Run The Race
On your journeys of fitness and faith, we are helping you stay motivated to be stronger physically and spiritually on the new RUN THE RACE podcast. Host Jason Dennis - veteran WTVM news anchor, marathon runner and missionary, will talk to experts and people with inspiring stories as we dig deeper into the mind, body and soul.
Most Recent Episode
#283: Famous Army Ranger & Chaplain Answers How Killing Impacts "Warrior's Soul" In New Video Series
What happens to a warrior's soul when he/she takes a life? In a new video series, world renown Army combat vet and chaplain MAJ (Ret) Jeff Struecker answers that question and more, about military service members and law enforcement pulling the trigger and killing someone, to protect others.
The Pastor at 2 Cities Church in Columbus and US Army Ranger Hall of Famer - who had 17 war deployments, including the brutal battle in Somalia depicted in the movie "Black Hawk Down" - is the latest guest on the RUN THE RACE podcast. We talk about digging deep into the ethics of killing in the line of duty...transition from a soldier with a gun to a chaplain in war then to a pastor not in the military...plus how extreme fitness challenges and running far helps him get closer to God and push his physical limits.
(2:15) He gets the question thousands of times at national speaking events: How can you be both a man of faith and use lethal force on the battlefield? It leaves scars on families and leads many former soldiers to suicide. He hopes the 6-part video series (episode 1 out now) - available for anyone to watch for free - can bring clarity about the ethics of killing, save lives, and prepare before the carnage: https://www.jeffstrueckerministries.com/the-warrior-s-soul.
(23:55) Jeff talks about the call from God that came during his 23 year Army career, which closed with a decade as a chaplain in a unique position to help those in combat...then serving at churches, but deciding to stay and live next to Fort Benning.
(37:03) We also talk about him winning the famous Best Ranger Competition three decades ago, what that very difficult 60 hour battle was like. Jeff also has enjoyed running most of his life, explaining how it helps the body and soul. He's got one almost impossible race that's on his bucket list, while he tries to create another event.
(49:07) Closing out the chat with gifts we can find hidden in desperation and our limits. Jeff closes us out in prayer. Thanks for listening. Subscribe and follow this pod on Spotify, Apple. Share with others!
More Episodes
#281: Playing Card/Board GAMES For Fun, Discipleship and Competition (New Event)
Enjoy playing games with family and friends? This week's podcast guest loves it and has some insight on some card and board games you may or may not know. This pastor in West Georgia and his wife also created a website "One Board Family" a decade ago dedicated to their passion for tabletop gaming, hosting a special event THIS weekend! He talks about that, how playing games create opportunities for witnessing and discipleship, and leading a missional community or home church.
(2:00) Our friend Ryan Gutowski is excited about how the game table is fun but also opens people up to conversation, sometimes about Christ and serious issues.
(13:21) Video games is how he got started but tabletop gaming is personal interaction and a break from today's technology. It builds community, is good for your health, helps you practice teamwork and how to lose/win the right way.
(21:05) For the first time in Columbus GA, they're hosting ONE BOARD DAY on Saturday, March 14 where you can play any of 200 games provided between 8am-8pm at "The Refinery" building on Evangel Church's campus. Entry is only $10 per person and all attendees get a free copy of the popular card game Flip 7. More info: https://oneboardfamily.com/one-board-day/.
He also breaks down the games at "hot tables" and tournaments they'll have like Binho tabletop soccer. At least 3K board games are released each year, but only certain ones hit store shelves. Ryan's tried to create a few of his own.
(31:12) When he's not working his day job or playing games (its own ministry), Ryan has been the lead pastor for a dozen years at their home-based Awaken Community Church. He is a certified minister through the Assemblies of God. How are churches changing? How does their Tuesday services look different than a traditional church? We dig into loving our neighbors well, being an authentic Christian, finding a church where you can be challenged and grow.
(42:05) Gaming also helps his marriage to Erin. He explains how. They do a YouTube show together: https://www.youtube.com/oneboardfamily.
And Ryan stays busy with passions, which include podcasting longer than I have, including his "Will It Game?": https://open.spotify.com/show/7cfVjanPR7Vsdh0TxzCnEU.
