Kevin, a native of Ballston Spa, NY is a man of Christian faith and soon…oh so soon to be married to Melinda.

Early on Kevin earns an NCCAA Indoor All-American status as part of the Cedarville University’s (OH) distance medley relay team.

After graduation, Kevin heads to D-II University of Central Missouri where he:

• Helps coach the women's team to the 2021 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) indoor championship, 
• Earns MIAA Women's Indoor Coaching Staff of the Year honors. And….
• Coaches two athletes to individual championships, collecting the 2021 MIAA 5000-meter and 3000-meter steeplechase titles.

 Fairly new to LeTourneau, Kevin builds a strong, caring, and focused work ethic, achieving early success that includes (in part): 

• Winning a Men's Conference XC Title (ASC, 2024) and along with that earning a Conference Coach of the Year Award. And…
• Prepping his Yellow Jacket runners for the arrival of the brand-spankin new Air Dome enclosed indoor 200-meter hydraulic track.

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of our guest, “The Weekday All-American” - Coach Kevin.

Quips and Quotes: 

• “I remember having fun.”
• “He is my brother.” (In reference to Dan Michalski)
• “I need to make money.”
• “Zoom out…get a bigger picture.”
• Psalm 105:4.
• AIA 2019 mission trip to Estonia.
• “They put me with Dan Michalski. Kinda disappointed.” 
• “Body doesn’t know miles only minutes.” Referencing the iconic Mark “Metronome” Misch.
• “Outcomes (times) can grind the student-athlete.”
• “Putting results over the process.” Got to be careful.

Guest Contact:

• E-mail: KevinGideon@letu.edu

Geezer Memory Correction Note: The Nike Pegasus started in 1983. Dr. M’s first shoe in 1979 was not the Nike Pegasus but the Nike Yankee ($29.99). Smooth.

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Dr. Richard “Doc” Brewer, Clinical Psychologist, educator, avid motorcyclist, and former colleague of mine in the often-challenging world of higher education.

Richard is a native of DeKalb, Illinois, married, a father/grandfather and a man of Christian faith.

After a 30+ year run as a professor in higher education, Richard moves into the mental health field, serving as a psychologist at Clark Community Mental Health in Southwest Missouri.

At Clark, he provides psychotherapy, consults and trains and supervises interns. 

In this episode, Richard provides insight into the power and pervasiveness of *orn, asking and answering, in part: 

• What is porn? What is "orn addiction?
• What systems converge to fuel *orn?
• What is the core cause of addiction?
• What’s attachment and intimacy have to do with it?
• What is a theological – pastoral response?
• What is a faith-based recovery model?
• And finally, what is PIED? How can a testosterone-filled athlete experience this?

Meet Dr. Richard Brewer – a good friend and fan of the McNeal family.

Quips and Quotes: 

• “Choosing dopamine over purity” is a lose-lose game.
• "*ornography is hard to define, but I know it when I see it" is a famous phrase coined by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart in his 1964 concurring opinion in Jacobellis v. Ohio. 

Guest Contact:

• Email - sparedbygrace@yahoo.com

Resources:

Every Man's Battle: Winning the War on "exual Temptation: One Victory at a Time. Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker, and Mike Yorkey. 2000. Focuses on providing a biblical and practical strategy for men to overcome *exual temptation, *ornography, and lust to maintain *exual integrity.

Top Faith-Based Recovery Programs:

• Unchained Leader
• 21 Days to Freedom Course
• Unashamed by Grace
• Adult & Teen Challenge
• NuWell Christian Counseling

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Ben resides in the relaxed yet sometimes uptight city of Boulder, CO, using his charisma within sales and marketing at Faraday Construction – specialists in Roofing l Solar l Windows l Additions l and Remodels.

Ben takes his strong and focused work ethic on a multi-year faith and sport journey that includes:

• growing up in the metropolis of Opelika, AL, (ow·puh·lai·kuh) (o-po-like-ah),
• shedding soccer and basketball for running in his early years,
• earning 4 individual state high school running championships and 3 team state championships,
• making it to nationals in the steeplechase in his break-out 5th year at Samford, and finally,
• adulting with several pivotal, post-college vocational decisions. 

Join Ben as he reflects on:

• his early sport years, 
• his D-I collegiate success and challenges,
• his hot tips on the post-college transition,
• his current, curious interest in triathlons, and 
• his God who helps him frame it all and leads him into the next lap of life.

Meet Ben – Don’t Waste Your Time – Garner. 

Quips and Quotes: 

• “Be well balanced. Start early.”
• “Life is to be lived.”
• "Might have been a jerk."
• "Don’t half-ass it!”
• “Take a year off.”
• “Stay healthy the first-year of college. Critical!”

