This is my own journey of why and how I started this podcast.

It is in my heart as a runner and I believe in the Mind-Body Connection.

Hence, the podcast came alive: Running Strong Mind Body Connection.

I am Celebrating a full year and I am beyond excited.

I appreciate all of you who are listening and please share this with your friends and family.

If you wish to be on my podcast you can find me @ www.themindfulathletecoach.com

themindfulathletecoach@gmail.com

Hey All,

This is my Year Anniversary of Running Strong Mind Body Connection Podcast.

I am so excited that you all have supported me on this fun journey.

Keep Sharing Keep Listening .

My Workshop (Free) is July 23 if you are interested in learning more of Mental Fitness.

Check it out here: https://www.themindfulathletecoach.com/unleash-champion

Lori shares her personal story—how her own search for fulfillment led her from unraveling old beliefs to rediscovering her dreams and even moving across the country to live out a childhood vision.

Together, they explore the importance of reconnecting with your authentic self, listening to your intuition, and embracing the childlike joy that often gets buried under life’s responsibilities and fears. With practical insights and heartfelt wisdom, Karen and Lori deliver a message of hope: it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, find happiness, and live the life you truly want.

Whether you’re in the midst of transition or supporting someone who is, this conversation is packed with relatable stories and actionable tips for overcoming limiting beliefs, letting go of regret, and rediscovering the power within. Tune in to get inspired, and remember—there’s always now.

Mike Hoffman’s journey is one of transformation and grit.

In January 2024, after reaching his heaviest weight of 266 pounds, Mike—despite spending long days on his feet as a mail carrier—realized it was time to take charge of his health.

Determined for a change, he signed up for “The Proving Ground,” a grueling training weekend in North Georgia run by former Navy SEAL Chad Wright, founder of Project 3 of 7. There, Mike found himself the slowest and heaviest participant, put to the test running endless stairs with his team. On the verge of quitting as his body faltered, he leaned on his teammates’ support and pushed through.

That pivotal moment inspired Mike to start running consistently. He tackled his first 5Ks, then larger races—10K, 12K, 15K. Craving a bigger challenge, he set his sights on ultramarathons. It was during one of these events, the iconic Crown King Scramble, that he shared his story mid-run, reminding everyone that the true victory is choosing to keep moving, one step at a time.

Together, Karen and J.D. dive deep into the importance of honoring your mind-body connection, setting bite-sized goals, building community, and learning to listen to your body’s signals.

J.D. discusses the creation of his supportive Game On Health Rebound Community and his mission to help others struggling with mental or physical health issues reclaim joy, purpose, and self-compassion.

Tune in for actionable insights, heartfelt encouragement, and a reminder that even when life sidelines us, every setback has the potential to open new doors.

Growing up along the murky creeks of Southern Georgia, Cheryl Wright swam fearlessly in waters teeming with alligators, believing she would see them coming in time to escape.

Looking back, she marvels at the risks her childhood self took, using that memory as a powerful metaphor in her later life. Cheryl found a striking similarity between lurking alligators and the presence of narcissists—both hidden threats that can catch you off guard and leave a lasting mark.

Inspired by these experiences, Cheryl became an author, channeling her story into her book and website, "Everything is Swimming with Alligators," where she shares lessons from her journey and empowers others to navigate the often treacherous waters of human relationships.

Lisa Smith-Batchen’s journey to endurance running greatness didn’t follow a typical path. In high school, she was told she was too slow for the cross country and track teams and struggled with asthma—so she gave up running for years, despite loving it. Everything changed during her last year of college, when she decided to join a 5K Turkey Trot on a whim. Surprisingly, she won the race—and a 20-pound turkey—proving to herself (and her family) that she was a runner after all.

From there, Lisa rapidly escalated her ambitions: from local 10Ks to her first marathon, and soon after, she was talked into running the legendary Badwater 135 ultra marathon by friend and mentor Marshall Ulrich. By 1995, just months after learning what an “ultra” even was, Lisa found herself at the Badwater starting line in Death Valley, and discovered a true passion for extreme endurance. Since then, Lisa Smith-Batchen has become a celebrated figure in the ultrarunning world, known for her bold spirit, rapid progress, and deep love for pushing beyond the marathon into the toughest races on earth.

For years, Dr. Joan Steidinger watched as women’s natural focus on relationships was misunderstood—even pathologized.

Inspired by the cultural impact of books like Women Who Love Too Much in the 1980s and 90s, she felt frustrated by the notion that women’s relational strengths were seen as problems rather than strengths.

Determined to change the narrative, Dr. Steidinger decided to write her own book—one that would celebrate women’s connection-oriented approach through the world of sports, particularly running.

Through research, she discovered that, contrary to stereotypes, women didn’t simply talk more than men—they talked more about relationships. With her work, Dr. Steidinger aims to normalize and honor the relationship focus of women, showing it as a source of power and community, not a weakness.