Podcasts about american foundation

SummaryThis conversation explores the inspiring journey of a breast cancer survivor who found healing through running. It highlights the importance of support from family and the running community, the emotional challenges of facing a cancer diagnosis, and the significance of storytelling in finding purpose. The discussion also delves into the medical journey of treatment and recovery, emphasizing resilience and the power of community in overcoming adversity. This conversation explores the journey of individuals facing cancer, focusing on their experiences with chemotherapy, the support from friends and community, and the transformative power of running. The speakers share their personal stories, the challenges they faced, and how they found strength and resilience through their experiences. They discuss the importance of mental health, the role of community support, and the healing power of meals during treatment. The conversation culminates in reflections on personal growth and the impact of sharing their stories with others.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Breast Cancer Awareness Series01:47 Celebrating Inspiring Women and Their Stories02:31 The Journey Begins: A Cancer Diagnosis05:21 Finding Strength in Running08:30 Support Systems: Family and Community11:31 Embracing the Running Community13:36 Navigating Treatment and Running20:31 The Power of Perseverance24:22 Post-Surgery Recovery and Running Challenges27:35 Finding Purpose Through Storytelling32:33 The Journey to the Boston Marathon36:29 Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis47:39 Building a Supportive Community01:01:25 The Treatment Journey and Its Challenges01:08:26 Navigating the Chemo Journey01:14:48 Support from Friends and Community01:24:34 Personal Growth Through Adversity01:32:06 The Impact of Cancer on Identity01:37:33 The Power of Community and Fundraising01:45:23 Healing Meals and Support Systems01:49:02 The Healing Power of Community Support01:51:22 Celebrating Milestones and Overcoming Challenges01:55:02 Running for a Cause: The Hartford Marathon Experience01:58:22 Transformative Journey: From Cancer to Empowerment02:04:03 Facing the Diagnosis: The Beginning of a Battle02:12:41 Mental Resilience: Training for Life and Cancer02:30:23 Finding Strength in Adversity: Lessons LearnedMy Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

In this episode of the On The Runs Podcast, hosts Eric and Erika welcome Margarita Matos (14:30) a Boston Marathon qualifier and a prominent figure in the New Hampshire running community. The conversation explores Margarita's journey into running, her experiences training for marathons, and the challenges she faces, including injuries like IT band syndrome. The hosts and Margarita discuss the differences between running in New York City and New Hampshire, emphasizing the importance of community support in the running world. Additionally, they touch on the topic of gender equality in sports, particularly the disparities in pay between WNBA and NBA players. The episode is filled with insights, personal stories, and a celebration of the running community. This conversation explores the experiences of runners dealing with injuries, the importance of community and ambassadorship in running, and the journey of new runners. The guests share their personal stories from various marathons, discussing both the challenges and triumphs they faced. They also provide valuable advice for those preparing for marathons, emphasizing the significance of having fun and enjoying the journey. The discussion highlights the competitive spirit within the running community and the friendships formed through shared experiences.Chapters00:00 Intro03:29 Hanna's Journey in Theater and Television06:18 Behind the Scenes in Television Production09:25 Memorable Encounters with Celebrities14:30 Margarita Matos18:23 Basketball Background and Transition to Running31:02 The Journey Begins: From Friendsgiving to Running36:57 Training Trials: The Road to the Marathon41:54 Overcoming Injuries: The Mental Battle of Running49:51 Finding Community: The Power of Running Friends50:08 The Running Community and Personal Connections55:37 Marathon Experiences and Favorite Races01:03:44 Memorable Marathon Moments01:06:45 Training for the Chicago Marathon01:17:11 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans01:18:21 The Outro01:20:49 The Journey to Running: Inspiration and Motivation01:23:49 Training for the New York City Marathon01:26:52 Volunteering and Community in Running01:29:16 Running in New York vs. New Hampshire01:31:56 Behind the Scenes: Working with Conan O'Brien01:35:10 Family, Names, and Personal Identity01:36:31 Family Connections and Marathon Preparations01:39:49 Marathon Strategies and Race Day Tips01:43:39 Adeline's Triathlon Experience and Advice01:49My Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

In this episode of the On the Runs podcast, hosts Eric and Erika welcome Charlotte Corriher (30:18), an accomplished runner with over 300 marathons and ultras under her belt. But to many, Charlotte is best known as the Marathon Costume Chic. The conversation explores Charlotte's journey into the running community, her experiences with the Yeti Trail Runners, and the joy of participating in Disney races. They discuss the significance of community support in running, share insights from a recent live show, and look ahead to future races and adventures. The episode highlights the fun and camaraderie that comes with running, especially within the Yeti community and at Disney events. In this engaging conversation, the participants explore the multifaceted world of marathon running, discussing the value of participating in significant races, the unique experiences of being a sweeper, and the joy of dressing up in costumes for events. They reflect on the importance of community support in the running culture, share memorable stories from their favorite and least favorite races, and emphasize the creativity and camaraderie that make running a fulfilling experience. In this episode, the hosts discuss various topics including podcast promotions, creative costume designs for races, the importance of community in ultra marathons, and a fun discussion about the classic film Top Gun. They share personal experiences and insights on running, giveaways, and the camaraderie found in the ultra running community.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Homework Assignment05:50 Live Show Preparations and Experiences08:59 Behind the Scenes of the Live Show30:18 Introducing Charlotte: The Marathon Costume Chick02:13:57 Preparing for Upcoming Races02:16:56 Podcast Updates and Future PlansMy Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

Dani Williamson joins me today to talk about overcoming past childhood trauma and share her six steps to radical healing and living wild and well.  Dani's six steps to radical healing and living wild and well Eat well Sleep well Move well Poop well De-stress well Cultivate community well Guest Bio: Dani Williamson (MSN, FNP) owns Integrative Family Medicine and Wild & Well a Wellness Emporium in Franklin, TN. She focuses on gut health, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and hormone and adrenal health with her patients. Her approach embodies a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual process to healing.  Dani is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Nurse-Midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner programs. She is on the board of the Middle Tennessee chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and believes strongly in addressing issues of adverse childhood trauma and its relation to overall long-term health conditions.  Her first book Wild & Well Dani's Six Commonsense Steps to Radical Healing was released on November 9, 2021, by Morgan James Publishing. In this episode: The first time in 24 years that a doctor ever spoke to Dani about her diet. (2:43) How Dani helps men and women heal decades of chronic lifestyle disease. (4:32) Why Dani always incorporates the Aces questionnaire with all her new patients. (7:23) How the Aces questionnaire came about. (9:43) How Dani healed her trauma. (13:46) Where Dani starts with helping her patients. (16:10) Addressing the trauma will change the trajectory of the whole family. (17:05) What EMDR and EFT are. (17:17) Dani breaks down each of her six steps:  Eat well (19:40) Move well (22:32) Sleep well (23:24) Poop well (25:46) De-stress well (26:55) Cultivate community well (30:08) The seven foods to be eliminated for healing. (34:10) What inspired Dani to write ⁠Wild and Well⁠? (38:50)  Dani's quotes: “Don't you know your diet controls your disease?” (2:53) “What's at the end of your fork could heal you or kill you.” (3:13) “What affects you before the age of 18 can set you up for a lifetime of chronic disease.” (3:43) “When you address the trauma, you change the trajectory of the entire family.” (17:05) “If you think the food industry has your health in mind, you are sadly mistaken.” (21:25) “If you don't cook, I can't help you get well because cooking is self-care.” (22:03) “Automate, eliminate, and delegate everything you can in your life so that your vessel is filled up and you're not pouring from an empty vessel.” (27:48) Links and resources: Use code ENERGY to get 10% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠MITOCHONDRIAL COMPLEX Use code BRAINMAG to get 10% off ⁠⁠Neuro Magnesium Support Use code CALM to get 10% off ⁠ADRENAL CALM Dani Williams on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠   Dani's I⁠nflammation course⁠ Sign up for Dani's newsletter at ⁠www.daniwilliamson.com⁠ and get her swapping list as a gift! ⁠ACES test⁠ ⁠Body Keeps Score Book⁠ ⁠The Deepest Well⁠ Follow Your Longevity Blueprint on ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here⁠ ⁠Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online⁠   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Youtube⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic⁠ Podcast production by Team Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Interview with Erin from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention by Maine's Coast 93.1

NOTE: This episode contains discussion and themes of suicide and suicide prevention. Within weeks I will publish my first book, TransparentSEE: How I learned to SEE through my journey as a parent of a transgender kiddo . I share a few excerpts with you today as a means of connection and sharing of my story of moving through all of the discomfort that comes with being raw, open and vulnerable.The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states, “There's no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair.” Efforts that counter loneliness and isolation all point to human connection.  I believe connection is a vital component of suicide prevention, long before a person exhibits warning signs.  I am in no way suggesting this as a quick fix or a replacement for adequate mental health care and being proactive about getting it.Showing up vulnerably is the only way to “true connection.”  Shooting the breeze about what you had for lunch,  how was work/school, or did you see the latest movie aren't going to cut it. Heartfelt, raw and authentic sharing followed by open ended, thoughtful questions is a pathway to true connection. Note that the pathway I am describing is indefinite, different for everyone and subject to your intuition of what is best for you in your situation.As you listen to an excerpt of my story, may your heart be touched and opened to the idea of sharing yours with your loved ones.Sources cited: The Trevor ProjectJohns Hopkins MedicineCrisis Resources:Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP or 1-800-662-4357) NAMI Helpline (1-800-950-NAMI, or 1-800-950-6264)National Eating Disorder Association Helpline (1-800-931-2237)BlackLine (1-800-604-5841)National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-7-NATIVE, or 1-844-762-8483Deaf Crisis Line (1-321-800-3323)____________________________Register for First Friday's Free coaching and learn other ways to work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paperbell.me/meagan-skidmore⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠meaganskidmorecoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠Please help the podcast grow by following, leaving a 5 star review on Spotify or Apple podcasts and sharing with friends.Living Beyond the Shadow of Doubt™ is a proud member of the Dialogue Podcast Network [⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DialogueJournal.com/podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠].Hopeful Spaces, a monthly support group facilitated by Meagan Skidmore Coaching, is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dallas Hope Charities⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ component of Hopeful Discussions sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA. Send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠chc@dallashopecharities.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to join.

A film about blindness that actually gets it right: Roy sits down with Tony Stephens of the American Foundation for the Blind to talk Possibilities, a powerful new doc that reclaims Helen Keller's legacy and centers blind voices, on-screen and behind the scenes. From international buzz to an all-blind audio description team, this episode dives into what it really means to make media that's not just accessible, but authentically inclusive.

Thank you to Marathon Sports in Manchester, New Hampshire for hosting us last week. Special shoutouts to Zoe and Matt from Marathon Sports. Alexis from Saucony and Marathon Sports Ambassador who helped make this happen, Stephen Mr. 305! In this live episode of the On the Runs podcast, hosts Eric and Erica welcome guests KJ and Nicole to discuss marathon training, coaching relationships, and the mental aspects of running. The conversation covers the importance of building a strong coach-athlete relationship, the intricacies of creating personalized training plans, and the challenges of tapering before a race. The guests share their insights on race day strategies, the significance of recovery, and the motivations behind their coaching. The episode concludes with an engaging Q&A session with the audience, highlighting the community aspect of running and the joy it brings to both coaches and athletes.We'll be back on Thursday this week and recap it all and more!Chapters00:00 Introduction to the On the Runs Podcast05:43 Meet the Guests: KJ and Nicole08:40 The Importance of Coaching Relationships11:24 Building a Training Plan14:39 Tapering and Race Preparation17:45 Race Simulation and Nutrition20:35 Flexibility in Training Plans23:48 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up30:08 The Importance of Familiarity in Racing33:16 Tapering Strategies for Marathon Training33:57 Race Day Preparation and Mental Strategies35:39 Pacing Strategies for Marathon Runners39:46 Post-Race Reflections and Future Goals43:42 Community and Accountability in Running48:29 Coaching Philosophy and Relationships56:23 The Role of Coaches in Athlete DevelopmentMy Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