Guest Contact

• Instagram: @ben_garner5

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Austin resides in “The Gateway City,” also known as Laredo, TX, or the “meadow" or "sandy place” and works as a Project Specialist at Schneider Electric.

Austin takes his strong and focused work ethic on a multi-year faith and sport journey: 

• Going to nationals as (surprise) an in-line skater;
• Running competitively at D-II Southwest Baptist University;
• Experiencing deep relational loss;
• Stepping back from faith and apathetically coasting along;
• And finally, pivoting back to his faith after hard reflection on at least one particular question. 

Join Austin as he reflects on:

• his early sport years,
• his D-II collegiate success and challenges 
• his relational loss and its life impact and finally 
• on his spiritual slide and rebound back to God who helps him frame it all and leads him into the next lap of life.

Meet Austin – Take-me-out-to-the-ballgame – the Davy Crockett of South Texas – Haynes.

Quips and Quotes: 

• “What time did I have left?”
• “I did a 720.”
• “Am I wanted?”
• “Got a different view on singleness.”
• “[Lord] I need you more now than ever.”
• Spiritual decline warning signs: (1) unconfessed sin, (2) isolation, (3) intentional coasting.

Guest Contact: 

• Instagram: @_austin_haynes_

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Mason, a native of Somerset, KY is man of Christian faith, married, and a father of one.

Early on Mason serves in sports ministry within the track and field wing of Athletes in Action. After serving as an assistant cross country and track and field coach for John Brown University, Mason -- unlike Dorothy who clicks her heels to RETURN to KS -- Mason clicks his Brooks and heads to the sunflower state for increase coaching responsibilities.

At Sterling, Mason builds a strong, caring, and focused work ethic, achieving success that includes (in part): 

•  coaching five KCAC All-Conference athletes, one NAIA All-American, eight NCCAA All-Americans and two NCAA individual national champions and more than 50 All-Americans…
• coaching a third-place finish at the 2025 NCCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and…finally…
• coaching Kansas winter running survival techniques

Join Mason as he reflects on:

• his early sport years in Somerset, KY, 
• his ups and downs as a D-I collegiate runner,
• his transition from athlete to collegiate coach, and
• his God who helps frame it all and leads him to the finish line.

Quips and Advice: 

• “Making ends meet while figuring it out.”
• “Free to compete.”
• “Don’t find your [true] identity in running.”
• “Find someone to trust in you.”
• “Create margin to hear from the Lord.””

Guest Contact

• E-mail: mason.blevins@sterling.edu
• Website: https://www.scwarriors.com/sports/mtrack-out/index

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Shout out to ALL the athletes who made Coach Mac a better man!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Corey “Coach” McElhaney, Head Cross-Country and Track & Field Coach at Southwest Baptist University, a GLVC D-II school in MO.

Corey, a native of Elgin, Oklahoma is man of Christian faith, married, and a father of two. He is known as avid hunter and fisherman with a Tier-1, certified “Snipe Hunter” certification, chasing those mythical birds, often at night with pillowcases, to the delight of others.

Corey takes his strong, caring, and focused work ethic on a multi-year coaching journey that includes (in part): 

·       coaching two NCAA individual national champions and more than 50 All-Americans

·       earning five conference Coach of the Year awards (4 MIAA, 1 GLVC) 

·       coaching five SBU Hall of Famers

·       receiving the 2023-24 SBU Life Beautiful Award

·       entering the 2025 SBU Athletics Hall of Fame.

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of our guest, Coach McElhaney.

Quips and Advice:

• "I only have my children until they graduate."
• What does it take to be a collegiate coach? A great wife!

 Guest Info & Contact:

Email: cmcelhaney@sbuniv.edu

More Stats:

·       Two-time All-American, Coffeyville Community College

·       Five-time All-MIAA athlete at SBU

·       Regional Women’s Cross-Country Coach of the Year (2015) after his squad garnered the regional championship

·       Five-time conference Coach of the Year (4 MIAA, 1 GLVC) after his squads won five conference championships

·       Six cross-country teams qualified for NCAA National Championships

·       Squads have included five NCAA Elite 90 honorees (athlete with the highest GPA competing at NCAA Nationals)

·       Five CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and one CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year

·       2018-19 women’s cross country tied for highest GPA nationally

·       Coached five SBU Hall of Famers

·       Named 2023-24 SBU Life Beautiful Award Winner

·       2025 SBU Athletics Hall of Fame

·       He and wife Christine have two children, Carlee and Casen.

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Returning to studio 1812 after a long absence is Dylan “$12” Barnum. Educator, husband and father of two. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, a man of faith – a Christian.

Dylan and I go back a few moons. That is, years. Back to his early collegiate, student-athlete running days at a D-II school in MO where he was a MIAA conference champion in the 110-meter hurdles.

To learn more about Dylan check out Podcast Episode #27 entitled – White Shorts Controversy.

