Episoder
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Weâre excited to bring you this inspiring conversation with Charles Costa, an ultrarunner who accomplished the incredible challenge of running 90 marathons in 90 days along the Pacific Crest Trail.
In this episode, Charles shares his journey of resilience, his dedication to raising awareness for mental health through organizations like the Jed Foundation, and the lessons heâs learned from this life-changing experience.
We explore powerful themes like finding freedom and purpose through running, the connection between physical activity and mental health, and how perseverance can inspire change not just for yourself but for others.
A huge thank-you to Charles Costa for sharing his story and to everyone supporting mental health initiatives that truly make a difference.
Donât forget to follow Charles on Instagram at @CharlesCostaOfficial for more inspiration!
#EveryMileMatters
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:18 Finishing the Challenge
0:39 Background and Motivation
2:07 Discovering Ultra Running
4:00 The Sicily Experience
6:36 Running for Freedom
12:05 Running for Mental Health Awareness
18:16 Running as an Expression
25:10 The Challenge of Resilience
36:30 Support and Community on the Trail
41:11 The Power of Resilience
54:07 What's Next
59:16 Calls to Action
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We're thrilled to share this interview with Dr. Bill Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Dahut is a renowned oncologist and researcher who is helping set the vision for the worldâs most innovative cancer research initiatives.
In this interview, we cover a wide range of topics, including the groundbreaking research the American Cancer Society is supporting, the critical role of early cancer detection, and how lifestyle choices like diet, and exercise can significantly reduce cancer risk.
Dr. Dahut is both inspiring and empowering, because he gives us an inside view for how we can all make an impact ânot only by fundraising but also by living healthier lives to reduce our risk of getting cancer.
After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Huge thanks to Dr. Dahut for his leadership and taking the time to share so much with us.
Also a huge thanks to everyone at the American Cancer Society for leading the charge in the fight against cancer, and for giving us all the opportunity to be a part of it.
Head to American Cancer Society to learn more and find out how you can join the fight.
Click here to download Charity Miles and get moving for the American Cancer Society.
#EveryMileMatters!
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
0:28 Meeting Dr. Bill Dahut
3:46 Dr. Dahutâs Journey to Oncology
6:12 The Role of Lifestyle in Cancer Prevention
9:03 Advances in Early Cancer Detection
12:16 The Connection Between Obesity and Cancer
15:54 How ACS Supports Cutting-Edge Research
22:10 Modifiable Behaviors That Reduce Cancer Risk
35:39 Innovative Treatments and AI in Cancer Care
54:14 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action
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Mangler du episoder?
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We're thrilled to share this interview with Martinus Evans, author, coach and founder of the Slow AF Run Club.
Martinus' journey is not just about running. It's a journey of overcoming setbacks, challenging norms, and motivating people of all shapes, sizes, and speeds to lace up and get moving.
From an âimpossibleâ goal set in a doctorâs office, to founding a movement that encourages tens of thousands of people to get moving, Martinusâ story is about turning doubt into determination and making the impossible inevitable.
We have not doubt that youâll inspired by Martinusâ insights on resilience, grit, and the power of embracing your own journey in runningâand in life.
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Of course, we also want to express our sincere gratitude to our partners at Brooks Running, who make interviews like this possible.
For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move.
It drives their every decision and every innovation.
Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive.
And weâre all moving towards something.
It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.
So⊠letâs run there.
With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place.
Whether itâs a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinsonâs, a cleaner environment or some goal that you think just might be impossibleâŠ
Letâs run there.
Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.
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Today, I have the immense privilege of walking with one of the most influential thinkers, authors and teachers of our time, Seth Godin.
Seth is the author of 21 best-selling books that have transformed how we think about marketing, leadership, and the power of creative work.
His books have been translated into over 35 languages, helping readers across the globe learn to challenge the status quo and make a lasting impact.
In addition to his writing, Seth is the founder of several successful businesses, including the groundbreaking altMBA, an online workshop that has revolutionized the way people learn to lead and create meaningful change.
He also invented email marketing, so we can thank him for that.
Above all, Seth is a teacher. Heâs taught at some of the most renowned business schools, founded one of the most successful online learning platforms, and spends his time sharing wisdom on everything from business strategy to life philosophy.