On a sunny Thursday afternoon at the Espresso Bar in downtown Winchester, Valley Today host Janet Michael met with Patricia Brewer and Mandy Foxley, co-chairs of the Out of the Darkness Community Walk, for a heartfelt conversation about hope, healing, and the power of community. Their discussion delves into the details of the annual event, the personal stories that fuel their advocacy, and the broader mission to break the silence around mental health and suicide. The Out of the Darkness Community Walk, scheduled for October 11th at Sherando High School/Park, is more than just a fundraising event—it's a lifeline for many. As Patricia, and Mandy explain, the walk welcomes everyone, regardless of their ability to complete the route. “It's not a marathon,” Mandy emphasizes, “and you can participate at your own pace, or simply come to connect and find support.” The event features a vibrant array of activities, from a kids' zone and vendor booths to the poignant “glimmer station” and a sand ceremony honoring those affected by suicide. Central to the walk's impact is its inclusivity. The co-chairs share how the event brings together people of all ages and backgrounds—survivors, supporters, families, and friends—each with their own story. The colored beads worn by participants symbolize different types of loss and support, creating a visual tapestry of shared experience and solidarity. “Every face and name along the walk's path represents a story,” Patricia notes, “and seeing others with the same colored beads reminds you that you're not alone.” Personal stories take center stage in the conversation, with both Mandy and Patricia opening up about their own mental health journeys and the loved ones who inspired their involvement. Mandy speaks candidly about her struggles and the moment she realized she needed help, while Patricia recounts her family's experience and the importance of making resources accessible to others. Their vulnerability underscores the walk's mission: to foster open dialogue, reduce stigma, and offer hope. The conversation also highlights the practical aspects of getting involved. Registration is free, and participants are encouraged to form teams, fundraise, and spread awareness through social media. The funds raised support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's research, advocacy, and outreach efforts. “Even small donations add up,” Janet reminds listeners, “and every dollar helps bring resources and hope to those in need.” As the conversation draws to a close, the message was clear: the Out of the Darkness Community Walk is about more than a single day—it's about building a supportive network, sharing stories, and reminding everyone that help is available. Whether you walk, volunteer, or simply show up to listen, your presence matters. In coming together, the community takes meaningful steps out of the darkness and into the light of hope. Learn more: https://afsp.org/StephensCity 

September is suicide prevention month. It's a time to raise awareness, dispel stigma, and take action around this urgent mental health issue. In this episode, the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's  Area Director, Kerrie Constant and Board Chair, Keely Taylor talk about how we can best look out for each other and take steps to prevent suicide in our communities.  To learn more about the work of AFSP, visit afsp.org.For Rhode Island based suicide prevention resources, visit Preventsuicideri.org.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. As a continuation of “Closer Look’s” series for National Suicide Awareness Month, host Rose Scott talks with Frances Cloud, a licensed clinical social worker and the director of counseling services at Spelman College. Cloud discusses Spelman’s mental health resources and efforts to spread awareness about suicide prevention. Plus, it's becoming a crowded field as more candidates are entering Georgia's 2026 gubernatorial race. Some of the Democrats and Republicans vying for Georgia’s top seat were on the frontlines of the 2020 presidential election. For a roundtable about the latest political news, Rose talks with Devin Barrington-Ward, the managing director of the Black Futurists Group, GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer and Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks. They discuss campaign strategies, funding, free speech, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Cynthia Paidipati from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention joins Jon Hansen to discuss their Out of the Darkness Walk. Dr Paidipati shares their mission, their community programs, and talks about how they provide support to people who have lost others to suicide. She also shares resources that people can use if they are […]

In today's episode, host Tina Yeager is joined by Dr. Natalie Ford, a licensed professional counselor, speaker, author, and, as she calls herself, a “Hope dealer.” Together, they tackle the pressing and often unspoken subject of how to help children grieve after losing someone to suicide. Drawing from her own personal experiences with loss, as well as her professional expertise, Dr. Ford shares practical insights on navigating the initial shock, understanding when to seek support, and the importance of honesty and routine for grieving children. The episode also guides parents and caregivers through age-appropriate ways to discuss suicide, key warning signs to watch for, and steps to take to prevent further tragedy. Whether you're supporting your own family or looking for ways to help others in your community, this heartfelt conversation provides wisdom, resources, and hope for one of life's most difficult journeys. Stay tuned as we break the silence and lift each other up through compassionate understanding and practical guidance. Highlights from This Episode: Dr. Ford's Personal Journey Dr. Ford shares her journey of loss, having experienced suicide in her immediate family. Out of both necessity and calling, she discovered a lack of practical resources to help parents guide grieving children, spurring her to write her latest book so that families don't have to walk this journey alone. Responding During the Shock Period In the immediate aftermath of suicide, parents and children alike often function in survival mode. Dr. Ford encourages leaning on supportive friends, family, and community during this overwhelming time and waiting for the shock to subside before rushing into counseling—unless ongoing dysfunction or distress signals a need for earlier intervention. When & How to Seek Help If daily tasks remain unmanageable for weeks or a child is overwhelmed by guilt, shame, or unrelenting questions about their loved one's death, it may be time to seek support—either through counseling or survivor support groups. Dr. Ford specifically recommends looking into resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, such as Survivors of Suicide (SOS) groups. Talking to Kids at Different Ages Dr. Ford advises honesty, using age-appropriate language. For younger children, simple explanations may be sufficient, while school-age children and teens require more detailed, open conversations. She stresses the importance of answering questions directly and reassuring children that they aren't to blame. Recognizing Warning Signs & Preventing Further Tragedy Those who have experienced suicide loss are at increased risk themselves. Watch for behavioral changes in children, such as withdrawal, acting out, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns. If you suspect a child is struggling, ask direct, caring questions and offer ongoing support. Don't hesitate to ask about suicidal thoughts and intent. Supporting Parents and Caregivers Dr. Ford emphasizes self-care for grieving parents—including maintaining routines for children, seeking support, and allowing children to grieve in their own way and time. Bringing trusted mentors and church community alongside your family can provide much-needed support—especially if children are hesitant to share the burden of their feelings with grieving parents. Resources for You Dr. Ford's latest book, “Through the Tears: Helping Children Grieve After Suicide Loss,” provides practical scripts, guides for different age groups, signs to watch for, and ways to honor lost loved ones. It is available on Amazon and at drfordwrites.com. A Final Word Grief after suicide is a long journey, but you and your child don't have to walk it alone. Share this episode or Dr. Ford's resources with anyone who needs it, and remember to take the time you and your family need to heal. We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant. To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/ Optimize your mind and body with my new favorite, all-inclusive supplement, Cardio Miracle! I love the energy and focus this health-boosting drink mix provides without toxins, caffeine, or sugar! Get a discount on your purchase with my link: http://www.cardiomiracle.com/tinayeager Use the code TINA10 at checkout. To flourish in all seasons of life with the highest quality nutraceutical health supplements that benefit charitable causes, shop NutraMedix wellness supplements. Be sure to use my link  https://www.nutramedix.com/?rfsn=7877557.b6c6785 and add my special code TINA to get 10% off your entire purchase! If you're a writer, subscribe to Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/ Manage stress and anxiety in 10 minutes a day with the course presented by 15 experts, Subdue Stress and Anxiety https://divineencouragement.onlinecoursehost.com/courses Connect with Tina at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager

Alex Miller, VMD, MS, serves as the Veterinary Services Manager for Blue Buffalo. He is inspired every day by the power of the human-animal bond and believes veterinary professionals are as entitled to wellbeing as the animals they care for. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Miller practiced general and emergency medicine on both US coasts before joining industry as a professional services veterinarian. A master's degree in organizational leadership set him on a path of championing the role of leadership, motivation, and realistic job design in promoting workplace thriving and offsetting compassion fatigue. A certified compassion fatigue professional, he is actively involved with numerous wellbeing organizations, including Not One More Vet, the AVMA, and MentorVet. He lives Boston, Massachusetts with my incredible wife Tamara, tenacious 7-year old, Maya, and diminutive DSH Penny. In his spare time, he enjoys slow running, cooking, and exploring the world through wine and food. Phil Richmond, DVM, CAPP, CPHSA, CCFP, is a practicing veterinarian and the Founder | CEO of Flourishing Phoenix Veterinary Consultants, LLC. He advocates and consults for positive culture and individual, team, and organizational psychological health, safety, and wellbeing in veterinary workplaces. Richmond leads and is involved in state, national, and international projects for advancing workplace wellbeing and culture in veterinary medicine. He has served as Chief Medical Officer for Veterinary United. Richmond currently serves as the chair of the FVMA Professional Wellbeing Committee. He is also a member/advisor for several national committees and boards for workplace suicide prevention, psychological health & safety, and veterinary wellbeing, including those sponsored by the CDC/NIOSH, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Veterinary Visionaries, MentorVet, and Appalachian State University. Richmond is a speaker and published writer, including having co-authored “Psychological Health and Safety Guidelines” from Veterinary Visionaries. He is a frequent veterinary podcast guest and holds multiple certifications in applied positive psychology, appreciative inquiry, workplace wellbeing, psychological health & safety, trauma-informed workplaces, resilience training, behavior change, and suicide prevention. He has been awarded the FVMA Gold Star, FVMA Veterinarian of the Year, Uncharted Veterinary Community Founder's Award, Blue Buffalo Together for Pets Award, and a finalist for the US Bright Minds Veterinary Wellness Champion Award.

**Discussion begins at 4:15**Helen Keller was born June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama, to a prominent family.  While the family was well off, much of their wealth was lost during the Civil War, and they lived rather modestly.   At 19 months, Helen became ill with a high fever due to what many presume to be Scarlet Fever, resulting in loss of eyesight and hearing.  As she grew up, she was frustrated and unruly, prompting her parents to write to the Perkins School for the Blind to request help.  The school sent Anne Sullivan, a 20 year old graduate of the school who suffered serious vision problems.  Anne removed Helen from the home for a few weeks and the two lived in a cottage where Anne taught Helen to communicate with her hands.  Over the next several years, Helen learned to read and write.  Anne Sullivan remained Helen's companion until her death, even helping her to earn a BA in 1904 from Radcliffe College, the female sister school of Harvard.  Helen Keller went on to write over a dozen books, including an autobiography which went on to be adapted into The Miracle Worker.  She also campaigned for social causes like women's suffrage, labor rights, world peace, and was also a vocal advocate for those with disabilities.   She was also a pacifist, a supporter of female birth control, and…. a eugenics supporter!   She was a member of the Socialist Party and a founding member of the ACLU. S he worked for the American Foundation for the Blind for over 40 years, influencing policy and public perceptions of disability worldwide, and traveled to more than 35 countries to promote education and accessibility.  She died in 1961 after suffering a series of strokes, and was celebrated posthumously… Until 2020 when hashtags like #helenkellerisfake and #helenkellerisoverparty started trending on Tik Tok.  Conspiracy theorists claimed that Helen Keller either didn't exist, wasn't truly deaf and blind, or didn't accomplish the things she's famous for—from writing books to earning a degree or speaking publicly.  Some videos even suggested she “faked” her disabilities or that her teacher Anne Sullivan was pulling the strings behind the scenes.  What started out as satire quickly came to be believed as truth by many.  But what is the truth?Send us a textSupport the showTheme song by INDA

Podfam you are in for a treat! In this episode, Eric and Erika discuss their recent experiences in the running community, including a giveaway announcement, their participation in the Reach the Beach relay, and the excitement of an upcoming live podcast event. They delve into the dynamics of being part of an ultra team, share insights on sponsorships, and introduce their guests, Jason and Meaghan Geroux, who share their journey from casual runners to ultra marathoners, including their incredible trek to Everest Base Camp. The conversation highlights the importance of community, resilience, and the joy of running adventures. In this engaging conversation, Jason and Meaghan share their experiences of traveling and racing together, highlighting the importance of community, support, and personal growth through challenges. They discuss their recent ultra race in Nepal, the dynamics of traveling as a couple, and the lessons learned from their adventures. The conversation also touches on daily routines, the significance of camaraderie in racing, and their future goals in the running community. Can't wait to see everyone at our LIVE SHOW this Thursday at Marathon Sports in Manchester, New Hampshire. Saucony demo run starts at 6pm and the LIVE Podcast recording begins at 7pm.  Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates03:19 Excitement for Upcoming Live Show06:32 Reach the Beach Weekend Recap28:10 Introduction to Jason and Meaghan Geroux30:32 Experiences at Anchor Down Ultra39:20 Megan's Background and Athletic Journey41:56 Jason's Story and Transition to Running52:20 The Shift from Marathons to Ultras54:38 Discovering the Last Man Standing Race56:56 The Journey to Everest Base Camp01:11:33 The Nepal Stage Race Adventure01:12:20 Epic Adventures in Nepal01:14:35 The Race Experience and Challenges01:17:41 Community and Connection Among Runners01:20:34 Race Logistics and Accommodations01:23:41 Health Scares and Overcoming Obstacles01:26:36 Reflections on the Journey and Future Plans01:34:11 Racing Plans and Goals01:38:46 Independent Racing Strategies01:43:03 Nutrition and Race Preparation01:48:45 Early Morning Routines and Training01:53:35 Reflections and Future Races01:53:44 Exciting Announcements and Giveaways01:54:45 Upcoming Events and Live Shows01:57:46 Playlist Planning and Music Choices02:00:41 NASCAR Weekend Adventures02:03:35 Running Stories and Personal AchievementsMy Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

In this episode, I speak with Turtle, the Captain of the Rocky Mountain Villains about their FIRST big chapter event, a beard competition raising money for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education, and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. With local programs and events in all 50 states, AFSP's chapters are at the forefront of suicide prevention. This podcast will highlight the impact of change, specifically major life transitions, on mental health and suicide risk, as well as how members can address these challenges to promote positive well-being.  The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.