(50:23) Ryan closes us out in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Subscribe/follow for more inspiring and interesting conversations about faith and/or fitness.
#280: Nutritionist & Running Coach Helps You With Food & Training For Your Next Race
It can be a delicate balance between exercise - like long distance running - and nutrition. Are you eating enough? A lot of endurance athletes do not. This week's "Run The Race" guest has some sound advice to help you with food and training plans for your next race, whatever distance it is.
(2:44) Registered dietician nutritionist (RDN) and personal trainer and certified ultramarathon running coach Todd Reinkemeyer of Georgia helps us dig into proper fueling for your performance goals before and during races. We start with what to eat during training, the timing of it, and pre-race nutrition for half marathons vs. 26.2 miles and ultras. You can get 1-on-1 help from him too: https://www.offtrailcoaching.com/
(13:26) How much should you take in DURING that long race? He's got some numbers to help prevent "bonking." We also talk specific foods that can be fun or forced during longer distances (Todd loves burritos, breakfast sandwich, mashed potatoes in those ultra marathons).
(25:41) A lot of runners are chronically UNDERFUELING. Keeping your weight down to be faster can have negative affects, he says, but we should focus on everyday healthy eating habits. How do we know the right amount of calories to eat? Todd has some answers.
(38:05) Todd may have been undertrained for his first full marathon, but he's learned and wants to help others with training plans to succeed. We discuss advantages to hiring a coach for nutrition and running - which includes accountability and adaptability. (48:18) And like me, he's trying to complete marathons in 50 states, his next one being BOSTON. Todd is also the keynote speaker the night before the Bootlegger 100 race (with lower distance races too) in Flovilla GA on March 28: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=103737.
(59:15) I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening! Follow or subscribe to this podcast and tell others about it. Happy running and eating!
#279: Police Officer Turned Minister Helps Us "Reach One Heart At A Time"
He was a police officer in East Alabama, where he grew up, then Mack Ballard got a new call from God. Now, for more than four decades, he's been a minister and missionary and chaplain for the Opelika Police Department. And he just wrote his first book - helping us better be able to witness to others - called "One Heart At A Time: Simplifying Outreach For the Body of Christ." https://www.amazon.com/One-Heart-Time-Simplifying-Outreach/dp/1257028081.
(3:30) Chaplain Mack is open about his chaotic and troubled childhood...seeing difficult things as a policeman...God saving him and being on fire for the Lord.
(19:04) Along with his calling to write multiple books, we dive into his journey from law enforcement to chaplain for those in the dangerous jobs.
(28:02) His book focuses on BEING Witnesses, as it says in the Bible, not doing witnessing...and praying for God to open doors for that...and advice for others who may not think they can talk to strangers about the Lord. Mack has stories!
(35:02) He also did ministry in places like Russia, India, Mexico where their spiritual lives are much different...places where he learned a lot about outreach.
(45:15) God has also told Chaplain Mack to REFIRE not Retire. At any age, we can learn from his tidbits on telling others about Jesus and not focusing on meeting so-called church standards.
(49:14) And my guest closes us out in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Tell others about it, listen to past episodes on faith and fitness, leave a review on Apple.
#277: Father's Faith After Human Trafficking Of Daughter Keeps Giving Hope & Healing
Being a parent is difficult, at times, but imagine if your 19-year-old daughter was a victim of sex crimes. That's what faced this week's podcast guest, a father who talks about how crucial his faith in God was in this disturbing situation, theirs being the 1st human trafficking case prosecuted in Georgia/USA involving an adult survivor. I will be moderating a special panel discussion on Thursday, February 26 in Columbus GA with Keith Cooper, his daughter/survivor Rachel Thomas, and the detectives who also advocated for her, the Micah's Promise "Luncheon Celebrating the Promise of Hope and Healing": https://www.micahspromise.org/events/5th-annual-luncheon-celebrating-the-promise-of-hope-and-healing.
(4:04) Now 70-yr-old Keith Cooper talks about what happened to his daughter and what the Lord revealed to him about unconditional love, with timing that prevented her suicide. He is vulnerable about how his Christian faith was tested and how God is using his daughter now to help trafficking survivors all over the nation. There are also details in the book they co-authored "Rachel's 5 Miracles": https://www.amazon.com/Rachels-Miracles-Fathers-Daughter-Trafficking/dp/B0CXQWRCRM.