In this episode, Seth shares his insights from his new book, This is Strategy, on how to embrace systems, time, empathy, and games to create changeânot just for business, but in any aspect of life.
As Seth says in the intro to the book, this is for someone who wants to make things betterâwhich I know is all of us.
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Big thanks to our partners at Brooks Running.
For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move.
It drives their every decision and every innovation.
Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive.
And weâre all moving towards something.
It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.
So⊠letâs run there.
With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place.
Whether itâs a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinsonâs, more ethical treatment of animals, or even a stormy day on the New York City Aqueduct.
Letâs run there.
Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.
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Also big thanks to our partners at Lifeway Foods.
Lifeway is more than just a company that makes delicious, probiotic-rich kefirâitâs a forward-thinking brand committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world.
Many of you are well familiar with Lifeway Kefir.
But in case youâre not, Kefir Kefir is an ancient healing superfood from the Caucasus Mountains that has provided microbiome support for over 2,000 years.
The villagers who consumed it often lived past 100 years of age and attributed their longevity to their consumption of kefir.
Itâs like a tart and tangy cultured milk smoothie thatâs packed with probiotics and bioavailable nutrients like high-quality protein, calcium, and Vitamin D to help you feel your best inside and out.
Lifewayâs commitment to making a positive impact is part of their DNA.
Their CEO, Julie Smolyansky, is someone who I think embodies the spirit of what Seth talks about in this interview. She has a deep passion for social causes, from advocating for wellness to tackling issues like the maternal healthcare, hunger and social justice.
Julie was also one of the first people to take a chance on Charity Miles, after we met at SXSW over ten years ago. Itâs safe to say that we wouldnât be where we are today without their support.
So huge thanks to Julie and Lifeway for being such an important part of the Charity Miles story.
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Today we're honored to share a very special interview with the great Harvey Lewis, one of the worldâs top ultrarunners of all time. (Also, like Courtney Dauwalter in our last episode, one of the nicest.)
Harvey is not only an accomplished runner but also a dedicated high school teacher at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati.
He runs to work every day on what he calls his "run commute," and I had the incredible opportunity to join him on one of those runsâfrom his home all the way to his school, winding our way through Cincinnatti and Kentucky, over and back across the beautiful Ohio River.
In this episode, weâll talk about Harveyâs journey as an ultrarunner, including his record-setting win at Big's Backyard Ultra, where he ran an astounding 454 miles over 4 and a half days.
Weâll dive into what drives him to push beyond physical limits, and his approach to inspiring others to live healthy, active lives.
After relistening to and reflecting on this interview, I think that what comes through the most is not just what Harvey has to say, but how he says it. He truly has a passion, not just for running, but for inspiring and helping othersâwhether thatâs other runners, people that he passes on the road, his fellow competitors in a race, his students or animals.
When we finished our run commute, I had the chance to meet with some of Harvey's students, and I asked them what itâs like to have such an extraordinary person as their teacher. I'm grateful that they allowed me to share their responses, which will give you a real sense of the impact Harvey has, both inside and outside the classroom.
Of course, I'm also grateful to Harvey for such a memorable run and for sharing so much with us.
And, of course, we're all grateful to our partners at Brooks Running.
For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move.
It drives their every decision and every innovation.
Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive.
And weâre all moving towards something.
It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.
So⊠letâs run there.
With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place.
Whether itâs a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinsonâs, more ethical treatment of animals, or first period government class at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati.
Letâs run there.
Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.
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In this interview, Iâm incredibly honored to be joined by Courtney Dauwalter, one of the greatest ultrarunners of all time.
For those unfamiliar with the ultrarunning world, Courtney has shattered expectations and rewritten records in some of the most grueling races on the planet.
In 2023, she became the first person ever to win the Western States 100, the Hardrock 100, and the UTMB all in the same year -- which is like the ultrarunning triple crown, an achievement that stands alone in the history of the sport.
Known not only for her incredible endurance but also her positive attitude, sense of humor, and love of candy and nachos, Courtney has conquered races like the Moab 240 (a 240 mile race in Moab!), which she won by more than 10 hours, and the Big's Backyard Ultra, where she set a women's record of 279 miles.
Sheâs also renowned for her trademark "Shortney" baggy shorts, her love for the "Pain Cave," and her unique ability to push herself through the most difficult physical and mental challenges-- whether itâs running through storms, climbing mountains, or even hallucinating friendly woodland creatures along the trail.