In this episode of the On the Runs podcast, hosts Eric and Erika welcome Russ from Wrightsocks, who shares his extensive experience in the running industry. The conversation delves into the significance of socks in running, personal running achievements, and the impact of family on athletic pursuits. Russ discusses the evolution of Wrightsocks, known for their double-layered design, and shares his adventurous experience hiking the Presidential Traverse. The episode emphasizes the importance of community in running and the inspiring stories that come from personal journeys in the sport. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various themes surrounding hiking, running, and the importance of quality socks. They explore personal experiences with hiking challenges, the technology behind sock comfort, and the significance of proper gear in training for races. The discussion also delves into marketing strategies, community engagement, and the impact of trade shows on the running industry. The guests share personal anecdotes, insights on foot health, and the role of socks in enhancing performance, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.Chapters02:56 Weekend Adventures: 50K Race and Air Show05:52 The Thrill of the Air Show08:32 Erika's 50K Race Experience11:23 Eric's Hiking Adventure and the Presidential Traverse28:03 Russ Coillot from Wrightsocks30:27 Russ's Journey into the Running Industry33:22 Transition from Real Estate to Retail36:28 The Evolution of Wightsocks42:30 Understanding Sock Technology45:28 The Importance of Sock Quality48:27 Double Layer Socks and Their Benefits52:03 The Importance of Quality Socks56:35 Understanding Sock Technology59:51 The No Blisters Guarantee01:01:03 Sales and Marketing Insights01:05:34 Trade Show Strategies01:09:47 Evolution of Socks for Sports01:15:43 Hockey Connections and Community01:23:21 The Great Sock Debate01:28:07 The Outro01:28:30 Exploring Running Culture and Community01:31:20 Upcoming Live Podcast Event01:34:09 Celebrating Achievements in Running01:37:08 Podcast Growth and SEO Insights01:38:55 Book Recommendations and Personal Stories01:42:42 Closing Thoughts and Listener EngagementVisit Wrightsocks to explore their range of performance socks. Follow them on social media @wrightsocks for more updates and behind-the-scenes My Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

Angela Cummings of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention previews the Out of the Darkness Walk on Oct. 4 at University of Illinois Springfield, plus a preview of the Sangamon County Historical Society Oak Ridge Cemetery Walk on Oct. 5. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moshe Chaim started out as a successful Kollel yungerman. But soon after he transitioned to the workforce, he found himself in a therapists office, as his professional struggles had already started to spill over in to his marriage, emotional health, and other areas.This true story (with names changed) is the case study that Rabbi Dr. Yosef Sokol uses to introduce his book 'Becoming Godly'. The book combines Machshava from the Ramchal and others, along with psycholgy, to give a framework for religous growth.We spoke about having a healthy relationship with the past, as a neccesssary condition for building a better future. We also spoke about finding meaning at work, the role of labels, and some practical tips ahead of the Yamim Noraim.Please help us grow the show by leaving a 5-star review and hitting the subscribe button. Thanks!Guest BioRabbi Dr. Yosef Sokol (credentials) is a licensed clinical psychologist, professor at Touro University, and VA research scientist specializing in suicide prevention and recovery. He developed Continuous Identity Cognitive Therapy (CI-CT), an innovative approach that supports healing and recovery from suicide attempts and ideation. He has numerous peer reviewed publications and leads major research grants from the VA and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Dr. Sokol earned his PhD from Hofstra University, received semichah from Yeshivas Bais Yosef Novardok, and is the author of Becoming Godly: Integrating Torah and Psychology to Guide Us in Emulating Hashem. He is dedicated to bringing recovery-oriented, identity-focused approaches to healing individuals struggling with suicide.

This week's show featured Arbor Day Farm marketing manager Rachel Hrabik promoting the annual AppleJack Festival, Total Truck and Machine's Kevin Wehrli and Richard Miller inviting the public to their community event at their new showroom, and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention CEO Bob Gebbia discussing Suicide Prevention Month.

Michael F. Lamma, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention discussed their mission, to help people better understand suicide, give them the tools to help others in crisis and address a leading cause of death through direct education, state and federal advocacy, and loss and healing support for anyone affected by suicide. He notes AFSP is the #1 private funder of suicide prevention research in the world.We talked about having ‘the conversation' and he encourages us to reach out when we think someone - friend, family or co-worker - is struggling; it won't put any new ideas in their head, but it can lead to fining help. Michael gave us warning signs to trigger a conversation, changes in mood and behavior, displaying anger or depression or loss of interest, showing changes in sleeping and eating habits, or self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. We discussed the effects of COVID, while it did affect the numbers it also bolstered seeking help for mental health and boosted tele-health conferencing. One of the ways AFSP brings communities together is through the Out of the Darkness Community Walks, a nationwide series of events designed to raise awareness and encourage participation in suicide prevention efforts. These walks give people the opportunity to honor loved ones lost to suicide and show support for programs that save lives.He invites us all to join them at The Mann Center, October 5th for the Philadelphia Out of the Darkness Walk. The bead ceremony will begin the day at 8AM as families, friends, survivors, select different colored beads to represent them and their loved one. The walk will start close to noon after remarks and a special music appearance. It's family friendly with parking on site. For more information, to volunteer, sign-up or donate go to AFSP.org/phillywalk If you're outside Philadelphia, find a walk near you at AFSP.org/phillywalk where you can enter your zip code. If you are in a crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting 741-741.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this month's episode of AccessWorld, a podcast on digital inclusion and accessibility, Aaron and Tony kick it old school by reflecting on the impact of one of the first real breakthroughs in mobility and independence, the guide dog.  September is Guide Dog Awareness Month, and while these friendly furry helpers are more organic than robotic, the same spirit and undercurrent around mobility and navigation is surfacing again much in the way it did almost a century ago when Morris Frank, a blind insurance salesman, helped found The Seeing Eye, the first guide dog school in the western hemisphere. It all started after he read an article in The Saturday Evening Post titled: “The seeing eye.” Harnessing the spirit people had after reading that article, Tony and Aaron try to think what the next big thing might be for independence. AccessWorld is a production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). An extension of AccessWorld Magazine, a quarterly publication on digital inclusion and accessibility from  AFB, you can check out the current and all 25 years of past issues online for free. Aaron Preece is editor-in-chief of AccessWorld Magazine and Tony Stephens leads communications for AFB. Together, they enjoy meeting up once a month to talk through the latest trends and breakthroughs in access technology. To learn more about AFB, visit www.afb.org and consider making a tax deductible gift to help support our work. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode, the hosts discuss various topics ranging from personal experiences in running and living abroad to the intricacies of marathon training and heart rate training. They share insights on the importance of resilience, community support, and nutrition in athletic performance. The conversation also touches on the journey of writing a book and the challenges faced along the way, emphasizing personal growth and the lessons learned from setbacks. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various themes surrounding fundraising, resilience in athletic performance, and the experiences of participating in the Great World Race. They explore the challenges faced during extreme conditions, the importance of teamwork and community support, and the strategies for nutrition and recovery in endurance events. The discussion highlights personal growth, shared experiences, and future goals, culminating in a reflection on the journey of resilience and camaraderie among athletes.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Current Events02:47 Adeline's Big TV Debut06:11 Reflections on Acting and Stage Presence08:25 Running and Fitness Updates10:28 Trampoline Park Adventures16:29 Recovery and Aging in Sports18:04 Fun Moments and Live Shows19:30 Exciting Announcements and Upcoming Events22:04 Fundraising Reflections and Personal Goals24:02 Team Dynamics and Ultra Running Challenges26:01 Pop Culture and Celebrity Engagements27:51 Bromance and Sports Fandom31:00 Introducing the Guest: Andreas Biryukov33:00 Video Transition.mp433:03 Introduction to Andres Birjukos37:59 From Kayaking to Running: A Journey of Transformation45:16 The Heart Rate Training Revolution54:10 The Resilient Athlete: Mindset and Lifestyle01:03:13 The Great World Race: Challenges and Triumphs01:17:33 Nutrition Challenges in Extreme Environments01:19:04 Adjusting Strategies Mid-Race01:22:48 Teamwork and Pacing Strategies01:28:12 Dealing with Heat and Humidity01:33:00 Camaraderie and Support Among Runners01:38:32 Physical Toll of Multiple Marathons01:51:43 Future Plans and GoalsMy Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

What happens in Vegas definitely gets shared on the pod.  Pottymouth reports back on the “moving dirt around” stage of the new ballpark in Las Vegas and ponders the slot machine per capita question. Kyle is nipping at Cal's heels – is there an actual home run race happening here at the stretch? We make a verbal Manny/Kiké/Manny sandwich. Josh Naylor keeps stealing bases with brains over speed. We are not impressed with Mark Teixeira's run for congress. The flipped Little League bat brings in $10K at auction and it all goes to support the local league. Samuel Basallo answers the question about how many zeros it takes to be happy. September is Suicide Prevention Month. We encourage you to support local organizations, and/or if you are able, contribute to this American Foundation for Suicide Prevention fundraiser led by a friend of the show.We say, “I remember the distaste more than the facts,” “Maybelle Blair is life goals,” and “a lot of cred in the vibe.” Fight the man, send your game balls to Meredith, get boosted, and find us on Bluesky @ncibpodcast, on Facebook @nocryinginbball, Instagram @nocryinginbball and on the Interweb at nocryinginbball.com. Please take a moment to subscribe to the show, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to NCiB. Become a supporter at Patreon to help us keep doing what we do. We now have episode transcripts available!  They are available for free at our Patreon site. Say goodnight, Pottymouth. 

Tara and Lindsey are back with Sample 9 of The Re-Crap and they outdid themselves by bringing on a PodFam favorite, Maurice Lowman, the Marathon Panda!In this engaging conversation, Lindsey and Tara catch up with Maurice Lowman, also known as the Marathon Panda. They discuss his inspiring journey from addiction to sobriety, the power of positivity in the running community, and the importance of support and accountability. Maurice shares his experiences with running, including his impressive run streak, the challenges he faced, and his recent participation in the Anchor Down Ultramarathon. The conversation highlights the transformative power of running and community in overcoming adversity and achieving personal growth. Maurice shares his journey as a marathon runner, emphasizing the importance of charity, community, and personal growth. He discusses his upcoming races, the significance of running for a cause, and the joy of involving family and friends in his running journey. Maurice also highlights the need for inclusivity in the running community, celebrating all paces and experiences. The conversation wraps up with a look at future goals and events, reinforcing the message of positivity and gratitude in the sport.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Catch-Up03:02 Celebrating Achievements and Community04:03 Introducing Maurice Lowman06:40 Maurice's Journey and Positivity09:17 The Impact of Running on Life12:25 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Hope15:18 The Power of Community Support18:01 The Run Streak Experience19:08 The Journey of Sobriety and Running Streaks21:42 Facing Injury and the End of a Streak24:08 Embracing Recovery and New Beginnings26:10 The Role of Running in Coping with Grief28:54 The Anchor Down Ultra Marathon Experience31:40 The Mental Challenges of Ultra Running34:36 Finding Community in the Ultra Running World36:28 The Importance of Charity in Running39:21 Goals for the Chicago Marathon and Beyond51:15 The Challenge of Ultra Marathons52:42 Inclusivity in the Running Community54:06 Celebrating New Runners55:48 The Evolution of Running Culture57:43 Running as a Free Sport59:08 The Importance of Positivity in Running01:01:04 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement01:08:08 Future Goals and AspirationsMy Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

It's National Suicide Prevention Month, and our next guests are representatives from the Iowa Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Amara Huffine and Andrea Vignovich!  Join us as we discuss the role of ASFP in Iowa, organizing community and campus walks to raise awareness, suicide prevention trainings, and remembering that hope prevails. If you're looking for an organization and a cause to support, look no further than AFSP.   *Quick Note: In the show, I misspoke.  I said QPR was Question, Persuade, and Respond.  The “R” stands for Refer.     If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 988.  Your story is not over.     Storytime: Hope Prevails   Special Thanks to: Amara Huffine Andrea Vignovich AFSP- Iowa Everyone who is working or has worked a 988 hotline Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter  You   AFSP-Iowa Instagram afsp.org (National Website) AFSP- Iowa Chapter Website   988lifeline.org  Call, text, or chat for help.    Instagram:  Oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Michael Lamma, COO and EVP of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, joins the show to break down the amount of national and local suicide deaths each year, what we can do to look out for people struggling with suicidal thoughts, and some stigmas surrounding it. This is in time for National Suicide Awareness Month in September.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode explores the history and meaning behind Labor Day with historian Kenneth C. Davis, author of the “Don't Know Much” series. Plus, we recognize National Suicide Prevention Month with Bob Gebbia, CEO of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in an important conversation about raising awareness and taking action on mental health.