In our episode today, Dylan and I reflect on a very serious and personal topic – the anatomy of an affair (marital infidelity).

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of our guest, Mr. Barnum.

Quips and Quotes: 

• “Think long term if a friend you know is in an affair.” It will take time to walk with him or her.
• “I was insane.”
• “God would understand.” (ex. of affair fog thinking).

Personal Warning Signs:

• Unconfessed sin.
• Started with thoughts.
• *orn.
• Keeping secrets.
• Dishonesty.
• Perceived personal and job insecurity.
• Isolated (limited community).
• Demonize spouse.

Marriage Solutions:

Beyond Affairs. https://www.beyondaffairs.com/about. Brian and Anne Bercht. Highly recommended.

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Jordon and I go back a few moons. That is, years. Back to his early collegiate, student-athlete running days at a D-II school in MO.

To learn more about Jordan check out Season One Podcast Episodes 3 and 5 – which is entitled – Middle School to Marines.

In that podcast you hear Jordan reflect on leadership at various stages of his life leading into the Marines.

In this episode, learn what it takes to fly a HELO, survive a six-month Japan deployment, and seek community as a single adult...without losing your mind.

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of our guest, Captain Jordan.

Quips and Quotes: 

• “Enjoy the moment you are in.” Advice to collegiate student-athletes.
• “If not scared, you are a dangerous person.”
• “It’s a deadly, serious business.”
• “Play the long game.”
• “Deal with life and death.”
• “Fear. There is risk in what you are doing. Respect the enemy.”

Quote from episode: 'Let him who cannot be alone beware of community. Let him who is not in community beware of being alone." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 Guest Info & Contact: 

jordan@whitechurchlim.com

Business: https://rankwestern.com/

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Jake is a man of Christian faith, married, and a father of three. Pastor. Musician. And lover of fast cars.

Jake resides in Franklin, TN with his wife and family.

Jake takes his strong, caring, and focused work ethic on a multi-year ministry journey that includes: 

• forming and fronting the rock band “Jonas”; 
• serving as pastor and church planter at several high-profile churches;
• experiencing both deep personal and vocational ministry stress; and finally
• developing two organizations that promote a framework for knowing God, self, and others in a most authentic way.

In this episode, join Jake as he reflects on (1) how he and I meet, (2) the role of mentorship in life and on (3) his most recent venture – Plumline – where Jake focuses, in part, on the spiritual anatomy - heart-mind-soul-strength - of the individual in community. [That includes current and former student-athletes.]

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of my guest and friend, Jake Smith, Jr.

*My nickname for Jake. It comes from the title of one of his four CD releases back in the day entitled: Resembling Leonardo De Vinci Cross Hatching For The Drawing. 2001. https://www.discogs.com/artist/14119948-Jake-Smith-Jr

Quips & Quotes:

• [Don't] “ …regret of the second half of life.”
• “Show up fuller to the race (life).”
• “Be specific what you ask from a mentor. But do ask.”
• “…propose a redefinition of calling.”

Spiritual Anatomy:

• The Heart System | Ensures you connect deeply with others | Loving companion
• The Soul System | Clarifies your true identity and purpose | Visionary guide
• The Mind System | Provides structure and order to life | Strategic overseer
• The Strength System | Empowers you to advance and achieve | Driven warrior

Guest Info & Contact:

• Email: jake@goplumline.com
• Website:https://goplumline.com. Go to bottom of landing page and sign-up for fresh, free resources delivered to you. I highly recommend this offer.
• Instagram: @goplumline 

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Austin is a man of faith, husband to JaiDee, and Captain Pops to two sweet children, both under the age five.

Austin and I go back a few moons. That is, years. Back to his early collegiate student-athlete days at a D-II school in MO.

To learn more about Austin check out Season 1 Podcast Episode #21, which is entitled - “Exo Tes Thyras Ouden.” Out These Doors Nothing.

In that episode, you hear Austin reflect on both his undergraduate student-athlete years and his grand onboarding as an officer in the USMC.

In this episode, Austin advocates for grit, resilience, and faith in life. He reflects on his own recent, rapid life trials and changes: loss of grandmother and mother; job changes; flooded house; fatherhood; and his wife’s recent health trauma.

So, let's get into the head and heart space of Austin Acosta.

Quips and Quotes:

• “Never wish away time.”
• “Skull to the ground.”
• “Find vocation that plays into your strengths.”
• "Trails will continue to arrive."

 Guest Info & Contact: 

austin.acosta@missouri.edu

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Sara resides with her husband, Brent and children on what appears to be a very energetic farm in Boulder, CO.

Sara takes her strong and focused work ethic on a multi-year running journey that includes: 

 ·        Securing several state high school titles in Nebraska.; 

·        gaining All-American status at the University of Colorado; 

·        becoming a parent while a student-athlete in college; 

·        returning to elite-pro level running after her pregnancies; AND

·        optimizing resources that help continue running at the highest level. 