(16:41) He has advice for other parents going through traumatic times, choosing the Lord instead of evil temptations, Bible verses that were instrumental in their situation, and the relationships of fathers/daughters.
(33:10) Keith and I dive into those words HOPE and HEALING, in the title of our event later this month...what he hopes people get from our panel discussion...also getting past bitterness/anger to blessedness quick...also the importance of being open about the messy things in life to prevent crimes, save lives.
(50:50) We close out our chat with his focus on physical health, eating well, walking daily - which is spiritual for him. (54:30) And Keith closes our episode out in prayer. Thanks for listening. Subscribe to the podcast and share #RunTheRace with others.
#276: Sled Dog Racing + Winningest Musher In The World, With The Iditarod in Alaska Soon
The 54th running of one of the biggest sports events in the world, The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race (54th running), begins with a ceremonial start in Anchorage on March 7, led by this week's guest on the "Run The Race" podcast. Jeff King is known as the "winningest musher in the world," having won the 1,049-mile very challenging Iditarod four times (1993, 1996, 1998, 2006). Now he and his family lead "Husky Homestead" in Denali National Park where they train dogs that will compete in that race and teach people from all over the world about these sled dogs: https://huskyhomestead.com/.
(3:11) Jeff King breaks down the Iditarod Trail Race and this sled dog sport and the beauty of Alaska, comparing it to what Nashville is to country music. There are amazing numbers about food and number of dogs used and the 22 checkpoints in this race that takes 10-20 days. You can follow along next month: https://iditarod.com/.
(15:45) What kind of training and fitness helps for the mushers/people on the sled? Jeff says biggest parts to deal with are strategy (like a coach) and sleep deprivation. He also digs deeper into the dogs being the amazing athletes here, the wild amounts they eat during the Iditarod (10,000 calories every 24 hours), how much more sleep they get than the musher, and being in awe of what these Alaskan Huskies can do.
(31:55) The wild weather can have big impacts on sled dog racing and the more than 1,000 mile trail used for the Iditarod. And how did Jeff get into sled dogs and the Iditarod? (41:55) He shares memories about winning that huge race, 4 times, including being the oldest to do so at age 50.
(49:00) And now there's a legacy of his family carrying on this tradition, how they're training dogs and exposing tourists to their state and to this unique sport. Jeff also discusses the beautiful and spiritual aspects of being on the sled with these dogs in Alaska. After our chat, I share about some meaningful races, including one for me soon, also in the snow. And I close the episode out in prayer.
#275: Poet & Military Officer Finding Faith and Hope Amidst "The Spurs Of Service"
An Army officer on Fort Benning, who's seen plenty of difficult things during his almost 15 years of deployments and training, has been writing poems for the last few years and has now released a more than 100-page book of that poetry called "The Spurs of Service," hoping to inspire others to share their emotions, and save lives after he experienced two friends killed in Afghanistan and one soldier under his command commit suicide. He's also a man of God wanting to help others find faith and hope.
(2:42) MAJ Jake Kelly and I sat down to talk about that book, the purpose of it, the different chapters, how it's already helping wounded warrios and the fallen comrades that inspired the project.
(14:20) We also chatted about his faith journey that includes a portion of the book about God bringing peace in his life, along with the traumatic health challenges for their daughter. (23:11) Why did he join the Army and how is he helping modernize the military for the future? Military families also sacrifice a lot, but he says they deserve just as much as what you do in uniform.
(32:53) Something to inspire you, Jake explains the meaning behind a mentor's motto "Get Better Every Day" and (38:22) hear his take on why it's Not about balance between your job/Army and being a family man, but instead surges and timing.
(43:01) I got talented poet MAJ Kelly to read part of one of his poems "By The Glow Of The Fire." You can purchase "The Spurs of Service" at https://sawdustpublishing.com/product/the-spurs-of-service/?v=0b3b97fa6688.