In this episode, we catch up with Mike Durkin, winner of the AutoFair NH 10 Miler from this past weekend. The conversation explores his early beginnings in running, the challenges and joys of cross country, and the mental strategies he employs during races. Mike shares insights on training, race preparation, and the thrill of competition, as well as his future aspirations in the sport. The episode concludes with a special sub in co-host who recaps her first few days of school and the past summer of fun!TakeawaysMike Durkin has a deep passion for running, feeling it's integral to his life.There is a gray area between amateur and professional running.The New Hampshire 10-Miler is known for its challenging course.Mental focus is crucial during races, especially when competing for place.Mike prefers cross country over track due to its unpredictability.Training for races involves both physical and mental preparation.Post-race recovery includes hydration and socializing with fellow runners.Mike enjoys the camaraderie and community within the running world.He aims to continue improving and exploring longer distances in running.The experience of racing is both challenging and rewarding. My Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

Samantha Christopherson with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention talks about the 20th annual Fargo Out of the Darkness Walk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Bishop joins the show to promote the fundraising walk on September 6th for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Mark Madden calls in to discuss the new Penguins Hall of Fame,

Doug Bishop joins the show to promote the fundraising walk on September 6th for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Mark Madden calls in to discuss the new Penguins Hall of Fame, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our first ever LIVE recording from a race! This past weekend we were very fortunate to record from the Millennium Running Auto Fair NH 10 Miler in Auburn, New Hampshire. What an amazing day, we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did because it was an absolute blast and we hope to do more soon!Thank you to everyone at Millennium Running for making this happen. You made it seem so easy and smooth, we can't thank you enough. First Class!Chapters 05:30 Live from the NH 10 Miler15:45 Eddie and Jenn22:10 Jason LaCroix from AutoFair Honda29:30 Jay Ruais (Manchester NH Mayor)39:40 Post Race with Rachel and Tara46:10 Tom Raffio from Delta Dental56:10 Theresa (T Money!)01:03:40 Mel from Millennium01:15:20 Dakota and Brynn01:16:46 Erika, Larry and Levio01:30:30 Outro with John, Darren and TaraMy Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

In this episode of the On the Runs podcast, you get to hear "The Rest of the story" with John Mortimer of Millennium Running. Part 2 focuses on the birth of Millennium Running in New Hampshire to what it is today. The hosts explore various themes related to running, personal experiences, and community engagement. The episode highlights the importance of community, personal growth, and the shared passion for running. In this engaging conversation, they  delve into the pressures of performance in athletics, the importance of mindset for success, and the journey of building a community through racing events. They share personal stories of challenges faced during races and event management, highlighting the significance of teamwork and passion in overcoming obstacles. The discussion also touches on the evolution of the Millennium Mile and the impact of community events on local economies and personal growth. In this extensive conversation you'll hear about the intricacies of race planning, team dynamics, and the importance of community in running events. They discuss the meticulous preparation that goes into organizing races, the feedback mechanisms that drive improvement, and the unique demographics of participants. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during race day, including unexpected incidents and the impact of COVID-19 on event management. Additionally, the speakers highlight the significance of charity work within the running community and the role of photography in capturing memorable moments. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the value of building connections and fostering a supportive environment for runners.Chapters00:00 Training Challenges and Triumphs12:05 The Millennium Mile: A Race to Remember17:48 Building a Business from Passion26:11 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship31:21 Personal Milestones and Business Growth37:52 Planning and Improving Races43:24 Navigating Challenges and Setbacks48:53 Community Engagement and Charity Work55:00 The Importance of Free Race Photos01:00:07 Advancements in Race Photography Technology01:06:07 Ensuring Runner Safety in Extreme Weather01:11:16 Building a Thriving Running CommunityMillennium RunningInstagram Millennium RunningMy Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

We are wicked excited to bring you this weeks episode's featuring John Mortimer from Millennium Running. This weekend we'll be podcasting from the NH 10 Miler after the race and hope to see you there! The weather looks great for a hilly 10 miler!In this episode of the On the Runs podcast, hosts Eric and Erika welcome John Mortimer, (13:25) the founder of Millennium Running. They discuss John's journey from high school to college running, the importance of community in sports, and memorable moments in his athletic career. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges of the steeplechase and the competitive nature of college athletics. John shares insights on fostering the next generation of runners and the future of running events, emphasizing the role of community engagement. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the journey of a professional runner, discussing the pressures of competition, the business side of athletics, and the impact of injuries on their careers. They share personal anecdotes about overcoming challenges, the significance of coaching, and the emotional highs of participating in Olympic trials. The discussion also highlights unique marathon experiences, including running in extreme conditions, and the supportive nature of the ultra running community.Chapters01:00 Intro13:25 John Mortimer16:12 The Kids Triathlon Experience22:08 High School and College Running27:57 Friendship and Competition in Sports36:30 The Steeplechase Experience42:45 Becoming a Professional Runner47:51 Overcoming Challenges in Professional Running56:57 Health Challenges and Career Shifts01:11:25 Transitioning to Marathon Running01:15:32 The Challenges of Marathon Running01:22:14 Antarctica01:30:24 Training Challenges and Triumphs01:34:56 Exciting News and Upcoming EventsJohn's InstagramMillennium's InstagramMillennium's WebsiteNH 10 Miler this weekend!My Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

On this Make A Difference Minute, Meesha Emmett with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention shares a heartfelt message for anyone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. It is a reminder that your life matters, there is hope, and help is always within reach. Sponsor: Hydration Lounge HydrationL.com

On this edition of The Mark White Show, Lindsay Hamilton from Amazon joins us to share how Same-Day and Next-Day Delivery is expanding to 4,000 small towns and rural communities, bringing more convenience to everyday life. Then, Meesha Emmett with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention discusses warning signs, available resources, and how we can all be part of offering hope and support to those who need it most.

Join us as we welcome Coach Brian McVay to the podcast! We chat with Brian about his background, how he found CrossFit, why he chose to become a coach, and how he got started with Suffer With Friends. To date, Suffer With Friends has donated over $80,000 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and over $114,000 total to organizations helping prevent suicide and improve mental health! We will be hosting the Suffer With Friends WOD on August 23rd at both locations, but don't wait to donate! Order your shirt or donate directly at www.sufferwithfriends.com!

Vu Tran is the AFSP CT Capital Area Walk Chair. He talks about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Out of the Darkness Walk at Dunkin Park.

Sean Connolly, Board Member with the Illinois Chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, joins John Williams to talk about the upcoming Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk, the largest suicide prevention event in the United States. Sean tells John about the purpose and impact of the walk, the connection between mental health and suicide, […]

Sean Connolly, Board Member with the Illinois Chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, joins John Williams to talk about the upcoming Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk, the largest suicide prevention event in the United States. Sean tells John about the purpose and impact of the walk, the connection between mental health and suicide, […]

In this episode, the hosts discuss the transformative power of running and the importance of building a positive community. They welcome Mike Brydges, (13:40) who shares his inspiring journey of completing a six-star marathon journey after overcoming significant health challenges. The conversation highlights the role of community support, personal growth through running, and the joy of celebrating achievements together. This conversation explores the personal journey of an individual transitioning from a non-athletic background to becoming a dedicated runner. It delves into the impact of mental health struggles, the role of family support, and the transformative power of running as a therapeutic outlet. The discussion highlights the emotional highs and lows experienced during races, the significance of community, and the pursuit of personal milestones in the world of marathons and ultra marathons. In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about their running experiences, personal stories, and the challenges they face in marathons. They share memorable moments, the importance of community support, and the impact of mental health on their journeys. The conversation highlights the significance of friendship in running and the need to share stories of everyday runners, emphasizing that everyone has a unique journey in the running community.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates12:30 Exciting News and Upcoming Events13:25 Guest Introduction: Mike Bridges16:14 The Power of Community in Fitness19:07 Mike's Transformation and the Birth of the Positive Peloton Group22:13 The Impact of Mental Health on Physical Well-being25:06 Mike's Six-Star Journey and Overcoming Adversity39:19 Finding Joy in Running: The First Race Experience46:54 The Emotional Impact of Running: Personal Loss and Motivation57:54 Lessons Learned: Humorous and Challenging Marathon Moments01:05:05 Running and Relationships01:08:02 Love Stories and Long-Distance Connections01:18:20 The Journey of Running and Mental Health01:21:20 Creating a Platform for Everyday Runners01:29:07 Outro01:33:59 Traveling and Running: Eric's DC Experience01:36:42 The Delta Dental Corporate Elliott 5K01:39:44 Erika's Ultra Marathon Adventures01:42:45 Loopy Looper: A 12-Hour Ultra Experience01:45:41 Anchor Down: The 24-Hour Challenge02:03:43 Support and Community02:09:44 Friendships and Connections02:16:38 Fundraising and Future Goals02:21:53 Content CreatiMy Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

Sean Connolly, Board Member with the Illinois Chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, joins John Williams to talk about the upcoming Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk, the largest suicide prevention event in the United States. Sean tells John about the purpose and impact of the walk, the connection between mental health and suicide, […]

The Pod is Back! After a summer break that was WAY too long the host Eric and Erika catch up back at the old home base, Erikas living room couch! They discuss their summer running experiences, the new fun challenge of vlogging, and exciting upcoming events. They share personal stories, including a humorous toilet incident and reflections on personal growth through running. The conversation highlights the importance of community support and the joy of reconnecting with friends and family during the summer months. As they look ahead, they express excitement for future episodes and events, emphasizing the fun and camaraderie that comes with their podcast journey.Chapters00:00 Returning to the Original Couch03:27 Summer Running Challenges06:26 Record Heat and Weather Discussions09:26 Upcoming Live Show Announcement12:45 Vlogging Adventures and Content Creation15:40 Training for Races and Goals18:27 Pop Culture References and Group Chats21:40 Random Topics and Jeff Bezos Wedding Discussion29:23 The Evolution of Jeff Bezos31:45 Aging Gracefully: The Beauty of Natural Aging33:15 Amelia Earhart: New Discoveries35:12 Corporate Scandals and Public Reactions36:11 Toilet Troubles: Hilarious Code Browns42:17 Nostalgia for Reality TV: The Osbournes and Hulk Hogan43:57 Lake Adventures and Celebrity Sightings46:06 July Highlights: Races and Achievements53:50 Friendship and Content Creation01:00:16 Podcasting Reflections and Future Plans01:01:46 Choosing OTR Classics and Personal Connections01:06:56 Summer Adventures and Staycations01:19:26 Reflections on the Cape and Hotel Experiences01:19:56 Injury and Recovery: The Broken Toe Story01:26:30 Exciting Future Plans and Upcoming Events01:29:30 New ChapterTakeawaysThe importance of testing equipment before big events.Summer running can be challenging but also rewarding.Vlogging requires practice and creativity.Community support is crucial for personal growth.Planning for future events can be exciting and motivating.Personal experiences can lead to humorous stories.Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is essential.Engaging with listeners and community enhances the podcast experience.Reflecting on past achievements can inspire future goals.The podcast journey is about connection and shared experiences.My Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

Welcome to the 3rd and final segment of the Best of 2024 series. We're going back to last summer through November with some of our favorite moments from last year. We'll be back next week!Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and Summer Edition Highlights03:14 Exciting Plans for the Future04:35 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Listener Engagement06:04 The Emotional Start of Western States11:55 Aid Stations and Nutrition Strategies17:53 The Evolution of Anchor Down45:53 Creating the Perfect Ultra Running Experience51:05 The Importance of Staff and Volunteers57:40 Running and Mental Health01:03:25 The Journey of a Runner01:22:07 Connecting Through Social Media and Community01:34:37 The Naked Bird: A Hilarious Training Tale01:46:58 Weight Loss Journey: Respecting the Process01:56:01 Our Place, Our Pace: Inclusivity in Running02:05:44 Breaking the News: A Career Defining Moment02:12:01 Life After WMUR: A New Purpose02:18:52 Finding Strength Through Adversity02:24:37 The Power of Running Community02:31:46 The Road to Marathon Success02:37:01 Looking Ahead: Future AspirationsMy Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

Welcome to another OTR Classic, hope you're all enjoying the summer so far and we hope you enjoy this throwback to episode 44 featuring Nicole Bryant! Be on the lookout for her new podcast "Run Your Mind" dropping soon!In this episode, the hosts discuss the intersection of running and mental health with Nicole Bryant, who shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma and the importance of therapy. They explore how running can serve as both a coping mechanism and a way to escape from life's challenges, while emphasizing the need for community support and open discussions about mental health. Nicole also shares her future goals in running and her plans for her upcoming podcast, highlighting the significance of setting goals and seeking help when needed. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share personal stories, discuss the joys and challenges of coaching in the running community, and reflect on their experiences with mental health and personal growth. They also touch on the importance of social media in their lives and the fun moments surrounding events like the Super Bowl.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Summer Vibes02:07 Fundraising and Community Engagement03:32 Introducing Nicole Bryant and Her Podcast04:38 Therapy and Mental Health in Running05:23 Introduction to Nicole Bryant11:31 Reflections on Past Events and Races17:11 Childhood and Growing Up in Lebanon23:27 The Journey into Running29:23 Mental Health and Running37:15 Breaking the Stigma of Therapy39:44 The Journey to Therapy44:37 Building a Support System47:28 Celebrating Achievements49:05 Future Running Goals53:35 The Role of a Coach01:03:47 Becoming a Coach01:09:58 Leadership in Running Clubs01:15:58 Social Media and Self-Image01:17:55 The Evolution of Social Media Skills01:20:24 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness01:21:52 Gratitude and Acknowledgment01:22:38 Traveling and Preparing for Races01:23:34 Super Bowl Reflections01:24:23 Commercials and Halftime Shows01:26:26 Speculations and Celebrity News01:28:53 Lighthearted Banter and Future Plans01:30:42 Fundraising Ideas and Community EngagementMy Race Tatts Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Wrightsock Affiliate Page - 15% of your purchase goes towards our TEAM FORCE Fundraising efforts for the NYC Marathon Eric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

