Journey Of The Rhode Runner

Inspiring Journeys' own Kerri Nelson, and Chris Marino, whose incredible story can be heard on Episode 8 of Inspiring Journeys, completed the 2024 Boston Marathon! We get to live vicariously through them on Marathon Monday as give their experiences from the Marathon Expo to the trip to the starting line, to the race itself. And a little potty talk in between.  This is a great episode for runners to either relive the historic marathon, or inspire them to want to run it. It is also great for non runners to go behind the scenes of a run.  This annual event is also the pinnacle of inspiration, which lives up to this podcast's name! By the time Kerri and Chris take the left on to Boylston, you'll be ready to lace up some running shoes yourself!   Also, this episode's 22 Too Many veteran is Dirk Dastrup March 22, 1999 – July 29, 2021 Dirk was an active-duty airman, stationed at Hurlburt Field in the Florida Panhandle. Dirk Anthony Dastrup, was born and raised in Benson, AZ. Dirk had a heart of go

On this episode, we welcome the incredible Russ Rogers to the show!  Russ is the author of a children's 5-book series, Today... He is also the founder of the movement called Movetoday365. He encourages everybody to get some movement in and get outside.  As a part of Movetoday365, on the second Saturday of every month, friends and family gather together with Russ and go for a 2 mile walk . This is done in Santa Cruz, Ca, but can be done virtually as well. In addition to discussing the origins and process of Russ writing the Today series, we talk about being active every day, and the importance of getting off devices and connecting in a real way.   This episode's 22 Too Many veteran is Daniel McCoy In Memory of PVT Daniel McCoy, US Army April 13, 1993 – July 10, 2022 Ft. Campbell, Kentucky “Daniel was unlike any human I’ve ever known. Smart, funny, loving, kind, and edgy! He was a sponge and soaked up information – he was smarter than most. He did life his way, and we respected that so much.  He loved hanging

The 128th Boston Marathon took place on April 15, 2024. Your host, Paul Stroessner was in attendance for both the marathon and the expo, and this is his report. This week's 22 Too Many veteran is David Simpson “My Cousin David took his own life. A few nights ago, he became one of the 22 US veterans that commit suicide daily. I know it was not always this way but it is this way now. This happens 22 times a day-people feel like I do starting 22 times a day. He was either the first or the last of the day. He said goodbye on the last day of May in the last hour in his time zone. The outcry of support was overwhelming. People know. This happens too much. He knew it happened too much. David became medically disabled. He had PTSD and had also contracted Lyme disease during his many years in service. When he returned from service, work within his community and with his fellow veterans became his service. Many also remember him from the video below. He fought for the rights of those four legged sold

On this episode, we welcome the incredible and inspirational Maurice Lowman, also known as the Marathon Panda.  Maurice had gone from hitting rock bottom on the streets of Rhode Island to living the life of High fives and positive vibes, being sober since March 12, 2015, and continuing an outdoor run streak since January 1, 2016! The 2024 Boston Marathon will be Maurice's 42nd marathon! He also runs half marathons and ultra marathons, and every other race you can think of! Maurice now lives an incredible life of positivity, gratitude, and hope. So come check out his story and be inspired! Maurice can be found on Instagram at @marathonpandamaurice You may also support Maurice's charity for the Marathon - The Herron Project This episode is also dedicated to the 22 Too Many veteran: James Balmonte January 17, 1998 – January 26, 2022 Load Master 21AS assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB SSgt James L. Balmonte was an instructor loadmaster in the 21st Airlift Squadron assigned to t

The Inspiring Journeys podcast is off to a hot start, featuring all incredible guests. On this episode, Kerri and Paul reflect on the resilience, power, and inspiration of each guest.   Let us know if you had any takeaways from anybody on the show so far.   Ret. NYPD Detective Andrew Liakos and SBA Member, Ret. Sgt. Edward Scali, have teamed up with their company Midnight Platoon to create a thoughtful tribute in honor of Police Officer Jonathan Diller. All profits from the shirt sales will go direct to the Diller family.   In the past Midnight Platoon has raised considerable funds for the families of fallen NYPD officers. You can see the new shirts and sweatshirts created in honor of P.O. DIller at the following link: https://midnight-platoon.com/search?q=diller&options%5Bprefix%5D=last   Episode 1: Defeating Anxiety with Misty Johnson Misty can be found at: https://growwithmisty.com/ Facebook - Grow With Misty   Episode 2: Be Genuine with Jenn Gray Jenn can also be found on: Instagram: @imjenngray