I also read another of his poems...then close out the episode in prayer. Make sure to subscribe to the "Run The Race" podcast, tell others about it, write a quick review on Apple, and listen to any previous 274 episodes from the last 6+ years at https://www.wtvm.com/podcasts/.
#274: Avid Runner, Life Coach, Army Veteran Helping You Succeed At Goals - Big and Small
After 20 years in the US Army, our latest guest on the "Run the Race" podcast continues to be an avid long distance runner and is now a life coach - helping you meet your small and big goals, maybe ones you made for 2026.
(2:12) Retired Staff Sgt. Laurie Miorana in Columbus GA - who has a civilian job on Fort Benning - talks about those New Year's "resolutions," why people fail and how you can succeed! That includes some hints on losing weight and saving money.
(10:25) She had some dangerous close calls during 3 deployments to Iraq, thankful to God and her training, learning a lot about leadership and discipline/structure/planning from her Army career. What kind of leader or example do you want to be for others? Laurie wants to help others live their best life, including fellow Army vets.
(18:00) She loved running even before the military, but being a soldiers taught her how to be an even better athlete. We also talk about the farthest she's run...her favorite races...and the rewards of being involved with Team RWB, keeping vets physically active in a community instead of isolated: https://teamrwb.org/.
(29:30) Married to an "Army brat," she and John have a great relationship because they are both very focused on being fit and helping others - including volunteering at races and cheering on fellow runners through success/injuries/adversity.
(34:46) Laurie breaks down what life coaches do, how it's different than counseling, common obstacles for meeting your goals, being disciplined, and how you can sign up for an exploratory session with her before signing up for a 3-9 month package of "Better Together Life Coaching": https://paperbell.me/better-together.
After some steps to live your best life, I close the episode out in prayer. Thanks for listening! Make sure to subscribe to "Run the Race" for more inspiration on fitness and faith. Tell others about the podcast too.
#273: God Using Radio Legend Bear O'Brian, After Cancer & Major Heart Surgery
He's been on the radio for more than 40 years, many of those in the Columbus GA area! His voice and name (and face) make him a local celebrity. And he's outspoken about his love for Jesus! Back on air after a scary battle with cancer and open heart surgery, Bear O'Brian (real name is Wade Collier) opens up about his struggles and tells radio/life stories as the latest guest on the "Run The Race" podcast that you hopefully will/do subscribe to.
(2:30) We start with how Bear got his nickname, being a role model, putting God on the backburner when he had radio success, and a breakthrough moment of faith (at an Iowa hotel, when he was a traveling comedian) that changed his life.
(9:33) Is he allowed to talk about his Christian faith on the radio? Bear gets emotional when talking about what a listener told him in Montgomery about God using him. And this broadcaster's been doing the daily "Inspiration of the morning" for close to 30 years: https://bearsinspirations.homestead.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPL_H1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtSnU1VHJMNzJlRlZjNkhuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHg9JydtRhshgck1MKzL3mTt0o_s0MXHDzSz2IXQbnnisoES0SttVpo_Oc-Sk_aem_hJPbb0f7ZC-3pVMTAXQwng
(21:17) Back on air a month+ ago, Bear talks about how his heart and cancer challenges began. He gave his fear over to God before what ended up being an 18 hour quadruple bypass heart surgery. How important was his faith through the health scares which included 6 rounds of chemo to get rid of his non Hodgkins lymphoma cancer? God holding his hand and not letting go! (31:31) And after doing his radio show from home, he finally gets to go back into the renovated studio soon.
(35:30) Losing 72 pounds amidst the cancer/heart problems, the wakeup call his Bear wanting to walk more and eat good enough to not gain that weight back. Part of that involves seasonings.
(40:16) His radio career started in 1978, through several southeastern states, but what's kept him in this business this long? He also transformed from a party guy to a DJ that does it God's way now. He gives some tricks of how he's so personal on air...and answers what his future in radio may look like, a job he loves, blessed to have many that listen. I close out the episode in prayer.
#272: Married Couple Leading Revolution Running & Helping You Meet Goals In 2026
With this episode coming out on New Year's Eve, time to start working on those 2026 goals! This week's "Run the Race" podcast guests, a couple in Columbus GA, can help you with those "resolutions" or whatever you want to call them. They are the leaders and race directors for REVOLUTION RUNNING, that puts on around 10 races eacg year in different parts of Georgia.
(4:20) John (JP) and Jenna Pollard talk about making small or big goals for the new year and have advice for succeeding, which includes giving yourself grace. They also found a love connection with each other through running, getting married 4 years ago. And now, they run together essentially every day at 5am.
(16:42) Starting Revolution Running about 17 years ago, JP talks about the name and they both discuss what it takes to direct a race, creating fun courses for runners on trails and roads. (22:50) Signing up for a race also creates motivation or accountability. They talk about some deadlines on January 1st (tomorrow) for a groundhog hoodie and price increases on other races. Here's more info on their events and how to sign up: https://revolutionrunning.net/.
Along with getting to see people emotional at the finish line, (32:12) these married race directors also see tough times for runners and have dealt with injuries themselves too, like IT band. It's also a balancing act with these running events, bring married and parents and full-time jobs.
(41:25) We close out our pod chat with some insight on the iconic Western States 100 which JP has run and which Revolution Running is helping you get into. Jenna's favorite race is in Huntsville AL. (46:50) We also chat a bit about the mental clarity that running can bring you, a reset. (52:40) I close out the last podcast episode of 2025 with prayer. Thanks for listening! Subscribe and share "run the race" with others!
#270: Former Georgia & NFL Player Jordan Jenkins Helping Veterans & Staying Fit After Football
After being a football star for Harris County High and the University of Georgia, Jordan Jenkins was drafted into the NFL almost a decade ago. (4:44) Fast forward to now, an injury forced him out of the sport and he's helping veterans in his hometown - after growing up being the son of an Army Sgt major. As the latest guest on our podcast, Jordan Jenkins talks about that charity effort...UGA football...being in pro sports...transitioning from pro athlete to real estate and still working out....military vets' mental health struggles...being back home, and more.
(7:50) Jenkins, who had 22+ sacks in 5 years with the NY Jets, talks about the current Dawgs in the College Football Playoff...the changes in the sport including NIL and tough practices. He also gives us new info on almost playing at Alabama, where Coach Kirby Smart was back then. And a torn ACL ended his ride with the Las Vegad Raiders.
(15:38) The former outside linebacker opens up about a rough end to his NFL career, then what he does for fitness and mental health post-football, with (20:57) God also opening doors for him in real estate and helping others through his new nonprofit "Harboring Change."
(26:20) Growing up as an "Army brat" that moved around a lot, Jenkins is sensitive to what former soldiers go through, wanting to give them a second chance. He bought and donated 2 houses in Columbus GA to the Plummer Home nonprofit that provides transitional housing to vets that have dealth with life-altering challenges like homelessness, addiction, and/or prison. More info: https://theplummerhome.org/
(33:21) He calls the Harris County and Columbus area "home." What's it like for him to watch football when he's off the field? And he doesn't miss the pain of being in the NFL. (39:35) I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Make sure to subscribe and share it with others, for more inspiring stories of fitness and faith.
#269: Evangelism And Ebeneezer Experience With Pastor/Actor Joe Phillips For The Holidays
You know the holiday classic Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Story" - with Scrooge at the center. A longtime evangelist and Columbus GA native has been playing that role for a decade now in "The Ebeneezer Experience." Pastor Joe Phillips took a break from the shows and sermons to join me on the podcast to also talk about using comedy to spread the Gospel...how his rough childhood and God whispers and basketball led him into ministry...what it's like being a traveling evangelist...hiking hundreds of miles on the Appalachian Trail and up a mountain out West, for his nonprofit ministry...and more.
(2:20) Joe Phillips talks about the fast-pace show where he plays Ebeneezer Scrooge, then building a bridge from that character/story to the Gospel. The production has been seen by 52,000 people in more than 50 cities in a dozen states - with more than 19,000 making decisions for Christ. More than a "church play," it's a quality production they'll be performing this Sunday December 7 in Zebulon GA then several more places in Georgia and Alabama before Christmas. More on "Ebeneezer Experience" and going to it for free: https://www.joephillipsministries.com/the-ebenezer-experience
(16:03) We talk a little about churches using production or entertainment and comedy to reach people. Joe has long been part of a Christian comedy duo with Lee McBride.