You are in for a real treat on this episode. My guest this time is Greg Schwem. Greg is a corporate comedian. What is a corporate comedian? You probably can imagine that his work has to do with corporations, and you would be right. Greg will explain much better than I can. Mr. Schwem began his career as a TV journalist but eventually decided to take up what he really wanted to do, be a comedian. The story of how he evolved is quite fascinating by any standard. Greg has done comedy professionally since 1989. He speaks today mostly to corporate audiences. He will tell us how he does his work. It is quite interesting to hear how he has learned to relate to his audiences. As you will discover as Greg and I talk, we often work in the same way to learn about our audiences and thus how we get to relate to them. Greg has written three books. His latest one is entitled “Turning Gut Punches into Punch Lines: A Comedian's Journey Through Cancer, Divorce and Other Hilarious Stuff”. As Greg says, “Don't worry, it's not one of those whiny, ‘woe is me,' self- serving books. Instead, it's a hilarious account of me living the words I've been preaching to my audiences: You can always find humor in every situation, even the tough ones. Greg offers many interesting observations as he discusses his career and how he works. I think we all can find significant lessons we can use from his remarks. About the Guest: Hi! I'm Greg Schwem. a Chicago-based business humor speaker and MC who HuffPost calls “Your boss's favorite comedian.” I've traveled the world providing clean, customized laughs to clients such as Microsoft, IBM, McDonald's and even the CIA. I also write the bi-weekly Humor Hotel column for the Chicago Tribune syndicate. I believe every corporate event needs humor. As I often tell clients, “When times are good, people want to laugh. When times are bad, people need to laugh.” One Fortune 500 client summed things up perfectly, saying “You were fantastic and just what everybody needed during these times.” In September 2024 I released my third and most personal book, Turning Gut Punches into Punch Lines: A Comedian's Journey Through Cancer, Divorce and Other Hilarious Stuff. Don't worry, it's not one of those whiny, “woe is me,” self-serving books. Instead, it's a hilarious account of me living the words I've been preaching to my audiences: You can always find humor in every situation, even the tough ones. You can pick up a copy at Amazon or select book stores. Ways to connect with Greg: Website: www.gregschwem.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/gregschwem LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/gregschwem Instagram: www.instagram.com/gregschwem X: www.x.com/gregschwem About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:16 Hi everyone, and welcome to unstoppable mindset. Today we are going to definitely have some fun. I'll tell you about our guests in a moment, but first, I want to tell you about me. That'll take an hour or so. I am Michael Hingson, your host, and you're listening to unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. And I don't know, we may get inclusion or diversity into this, but our guest is Greg Schwem. Greg used to be a TV reporter, now he's a comedian, not sure which is funnier, but given some of the reporters I've seen on TV, they really should go into tonight club business. But anyway, Greg, I want to welcome you to unstoppable mindset. We're really glad you're here. I really appreciate you being here and taking the time   Greg Schwem ** 02:04 Well, Michael, it is an honor to be included on your show. I'm really looking forward to the next hour of conversation. I   Speaker 1 ** 02:10 told Greg a little while ago, one of my major life ambitions that I never got to do was to go to a Don Rickles concert and sit in the front row so that hopefully he would pick on me, so that I could say, Yeah, I saw you once on TV, and I haven't been able to see since. What do you think of that? You hockey puck, but I never got to do it. So very disappointed. But everybody has bucket list moments, everybody has, but they don't get around to I'm sorry. Yeah, I know. Well, the other one is, I love to pick on Mike Wallace. I did a radio show for six years opposite him in 60 minutes, and I always love to say that Wallace really had criminal tendencies, because he started out being an announcer in radio and he announced things like The Green Hornet and the Sky King and other shows where they had a lot of criminals. So I just figured he had to be associated with criminals somewhere in his life. Of course, everybody picked on him, and he had broad shoulders. And I again, I regret I never got to to meet him, which is sort of disappointing. But I did get to meet Peter Falk. That was kind of fun.   Greg Schwem ** 03:15 Mike Wallace to Peter Falk. Nice transition there. I know.   Michael Hingson ** 03:21 Well I am really glad you're with us. So why don't we start? We'll start with the serious part. Why don't you tell us, kind of about the early Greg schwim and growing up and all that sort of stuff, just to set the stage, as it were,   Greg Schwem ** 03:34 how far back you want to go? You want to go back to Little League, or you want to   Speaker 1 ** 03:37 just, oh, start at the beginning, a long time ago, right? I was a   Greg Schwem ** 03:41 very strange child. No, I you. You obviously introduced me as a as a comedian, and that is my full time job. And you also said that I was a former journalist, and that is my professional career. Yes, I went from, as I always like to say, I went from depressing people all day long, to making them laugh. And that's, that's kind of what I did. I always did want to be I majored in Journalism at Northwestern University, good journalism school. Originally, I always wanted to be a television reporter. That was as a professional career I was, I dabbled in comedy. Started when I was 16. That is the first time I ever got on stage at my school, my high school, and then at a comedy club. I was there one of the first comedy clubs in Chicago, a place called the comedy cottage. It was in the suburb of beautiful, beautiful suburb of Rosemont, Illinois, and they were one of the very, very first full time comedy clubs in the nation. And as a 16 year old kid, I actually got on stage and did five minutes here and five minutes there. And thought I was, I was hot stuff, but I never, ever thought I would do it for a living. I thought comedy would always be just a hobby. And I. Especially when I went to college, and I thought, okay, Northwestern is pretty good school, pretty expensive school. I should actually use my degree. And I did. I moved down to Florida, wrote for a newspaper called The Palm Beach post, which, don't let that title fool you. It's Palm Beach was a very small segment of of the area that it was, that it served, but I did comedy on the side, and just because I moved down there, I didn't know anybody, so I hung out at comedy clubs just to have something to do. And little by little, comedy in the late 80s, it exploded. Exploded. There were suddenly clubs popping up everywhere, and you were starting to get to know guys that were doing these clubs and were starting to get recognition for just being comedians. And one of them opened up a very, very good Club opened up about 10 minutes from my apartment in West Palm Beach, and I hung out there and started to get more stage time, and eventually started to realize at the same time that I was getting better as a comedian, I was becoming more disillusioned as a journalist in terms of what my bosses wanted me to report on and the tone they wanted me to use. And I just decided that I would I would just never be able to live with myself if I didn't try it, if I didn't take the the plunge into comedy, and that's what I did in 1989 and I've been doing it ever since. And my career has gone in multiple directions, as I think it needs to. If you're going to be in show business and sustain a career in show business, you have to wear a lot of different hats, which I feel like I've done.   Michael Hingson ** 06:40 So tell me more about that. What does that mean exactly?   Greg Schwem ** 06:43 Well, I mean, I started out as a what you would pretty much if somebody said, If you heard somebody say, I'm a comedian, they would envision some guy that just went to comedy clubs all the time, and that's what I did. I was just a guy that traveled by car all over the Midwest and the Southeast primarily, and did comedy clubs, but I quickly realized that was kind of a going nowhere way to attack it, to do comedy unless you were incredibly lucky, because there were so many guys doing it and so many clubs, and I just didn't see a future in it, and I felt like I had to separate myself from the pack a little bit. And I was living in Chicago, which is where I'm from, and still, still exist. Still reside in Chicago, and I started to get involved with a company that did live trade show presentations. So if you've ever been on a trade show floor and you see people, they're mostly actors and actresses that wear a headset and deliver a spiel, a pitch, like every, every twice an hour, about some company, some new product, and so forth. And I did that, and I started to write material about what I was seeing on trade show floors and putting it into my stand up act, stuff about business, stuff about technology, because I was Hawking a lot of new computers and things like that. This was the mid 90s when technology was exploding, and I started to put this into my stand up act. And then I'd have people come up to me afterwards and say, hey, you know those jokes you did about computers and tech support, if you could come down to our office, you know, we're having a golf tournament, we're having a Christmas party, we would love to hear that material. And little by little, I started transitioning my act into doing shows for the corporate market. I hooked up with a corporate agent, or the corporate agent heard about me, and started to open a lot of doors for me in terms of working for very large corporations, and that's pretty much what I've been doing. I stopped working clubs, and I transitioned, instead of being a comedian, I became a corporate humor speaker. And that's what I do, primarily to this day, is to speak at business conferences. Just kind of get people to loosen up, get them to laugh about what they do all day without without making it sound like I'm belittling what they do. And also when I'm not doing that, I work about eight to 10 weeks a year on cruise ships, performing for cruise audiences. So that's a nice getaway.   Speaker 1 ** 09:18 It's interesting since I mentioned Don Rickles earlier, years ago, I saw an interview that he did with Donahue, and one of the things that Don Rickles said, and after he said it, I thought about it. He said, I really don't want to pick on anyone who's going to be offended by me picking on them. He said, I try to watch really carefully, so that if it looks like somebody's getting offended, I'll leave them alone, because that's not what this is all about. It isn't about abusing people. It's about trying to get people to have fun, and if somebody's offended, I don't want to to pick on them, and I've heard a number of albums and other things with him and just. Noticed that that was really true. He wouldn't pick on someone unless they could take it and had a lot of fun with it. And I thought that was absolutely interesting, because that certainly wasn't, of course, the rep that he had and no, but it was   Greg Schwem ** 10:16 true. It is, and it doesn't take long to see as a as a comedian, when you're looking at an audience member and you're talking to them, it, you can tell very quickly, Are they enjoying this? Are they enjoying being the center of attention? A lot of people are, or are they uncomfortable with it? Now, I don't know that going in. I mean, I you know, of course. And again, that's a very small portion of my show is to talk to the audience, but it is something particularly today. I think audiences want to be more involved. I think they enjoy you talk you. Some of these, the new comedians in their 20s and 30s and so forth. Them, some of them are doing nothing, but what they call crowd work. So they're just doing 45 minutes of talking to the audience, which can be good and can be rough too, because you're working without a net. But I'm happy to give an audience a little bit of that. But I also have a lot of stuff that I want to say too. I mean, I work very hard coming up with material and and refining it, and I want to talk about what's going on in my life, too. So I don't want the audience to be the entire show, right?   Speaker 1 ** 11:26 And and they shouldn't be, because it isn't about that. But at the same time, it is nice to involve them. I find that as a keynote and public speaker, I find that true as well, though, is that audiences do like to be involved. And I do some things right at the outset of most talks to involve people, and also in involving them. I want to get them to last so that I start to draw them in, because later, when I tell the September 11 story, which isn't really a humorous thing. Directly,   Greg Schwem ** 12:04 i know i Good luck. I'm spinning 911 to make it I don't think I've ever heard anybody say, by the way, I was trapped in a building. Stick with me. It's kind of cute. It's got a funny ending. And   Speaker 1 ** 12:20 that's right, and it is hard I can, I can say humorous things along the way in telling the story, but, sure, right, but, but clearly it's not a story that, in of itself, is humorous. But what I realized over the years, and it's really dawned on me in the last four or five years is we now have a whole generation of people who have absolutely no memory of September 11 because they were children or they weren't even born yet. And I believe that my job is to not only talk about it, but literally to draw them into the building and have them walk down the stairs with me, and I have to be descriptive in a very positive way, so that they really are part of what's going on. And the reality is that I do hear people or people come up and say, we were with you when you were going down the stairs. And I think that's my job, because the reality is that we've got to get people to understand there are lessons to be learned from September 11, right? And the only real way to do that is to attract the audience and bring them in. And I think probably mostly, I'm in a better position to do that than most people, because I'm kind of a curious soul, being blind and all that, but it allows me to to draw them in and and it's fun to do that, actually. And I, and   Greg Schwem ** 13:52 I gotta believe, I mean, obviously I wasn't there, Michael, but I gotta believe there were moments of humor in people, a bunch of people going down the stairs. Sure, me, you put people get it's like, it's like when a bunch of people are in an elevator together, you know, I mean, there's I, when I look around and I try to find something humorous in a crowded and it's probably the same thing now, obviously it, you know, you got out in time. But I and, you know, don't that's the hotel phone, which I just hung up so but I think that I can totally see where you're going from, where, if you're if you're talking to people who have no recollection of this, have no memory where you're basically educating them on the whole event. I think you then you have the opportunity to tell the story in whatever way you see fit. And I think that however you choose to do it is there's no wrong way to do it, I guess is what I'm trying to get at.   Speaker 1 ** 14:55 Well, yeah, I think the wrong way is to be two. Graphic and morbid and morbid, but one of the things that I talk about, for example, is that a colleague of mine who was with me, David Frank, at about the 50th floor, suddenly said, Mike, we're going to die. We're not going to make it out of here. And as as I tell the audience, typically, I as as you heard my introduction at the beginning, I have a secondary teaching credential. And one of the things that you probably don't know about teachers is that there's a secret course that every teacher takes called Voice 101, how to yell at students and and so what I tell people is that when David said that, I just said in my best teacher voice, stop it, David, if Roselle and I can go down these stairs, so can you. And he told me later that that brought him out of his funk, and he ended up walking a floor below me and shouting up to me everything he saw. And it was just mainly, everything is clear, like I'm on floor 48 he's on 47/47 floor. Everything is good here, and what I have done for the past several years in telling that part of the story is to say David, in reality, probably did more to keep people calm and focused as we went down the stairs than anyone else, because anyone within the sound of his voice heard someone who was focused and sounded okay. You know, hey, I'm on the 44th floor. This is where the Port Authority cafeteria is not stopping. And it it helps people understand that we all had to do what we could to keep everyone from not panicking. And it almost happened a few times that people did, but we worked at it. But the i The idea is that it helps draw people in, and I think that's so important to do for my particular story is to draw them in and have them walk down the stairs with me, which is what I do, absolutely, yeah, yeah. Now I'm curious about something that keeps coming up. I hear it every so often, public speaker, Speaker experts and people who are supposedly the great gurus of public speaking say you shouldn't really start out with a joke. And I've heard that so often, and I'm going give me a break. Well, I think, I think it depends, yeah, I think   Greg Schwem ** 17:33 there's two schools of thought to that. I think if you're going to start out with a joke, it better be a really good one, or something that you either has been battle tested, because if it doesn't work now, you, you know, if you're hoping for a big laugh, now you're saying, Well, you're a comedian, what do you do? You know, I mean, I, I even, I just sort of work my way into it a little bit. Yeah, and I'm a comedian, so, and, you know, it's funny, Michael, I will get, I will get. I've had CEOs before say to me, Hey, you know, I've got to give this presentation next week. Give me a joke I can tell to everybody. And I always decline. I always it's like, I don't need that kind of pressure. And it's like, I can, I can, I can tell you a funny joke, but,   Michael Hingson ** 18:22 but you telling the   Greg Schwem ** 18:23 work? Yeah, deliver it. You know, I can't deliver it for you. Yeah? And I think that's what I also, you know, on that note, I've never been a big fan of Stand Up Comedy classes, and you see them all popping up all over the place. Now, a lot of comedy clubs will have them, and usually the you take the class, and the carrot at the end is you get to do five minutes at a comedy club right now, if that is your goal, if you're somebody who always like, Gosh, I wonder what it would like be like to stand up on stage and and be a comedian for five minutes. That's something I really like to try. By all means, take the class, all right. But if you think that you're going to take this class and you're going to emerge a much funnier person, like all of a sudden you you weren't funny, but now you are, don't take the class, yeah? And I think, sadly, I think that a lot of people sign up for these classes thinking the latter, thinking that they will all of a sudden become, you know, a comedian. And it doesn't work that way. I'm sorry you cannot teach unfunny people to be funny. Yeah, some of us have the gift of it, and some of us don't. Some of us are really good with our hands, and just know how to build stuff and how to look at things and say, I can do that. And some of us, myself included, definitely do not. You know, I think you can teach people to be more comfortable, more comfortable in front of an audience and. Correct. I think that is definitely a teachable thing, but I don't think that you can teach people to be funnier   Speaker 1 ** 20:10 and funnier, and I agree with that. I tend to be amazed when I keep hearing that one of the top fears in our world is getting up in front of an audience and talking with them, because people really don't understand that audiences, whatever you're doing, want you to succeed, and they're not against you, but we have just conditioned ourselves collectively that speaking is something to be afraid of?   