In this episode, we talk about what Courtney has learned about the mental side of ultra-running and try to glean some lessons that we mere mortals can apply to our everyday challengesâthings like problem-solving, positive self-talk, and mantras that keep her going for hours on end.
Weâll we also explore how she stays grounded, connected to the community, and why she believes thereâs always another level we can reach if we just keep moving forward, and stay curious about whatâs possible.
Courtney is like the Ted Lasso of running. I think her superpower is her curiosity.
And speaking of curiosity, I want to give a special shoutout to our partners at Brooks Running!
For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move.
It drives their every decision and every innovation.
Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive.
And weâre all moving towards something.
It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.
So⊠letâs run there.
With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place.
Whether itâs a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinsonâs, a cleaner environment, justice, or shattering what you previously thought was possibleâŠ
Letâs run there.
Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more
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Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Alison Mariella Desir, a powerhouse disrupter and activist in the running community and a true advocate for change.
Alison is the founder of Harlem Run, a running club that brings people together through running while championing diversity and inclusion.
She's also the author of Running While Black, which sheds light on the intersection of race and running.
I like to think Iâm pretty progressive and aware of the ways that race affects us all personally and collectively. But reading Alisonâs book, my eyes were opened even more to the ways that race continues to shape the running communityâand society generally.
In this conversation, Alison shares her personal journey, the inspiration behind Harlem Run, and the powerful message in her book that challenges and invites us to all open our eyes to the hidden forces of race in the running world and beyond.
We dive into how running can be a vehicle for social justice, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can feel welcome and empowered.
This is a conversation about more than just milesâand more than just race. Itâs about community, activism, inclusivity, intentionality, culture and using movement to drive change.
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This interview is presented with gratitude to our partners at Brooks Running
For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move.
It drives their every decision and every innovation.
Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive.
And weâre all moving towards something.
It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day.
So⊠letâs run there.
With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place.
Whether itâs a headspace, a feeling, or a finish lineâor a cure for a disease, a cleaner environment or a more just and equitable society.
Letâs run there.
Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more .
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Todayâs interview is with Dana Snyder, founder and CEO of Positive Equation, where she helps charities grow their communities and monthly giving programs.
This interview will be helpful for anyone that works at a charityâwhich some of our members do.
But, more than that, this interview will provide all of us with insight â and empathy â for how hard our charities work to fundraise in support of the missions we all care aboutâand, therefore, how we can better support them in that endeavor.
Most crucially, I hope Danaâs insight will help us all think less transactionally, and more relationally, about how we support our favorite charities.
I also want to give a huge shoutout to our partners at Lifeway Kefir. Lifeway was one of our first sponsors, and their CEO, Julie Smolyansky has become a friend and has been on the pod before too.
Lifeway Kefir is purpose-driven brand and a champion for many social causes, supporting initiatives that promote maternal health, girls education and empowerment, the environment, mental health and well-being, and moreâall things we care deeply about here at Charity Miles.
Speaking of mental health, did you know that what you eat can have a profound effect on your mind? It turns out that the gut and brain are connected in ways weâre just beginning to understand.
Lifeway Kefir, with its rich probiotics, supports your gut biome, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, stress, and overall mental health. It's a simple, delicious way to nourish your body and your mind.
So, whether you're fueling up for your next walk, run, or bike rideâor just looking for a way to take care of your mental well-beingâ head over to lifewaykefir.com to learn more and get started today.
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Todayâs interview is with Nathan Chappell, one of the worldâs foremost experts on the intersection between Artificial Intelligence and philanthropy.
Nathan serves as Senior Vice President of DonorSearch AI, and is the founder of Fundraising.Ai, a member-centric collaboration of nonprofit professionals with a focus on data ethics, data equality, privacy and security and sustainability.
Nathan is also the co-author of The Generosity Crisis, which we discuss in the interview.
Nathan elaborates why there is a generosity crisis now and how the remedy for that crisis is for people like us to think less transactionally and more holistically about our relationships with the charities we care about.
Iâm sure his message will resonate with all of us.
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Big thanks to our newest partners at Lagoon Sleep, which makes the most comfortable pillow Iâve ever used.
Which is why I reached out to them to ask if theyâd sponsor us.