We welcome Chris Marino back to the show! Chris was on episodes 51 and 52 of Journey of the Rhode Runner when he ran his first Boston Marathon in 2021. Then on December 3, 2022, while out on a run, Chris survived a widowmaker heart attack (which has a 10-20% survival rate). Not only has Chris survived, but is thriving. On April 15, 2024, Chris will be running his first Boston Marathon since his heart attack! In addition to his heart attack, we discuss Chris' son Braden and his rare disease, Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), which prompted Chris to run the Boston Marathon to begin with. And if this was not enough to take in, 3 weeks before Chris' heart attack, his wife Katie suffered a seizure! In this epic-sode, we dive deep into each of these events. You will be truly inspired by this incredible Marino family! While many people would buckle under any of these events, the Marino family has not only survived, but are thriving!  This episode is also dedicated to the 22 Too Many hero: Ellis Weems “Ellis was born in

Adriana Ferns is not only a co-host of Inspiring Journeys, but also a partner in the female owned and run business, SoulFriend Yoga. SouldFriend has been an online business for the past 3+ years, selling well-sourced, safe materials for their yoga mats and clothes. Not only do they have great quality clothes, mats, and accessories, but they support great causes, such as At-Risk communities and animal shelters. They were recently going to open a physical store (the weekend of this recording). Unfortunately, it fell through at the last moment. In this episode, you will hear about the setbacks and wins of a young, start-up business. Entrepreneurs will be able to relate to this episode. And Adriana's attitude and mindset is very inspiring! So come along for the ride as great things will be happening! Also, pay attention. You may find out how to get a super discount code, and there is a giveaway contest! Also, today's 22 Too Many Veteran is: Deana Orellana Shared by her sister, Robin: “We lost Deana to a PTSD-rel

We have another exciting episode this week as Kerri and Paul welcome Eddie Scali to the show. Eddie was a New York volunteer firefighter, then went on to an impactful 21 year career as an NYPD officer.  These days, Eddie is a warrior for mental wellness for both first responders and the general population. He started a private law enforcement online community where people can lean on each other in times of need. This led him to the amazing Project Accounted For community, which is open to everybody. We talk to the charismatic Eddie about is experience as a volunteer firefighter at the time of the 9/11 terror attacks, his time in law enforcement, And we gain a whole new perspective of what first responders have to deal with several times a day, and how they cope with the pressure. Eddie truly is inspiring, and is making the world a better place by building some incredible communities. Also, we kick it a little old school, Rhode Runner style, as Eddie talks about signing up for the Long Island Half Marathon, w

Brace yourselves for a powerful episode! At the time of this recording, Tom Lyman has been sober for 26 months, and has started the massively growing non-profit organization, The Considerate Group. Tom gets very vulnerable with us, talking about his dark days, going on the verge of losing everything, and rising out of the ashes to starting Joy Hour and The Considerate Group. The aim of The Considerate Group is to create a culture of connection, providing a space of connection, healing, recovery and support. In addition of support classes and workshops, the centerpiece is organization is Joy Hour. What started as a group of 30 people gathering together for family fun, games, and activities, grew to over 200 people within a few weeks, and has been multiplying ever since. In just over 70 Joy Hour events, over 10,000 different people have attended! And if that was not enough, Tom has created The Joy Hour Podcast, where Tom interviews guests about hope, resilience, healing, and transformation. Tune in to hear abou

Today we welcome the amazing Jessica Rae to the show! Jessica is a mentor/coach, author, creator, and speaker who helps women, especially single moms, break free and reclaim their life and independence. She is able to do this through the lessons she learned from her own experiences, which includes past toxic relationships and a scammer. Jessica not only survived, but has thrived, and is able to continue to be an awesome mom, and help others.   Jessica can be found: 2 accounts on Instagram: @truly.jessicarae and @digital.fierce.femmes Inspiring Journeys can be found on: Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod Facebook Kerri can be found on Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar Facebook: Every Run Has a Story You can find Adriana at: Instagram  @SoulFriendYoga email: adriana@soulfriendyoga Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places: Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner Facebook You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys P