Greg Schwem ** 20:41 Yes, I think, though it's, I'm sure, that fear, though, of getting up in front of people has only probably been exacerbated and been made more intense because now everybody in the audience has a cell phone and to and to be looking out at people and to see them on their phones. Yeah, you're and yet, you prepped all day long. You've been nervous. You've been you probably didn't sleep the night before. If you're one of these people who are afraid of speaking in public, yeah, and then to see people on their phones. You know, it used to bother me. It doesn't anymore, because it's just the society we live in. I just, I wish, I wish people could put their phones down and just enjoy laughing for 45 minutes. But unfortunately, our society can't do that anymore, so I just hope that I can get most of them to stop looking at it.   Speaker 1 ** 21:32 I don't make any comments about it at the beginning, but I have, on a number of occasions, been delivering a speech, and I hear a cell phone ring, and I'll stop and go, Hello. And I don't know for sure what the person with the cell phone does, but by the same token, you know they really shouldn't be on their phone and and it works out, okay, nobody's ever complained about it. And when I just say hello, or I'll go Hello, you don't say, you know, and things like that, but, but I don't, I don't prolong it. I'll just go back to what I was talking about. But I remember, when I lived in New Jersey, Sandy Duncan was Peter Pan in New York. One night she was flying over the audience, and there was somebody on his cell phone, and she happened to be going near him, and she just kicked the phone out of his hand. And I think that's one of the things that started Broadway in saying, if you have a cell phone, turn it off. And those are the announcements that you hear at the beginning of any Broadway performance today.   Greg Schwem ** 22:39 Unfortunately, people don't abide by that. I know you're still hearing cell phones go off, yeah, you know, in Broadway productions at the opera or wherever, so people just can't and there you go. There that just shows you're fighting a losing battle.   Speaker 1 ** 22:53 Yeah, it's just one of those things, and you got to cope with it.   Greg Schwem ** 22:58 What on that note, though, there was, I will say, if I can interrupt real quick, there was one show I did where nobody had their phone. It was a few years ago. I spoke at the CIA. I spoke for some employees of the CIA. And this might, this might freak people out, because you think, how is it that America's covert intelligence agency, you think they would be on their phones all the time. No, if you work there, you cannot have your phone on you. And so I had an audience of about 300 people who I had their total attention because there was no other way to they had no choice but to listen to me, and it was wonderful. It was just a great show, and I it was just so refreshing. Yeah,   Speaker 1 ** 23:52 and mostly I don't hear cell phones, but they do come up from time to time. And if they do, then you know it happens. Now my one of my favorite stories is I once spoke in Maryland at the Department of Defense, which anybody who knows anything knows that's the National Security Agency, but they call it the Department of Defense, as if we don't know. And my favorite story is that I had, at the time, a micro cassette recorder, and it died that morning before I traveled to Fort Meade, and I forgot to just throw it away, and it was in my briefcase. So I got to the fort, they searched, apparently, didn't find it, but on the way out, someone found it. They had to get a bird Colonel to come to decide what to do with it. I said, throw it away. And they said, No, we can't do that. It's yours. And they they decided it didn't work, and they let me take it and I threw it away. But it was so, so funny to to be at the fort and see everybody running around crazy. See, what do we do with this micro cassette recorder? This guy's been here for an hour. Yeah. So it's it. You know, all sorts of things happen. What do you think about you know, there's a lot of discussion about comedians who use a lot of foul language in their shows, and then there are those who don't, and people seem to like the shock value of that.   Greg Schwem ** 25:25 Yeah, I'm very old school in that. I guess my short answer is, No, I've never, ever been one of those comedians. Ever I do a clean show, I actually learned my lesson very early on. I think I think that I think comedians tend to swear because when they first start out, out of nerves, because I will tell you that profanity does get laughter. And I've always said, if you want to, if you want to experiment on that, have a comedian write a joke, and let's say he's got two shows that night. Let's say he's got an eight o'clock show and a 10 o'clock show. So let's say he does the joke in the eight o'clock and it's, you know, the cadence is bumper, bump up, bump up, bump up, punch line. Okay, now let's and let's see how that plays. Now let's now he does the 10 o'clock show and it's bumper, bump up, bump up F and Okay, yeah, I pretty much guarantee you the 10 o'clock show will get a bigger laugh. Okay? Because he's sort of, it's like the audience is programmed like, oh, okay, we're supposed to laugh at that now. And I think a lot of comedians think, Aha, I have just discovered how to be successful as a comedian. I will just insert the F word in front of every punch line, and you can kind of tell what comedians do that and what comedians I mean. I am fine with foul language, but have some jokes in there too. Don't make them. Don't make the foul word, the joke, the joke, right? And I can say another thing nobody has ever said to me, I cannot hire you because you're too clean. I've never gotten that. And all the years I've been doing this, and I know there's lots of comedians who who do work blue, who have said, you know, who have been turned down for that very reason. So I believe, if you're a comedian, the only way to get better is to work any place that will have you. Yeah, and you can't, so you might as well work clean so you can work any place that will have you, as opposed to being turned away.   Speaker 1 ** 27:30 Well, and I, and I know what, what happened to him and all that, but at the same time, I grew up listening to Bill Cosby and the fact that he was always clean. And, yeah, I understand everything that happened, but you can't deny and you can't forget so many years of humor and all the things that that he brought to the world, and the joy he brought to the world in so many ways.   Greg Schwem ** 27:57 Oh, yeah, no, I agree. I agree. And he Yeah, he worked everywhere. Jay Leno is another one. I mean, Jay Leno is kind of on the same wavelength as me, as far as don't let the profanity become the joke. You know, Eddie Murphy was, you know, was very foul. Richard Pryor, extremely foul. I but they also, prior, especially, had very intelligent material. I mean, you can tell and then if you want to insert your F bombs and so forth, that's fine, but at least show me that you're trying. At least show me that you came in with material in addition to the   Speaker 1 ** 28:36 foul language. The only thing I really have to say about all that is it? Jay Leno should just stay away from cars, but that's another story.   Greg Schwem ** 28:43 Oh, yeah, it's starting to   Greg Schwem ** 28:47 look that way. Yeah, it   Michael Hingson ** 28:49 was. It was fun for a while, Jay, but yeah, there's just two. It's like, Harrison Ford and plains. Yeah, same concept. At some point you're like, this isn't working out. Now I submit that living here in Victorville and just being out on the streets and being driven around and all that, I am firmly convinced, given the way most people drive here, that the bigoted DMV should let me have a license, because I am sure I can drive as well as most of the clowns around here. Yeah, so when they drive, I have no doubt. Oh, gosh. Well, you know, you switched from being a TV journalist and so on to to comedy. Was it a hard choice? Was it really difficult to do, or did it just seem like this is the time and this is the right thing to do. I was   Greg Schwem ** 29:41 both, you know, it was hard, because I really did enjoy my job and I liked, I liked being a TV news reporter. I liked, I liked a job that was different every day once you got in there, because you didn't know what they were going to send you out to do. Yes, you had. To get up and go to work every day and so forth. So there's a little bit of, you know, there's a little bit of the mundane, just like there is in any job, but once you were there, I liked, just never known what the day would bring, right? And and I, I think if I'd stayed with it, I think I think I could have gone pretty far, particularly now, because the now it's more people on TV are becoming more entertainers news people are becoming, yeah, they are. A lot of would be, want to be comedians and so forth. And I don't particularly think that's appropriate, but I agree. But so it was hard to leave, but it gets back to what I said earlier. At some point, you got to say, I was seeing comedians making money, and I was thinking, gosh, you know, if they're making money at this I I'm not hilarious, but I know I'm funnier than that guy. Yeah, I'm funnier than her, so why not? And I was young, and I was single, and I thought, if I if I don't try it now, I never will. And, and I'll bet there's just some hilarious people out there, yeah, who who didn't ever, who just were afraid   Michael Hingson ** 31:14 to take that chance, and they wouldn't take the leap, yeah,   Greg Schwem ** 31:16 right. And now they're probably kicking themselves, and I'm sure maybe they're very successful at what they do, but they're always going to say, what if, if I only done this? I don't ever, I don't, ever, I never, ever wanted to say that. Yeah,   Speaker 1 ** 31:31 well, and there's, there's something to be said for being brave and stepping out and doing something that you don't expect, or that you didn't expect, or that you weren't sure how it was going to go, but if you don't try, then you're never going to know just how, how much you could really accomplish and how much you can really do. And I think that the creative people, whatever they're being creative about, are the people who do step out and are willing to take a chance.   Greg Schwem ** 31:59 Yeah, yeah. And I told my kids that too. You know, it's just like, if it's something that you're passionate about, do it. Just try it. If it doesn't work out, then at least you can say I tried   Speaker 1 ** 32:09 it and and if it doesn't work out, then you can decide, what do I need to do to figure out why it didn't work out, or is it just not me? I want   Greg Schwem ** 32:18 to keep going? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.   Speaker 1 ** 32:21 So what is the difference between being a nightclub comedian and a corporate comedian? Because they are somewhat different. I think I know the answer. But what would you say that the differences between them? I think   Greg Schwem ** 32:33 the biggest thing is the audiences. I think when you when you are a nightclub comedian, you are working in front of people who are there to be entertained. Yeah, they, they paid money for that. That's what they're expecting. They, they, at some point during the day, they said, Hey, let's, let's go laugh tonight. That's what we really want to do when you're working in front of a corporate audiences. That's not necessarily the case. They are there. I primarily do business conferences and, you know, association meetings and so forth. And I'm just one cog in the wheel of a whole day's worth of meetings are, for the most part, very dry and boring, maybe certainly necessary educational. They're learning how to do their job better or something. And then you have a guy like me come in, and people aren't always ready to laugh, yeah, despite the fact that they probably need to, but they just they're not always in that mindset. And also the time of day. I mean, I do a lot of shows at nine in the morning. I do shows after lunch, right before lunch. I actually do very few shows in the evening, believe it or not. And so then you you have to, you kind of have to, in the while you're doing your act or your presentation or your speech, as I call it, you kind of have to let them know that it is okay. What you're doing is okay, and they should be okay with laughing. They shouldn't be looking around the whole time wondering if other people are laughing. You know, can I, can I? Can I tell you a quick story about how I drive that point home. Why not? Yeah, it's, I'll condense it into like five minutes. I mentioned that I worked on that I work on cruise ships occasionally, and I one night I was performing, and it was the first night of the cruise. And if anybody's ever been on a cruise, note, the first night, first night entertainers don't like the first night because people are tired. You know, they're they're a little edgy because they've been traveling all day. They're they're confused because they're not really sure where they're going on a ship. And the ones that have got it figured out usually over serve themselves because they're on vacation. So you put all that, so I'm doing my show on the first. Night, and it's going very well. And about five, six minutes in, I do a joke. Everybody laughs. Everybody shuts up. And from the back of the room in total darkness, I hear hat just like that. And I'm like, All right, you know, probably over served. So the rule of comedy is that everybody gets like. I was like, I'll let it go once, yeah. So I just kind of looked off in that direction, didn't say anything. Kept going with my active going with my act. About 10 minutes later, same thing happens. I tell a joke. Everybody laughs. Everybody shuts up. Hat now I'm like, Okay, I have got to, I've got to address the elephant in the room. So I think I just made some comment, like, you know, I didn't know Roseanne Barr was on this cruise, you know, because that was like the sound of the Yeah. Okay, everybody laugh. Nothing happened about five minutes later. It happens a third time. And now I'm just like, this is gonna stop. I'm going to put a stop to this. And I just fired off. I can't remember, like, three just like, hey man, you know you're you're just a little behind everybody else in this show and probably in life too, that, you know, things like that, and it never happened again. So I'm like, okay, mission accomplished on my part. Comedians love it when we can shut up somebody like that. Anyway. Show's over, I am out doing a meet and greet. Some guy comes up to me and he goes, hey, hey, you know that kid you were making fun of is mentally handicapped. And now, of course, I don't know this, but out of the corner of my eye, I see from the other exit a man pushing a son, his son in a wheelchair out of the showroom. And I'm just like, Oh, what have I done? And yeah. And of course, when you're on a cruise, you're you're on a cruise. When you're a cruise ship entertainer, you have to live with your audience. So I couldn't hide. I spent like the next three days, and it seemed like wherever I was, the man and his son in the wheelchair were nearby. And finally, on the fourth day, I think was, I was waiting for an elevator. Again, 3500 people on this ship, okay, I'm waiting for an elevator. The elevator door opens. Guess who are the only two people the elevator, the man and his son. And I can't really say I'll wait for the next one. So I get on, and I said to this the father, I said, I just want you to know I had no idea. You know, I'm so sorry. I can't see back there, this kind of thing. And the dad looks at me. He puts his hand up to stop me, and he points to me, and he goes, I thought you were hysterical. And it was, not only was it relief, but it kind of, it's sort of a lesson that if you think something is funny, you should laugh at it. Yeah. And I think sometimes in corporate America, my point in this. I think sometimes when you do these corporate shows, I think that audience members forget that. I think very busy looking around to see if their immediate boss thinks it's funny, and eventually everybody's looking at the CEO to see if they're like, you know, I think if you're doing it that way, if that's the way you're you're approaching humor. You're doing yourself a disservice, if right, stopping yourself from laughing at something that you think is funny.   Speaker 1 ** 38:09 I do think that that all too often the problem with meetings is that we as a as a country, we in corporations, don't do meetings, right anyway, for example, early on, I heard someone at a convention of the National Federation of the Blind say he was the new executive director of the American Foundation for the Blind, and he said, I have instituted a policy, no Braille, no meetings. And what that was all about was to say, if you're going to have a meeting, you need to make sure that all the documentation is accessible to those who aren't going to read the print. I take it further and say you shouldn't be giving out documentation during the meeting. And you can use the excuse, well, I got to get the latest numbers and all that. And my point is, you shouldn't be giving out documentation at a meeting, because the meeting is for people to communicate and interact with each other. And if you're giving out papers and so on, what are people going to do? They're going to read that, and they're not going to listen to the speakers. They're not going to listen to the other people. And we do so many things like that, we've gotten into a habit of doing things that become so predictable, but also make meetings very boring, because who wants to look at the papers where you can be listening to people who have a lot more constructive and interesting things to say anyway?   Greg Schwem ** 39:36 Yeah, yeah. I think, I think COVID definitely changed, some for the some for the better and some for the worse. I think that a lot of things that were done at meetings COVID and made us realize a lot of that stuff could be done virtually, that you didn't have to just have everybody sit and listen to people over and over and over again.   Speaker 1 ** 39:58 But unless you're Donald Trump. Up. Yeah, that's another story.   Greg Schwem ** 40:02 Yes, exactly another podcast episode. But, yeah, I do think also that. I think COVID changed audiences. I think, you know, we talked a little bit earlier about crowd work, right, and audiences wanting to be more involved. I think COVID precipitated that, because, if you think about it, Michael, for two and a half years during COVID, our sole source of entertainment was our phone, right? Which meant that we were in charge of the entertainment experience. You don't like something, swipe left, scroll down, scroll, scroll, scroll, find something else. You know, that kind of thing. I'm not I'm not entertained in the next four or five seconds. So I'm going to do this. And I think when live entertainment returned, audiences kind of had to be retrained a little bit, where they had to learn to sit and listen and wait for the entertainment to come to them. And granted, it might not happen immediately. It might not happen in the first five seconds, but you have to just give give people like me a chance. It will come to you. It will happen, but it might not be on your timetable,   Speaker 1 ** 41:13 right? Well, and I think that is all too true for me. I didn't find didn't find COVID to be a great inconvenience, because I don't look at the screen anyway, right? So in a sense, for me, COVID wasn't that much of a change, other than not being in an office or not being physically at a meeting, and so I was listening to the meeting on the computer, and that has its nuances. Like you don't necessarily get the same information about how everyone around you is reacting, but, but it didn't bother me, I think, nearly as much as it did everyone else who has to look at everyone. Of course, I have no problems picking on all those people as well, because what I point out is that that disabilities has to be redefined, because every one of you guys has your own disability. You're light dependent, and you don't do well when there's dark, when, when the dark shows up and and we now have an environment where Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb, and we've spent the last 147 years doing everything we can to make sure that light is pretty ubiquitous, but it doesn't change a thing when suddenly the power goes out and you don't have immediate access to light. So that's as much a disability as us light, independent people who don't   Greg Schwem ** 42:36 care about that, right? Right? I hear, I agree, but it is but   Speaker 1 ** 42:41 it is interesting and and it is also important that we all understand each other and are willing to tolerate the fact that there are differences in people, and we need to recognize that with whatever we're doing.   