No joke, I ordered myself a Lagoon pillow when I saw how many NCAA and Olympic athletes were using them to improve their sleep and recovery.
To be honest, I wasnât expecting too much but I was curious what the hype was about. But Iâve been completely blown away.
I go to bed pretty early so that I can wake up very early for my runs. And sometimes itâs hard to fall asleep when itâs that early.
But not with my Lagoon pillow. Once I get into bed, Iâm usually asleep within minutes.
And Iâm staying asleep â no more tossing and turning or waking up in the middle of the night. No kinks in my neck.
This has definitely translated into improvements on my morning runsâ and how I feel the rest of the day.
I've said this many times: Getting more and better sleep is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health.
So if youâd like to get the best sleep of your life, go to LagoonSleep.com and take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find which Lagoon Pillow is right for you. Use the code EXTRA for 15% off your first purchase.
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Today's interview is with Brian Reynolds, one of the world's fastest double amputee runners.
When Brian was four years-old he contracted a rare form of bacterial meningitis, which led to him having both of his legs amputated below the knee.
Despite this, Brian was fairly active as a child-- and did his best to participate in most common childhood sports like baseball, basketball and even hockey. (He grew up in Boston after all.)
When Brian was in college, he got into power lifting... which led to him to join the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training to hike across the Grand Canyon... and then finally to running.
Brian is now one of the fastest double amputee runners in the world, having set records in distances from the 5K to the marathon.
Brian happens to live about a mile from me, so we see each other on our morning runs quite often. I'd love to run with him more, but I don't think I can keep up!
Last month, the Fleet Feet in our town hosted a trail running film festival featuring several short documentaries about trail running and ultramarathons. One of the films was about Brian's attempt, last year, to complete the Leadville 100, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world.
In a few weeks, Brian will be heading back to Leadville for another attempt. And as we publish this episode, Brian is currently climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Brian is also sponsored by our partners at Brooks Running, so we definitely want to give a big thanks to them as well.
For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move.
It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive.
And weâre all moving towards something.
It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day. It could be a cure for Parkinsonâs, a cleaner planet, fair play.
So⊠letâs run there.
With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place.
Whether itâs a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. Letâs run there.
Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.
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Soraya Alexander is the Chief Operating Officer of GoFundMe and as the President of Classy, a GoFundMe subsidiary. Through her work, Alexander supports thousands of nonprofits and hundreds of thousands of people to unlock the world's generosity.
GoFundMe is on a mission to help people help each other. Through innovative technology, Classy helps nonprofits raise more so they can do more good in the world. Together, the two organizations help billions of dollars per year get raised for social and environmental good.
In this interview, we discuss the challenges charities face in engaging their supporters, generational shifts in donor expectations, effective fundraising techniques, community building, and the psychological barriers to making donation requests.
Soraya shares how GoFundMe and Classy are tackling these challenges and how we, as people who care about charities, can take a more active role in supporting them.
On a final note, I'm happy to share that Charity Miles is developing a partnership with Classy and GoFundMe to help bring some of these ideas to life, and to better help our members support the charities they love.
We're grateful for the opportunity to make an impact with Classy and GoFundMe. And we're grateful to Soraya for sharing so much with us in this interview.
#EveryMileMatters!
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Here are some time stamps:
04:29 The Power of Individual Donors 08:21 Generational Shifts in Philanthropy 10:19 Engaging Donors Beyond Donations 13:12 Building Community and Connection 14:09 Innovations in Fundraising Technology 21:43 Charity as a Way of Life 24:49 Community Support and Long-Term Stewardship 25:05 Connecting Immediate and Structural Change 26:09 The Power of Donor Engagement 28:02 Building True Community vs. Marketing Segments 32:29 Empowering Supporters and Relinquishing Control 34:15 Successful Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Tips 36:57 The Psychology of Asking for Donations 41:13 The Importance of Consistency in Fundraising 45:04 Call to Action for Nonprofit Supporters 47:00 Conclusion -
Laura Putnam is a global wellbeing activator, author of the bestselling book Workplace Wellness that Works, and CEO and Founder of Motion Infusion, a leading wellbeing provider.
She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and has worked with a wide range of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofits.
Laura has trained over 40,000 managers and leaders on how to lead wellbeing from the inside-out and outside-in to truly champion wellbeing that works for all.
I recently met Laura at the First Coast Worksite Wellness Council's conference in Jacksonville, Florida where she was the keynote speaker. (Shoutout to FCWCC for including us!)
After hearing her keynote, I knew we had to get her on the podcast-- not just for our members and partners in our Employee Empowerment Program, but for all our members, most of whom work at companies in one way or another, and in their own capacity have the power to foster a culture of wellbeing.
In this interview, we dive deep into the importance of workplace wellness and how it ties into building high-performing teams.
Laura shares insights on the challenges companies face with wellness programs and provides practical strategies for creating a culture that supports wellbeing.
She discusses the significance of team leaders in fostering a healthy work environment and offer tips for both organizational and individual improvements in workplace wellness.
Whether you're an HR leader, a manager, or an employee, this episode provides valuable advice on enhancing wellbeing in the workplace.
Big thanks to Laura for sharing so much with us!
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Here are some helpful timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:35 Meet Laura Putnam 06:42 Laura's Journey and Mission 09:45 The Importance of Workplace Wellness 11:37 Challenges and Solutions in Wellness Programs 17:55 Role of Managers in Promoting Wellbeing 22:06 Creating a Culture of Wellbeing 30:26 Practical Tips for Managers 39:47 Conclusion and Contact Information -
Itâs also a great privilege for me to share todayâs interview with Kara Goucher. Kara is a two-time Olympian, World Championship medalist, and one of the most accomplished and admired long-distance runners of our time.
Beyond her competitive achievements, Kara is also a passionate advocate for clean sport and gender equity, an inspiring speaker, author, podcaster and NBC broadcaster for track and field. Sheâs someone who continues to inspire runners of all levels.
As weâll talk about in this interview, two years ago, Kara began slipping while she was running. And after seeing multiple doctors, she was diagnosed with Runnerâs Dystonia, a neurological disorder with some similarities to Parkinsonâs. Many of you may remember the interview I did with my friend, and fellow Team Foxer, Justine Galloway, who also has Runnerâs Dystonia. So this is something weâll also talk about in this episode.
Kara also as a unique and hard-won perspective on the power of brands to affect social change, and the power that we have as peopleâ individually and collectivelyâ to move and work with them to do so.
Most recently, Kara has partnered with Brooks Running, a brand that holds a very special place in our hearts here at Charity Miles. Whenever we ask you what brands you want us to partner with, Brooks is always the #1 response.
Which is why we are so thrilled to also be partnering with Brooks this year.
For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move.
It drives their every decision and every innovation. Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive.
And weâre all moving towards something.
It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day. It could be a cure for Parkinsonâs, a cleaner planet, fair play.
So⊠letâs run there.
With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place.
Whether itâs a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. Letâs run there.
Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.
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Sami Inkinen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Virta Health, which is reversing type two diabetes through nutrition, lifestyle change, and a new standard of medical care.
Prior to Virta, Sami was the Co-Founder and COO of Trulia, which many of you probably used to find a house or apartment. Sami took Trulia public and then sold it to Zillow.
Sami is also an Ironman Age Group Champion and all-around world-class endurance athlete.
To raise awareness about the dangers of sugar and its connection to diabetes, Sami and his wife rowed from California to Hawaiiâ2,750 miles, completely unsupported.
I've been personally lucky to know Sami for over ten years now. I was introduced to Sami through the Global Good Fund, a fellowship program for social entrepreneurs.
Sami became my mentor through GGF, and has always been generous with his time and insight whenever I need it through the years.
I've wanted to record this interview for a long time. Big thanks to Sami for sharing so much with us.
#EveryMileMatters!
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Today's interview is with Jenny Lawson, the president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, a leading national nonprofit that inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment.
Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful provides the expertise, programs, and resources to help people end littering, improve recycling, beautify America's public spaces, and restore and support resilient communities.
Before joining Keep America Beautiful, Jenny was the Chief Civic Innovation Officer at Points of Light where she led forward thinking initiatives, partnerships, and campaigns to advance the mission of Points of Light around the world.
She designed, led, and championed programs and research to aid companies in achieving their social change goals through the actions of their employees, including the Corporate Service, Council of Leading Brands, the Civic 50, Ranking of Community Minded Companies, and a newly developed digital community, the Community for Employee Civic Engagement.
So needless to say, I think Jenny has a lot of expertise on how nonprofits can work with companies and communities to advance social change, which is a topic that I know all of us are interested in, particularly those of us who are part of the Charity Miles Employee Empowerment Program.
One of those companies is AT&T which is supporting Keep America Beautiful now through our Employee Empowerment Program, and connected us with Jenny for this interview.
I met Jenny in a park up in Connecticut, and we recorded this as a live walking webinar with our members and AT&T's employees. It was a bit rainy, but that didn't seem to faze Jenny one bit.
Huge thanks to Jenny for all of her insight, and to AT&T for their partnership in bringing this to life.
#EveryMileMatters!
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On March 8th, I ran the Jerusalem Marathon.
As you surely know, Israel is in the middle of a war that started on October 7th. I, like everyone, have a mix of different feelings about this.
But I didn't go to Jerusalem to make a statement about my own feelings. I went to listen and try and share what others in Israel are feeling right now.
I think a marathon is a great way to experience the true essence of a place. The New York City Marathon feels like New York City. The Moab Canyonlands marathon feels like the Moab Canyonlands... And the Jerusalem Marathon feels like Israel.
If you listen to this, I hope you feel it too.
#EveryMileMatters
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Maria Baltazzi is an Emmy Award winning television producer, traveler, marathon walker who raises money for cancer charities, author and longtime Charity Miler with over 8500 Charity Miles!
Maria recently wrote a book called "Take a Shot at Happiness" which invites and coaches us to explore happiness in our own lives.
While Maria discovered that her own "happiness essentials" include faith, self-love and physical health, she encourages people to explore and understand their own personal meanings of happiness.
She also draws from her experience as a producer on shows like Survivor to help us all think like storytellers to script, perform in and capture our own reality shows of happiness.
Thank you to Maria for sharing so much with us.
Thanks also to our sponsors at Factor 75.
Eating better is easy with Factorâs delicious, ready-to-eat meals. Every fresh, never-frozen meal is chef-crafted, dietitian-approved, and ready to go in just 2-minutes.
Youâll have over 35 different options to choose from every week, including Calorie Smart, Protein Plus, and Keto. Also, there are more than 60 add-ons to help you stay fueled up and feeling good all day long.
I've been enjoying Factor for two months now, as I get back in shape. I've lost 15 pounds since starting Factor, and I've taken nearly 90 seconds off my mile pace for my long runs.
My favorite things about Factor are:
The variety of meals, all of which have been delicious. The convenience. They're really ready in less than two minutes which makes the healthy choice the easy choice when it comes to mealtime during a busy/hectic schedule.You all know that we work hard to develop partnerships with brands that we believe in, brands that share our values, and brands that can help us all live healthier and make an impact.
That's why we're truly grateful for our partnership with Factor and I hope you'll check them out.
Head to Factor75.com and use code MILES to get 50% off your first box while subscription is active.
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Here are some noteworthy timestamps for the interview....
02:59 Maria's Journey with Charity Miles
04:08 Maria's Role on Survivor and Connection to Ethan Zohn
06:19 Maria's Transition from Producer to Author
06:46 Understanding Happiness through Survivor
08:27 Maria's Personal Journey to Happiness
09:19 The Role of Storytelling in Happiness
10:06 The Power of Photography in Capturing Happiness
17:06 The Impact of Storytelling on Personal Behavior
25:40 The Foundational Three Elements of Happiness
29:07 Exploring the Concept of Happiness
30:00 Making a Choice for Happiness
31:04 The Role of Education in Happiness
31:47 Personalizing Your Happiness Essentials
33:09 The Importance of Exploration in Happiness
35:13 The Role of Faith in Happiness
37:21 The Problem with Prescriptive Self-Help Books
38:18 Understanding Happiness as a Choice
45:53 Practical Steps to Cultivate Happiness
51:48 The Connection Between Happiness and Resilience
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In this episode, we're thrilled to walk with Susan Greeley, SVP and National Director of Wellness Services for Castle Connolly Private Health Partners, one of the newest partners in our Employee Empowerment Program. Susan is also a registered dietician, cookbook author and the host of her own podcast, A SENSe of Wellness. So we recorded this as a doubler that Susan will be releasing on her podcast too :) Susan lives near me in New Jersey, so we were able to meet up for a walk in a park near my home. It was a beautiful, chilly day before Christmas. And since we were in the holiday and new year spirit, our conversation weaves through several themes that can help us all stick with our 2024 resolutions. Hint: make them easy and fun. And don't go it alone. Here's a quick rundown with timestamps: 00:05 Introduction and Welcoming 02:23 Susan's Background and Role in Wellness 04:02 Susan's Cookbook and Approach to Wellness 05:13 The Importance of Support and Community in Wellness 05:48 Gene's Background and the Founding of Charity Miles 07:13 The Impact of Charity Miles and the Importance of Community 10:10 The Importance of Change 15:26 The Role of External Support in Behavior Change 16:58 The Importance of Community and Positive Surroundings 28:11 The Impact of Charity Miles Beyond Fundraising 33:32 The Power of Intrinsic Rewards 36:11 The Role of Feeling Good in Behavior Change 37:21 The Problem with Wellness Challenges 39:52 The Importance of Consistency 40:13 The Power of Tiny Habits 53:36 The Role of Fun and Laughter 55:18 The Importance of Sleep, Hydration, and Outdoor Activities 56:37 The Power of Community --
We're also thrilled to introduce our newest sponsor, Factor, America's #1 Ready-to-Eat Meal Delivery Service.
