk about the details of the run-commute. Outside of running, Ralph is a family man and takes it to heart to be well rounded in his career and other hobbies (ask him about his latest endeavors on the piano). Ralph is a well of running knowledge and is always glad to provide guidance, advice or mentorship. You can reach him on Instagram @ralphtoussie Below are a few of the resources Ralph and I discuss: 1. ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running by Danny Dreyer  2. Enduring the 2018 Boston Marathon by Ralph Toussie https://www.oceanparkwayrunners.com/single-post/2018/04/26/enduring-the-2018-boston-marathon 3. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall  This is the Voices of Ocean Parkway podcast, where we take a deep dive into the running scene of OPR & NYC. Each episode is a laid-back and free-flowing conversation with a member of the local running community, exploring what motivates local runners to lace up. You can catch the latest episodes of the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Anchor, and many other podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on instagram @voicesofoceanparkway Feedback and recommendations are always welcome!

Our first ever guest on the 'Voices of Ocean Parkway Podcast' is David Balassiano. Get to know the man behind Ocean Parkway Runners. A candid conversation with David, touching on everything from his "origin story," to founding Ocean Parkway Runner (OPR). Learn more about OPR on the @OceanParkwayRunners Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/oceanparkwayrunners Our next guest on the pod will be Ralph Toussie (@RalphToussie). If you have any feedback, comments, or suggestions for future guests, please email us at voicesofoceanparkway@gmail.com

Episode Zero - What to expect from the Voices of Ocean Parkway podcast.