42:53 Yeah, I agree.   Speaker 1 ** 42:57 What do you think about so today, we have obviously a really fractured environment and fractured country, and everyone's got their own opinions, and nobody wants to talk about anything, especially politics wise. How do you think that's all affecting comedy and what you get to do and what other people are doing?   Greg Schwem ** 43:18 Well, I think Pete, I think there's, there's multiple answers to that question too. I think, I think it makes people nervous, wondering what the minute a comedian on stage brings up politics, the minute he starts talking about a politician, whether it's our president, whether it's somebody else, you can sense a tension in the room a little bit, and it's, it's, I mean, it's funny. I, one of my best friends in comedy, got to open for another comedian at Carnegie Hall a couple of years ago, and I went to see him, and I'm sitting way up in the top, and he is just crushing it. And then at one point he he brought up, he decided to do an impression of Mitch McConnell, which he does very well. However, the minute he said, Mitch McConnell, I you could just sense this is Carnegie freaking Hall, and after the show, you know, he and I always like to dissect each other's shows. That's what comedians do. And I just said to him, I go. Why did you decide to insert Mitch McConnell in there? And I, and I didn't say it like, you moron, that was stupid, yeah, but I was genuinely curious. And he just goes, well, I just really like doing that bit, and I like doing that voice and so forth, but, and it's not like the show crashed and burned afterwards. No, he did the joke, and then he got out of it, and he went on to other stuff, and it was fine, but I think that people are just so on their guard now, yeah, and, and that's why, you know, you know Jay Leno always said he was an equal opportunity offender. I think you will do better with politics if you really want. Insert politics into your act. I think he would be better making fun of both sides. Yeah, it's true. Yeah. And I think too often comedians now use the the stage as kind of a Bully, bully pulpit, like I have microphone and you don't. I am now going to give you my take on Donald Trump or the Democrats or whatever, and I've always said, talk about anything you want on stage, but just remember, you're at a comedy club. People came to laugh. So is there a joke in here? Yeah, or are you just ranting because you gotta be careful. You have to get this off your chest, and your way is right. It's, it's, you know, I hate to say it, but that's, that's why podcast, no offense, Michael, yours, is not like this. But I think one of the reasons podcasters have gotten so popular is a lot of people, just a lot of podcast hosts see a podcast is a chance to just rant about whatever's on their mind. And it's amazing to me how many podcast hosts that are hosted by comedians have a second guy have a sidekick to basically laugh and agree with whatever that person says. I think Joe Rogan is a classic example, and he's one of the most popular ones. But, and I don't quite understand that, because you know, if you're a comedian, you you made the choice to work solo, right? So why do you need somebody else with you?   Speaker 1 ** 46:33 I'm I'm fairly close to Leno. My remark is a little bit different. I'm not so much an equal opportunity offender as I am an equal opportunity abuser. I'll pick on both sides if politics comes into it at all, and it's and it's fun, and I remember when George W Bush was leaving the White House, Letterman said, Now we're not going to have anybody to joke about anymore. And everyone loved it. But still, I recognize that in the world today, people don't want to hear anything else. Don't confuse me with the facts or any of that, and it's so unfortunate, but it is the way it is, and so it's wiser to stay away from a lot of that, unless you can really break through the barrier,   Greg Schwem ** 47:21 I think so. And I also think that people, one thing you have to remember, I think, is when people come to a comedy show, they are coming to be entertained. Yeah, they are coming to kind of escape from the gloom and doom that unfortunately permeates our world right now. You know? I mean, I've always said that if you, if you walked up to a comedy club on a Saturday night, and let's say there were 50 people waiting outside, waiting to get in, and you asked all 50 of them, what do you hope happens tonight? Or or, Why are you here? All right, I think from all 50 you would get I would just like to laugh, yeah, I don't think one of them is going to say, you know, I really hope that my opinions on what's happening in the Middle East get challenged right now, but he's a comedian. No one is going to say that. No, no. It's like, I hope I get into it with the comedian on stage, because he thinks this way about a woman's right to choose, and I think the other way. And I really, really hope that he and I will get into an argument about to the middle of the   Speaker 1 ** 48:37 show. Yeah, yeah. That's not why people come?   Greg Schwem ** 48:40 No, it's not. And I, unfortunately, I think again, I think that there's a lot of comedians that don't understand that. Yeah, again, talk about whatever you want on stage, but just remember that your your surroundings, you if you build yourself as a comedian,   48:56 make it funny. Yeah, be funny.   Speaker 1 ** 49:00 Well, and nowadays, especially for for you, for me and so on, we're we're growing older and and I think you point out audiences are getting younger. How do you deal with that?   Greg Schwem ** 49:12 Well, what I try to do is I a couple of things. I try to talk as much as I can about topics that are relevant to a younger generation. Ai being one, I, one of the things I do in my my show is I say, oh, you know, I I really wasn't sure how to start off. And when you're confused these days, you you turn to answer your questions. You turn to chat GPT, and I've actually written, you know, said to chat GPT, you know, I'm doing a show tonight for a group of construction workers who work in the Midwest. It's a $350 million company, and it says, try to be very specific. Give me a funny opening line. And of course, chat GPT always comes up with some. Something kind of stupid, which I then relate to the audience, and they love that, you know, they love that concept. So I think there's, obviously, there's a lot of material that you can do on generational differences, but I, I will say I am very, very aware that my audience is, for the most part, younger than me now, unless I want to spend the rest of my career doing you know, over 55 communities, not that they're not great laughers, but I also think there's a real challenge in being older than your audience and still being able to make them laugh. But I think you have to remember, like you said, there's there's people now that don't remember 911 that have no concept of it, yeah, so don't be doing references from, say, the 1980s or the early 1990s and then come off stage and go, Man, nobody that didn't hit at all. No one, no one. They're stupid. They don't get it. Well, no, they, they, it sounds they don't get it. It's just that they weren't around. They weren't around, right? So that's on you.   Speaker 1 ** 51:01 One of the things that you know people ask me is if I will do virtual events, and I'll do virtual events, but I also tell people, the reason I prefer to do in person events is that I can sense what the audience is doing, how they're reacting and what they feel. If I'm in a room speaking to people, and I don't have that same sense if I'm doing something virtually, agreed same way. Now for me, at the same time, I've been doing this now for 23 years, so I have a pretty good idea in general, how to interact with an audience, to draw them in, even in a virtual environment, but I still tend to be a little bit more careful about it, and it's just kind of the way it is, you know, and you and you learn to deal with it well for you, have you ever had writer's block, and how did you deal with it?   Greg Schwem ** 51:57 Yes, I have had writer's block. I don't I can't think of a single comedian who's never had writer's block, and if they say they haven't, I think they're lying when I have writer's block, the best way for me to deal with this and just so you know, I'm not the kind of comedian that can go that can sit down and write jokes. I can write stories. I've written three books, but I can't sit down and just be funny for an hour all by myself. I need interaction. I need communication. And I think when I have writer's block, I tend to go out and try and meet strangers and can engage them in conversation and find out what's going on with them. I mean, you mentioned about dealing with the younger audience. I am a big believer right now in talking to people who are half my age. I like doing that in social settings, because I just, I'm curious. I'm curious as to how they think. I'm curious as to, you know, how they spend money, how they save money, how what their hopes and dreams are for the future, what that kind of thing, and that's the kind of stuff that then I'll take back and try and write material about. And I think that, I think it's fun for me, and it's really fun to meet somebody who I'll give you a great example just last night. Last night, I was I there's a there's a bar that I have that's about 10 a stone's throw from my condo, and I love to stop in there and and every now and then, sometimes I'll sit there and I won't meet anybody, and sometimes different. So there was a guy, I'd say he's probably in his early 30s, sitting too over, and he was reading, which I find intriguing, that people come to a bar and read, yeah, people do it, I mean. And I just said to him, I go, and he was getting ready to pay his bill, and I just said, if you don't mind me asking, What are you reading? And he's like, Oh, it's by Ezra Klein. And I go, you know, I've listened to Ezra Klein before. And he goes, Yeah, you know? He says, I'm a big fan. And debt to debt to dad. Next thing, you know, we're just, we're just riffing back and forth. And I ended up staying. He put it this way, Michael, it took him a very long time to pay his bill because we had a conversation, and it was just such a pleasure to to people like that, and I think that, and it's a hard thing. It's a hard thing for me to do, because I think people are on their guard, a little bit like, why is this guy who's twice my age talking to me at a bar? That's that seems a little weird. And I would get that. I can see that. But as I mentioned in my latest book, I don't mean because I don't a whole chapter to this, and I I say in the book, I don't mean you any harm. I'm not trying to hit on you, or I'm not creepy old guy at the bar. I am genuinely interested in your story. And. In your life, and and I just, I want to be the least interesting guy in the room, and that's kind of how I go about my writing, too. Is just you, you drive the story. And even though I'm the comedian, I'll just fill in the gaps and make them funny.   Speaker 1 ** 55:15 Well, I know that I have often been invited to speak at places, and I wondered, What am I going to say to this particular audience? How am I going to deal with them? They're they're different than what I'm used to. What I found, I guess you could call that writer's block, but what I found is, if I can go early and interact with them, even if I'm the very first speaker, if I can interact with them beforehand, or if there are other people speaking before me, invariably, I will hear things that will allow me to be able to move on and give a relevant presentation specifically to that group, which is what it's really all about. And so I'm with you, and I appreciate it, and it's good to get to the point where you don't worry about the block, but rather you look at ways to move forward and interact with people and make it fun, right,   Greg Schwem ** 56:13 right? And I do think people, I think COVID, took that away from us a little bit, yeah, obviously, but I but, and I do think people missed that. I think that people, once you get them talking, are more inclined to not think that you're you have ulterior motives. I think people do enjoy putting their phones down a little bit, but it's, it's kind of a two way street when I, when I do meet people, if it's if it's only me asking the questions, eventually I'm going to get tired of that. Yeah, I think there's a, there has to be a reciprocity thing a little bit. And one thing I find is, is with the Gen Z's and maybe millennials. They're not, they're not as good at that as I think they could be. They're more they're they're happy to talk about themselves, but they're not really good at saying so what do you do for a living? Or what you know, tell me about you. And I mean, that's how you learn about other people. Yeah,   Speaker 1 ** 57:19 tell me about your your latest book, Turning gut punches into punchlines. That's a interesting title, yeah, well, the more   Greg Schwem ** 57:26 interesting is the subtitle. So it's turning gut punches into punch punch lines, A Comedian's journey through cancer, divorce and other hilarious stuff.   Speaker 1 ** 57:35 No, like you haven't done anything in the world. Okay, right? So   Greg Schwem ** 57:38 other than that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln. Yeah, exactly. See, now you get that reference. I don't know if I could use that on stage, but anyway, depend on your audience. But yeah, they're like, What's he talking   Speaker 1 ** 57:50 who's Lincoln? And I've been to Ford theater too, so that's okay, yes, as have I. So it was much later than, than, well, than Lincoln, but that's okay.   Greg Schwem ** 57:58 You're not that old, right? No. Well, okay, so as the title, as the title implies, I did have sort of a double, double gut punch, it just in the last two years. So I, I got divorced late in life, after 29 years of marriage. And while that was going on, I got a colon cancer diagnosis and and at this end, I was dealing with all this while also continuing work as a humor speaker, okay, as a comedian. And I just decided I got it. First of all, I got a very clean bill of health. I'm cancer free. I am finally divorced so and I, I started to think, I wonder if there's some humor in this. I I would, I would, you know, Michael, I've been on stage for like, 25 years telling people that, you know, you can find something funny to laugh at. You can find humor in any situation. It's kind of like what you're talking about all the people going down the stairs in the building in the world trade center. All right, if you look around enough, you know, maybe there's something funny, and I've been preaching that, but I never really had to live that until now. And I thought, you know, maybe there's something here. Maybe I can this is my chance now to embrace new experiences. It was kind of when I got divorced, when you've been married half your life and all of a sudden you get divorced, everything's new to you, yeah, you're, you're, you're living alone, you you're doing things that your spouse did, oh, so many years. And you're having to do those, and you're having to make new friends, yeah, and all of that, I think, is very humorous. So the more I saw a book in there that I started writing before the cancer diagnosis, and I thought was there enough here? Just like, okay, a guy at 60 years old gets divorced now what's going to happen to him? The diagnosis? Kind. Made it just added another wrinkle to the book, because now I have to deal with this, and I have to find another subject to to make light of a little bit. So the book is not a memoir, you know, I don't start it off. And, you know, when I was seven, you know, I played, you know, I was, I went to this school night. It's not that. It's more just about reinvention and just seeing that you can be happy later in life, even though you have to kind of rewrite your your story a little   Speaker 1 ** 1:00:33 bit. And I would assume, and I would assume, you bring some of that into your ACT every so   Greg Schwem ** 1:00:38 very much. So yeah, I created a whole new speech called Turning gut punches into punchlines. And I some of the stuff that I, that I did, but, you know, there's a chapter in the book about, I about gig work, actually three chapters I, you know, I went to work for Amazon during the Christmas holiday rush, just scanning packages. I wanted to see what that was like. I drove for Uber I which I did for a while. And to tell you the truth, I miss it. I ended up selling my car, but I miss it because of the what we just talked about. It was a great way to communicate with people. It was a great way to talk to people, find out about them, be the least interesting person in the car, anyway. And there's a chapter about dating and online dating, which I had not had to do in 30 years. There's a lot of humor in that. I went to therapy. I'd never gone to therapy before. I wrote a chapter about that. So I think people really respond to this book, because they I think they see a lot of themselves in it. You know, lots of people have been divorced. There's lots of cancer survivors out there, and there's lots of people who just suddenly have hit a speed bump in their life, and they're not really sure how to deal with it, right? And my way, this book is just about deal with it through laughter. And I'm the perfect example.   Speaker 1 ** 1:01:56 I hear you, Oh, I I know, and I've been through the same sort of thing as you not a divorce, but my wife and I were married for 40 years, and she passed away in November of 2022 after 40 years of marriage. And as I tell people, as I tell people, I got to be really careful, because she's monitoring me from somewhere, and if I misbehave, I'm going to hear about it, so I got to be a good kid, and I don't even chase the women so. But I also point out that none of them have been chasing me either, so I guess I just do what we got to do. But the reality is, I think there are always ways to find some sort of a connection with other people, and then, of course, that's what what you do. It's all about creating a connection, creating a relationship, even if it's only for a couple of hours or an hour or 45 minutes, but, but you do it, which is what it's all about?   Greg Schwem ** 1:02:49 Yeah, exactly. And I think the funniest stuff is real life experience. Oh, absolutely, you know. And if people can see themselves in in what I've written, then I've done my job as a writer.   Speaker 1 ** 1:03:03 So do you have any plans to retire?   Greg Schwem ** 1:03:06 Never. I mean, good for you retire from what   1:03:09 I know right, making fun of people   Greg Schwem ** 1:03:12 and making them laugh. I mean, I don't know what I would do with myself, and even if I there's always going to be I don't care how technology, technologically advanced our society gets. People will always want and need to laugh. Yeah, they're always going to want to do that. And if they're want, if they're wanting to do that, then I will find, I will find a way to get to them. And that's why I, as I said, That's why, like working on cruise ships has become, like a new, sort of a new avenue for me to make people laugh. And so, yeah, I don't I there's, there's no way. I don't know what else I would do with   Speaker 1 ** 1:03:53 myself, well and from my perspective, as long as I can inspire people, yes, I can make people think a little bit and feel better about themselves. I'm going to do it right. And, and, and I do. And I wrote a book during COVID that was published last August called Live like a guide dog. And it's all about helping people learn to control fear. And I use lessons I learned from eight guide dogs and my wife service dog to do that. My wife was in a wheelchair her whole life. Great marriage. She read, I pushed worked out well, but, but the but the but the bottom line is that dogs can teach us so many lessons, and there's so much that we can learn from them. So I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to create this book and and get it out there. And I think that again, as long as I can continue to inspire people, I'm going to do it. Because   Greg Schwem ** 1:04:47 why wouldn't you? Why wouldn't I exactly right? Yeah, yeah. So,   Speaker 1 ** 1:04:51 I mean, I think if I, if I stopped, I think my wife would beat up on me, so I gotta be nice exactly. She's monitoring from somewhere