Join Sara as she reflects on (1) her early sport years, (2) her D-I collegiate success and challenges (3) her passion for student-athletes who are parents (4) her continual quest to navigate the many callings in her life  and (6) her God who helps frame it all and leads her into the next mile of the race.

Her response to the question What do you know now that you wish you knew then? may surprise you.

So, let's get into the head and heart space of our guest, Sara Vaughn.

Quips and Quotes:

• "Getting dropped on all runs."
• "Team culture is so important."
• "Thumbs up for Jimmy John's"
• "Hard several years being a student-athlete parent."

Guest Info & Contact:

• World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/sara-vaughn-14325833
• https://saravaughnhomes.com/
• Instagram: @smevaughn
• Email: smevaughn@gmail.com
• https://www.vaughnchildcarefund.org/

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Jeremy and I go back a few moons. That is, years. Back to his early collegiate student-athlete days at a D-II school in MO.

To learn more about Jeremy check out Season 1 Podcast Episodes 6 (his intro) & 23, which is entitled - What is your Dragon? Sense a Calling? Weird Stirrings, Stories, and Spirit Movements. 

In that podcast you hear Jeremy, only a few years into his first career, grappling with vocational meaning and purpose. So what happens?

Let’s find out what decisions go into a 180 degree vocational pivot. Perhaps answering the question, Why go from a comfy, coding cubicle to the somewhat gnarly, highspeed world of Texas law enforcement? 

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of our guest, Jeremy Inman.

Quips and Advice:

• “Family...Faith...Cowboying."
• "Intentional community is important. Seek it!"
• "Always carry your auto insurance card."
• "Create disciplined habits now. You will need them later."

Guest Info & Contact:

Email: rankwestern@gmail.com

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Suggested takeaways:

• Take the trial
• Makes the ask
• Don't waver
• Deeper the trial
• Deeper the ask

Final Stinky Question: What am I really doing in life if I am not living, to an extent, in a state of tension and need? Is this reasonable?

Dr. Scott W. McNeal

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Will and I go back a few moons. That is, years. Back to his early Wile E. Coyote collegiate days at a D-II school in MO.

To learn more about Will – the court jester of coaching – and his more serious side - check out Season 1 Podcast Episodes 2 and 4. 

For now, learn about Will’s slow and somewhat bumpy onboarding into the coaching world. What decisions go into an ultimately West Bound and Down hard CO launch for him and his new and only bride, Taylor?

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of Coach O’Keefe!

Quips and Advice:

• “Wanted…needed…appreciated.” – Coach Martin, Adams State.
• "People may not remember what you said but will remember how you made them feel."
• "Rather sacrifice a win for someone being healthy."

Guest Info & Contact:

Email: wokeefe@adams.edu

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Mark and I go back many years. Way back to his early 2000s collegiate days at a D-II school in MO.

To learn more about Mark engage Season 1 Podcast Episodes 18-20. In one episode you discover that Mark was, in part, the 2018 USTFCCCA XC High School National Coach of the Year.

Not long after that achievement, Marked steps away from scholastic coaching duties. Life gets difficult.

Now he is back coaching and wishes to share what this next coaching assignment means to him and his newbie runners like “Captain K.” and “Freshman Franky.”

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of Stenny!

Quips and Advice:

•  “Don’t implement too much too soon.”
•  “Give me one more year of your life.”
•  “What separates coaches?

 Building culture.

 Play the long game.

 Guest Info & Contact:

Email: drhsrunning@gmail.com

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Jay resides in Colorado Springs, CO where he is an assistant coach at the UCCS (University of Colorado Colorado Springs).

Jay takes his strong and focused work ethic, and he insatiable thirst for facts (relevant or not) on a multi-year sports journey:  

• Running competitively at D-II Southwest Baptist University and Dallas Baptist University;
• Volunteering as coach at Missouri Southern State University;
• And finally, securing an official assistant coach position at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs. 

Shout out to Jay’s world renown boss – Coach Mark “The Metronome” Misch (Season 2, Episode 5).

Join jay as he reflects on (1) his early sport years (he loves baseball), (2) his D-II collegiate success and challenges (3) his deep love for coaching and finally on (6) his God who helps frame it all and leads him into the next lap of life.

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of Jay – The Bearded Wonder – Bandana Boy - Grainger.

Quips and Advice:

• “Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions.”
• “I wish I learned how to relax.”
• Insight: How revive from a "dark night of the soul."

Guest Info & Contact:

Email: jaygrainger9@gmail.com 

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Paul resides with his wife Tamar in sunny California.

