Taking Chances – Why Not You? —the podcast where we dive into the bold moves, the big dreams, and the everyday people who prove that the impossible is just a dare waiting to be answered.

Next week's guest, Evan Kilstrom, embodies transformation in its purest form. A 2019 graduate of Pleasant Valley High School and a three-season lineman for Iowa State, Evan played under the bright lights of the 2020 Big 12 Championship and helped clinch a Fiesta Bowl victory over Oregon. But his story didn’t stop when the clock ran out.

After tipping the scale at 340 pounds, Evan made a radical decision to take control of his path. In less than a year, he shed over 100 pounds, reshaped his life, and set out on a journey most would call impossible. From running a marathon on a whim to conquering the legendary 2024 Leadville Trail 100 in under 30 hours (Finish time of 29:40:01), Evan redefined what strength looks like—inside and out.

Now an engineer at John Deere in Moline, Evan’s story isn’t just about physical endurance. It’s about vision, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of growth. So, sit back, get inspired, and ask yourself the question Evan has been living out loud: Why not you?

No incredible accomplishments are done alone, he had a team of amazing friends, and family to support him.

Join us for an electrifying episode with Dr. John Byrne, Professor Emeritus at St. Ambrose University, professional speaker, and expert in goal setting and motivation—

Taking Chances is now proudly supported by our friends Johnna and Austin Chesney, the amazing owners of four iconic establishments in the Quad Cities: The Public House, The Ridge Social Drinkery, Oak Grove Tavern, and Candy’s Back Bar.

Dr. Byrne is no stranger to pushing the limits. A 6-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher and 2024 Lead Challenge conqueror (yes, that beast of a series includes the Leadville Trail Marathon, Silver Rush 50, Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Leadville 10K, and the legendary Leadville Trail 100 Run), his story is nothing short of epic. Born and raised in Iowa, he’s gone far beyond the rolling plains—tackling an Ironman Triathlon and even summiting Mt. Rainier.

In this episode, he dives into his Leadville experience, the mindset needed to conquer the impossible, and the deeper philosophy of setting bold, soul-stirring goals. He’ll also share what’s next on his path—and how you can take his strategies and apply them to your own life.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to do the truly hard things, this episode is your blueprint. 🎧 Listen now and get inspired to chase your own summit.

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨 Ultra-running fans, get ready for an inspiring conversation with none other than John DeDoncker—a legend in endurance sports! John is an 8-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher, a Leadman finisher, and a Western States 100 miler finisher—but he's aiming for something even bigger: becoming a 10-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher! Hailing from the Quad Cities, John grew up in East Moline and has lived in FIVE of the Quad Cities! He graduated from the University of Iowa (Tippie College of Business) and earned his JD from Iowa College of Law in 1988. A former President of TBK Bank Midwest Division, John’s journey from playing golf and tennis to conquering ultra marathons is truly remarkable. His story is one of grit, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence—and I promise, it’ll leave you motivated to chase your own big goals! Please like and subscribe to the channel!

Let’s celebrate the incredible journey of John DeDoncker together. #UltraRunning #Leadville100 #Endurance #Inspiration #JohnDeDoncker #PodcastRelease 🎤🏔️🏃‍♂️