Send us a textContent Warning: Talk of SuicideIf you are having thoughts of suicide or self harm, please call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.orgThis week, we're rereleasing an important episode that first aired in 2023. The information contained in this interview is critical for parents of LGBTQ+ children to understand, so we're sharing it again and hope you'll listen (or re-listen). Misconceptions and stigma can make suicide hard to understand, but talking about it can make a huge difference. Mama Dragons is committed to keeping the conversation at the forefront of our group to help conquer those misconceptions and help lower suicide rates. In this week's episode of In the Den, our show's original host Jen talks with special guest Taryn Aiken Hiatt about factors that impact suicide risk, warning signs of suicidality, and what to do when someone you know is having thoughts of suicide. Special Guest: Taryn Aiken Hiatt Taryn is a dedicated advocate with a passion for changing the culture around mental health, suicide and substance use disorders.  She is a loss survivor, losing her dad in 2002, and an attempt survivor who lives in recovery today. Taryn founded and is the executive director for the Utah Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She has testified before congress in Washington DC to increase awareness and support for better access to mental health services and to promote healthy discussions about suicide. She is widely respected throughout the nation for her hard work and dedication to saving lives. Taryn is finishing the Master's in Social Work program at UVU and graduates in May 2024. Taryn believes in the power of human connection and is dedicated to preventing suicide.Links from the Show: Donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org Find a local support group through AFSP: https://afsp.org/find-a-local-chapter/ Volunteer with AFSP: https://afsp.org/advocate-for-suicide-prevention/ National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Home Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at Support the showConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast