Run The Race

Former lawyer, judge and traveling musician...now tree farmer and author of the national bestselling book "Theo of Golden," Allen Levi and I sat down on two logs in the woods of his property in Hamilton GA for a wide-ranging discussion...about his first novel, a love for the outdoors, the Biblical influence on his writing, how we can show kindness to others like the "Theo in you," a future movie and 2nd book in Golden, and more! (4:07) As the son of a forester, Allen stays grounded in his small town and working in the woods by himself. Plants, flowers, trees are all through the Theo book. God's beauty around us inspires the novels and songs he writes! (15:07) Faith in God also direct's Allen Levi's life and writing. We discuss his church upbringing, starting his walk with Christ after encountering believers at the University of Georgia, the theology behind Theo, talking to muslims about Jesus, and how we can Love our Neighbors like Christ instead of trying to go viral. We also had a leaf join in on the conversation, reminding Allen of a song. (26:00) What does it mean to find the "Theo in all of us" or his inscription "With Thanks for the Theo in you"? He explains 2 reasons that are connected to the image of God and being loved by Him regardless. (30:44) The popularity of his first novel - that's sold nearly 4 million copies in America - bringing people to West Georgia but also sparking legit talks to turn "Theo of Golden" into a movie. He updates us on that and Tom Hanks connected to the project. Allen is also proud the book has brought people from all over America to Columbus GA (creative book clubs) and brought attention to his friend, artist Gary Pound, who's pencil drawings inspired the Theo premise. (40:25) The next novel could be coming! Allen opens up about the story focused on Ellen of Golden, calling it a prequel and sequel. And as a singer-songwriter with 20 albums out, could there be new music in the future too? (48:40) His novel's main character is all about generosity and people being seen, so is that joy contagious. Allen lists some simple things we can all do to show kindness to others (54:34) He also closes out chat in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Make sure to subscribe/follow and share with others, as we continue our weekly conversations about faith and/or fitness. With thanks for the Theo in you!

Casie Dring wears a lot of hats: mom of 3, photographer, volunteer firefighter, youth sports coach, and Director of the Tunnel To Towers 5k happening in Preston GA on Saturday November 7. She talks on the podcast about her fitness journey...movement as medicine...mobility exercises...giving yourself grace, not excuses...and this 3.1 mile run (and donut dash for kids) happening in rural GA that you can sign up for now: Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Preston, GA. (2:25) She talks about the meaning behind Tunnel To Towers, started to honor the 343 first responders who died on September 11, and the benficiary of this 5K in Preston, an hour from Columbus GA. How do they spend the money? She talks about the several ways they help heroes around the nation. (13:21) As for exercise...Casie is open about being discouraged after organized sports ended, taking breaks, alternatives to the gym, parallels between fitness and faith. (20:01) There's also mental health and functional movements and the WHY of these challenges. (25:56) How beneficial is mobility work and yoga for your body? Accountability from friends, she says, is a big helper too to get out of your comfort zone and competing at any age! (36:40) Casie also addresses finding time for your own health and exercise as a busy mom or dad, being a consistent example for your kids.  (43:53) She also converts "Moments to Memories" with her longtime photography business. We close out our chat with more on the T2T 5K on the first Saturday in November...from badges of 9/11 victims and medals for participants...to people coming to rural Georgia for not just the race but a weekend full of music and family-friendly fun! Ending the pod in prayer, we appreciate you listening! Subscribe, follow, and share "Run The Race" with others.

We've co-anchored the main evening newscasts together for nearly two decades. My friend and Emmy-winning journalist Barbara Gauthier is this week's guest on the "Run The Race" podcast, opening up about her journey as a now breast cancer survivor. We also discuss the power of prayer and exercise and community, amidst having a stressful TV news job where we report on tragedies. (3:00) 1 in 8 women in America get breats cancer. Waverly Hall GA native Barbara breaks down the shock and emotions from her diagnosis of stage 1 breast cancer - the day after Christmas - and questions she asked herself + God. We also chat about her treatment (a lot of radiation), if she felt sick, the amazing medical team, and ringing the bell at the John B. Amos Cancer Center in Columbus.  (15:09) Taking control of our own health! A cancer doctor tells Barbara that 150 minutes of exercise per week can play a big role in reducing chances for cancer or it coming back. My co-anchor takes that to heart and wants women to make sure you get regular mammograms, especially after age 40. Barbara delaying hers almost meant a worse battle with cancer. Was it her fault? What about drinking? There are some misconceptions there. Now, she feels God may have "chosen" her to go through this because of a platform as a public figure to make others more aware about breast cancer. (30:50) Her 35+ years in TV news with daily deadlines has lead to Barbara praying more because of what we see and report on, sometimes bringing us to tears off air and finding ways to de-stress. That may include some new sports for her soon. And as a new mom, she also lost a lot of sleep reporting on the Oklahoma City bombing for months. (40:30) As a TV news anchor in the public eye, Barbara also gets to lead events and be on boards for local causes she cares about, along with her Harris County church!  Thanks for listening to Run The Race, which I close out each week in prayer. Subscribe and tell others about it, as we continue inspirational chats about fitness and/or faith!  

I work with them on a daily basis, but it's different now. They are now marathon finishers! WTVM-ABC news producer Abbie Bullock and digital content producer Daniel Etherton - both Auburn University graduates who are from Alabama - ran their first marathons earlier this month in Hoover AL. I was glad I could be there to cheer them on. Bravo, friends! (3:20) In my 2nd podcast episode featuring co-workers, Abbie and Daniel recap WHY they decided to sign up for the 26.2 mile race...the training that included being discouraged and injuries...and how the running connects with their faith in God. (13:18) Having a complicated relationship with food and exercise and feeling like she's not enough, Abbie enjoyed the fun of eating things like Pop Tarts before runs...and at a deeper level, she let go of her struggles with perfection...and allowed weakness to bring more of a big God in, through this journey where she discovered a bigger belief in herself! For Daniel, there was a weight loss journey even before the running, where he lost 55 pounds. He also has challenges connected to an autoimmune disease CREST or Limited Scleroderma that causes joint issues...running a marathon now, he says, while he still can and quoting scripture during the race. (23:40) Faith and fitness also help both of them with the stress of working a TV news job and working night shift, leading to less time with family and friends. For Abbie. it also allowed for more time for God and running in the mornings. For Daniel, he has plenty of examples of God's plan being better than ours, including sports opportunities. (33:03) But even for an athlete, the marathon is humbling! This is where we get into their race recap of the BHM 26.2 that has plenty of hills. Abbie said the race was very difficult, but she wasn't going to quit...met new running friends and feeling so rich because of support from family and friends. Daniel didn't smile as much, feeling worse after the first hour. He finished in around 5:11, while it took Abbie 6 hours. (44:20) She also shared memories of another fitness challenge - Abbie and a friend walking 150+ miles in Spain over 9 days as part of the Camino de Santiago, a spiritual pilgrimmage. And Daniel touches on loving God, not because of scare tactics. I close out the pod in prayer. Thanks for listening! Share this episode with others. Make sure to follow, subscribe to "Run The Race" as we continue talking about fitness and faith with inspiring people like Daniel and Abbie.

It's taken more than a decade for me to finish 26.2 mile races in 44 states so far. The latest trip took me out West to the Plains and Big Sky country. What's it like running 3 marathons in 3 days in 3 different states? I recap that triple fitness challenge, plus seeing sights like Mount Rushmore and the geographical "Center of the Nation." This latest episode of "Run the Race" takes you inside those races in South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana...training that included an injury...plane travel...friendly faces from "mainly marathons"...food I ate before/during/after these 3 marathons...in-race challenges like winds and hills and loop repeats ans fatigue...music to entertain me/others...repping my home city and a military nonprofit...cold/hot recovery...plus, and most important, God giving me strength to do all this. I also mention some real Montana moments on my way home, along with a pit stop before home in Alabama to see 2 co-workers run their very first full marathons...closing out the pod ep in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Follow, like, subscribe to the show! Tell others about it. Write a review on Apple Podcasts. Be safe and happy running!