Today's guest, Kate DeCosta, is on an inspiring journey. Kate was having some major health issues that doctors couldn't figure out. But that wasn't going to stop her! Kate's passion for health led her on a path of over a decade of researching and studying different symptoms, ailments, and treatments which led her to go to school at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Kate is now a certified health coach. If you are struggling with your physical or mental health, and know that you need to make changes, but don't know where to begin, Kate is here to facilitate your healing using a holistic approach that integrates your mind, body, and soul.   Kate can be found on: Instagram: @integrate.with.kate LinkedIn https://integratewithkate.net/   Kerri can be found on Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar Facebook: Every Run Has a Story You can find Adriana at: Instagram  @SoulFriendYoga email: adriana@soulfriendyoga Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off You can find The Rhode Runner in the following

I hope you're all ready to be fired up and inspired today! Kerri and Paul welcome Jenn Gray to the show. Jenn has been on an adventerous and inspiring life journey. She is the proud single mom of 4 children, and an entreprenuer. On this episode, Jenn gets vulnerable as we dive into her challenges as she has transformed her life by being her genuine, authentic self. Despite what we see on social media, everybody has challenges to overcome. But we don't have to do it alone. So lets join our friend Jenn, and overcome our challenges together. Today's 22 Too Many veteran is Christopher Cooper Jenn hosts the podcast, Be Genuine with Jenn, which can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and any other podcasting platform, including YouTube. Jenn can also be found on: Instagram: @imjenngray TikTok: @imjenngray LinkedIn https://imjenngray.com/ Also, you can join Jenn's book club on Facebook   Kerri can be found on Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar Facebook: Every Run Has a Story You can find Adriana at: Instagram

Inspiring Journeys welcomes our first guest, Misty Johnson! Misty had suffered from crippling anxiety. This anxiety contributed to Misty not being able to go to the gym for 7 years. But now she has returned stronger than ever!  Check out this episode to find out how she did it, and learn some advice for people who struggle from anxiety, and how to overcome it. Misty has lived an incredible journey so far. Be inspired by her strength, resilience, and grit! Also, this episode is dedicated to our 22 Too Many Veteran Chuck Stayton Charles Brandon “Chuck” Stayton, 29, died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, at his home. He was born Aug. 25, 1981, in Benton, IL. He was a 1999 graduate from Benton Consolidated High School. He joined the U.S. Army, serving from January 2000 to August 2003 with the 82nd Airborne Division, 307 Engineer Battalion. He earned an associate degree from Rend Lake College in 2006. Chuck was an avid hunter and fisherman. Chuck loved his family and friends. He was a wonderful father and

Embark on a transformative adventure with Inspiring Journeys, where every step is a story waiting to be told, and every tale sparks the flame of inspiration. Join Paul Stroessner, Adriana Ferns, and Kerri Nelson, as we navigate the profound narratives of those who've conquered mountains, faced challenges head-on, and emerged stronger than ever!   We're more than a podcast. We're a movement. Our mission is twofold - share incredible stories that inspire, and encourage each listener to embark on their unique journey, discovering the paths they are meant to tread.   On this episode, the hosts introduce themselves, and talk about their own journeys so far.    Inspiring Journeys can be found on: Instagram (@InspiringJourneysPod) Facebook   Kerri can be found on Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar Facebook: Every Run Has a Story You can find Adriana at: Instagram  @SoulFriendYoga email: adriana@soulfriendyoga Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off You can find The Rhode Runner in the following p

We have arrived at the end of an era. This is the 100th and final episode of the Journey of the Rhode Runner podcast. We will be back next week as Inspirational Journeys. In the meantime, we have come full circle, as Paul welcomes Denny Krahe of Diz Runs Radio. Paul appeared on Episode 218 of this podcast in 2016 - 2 years before the Journey of the Rhode Runner podcast started. It is an honor to have Denny close out this era as we talk plenty of running. Not only is Denny a podcaster, but a running coach. We are also joined by Kerri Nelson, one of Denny's clients. Oh BTW, Kerri is now a permanent host of Inspiring Journeys! Join us in this epic episode!   - Welcome Denny Krahe - Paul's episode on Diz Runs - Welcome Kerri Nelson. Co-host of the upcoming Inspirational Journeys podcast - Questions for Coach - When are you going to do a Spartan race? Heartrate training question. - Disney Marathon talk - Denny's start in coaching - Denny's start in podcasting - Coaching success stories - Denny's 2024 goals 22