Paul takes his strong and focused work ethic on a multi-year running journey:

• Securing numerous high school MD accolades at Logos High School, Moscow, Idaho.
• Gaining All-American statuses at D-I Washington State and dropping a 3:58 mile in his senior year.
• Qualifying and running in the 2021/2024 Olympic trials 1500. 
• Finding an agent, going pro, securing a contract with Adidas. 
• Traveling the world competing.
• Dropping a PR mile time of 3:52:41 in 2022; and finally, like many,
• Considering the landscape of the post pro running world.

Join Paul as he reflects on (1) his early sport years, (2) his D-I collegiate success and challenges (3) his pro career and finally on (6) his God who helps frame it all and leads him into the next lap of life.

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of Paul Ryan – “Let’s Go Baby” - #NoPaulNoParty - Ryan.

Quips and Advice:

Paul gives a charitable perspective on the “Speed Boys” – Paul Ryan, Austen Dalquist, Daniel Michalski, and Brett Meyer.

• “Battle nerves with thanksgiving.”
• “Take time to develop.”
• “Take time to notice people.”

World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/paul-ryan-14651116

Instagram: Pau Ryan (@paulryan1)

LinkedIn: Paul Ryan (Former Pro Track Athlete)

Emai: paul@chilinryan.com

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Brian resides with his wife and family in rural Michigan.

Brian takes his strong and focused work ethic on a multi-year running and professional ministry journey: 

• Developing his early athletic skills at Rockford High School (MI), where his teammate was Dathan "The Razor" Ritzenhein; 
• Succeeding as a D-I XC/T&F student-athlete at Wake Forest University (NC); 
• Following a calling into ministry with AIA (Athletes In Action); 
• Landing a successful long term sports ministry role at University of Wisconsin; 
• Writing his first of two books – The Christian Athlete, and finally
• Relocating himself and family to rural Michigan where he continues sports ministry, writes his second book, and learns the ins and outs of hobby farming. Where pigs rule…and drool. 

Join Brian as he reflects on (1) his early sport years, (2) his D-I collegiate successes and challenges (3) his call into specialized sports ministry (4) his predisposition for prose and finally on (6) his God who helps frame it all and leads him into the next lap of life.

Journey into the head and heart space of Brian Smith.

Quips and Advice:

• “I played defense [in my faith].”
• “Funny guy in the room.”
• “…know the value of stacking small wins on top of each other.”
• “She called me ‘Smithers’.”
• “Let’s get the band together.”
• “I’d much rather have played a ball sport.”
• “The book Desiring God by John Piper. Game changer!”

Guest Info & Contact:

• The Christian Athlete: https://www.thechristianathlete.com/
• Blog: https://www.thechristianathlete.com/blog/
• Away Game: A Christian Parents Guide to Navigating Youth Sports
• https://www.horizonbooks.com/book/9780830788361
• Instagram: Brian Smith (@brianlinsey)
• Email: brian.smith@athletesinaction.org

Audio Correction: Brian ran at Rockford High School (MI) and not Lindsey. Just ask his teammate, Dathan “The Razor” Ritzenhein.

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Quips and Advice: 

“Breathe a bit.”
“Talent finds a way.”
“It’s the Austen show.”
"So hungry for food."
“Stuck my nose in it [race] and rode it.”
"Do it Prefontaine [running] style."

Guest Info & Contact:

World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/austen-dalquist-14625658

Instagram: Austen Dalquist (@dalquesting)

Email: <austendalquist@gmail.com>

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Quips and Advice:

• Jimmy John’s fan. Insider experience.
• Anatomy of the Steeplechase.
• “Disassociate my running from my identity and reorient it to that which matters.”
• “Boys are the burgers and the girls the buns.”
• First race…”NASCAR moves.”
• “Big fat thing or another.”
• “Give yourself license to win and succeed.”

Guest Info & Contact:

• World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/daniel-michalski-14692269
• Instagram: Daniel Michalski (@dannyboy91095)
• Email: michalskidaniel0@gmail.com
• Articles: https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3574204/air-force-wcap-athlete-sets-sights-on-paris-olympics/
• https://www.usatf.org/news/2023/three-gold-night-caps-off-pan-american-games-for-t

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• “Hunting down the runners ahead of us!”
• “The cows are so big in person.”
• “Is perseverance always a virtue?”
• "She is an Outlier.”
• “Fixed on good ends and done in good ways.”

Guest Info & Contact:

https://sabrinalittle.com/
Instagram: Sabrina Little (@sabrinablittle)
Sabrina Little (@sabrinablittle) · X
Email: sblittle6@gmail.com

NEW BOOK: The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners. 

https://www.amazon.com/Examined-Run-People-Better-Runners/dp/0197678696

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So, let's get into the head and heart space of Jim Sorensen.

Quips and Advice: 

• “Sometimes you got to hold yourself back.”
• “I think I cried a little.”
• “Can’t grit your teeth in all your workouts.”
• “The #1 way to recover is sleep!”
• “Ultimate goal / Good goal / OK goal.”
• “OK to lower your goal to decrease pressure.”
• “Motivation comes first and propels everything else.”
• “Make your running enjoyable.”
• “Run with people you like.”
• “You need a coach.”

Guest Info & Contact:

World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/jim-sorensen-14251861

Email: jimsore34@yahoo.com

Audio: NBC Sports

If you read this far, kudos to you. You get an extra inside perspective on Jim's thinking. He writes:

"Back in the 90s, the saying was Americans don't want it bad enough. They don't work hard enough… etc.... I felt that was untrue for myself and those I competed against. Looking back, I know I pushed hard in a lot of hard day/workout days. I gritted my teeth, so to speak. I wanted to get better and improve. Working hard equals results, correct? Well, there's a balance. I think it's good to grit your teeth on your interval/hard days. But some of those sessions should be more about pace work and putting in a volume at a certain pace without having to dig down deplete yourself .

Looking back, I probably would have reduced the number of days where I really dug down deep and worked hard in interval sessions, and made them more about getting a specific volume of pace work. Still kind of a of a hard day, but going to the bottom of the well."

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Olympian Mr. Jim “Speed Racer” Spivey. Man of faith, business executive, husband, father, and coach.

A graduate of Indiana University, Jim takes his strong and focus work ethic on a multi-year national and international running journey: earning multiple collegiate titles; winning two US national championships (1500), securing a World Championship bronze medal (1500) and representing the United States with three Olympic appearances: LA (1984, 1500), Barcelona (1992, 1500), and Atlanta (1996, 5K).

Jim resides in the Chicago area with his family and is a 15+ year veteran at a multinational company that manufactures and sells sportswear, shoes, and accessories. A company whose name in Latin [anima sana in corpore sano] translates to "a sound mind, in a sound body". Most of us don’t know this, but we love their stuff, nonetheless. Thanks, Asics.

Join Jim as he reflects on (1) his early sport years, (2) his collegiate challenges, (3) his international and Olympic competition, (4) his transition to coaching and the corporate world, and finally on (4) his God who helps frame it all and leads him to the finish line.

Quips: 

“No money. Need to get a hurdler.”

“Oregon turned me off.”

“He carried me in that race.”

“Hip Hip Hooray!”

“Did you do the best with the talents the Lord gave you?” 

"The Lord loves to hear your prayers."

“Peak at the right time.”

Guest Info & Contact:

World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/jim-spivey-14251978

Olympics: https://olympics.com/en/athletes/jim-spivey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-spivey-9231146/

Email: jim.spivey@asics.com

Personal Bests:

•           800 m -- 1:46.5 (1982)

•           1000 m -- 2:16.54 (1984)

•           1500 m -- 3:31.01 (1988)

•           Mile—3:49.80 (1986)

•           2000 m -- 4:52.44 (1987, American record)

•           3000 m -- 7:37.04 (1993)

•           5000 m -- 13:15.86 (1994)

Source: TrackandFieldNews.com

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Contact:
Instagram: alexisadamsss_

Fun Facts:
With the help of some friends, we now know that Alexis is most likely to: 

• Leave her phone in CA after a track meet.
• Eat all the marshmallows while a guest at a bonfire.
• Decorate her Bible with colorful artwork during church.
• Binge read a depressing book series about abusive relationships.
• Lose interest 5 seconds into move.
• Share the same traits as her twin sister
• Accurately impersonate her 3rd grade students.
• AND finally, caretake her world-renown squishmallow collection.

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Brett “Hold Fast” Meyer, former D-II mid-distance track/field student-athlete at Fort Hays State University, KS. Currently, Brett is the Assistant Cross Country/Track and Field Coach (Middle Distance) at Fort Hays State University.

The Scott City, KS native (current population of 4,008) earns six All-American honors in the 800 and 1,500 meters, culminating in a D-II individual national title at 1,500 meters in 2019.

Brett reflects on his professional running, including making a run at the recent 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. Interestingly, in 2021, Brett breaks Jim Ryun's 53-year-old Kansas indoor mile record at the Washburn Invitational in Topeka, running a time of 3:58.39.

Join Brett as he balances his introverted, quiet, and “I-will-not-miss-a-day” running work ethic self with ongoing and new responsibilities that include: his “Hold Fast Running Camp”; his wife Kelly, who beat him in a 7th-8th grade 4x200 race; his young buck son, Judah, and his Lord who is before all things and holds it all together.

Quips: 

“I wanted to quit cross-country every day.”

“Be a man and learn.”

“Hello Kelly.”

“Brett. You’re  being a bum. You just run.”

“Running is irrelevant. But priceless.”