(23:32) Given up at age 3 by his mentally ill biological mom, Pastor Joe opens up about his childhood, hearing the Holy Spirit (like a ghost in the Scrooge story) in a GA night club, getting a bank loan to fulfill dream of college, playing basketball, and being called into ministry while with his team. God uses sports too!
(34:55) To keep his non-profit Joe Phillips Ministries (JLM) afloat, he walked 100 miles on the Appalachian Trail to raise money for the ministry. He added more miles each year, then he discusses another fitness challenge recently: climbing 12,000 foot high Mt. Adams in Seattle with am ice axe and a friend. The hiking helped him learn a valuable lesson about negative vs positive self-talk.
(43:08) After being a youth pastor for 15 years, what's it like as an evangelist? It's about grace. Joe also just wrote his 5th book "Irrevocable" - hoping to turn it into a stage show they can do year-round. He's also done a film called "Aren't You Somebody?" about human trafficking. (56:00) Joe closes our episode out in prayer...then leaves us with a laugh, a story that involves a bathroom break and wrong turn on the Appalachian Trail.
Thanks so much for listening to the "Run the Race" podcast, focused on faith and fitness. Subscribe and tell others about it!
#268: Crowder - In GA On Tour - Raps With Us About Christian Music Popularity, His Songs, Grace & Glory
A popular singer shares a lot about faith, his songs, and their current Grace & Glory Tour on our “Run The Race” podcast. Nationally known Contemporary Christian artist David Crowder aka CROWDER joined me via Zoom. He will be in concert this Sunday night 7pm at the Columbus (GA) Civic Center, along with more big names Zach Williams and Matt Maher on stage. They call it country grit meets front-porch gospel, with roof-raising praise!
(4:29) David Crowder (solo artist name "Crowder") is up walking again after breaking his leg months ago, but he talks about a collaboration with fellow injured Christian artist Forrest Frank on "The Rock." How will the injury impact him on this tour? And he describes his genre of music as "sweet tea and gasoline."
(10:35) As for the origins of his music career, it started where he grew up in Texas and went to school at Baylor, being on stage for a church start there. Now, they've lived in Atlanta for more than a decade.
(14:09) Crowder gives insight on what songs are hitting on this tour and his favorite part, right before going on stage, as he hopes the audience feels that grace is available and God is pursuing them. How does he come up with the lyrics for these songs? Part of it is being broken.
(18:30) And with his big success as a singer, what keeps him grounded is his wife and a normal life back home, including rooting on the Georgia Dawgs. Crowder also answers why Christian music is growing in popularity, the authenticity of it, what listeners are looking for. And there's all ages in the diverse audience for his concerts, including one again this Sunday in Columbus GA. Tickets are still available: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E0062B48C7F1A4F
Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.
#265: Raven In Real Life Interviews Me...About TV Career, Faith, Running, Family
I'm in the hot seat for this one, as I play for you Raven Fairbanks' interview of me on her "Raven In Real Life" lifestyle show/podcast. Before that...a quick recap of my first time running the ATH Half Marathon through Athens GA and the University of Georgia campus with my son, who's a senior at UGA.
(6:25) This is a chance for you to get to know more about your "Run the Race" host. Raven asks me about my now 27-year TV news career...how it started, telling important stories, weaving my faith walk through my career as an anchor/reporter...entertaining as a broadcaster...famous people like Presidents I've interviewed...going through Army basic training, etc.
(17:00) We also discuss the origins of this podcast I've been producing/hosting the last 6 years. (20:13) And yes, Raven wanted to know why and how I run so much, the start of that fitness journey to now trying to run marathons in all 50 states. It's partly because of my love for food and being healthy!
(26:22) We close out with how my amazing wife has saved my life...and a few life lessons I shared with "Raven in Real Life" including advice about running shoes and training.
Check out her show at https://www.facebook.com/rirlllc/ or search Raven Fairbanks on Facebook and other social media.
#264: From Military To The Ministry, Army War Vet Preaches & Teaches Biblical Leadership
After a nearly 14 year Army career, being a leader most of that, this combat vet is leading in a new way - as an associate pastor and leadership coach in Columbus GA. We talk about what he learned in the Afghanistan War...why health concerns ended his time in the military...getting the call from God...what football taught him about being a leader...and co-hosting a podcast based in the Bible.
(2:30) Jekiel (Jay) Bishop dives into why he joined the Army, mentoring younger soldiers, and seeing gruesome things in combat in the Middle East.
The paratrooper-turned pastor (10:27) also discusses on the podcast what serving his country taught him about faith and himself, telling us "God used the Army to prepare me for ministry." How did chaplains help him get through what he saw in combat? 6 blood clots, some after COVID vaccines, led to God showing him it was time to end his Army career. In some of his last months in uniform, this Infantryman also gave his life to the Lord, then came the Call into ministry. Jay Bishop has now been an Associate Pastor at Church on the Trail in Columbus GA. He talks about the different between being a faith leader and Army leader.
(24:50) We talk about his leadership lessons from coaching youth football - as a teen when he was also playing, eventually taking the field in junior college football. (28:25) As the founder of Shepherd's Way Leadership, he points to Jesus and a lot of people in the Bible as examples of servant leaders! We also chat about listening...and the differences between leading tough and caring for the people you lead.
(37:17) He now co-hosts the "Black White and the Red Letters" podcast with Pastor Ed Grifenhagan: https://www.facebook.com/blackwhiteandtheredletterspodcast. We talk about what's next for him and what he teaches through the Shepherd's Way business: https://www.shepherdswayleadership.com/
(47:57) And Pastor Jay closes our episode in prayer. Make sure to subscribe to "Run The Race," tell others about it, rate and review it on Apple and Spotify. Thanks for listening!
#262: Called to Bring Hope & Electric City Life to Columbus GA, While Staying Sober
She's an Uptown girl (in Columbus GA) and the founder, leader of an online magazine and platform called "Electric City Life" for more than a decade. Through it, she promotes positive things happening in the community - local events, music, films, more. Jacy Jenkins is also on a new journey of sobriety and faith.
(2:29) Jacy says she's not an alcoholic but has done plenty of social drinking, but now she's been sober, no alcohol for more than 7 months now. Why did she make that choice? She explains what it has to do with clarity, God, joy, family loss, and today's culture.
(17:49) After graduating from UGA, Jacy felt called to inner city Los Angeles where she helped at The Dream Center, the umbrella for 200 ministries and an opportunity to meet a lot of celebrities. There are 2 big lessons she learned there. Then, from Compton back to Columbus GA, she saw rapid revitalization in the Fountain City and a new culture, with whitewater rafting as the catalyst.
(27:18) Feeling the tug to promote the positive parts of her hometown, Jacy created "Electric City Life" to be a cheerleader, uplift, help with synergy, giving people a place in the culture, being part of solutions: https://www.facebook.com/electriccitylife/.
The name itself, she says, has a spiritual meaning too, as she talks about the electricity of God and us and authenticity. Their newest endeavior is telling inspiring raw stories on video called "Hope Dealers."
(39:12) Jacy also gets vulnerable in talking about being turned off by the church because of politics and polarization, but giving it a chance again. She's back in church, still asking a lot of questions, but very recently losing a friend to drugs has been a wakeup call. All this while she continues operating her platform to bring people together and create community.
#261: Dir of Largest Christian Humanitarian Org Halting Long Walks for Water, As She Runs Marathons for Team World Vision
She's the national director of the world's largest Christian humanitarian organization that's been helping people in poverty for 75 years, across 100 different countries. And later this week, this mom and recent cancer survivor is running the Berlin Marathon for the cause...while I'm training now to run the NYC Marathon this fall for Team World Vision too!
(3:20) Lyndsey Dean Ratchford aka "LDR" leads Team World Vision. During her more than a dozen years with the organization, she's personally raised $250,000 to help bring clean water to more than 4,000 people. We start with her journey to running and TWV that started back in college, with she and a friend healing from failed relationships. 6 years ago, she took on the national dir role for the largest non-governmental supplier of water in the world, all in the name of Jesus.