On this solo episode, I present to you my 24 goals for 2024. I learned about this from Gretchen Rubin's podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Next episode, we will be hosting our awesome guest, Denny Krahe, of Diz Runs Radio. Denny is also a running coach, so please drop any questions below for him. Today's 22 Too Many veteran: Christopher Boe ‘Sgt. Christopher Boe served from 1989 to 1994 as an armor. He loved his job serving in the Montana State Guard. He volunteered to go to Kuwait. My family is all military and Christopher served for 5 years. He was a strong man and a father to four amazing kids. We were both deployed for a long time. Drove big rigs for the rest of his life until the demon came – he couldn’t get past his deployment. My brother took his life December 24, 2015.’ Shared by his sister, Kaufi Christopher was from Helena, MT and later lived in West Linn, OR You can find Adriana at: Instagram  @SoulFriendYoga email: adriana@soulfriendyoga Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off Yo

Happy New Year! Get ready for some huge changes! As we count down to Episode 100 of Journey of the Rhode Runner, we are preparing for a rebranding. Episode 100 will be the final episode of Journey of the Rhode Runner. Then the following week, Adriana and I will start Inspiring Journeys. We will also be partnered with a new co-host as well. This will be Adriana's final episode before the rebrand. So we reflect on some great times we had with all our awesome guests. So, please enjoy the show! Adriana's upcoming book - How to Find a Personal Trainer Adriana's appearance on the Rhody Strength Podcast Adriana's one-word theme - EVOLUTION Coming Soon...Inspiring Journeys Roll Call and Reflections of all the previous guests 22 Too Many Veteran Brent Rimer You can find Adriana at: Instagram  @SoulFriendYoga email: adriana@soulfriendyoga Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places: Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner Facebook You can al

This will be the last episode of the year, and we are closing out with a great one! Kerri Nelson is back, and we have an incredible conversation about our one-word themes of the year. We honor veteran Abraham Cruz. Then Kerri turns the tables on me with her journalistic skills as she interviews me about my military background, and then we get some behind-the-scenes view of Kerri's experience as a journalist and photographer. We just keep getting better and better, folks! Enjoy this episode, and let us know what your one-word theme of 2024 will be! Washington Bridge Fiasco One-Word Theme Kerri - THRIVE Paul - FIRE 22 Too Many Veteran Abraham Cruz Military Talk Journalism Talk     Kerri can be found on Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar Facebook: Every Run Has a Story   You can find Adriana at: Instagram  @SoulFriendYoga email: adriana@soulfriendyoga Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places: Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner Instagram: @TheRhod

Kerri Nelson, who you may know and love from Episode 82, is back! This time we talk about her challenges, tribulations, and triumph of completing her first New York Marathon. On Episode 82, we talked about her first Boston Marathon experience. Now this was the second major of the year that Kerri has completed! On this episode, we talk about Kerri's entire NYC experience. Then we talk about this week's 22 Too Many veteran - SSG Andre Booker Boys Town New England The Boys Town New England Wishlist project is up and running and they are short on about 40 gifts this year for the kids. Boys Town is a verified impactful nonprofit organization, so you can be rest assured that it is a 100% responsible donation. If you would like to help make some kids very happy this Christmas, there are a couple of ways you can donate. You can donate online; https://www.boystown.org/new-england Or you can mail a check to Boys Town New England Adopt a Child 58 Flanagan Rd Portsmouth, RI 02871 Thank you so much! Kerri can be found

Here is another Journey of the Rhode Runner RERUN! This was Episode 79 with Kate Champion, and was originally released in audio form on March 21, 2023. This episode is now also available in video on YouTube. Kate is a writer and a mental health professional who has recently published two books that you will enjoy – Never Too Late and You Are Limitless. In these books you will find real-life stories from everyday people who are beating the odds, determined to live full rich lives. On this episode, Kate will inspire you with some of the amazing people she has featured in her books, showing that it is never too late to achieve your dreams and goals. We are all truly limitless in what we achieve. We discuss ways to up your physical and mental game, which includes getting out in nature. You can get Kate’s books on Amazon. And if you have Kindle Unlimited, they are free!   Never Too Late: Inspiration, Motivation, and Sage Advice from 7 Later-in-Life Athletes     You Are Limitless: Anxiety, Grief, Trauma, Addicti