Note: He does love Jimmy John's

Guest Contact:

World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/brett-meyer-14653170

Hold Fast Running Camp: https://walkrunrollscottcity.com/hold-fast-running-camp

Email: brettscmeyer@gmail.com

Instagram: brettmeyerr

Correction: D-II champion, not D-I, as referenced once along the way. 2019, not 2029, as referenced once.  Can't tell the future. Geeze, need some sleep...and food.

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· his early sport years in Estonia, 

· his “costly, street tough, vulnerable” adolescent life, 

· his journey to a highly decorated, public figure and finally on 

· his God who helps frame it all and leads him to the finish line.

Quips:

“Straight into business.”
“How can start that slow?”
“Everything I speak I got to speak about God.”
“That was a hard start.”
“Looking for love and trust.”
“Everything that’s junk [food] is tasty.”
“I like in Kenya. It is my second home.”
“Life is more than….”

Guest Contact:

Website: https://tiidrek.ee/
World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/estonia/tiidrek-nurme-14181111

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·         troublesome adolescent ideation phase,

·         loss of family,

·         early competitive sport years, 

·         infamous “Brick of Pasta” moment,
 
·         hypocritical college freshman year,

·         dating woes,

·         faith journey downs and life changing ups, 

·         redline running at Texas A&M, 

·         desire to equip and send college students on mission, 

·         mid-30s love of running, and finally, 

·         first encounter with his future wife that involved a “Scream” mask and French maid outfit (Goober 2.0 stuff).

Sticking the landing. In the end, Micah gives two pieces of sound advice for the current collegiate student-athlete. Here’s a hint: Zzzzzzz.

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•           “smooth and relaxed Kenny-G” demeanor on and off the track,

•           his outdoor 800-meter school record,

•           his proclivity to puke post-race,

•           AND his love for all things candy, which includes but not limited to: Dum Dums, Air Heads, Sour Patch Kids, Dots, Nerds, Skittles, Fat Boys (ice cream sandwich), Apple-spice Airwick Stickups, and possibly his favorite, Mike & Ike,

Troy takes his freshly minted college degree and toes the line for the start of his post-college life race.

*Kenny-G. American smooth jazz saxophonist, composer, and producer. 

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“Looking back. You don’t have to get there overnight.”

“If it’s not motor, then it’s luggage.”

“It’s time to go to war.”

“Can’t live on the mountaintop. Growth is in the valley.”

‘Power of painter’s tape.” (visualization)

“Have gratitude.”

“When you can no longer do the sport, your response to that moment reveals your true identity.”

Guest Contact:

Website 
Email: matt@matthemingway.com
Instagram: Matt Hemingway
 X: @matthemingway
LinkedIn: Matt Hemingway OLY
World Athletics
Team USA
2004 Athens High Jump (6:35 into video)
Wikipedia
Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting

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Most importantly, Sam offers his best advice whether in or out of college. Surrender. Don’t fight the Spirit. Trust God for your yesterday, today,  and tomorrow. Game changer for Nord! How about you?

Finally, Sam and Dr. M. talk shoes and answer the question: Which is the worst (and best) sandwich shop pre or post event?

* Nord = Nickname for the man from Minnesota . Noun. North [noun] the direction to the left of a person facing the rising sun, or any part of the earth lying in that direction. North [noun] (also N) one of the four main points of the compass. Borrowed from French nord, from Old French norht, north, nort (“north”), from Old English norþ (“north”), from Proto-Germanic *nurþrą (“north”)…WHEW!

** Harambe. The word means “all pull together” in Kiswahili, Kenya's national language. It is the nation's official motto; it appears on the country's coat of arms; and it encompasses a concept of placing the group before the individual.

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mc:  Studio Kolomna. Aggressive Sports Trailer. (Free) Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay.

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Natalie “Nat” Goatley (formerly  O’Keefe), newly married, talented artist, former D-II basketball player, and 2 x D-II National Champion in the high jump.

Nat reflects on her early athletic endeavors, personal faith and vividly recalls her father being thrown out of her high school basketball game. Vocal and spirited chap that Mr. O’Keefe!

Natalie recalls the difficulty playing two sports at a high level. Cooperative and talented coaches make this possible. Personal discipline, solid coaching, and faith (and a few pixy stixs) guide her to two D-II national championships in the high jump.

After an introduction to “Banana Split,” Nat ends with a great faith and sport analogy.

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mc: Rock N Christmas, Grand Project

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Elizabeth (Beth) McDaniel (Luckell), former DII All-American cross-country and track and field student-athlete. Beth is a wife, mother of two and member of the workforce. New identity markers for sure.

Beth reflects on her early athletic endeavors and her sudden attraction to running thanks, in part, to a less than stellar moment at marching band practice. After a rather “cocky” arrival to college, Beth recalls the first workouts that change her attitude.