(9:23) LDR also saw the struggle for herself, walking with two moms in North Kenya, an 8 hour and 11 mile roundtrip - that journey featured in a new documentary "Long Walk For Water" being shown soon at film festivals. (19:40) She also touches on the Biblical principals of the nonprofit...how generosity is the currency of the Kingdom of God...and how Jesus showed us the power of relationships. TWV has showed her how everyday people can do extraordinary things through the power of God, including hard things - like running a marathon.
(25:55) She's about to run her 5th full marathon for this charity, her first being Los Angeles in 2014. She talked about her favorites that include the NYC Marathon (she's got some tips) which I will be running this November 2 with Team World Vision. Here's how you can support me and the cause with a child sponsorship: https://www.teamworldvision.org/participants/423982.
(32:09) We also discuss the differences in spiritual fundraising...what sponsoring a child for $39/month really does...how our Christian values play into this giving...how TWV spends money you donate, including the strategic plans of how to solve the global clean water crisis. Here's more on the organization: https://www.teamworldvision.org/home
(44:50) Last year at age 42, LDR also battled breast cancer and has a God story about her cancer doctor who ran the same London Marathon she/husband did in 2024. Now cancer free, she's grateful for things that got her through a horrendous year: faith, family, and fitness. And you can still support LDR, almost at her fundraising goal for the Berlin Marathon: https://www.teamworldvision.org/participants/Lyndsey-DeaneRatchford-2024
(51:33) We wrap the podcast episode up with how fitness intertwines with her/our faith walk. Can we hear God better when we're moving? LDR also closes us out in prayer.
#260: Military Historian Running Two Kinds of Events - Marathons & Vietnam War Panels
After a recap of my 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb - going up 2200 stairs alongside first responders and others in memory of the firefighters that died in the September 11 attacks - we talk another very pivotal event for our nation: the Vietnam War and special events this week and beyond in Columbus GA on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.
(7:55) But first, military historian and Columbus State University professor Dr. Dave Kieran talked with me about his fitness habits outside the classroom and away from the studies of history. He's run 4 full Ironmans and 24 full marathons. Why does he and his wife get up 5am most mornings to exercise? What are his favorite races so far? And this history junkie also has found running through a big city is the best way to see it.
(24:03) Dr. Kieran's passion for teaching and military and history was prompted, in part, by one of the greatest track coaches of all-time, also his HS english teacher Hal Croft in PA, who was also a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran. He shares stories about this demanding mentor and also how that conflict resonates with his generation too.
(35:35) This professor and author of several books - like "Signature Wounds" about soldiers mental health amidst Middle East wars - also describes how history gives us an important perspective.
(45:18) With April 2025 marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, his school CSU is hosting 6 free events over the next 8 months to help deepen the understanding of that war's impact, starting with a lecture from an expert on Thursday evening September 11: https://events.columbusstate.edu/#events/tag/Hallock.
Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.
#259: Sgt "Big Country" Goes From Losing Leg To Pro Para Athlete, From Army to Adaptive Sports
A decade after injuries ended his Army career, a man known as “SGT Big Country” is succeeding in adaptive sports – with parts of his legs missing – and placing 3rd at track and field nationals recently in seated disc throw, while a documentary about his inspiring journey will be streaming soon.
(2:38) Disabled veteran and Pro Para athlete Brian Conwell took a break from training and hopped on our podcast to talk about the major crash, dark days/years of depression that followed and teaching himself to walk again…
(9:13) what the military taught him about resilience and fitness, as he overcame news from doctors and misconceptions of disability…
(13:51) his adaptive sports journey that could land him on Team USA in the Paralympics, including competing against the best this summer in Oregon, what his average training days look like in the gym and with throwing coach…
(22:40) being determined and pushing past limitations, inspiring others in the process and how he hopes to get a lot of other disabled veterans involved in sports through his nonprofit “Veterans Battlegrounds” with a sanctioned competition featuring a dozen+ sports planned for 2028: https://vbgg.org/.
SGT “Big Country” Conwell also talked about making that comeback with prosthetics after the wreck, plus (35:00) what he learned from the Army about resilience, values, hard work, leadership that’s helped him to get where he is today. See more of him in action: https://www.instagram.com/sgtbigcountry/?hl=en.