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No more boring salads. Just mouth-watering dishes like roasted garlic filet mignon and shrimp, or blackened salmon with smoked gouda cauliflower grits and broccoli.
Charity Miles members get 50% off your first order of Factor plus Free Wellness Shots for Life! Just go to charitymiles.org/factor to claim this exclusive offer.
No commitment is necessaryâskip or cancel at any time.
But, of course, I don't think you're going to want to skip or cancel once you try it.
Huge thanks to Factor for their support, and for helping us all make it easy and delicious to reach our 2024 goals.
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Edith Wharton once said, "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."
Today's guest, Aaron Sherinian, is bothâa candle igniting change and a mirror reflecting the light of others.
Eleven years ago, Aaron was the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer for the United Nations Foundation, where, amongst many other things, he was instrumental in founding Giving Tuesday, a movement dedicated to turning the Tuesday after Thanksgiving into a day of giving.
During these crucial early days for Charity Miles, Aaron observed the power of our community sharing the #GivingTuesday hashtag on social media, sparking his interest in our mission.
This led to a breakfast meeting that was a turning point for Charity Miles and me personally.
Aaron not only connected us with crucial sponsors like Johnson & Johnson but also provided platforms for us to share our story at events like the Social Good Summit, the Moms+Social Summit, and SXSW. These opportunities were instrumental in introducing us to key members of our community.
I've wanted to do this interview for a long time, and it brings me particular joy to share it on Giving Tuesday.
In this conversation, Aaron shares insights from his career and personal experiences, including:
The potluck dinner of life and how each of us can bring our best dish. Effective ways to invite people to embrace positive change. Think big but start small. The evolving role of social media and its impact on social causes. Why rallies are important. The importance of cultivating a purpose posse. Overcoming taboos to find solutions. The power of showing up. The transformative power of taking a chance on someone.It's no exaggeration to say that Charity Miles would not exist today without Aaron taking a chance on us.
In honor of Aaron, I invite you to take a chance on someone else you see spreading light into the world.
#EveryMileMatters
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If you're not joining our live weekly walking meditations, then you're missing out!
We do them on Zoom every week, alternating between Wednesdays and Fridays, at 1PM ET.
Here's a recording of our latest walking meditation, led by Haley Fountain.
Haley is an integrative nutrition coach, yoga teacher and meditation coach in Houston, Texas.
To the point, she's fantastic.
If you enjoy this walking mediation, then keep an eye out for our live meditations which we announce my email to all of our members.
(If you'd like to get those emails, just download the Charity Miles app.)
If you'd like to learn more about Haley, click here.
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Also big thanks to our sponsor, Hope Foods, which makes the most delicious and nutritious plant based hummus and dips.
All Hope Foods products are Organic and/or Non-GMO Project verified, GFCO certified gluten-free, OU-certified kosher, and dairy and soy-free.
Hope Foods is also committed to mental health, which is why they're the perfect partner for our walking meditations.
To learn ore about Hope Foods and explore holistic well-being resources on their website, click here.
- Se mer