A love for travel and missions makes a call during the college years. Beth reflects on one adventure where she and another friend travel the back roads of Ethiopia in search of…well...something. The kind of trip that Beth says she will never allow her daughter to make…RIGHT!

Finally, Beth reflects on motherhood and career, and the discipline it still takes to show up holistically to all these post-college “adult” identity roles – discipline she learns from both her growing faith and her continual love of sport.

*Listen for the abrupt and delightful presence of Master Theodore who simply wants some mic-time.

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Want practical running advice?  Like, what are the best leaves with which to wipe after a mid-run dump? Get your answer here! 

Finally, Dewayne shares what he wishes he knew then that he knows now. Listen and let him give context to this episode’s title.

Dr. M. and Bushman thank our UNOFFICIAL sponsor – Taco Bell – for years of access to wonderful, affordable, high-fat, and gaseous cuisine.  Certainly, the Thinking Man’s fast food. 

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TJ reflects on his student-athlete days, his athletic adventures off the track (dare ya to listen), and his family’s efforts in central Mexico.

Calamine's advice to himself and the young: "choose battles carefully and don't make mountains out of mole hills."

TJ and Dr. M. collaborate on this question: “From which side of your butt do you work?” 

Confused? Listen for context. Enlighten yourself.

Finally, TJ shares what is most important to him.

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Tribunes reflects on his most recent deployment to Japan - “moshi moshi, or もしもし!

Austin concludes with a bit of advice to the collegiate student-athlete and perhaps to us all.

Oorah!

Episode Note: In the episode, Tribune references a Marine term. He states, “safety designed zone.” While grilling (where clarity is only one flipped patty away), he enlightens to the correct term, “Surface Danger Zone.” He wants you to know this.

I want a detailed Lt. like this leading!

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Mark candidly reflects on his context-driven mental health challenges amid a winning coaching season and on the "saving" value of his close community amid several critical life changes.

Season 1 Episodes 18 and 19 set the stage, in part, for this episode.

Article Referenced in Episode: Rod Baumeister, “Suicide as Escape from the Self,” Psychological Review, 1990. 

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Reads Referenced in Episode: Dr. JoAnn Jung, Call to Follow. Jim Collins, Good to Great. 

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Mark takes us on a journey from his injury-riddled freshman year and academic major change to his current pursuit of fiscal knowledge he wishes his knew in the early years. 

He shares his vision for future “fun” family travel with a side story about…well…the bear. 

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He ponders his genius roommates and reflects on the gain and loss in the WPD areas: academic, athletic, social, and spiritual. 

Finally, Colby shares what he wishes he knew then that he knows now.

 Hmmm...the question is whether the young freshman Colonel would have listened to his more mature senior self. 

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The “GOAT” storyteller guides us to his final collegiate race and the merriment that follows. What merriment? Hmmm…episode title is a clue. Finally, Carter shares what he wishes he knew then that he knows now.

Content Warning: If you are sensitive to a minion fart gun sound, please listen anyway and loosen up a bit (wink).

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Terry shares perspectives on his collegiate academic, athletic, social, and spiritual ups and downs. Finally, Terry shares what he wishes he knew then that he knows now. 

His answer WILL surprise you!

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He shares perspectives on his collegiate academic, athletic, social, and spiritual ups and downs. Jacob reflects on his near-fatal accident and how that impacted his life choices. 

Find out who “Charlotte” is. Finally, Jacob shares what he wishes he knew then that he knows now. 

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Daniel explains why he is historically so tan. Daniel champions personal community. He reflects on his awkward yet sweet pursuit of the love of his life. 

Finally, Daniel shares what he wishes he knew then that he knows now.

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Tyler wrestles with an injury that shuts him down and quietly ROCKS his identity.

Oh, and then there is the incident at the pole vault pit (worth the wait). 

Finally, Tyler shares what he wishes he knew then that he knows now. 

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He shares his humor and perspectives on his collegiate academic, athletic, social, and spiritual ups and downs. Blaine ponders his post-college “funk” and offers corrective suggestions. 

Finally, he shares what he wishes he knew then that he knows now.

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He peels back the layers and reveals what it is like when his injury strikes and his personal identity falters.  Rough times! 

Finally, he shares what he wishes he knew then that he knows now and his future life goals, leaving us to ponder if specific directions matter to God.

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They pick-up where they ended Episode 3 – looking at leadership in and out of sport.

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They pick-up where they ended Episode 2 – pondering a deeper spiritual perspective that matures over time but not without grinding frustration and soul searching. 

So, what does “Mung” mean when he says “Nothing you can do…”? 

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Jordan shares perspectives on his academic, athletic, social, and spiritual ups and downs. 

Big-X gives a shout-out to a few important people in his life.  

Finally, he shares what he wishes he knew then that he knows now.

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Will gives a shout-out to a few important people in his life.  

Finally, he shares what he wishes he knew then that he knows now.

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