Welcome to the Running Unicorns Podcast! This episode is an introduction to the RU podcast and host, Kristina Southam Townsend. We'll cover the vision for the podcast and cover our goals as we discuss sports, recreation, and play - sports talk that goes beyond stats and stadiums. We'll talk about how sport connects us, shapes us, divides us, and ultimately, unites us. Glad you're here!

Learn more about the Running Unicorns Podcast and Club at:

Runningunicorns.com

@runningunicorns.club

Substack.com

Strava - RU Club

Email with a message or voice note to: Team@runningunicorns.com

This is a production of Southtown Communications.

Music by Tunetank from Pixabay

For all show notes, visit: runningunicorns.com/notes

Word of the Episode: HUMAN

Episode Guest: 

Joe Flynn 

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Join Kristina and our guest, Joe Flynn! Whether your Fantasy Football IQ is non-existent, or you’re an old pro - Fantasy Football for Good (developed by Joe Flynn) highlights the human under the helmet. We’ll cover how to learn more about athlete impact across causes like youth education, mental health, and food security.

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Fantasyfootballforgood.com

@JoeFlynnSports

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Additional Notes, links and mentions:

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• The Sports Bra initiative was by Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, and a part of their “District of Play” Initiative - more here.

• Youth Sports Town Hall - more here.

• Research tools that are designed to objectively rate non-profits and provide donor resources were Charity Navigator and Charity Watch Dog.

• Sports Lingo - NIL: What is NIL?

• GW Sports Philanthropy Certificate - more here.

• Quote referenced with attribution: “I never lose. I either win or learn.” by Nelson Mandela

Word of the Episode: WIN

‍Episode Guest: 

‍‍Cody Damon

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You are already winning - just by being here! Cody Damon and Kristina discuss how sports for good, is full of win-win opportunities. We’ll cover how we can increase winning combinations and returns, from sports business to everyday play, and make the world a better place in the process. Join us, and expand the definition of winning in sports and life!

#Sportsforgoodisgoodforbusiness

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@insta_burner21

thatsthewinwin.com

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Additional Notes, links and mentions:

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• Media Cause - more here.

• Sports Innovation Lab Reports (Women’s Sports Fans, Sports Business, Fandom, Innovation, etc.) - more here.

• Minnesota Vikings Foundation - more here.

• Savannah Bananas - more here.

• Coco Gauff and mental health - more here. 

• Giving Tuesday - more here.

• Lebron James ‘Kenbassador’ Barbie doll x Foundation feature - more here. 

• Sports Lingo mentioned: What is NIL?

• GW Sports Philanthropy Certificate - more here.

Word of the Episode: CONVERGENT

Episode Guest:

Joanne Pasternack

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What happens when passion, purpose, and sport all meet? That’s where convergence begins. Joanne Pasternack joins Kristina for a conversation on how sports build bridges and strengthen communities. With experience spanning the Golden State Warriors, the San Francisco 49ers, Special Olympics, and beyond, Joanne brings a powerful perspective on leadership, youth sports, and global impact. From ice skating to the NFL, wrestling to chess, and athletes to authors, together we look for the throughlines — and how to use them to create meaningful connections.

Join, and find more throughlines with us!

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpasternack/

https://www.instagram.com/joannepasternack/

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Additional Notes, links and mentions:

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More about Joanne and her work: https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/0033600001PUvWVAA1/joanne-pasternack

Book | Patrick Willis: Journey to The Hall of Fame (https://amzn.to/4sQZwN5)

Book | The Way of the Champion by Paul Rabil (https://amzn.to/4csHxb0)

Article | Michael Phelps Teaches the Ravens to Swim: https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/michael-phelps-ravens-visit-teach-players-swim-training-camp

Laureus | Sport for Good: https://www.laureus.com/sport-for-good

Laureus | Sport for Good: Figure Skating in Harlem x IWC: youtube.com/watch?si=7PX8h7RSX-pXdRpN&v=SBuom__Z4-8&feature=youtu.be

ESPN x Disney x Positive Coaching Alliance | Take Back Youth Sports: https://positivecoach.org/take-back-sports/

Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/

USA Fencing & Parafencing: https://www.usafencing.org/

Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy (Dominique is a Maryland native): https://www.dominiquedawesgymnasticsacademy.com/

Word of the Episode: CHAMPION

Episode Guest:

Erika Coleman

Erika Coleman, speaker, consultant, and recovering overachiever, joins Kristina for a conversation about burnout, resilience, and what it really means to be a champion. Known for her TED Talk on “success without stress,” Erika brings that message closer to home here. From reconnecting over time the two spent in the mountains of Mexico with the Tarahumara (running community) to reflecting on racquetball, family, and business, Erika and Kristina explore the mountains and valleys we all climb and cross — and why pacing yourself is essential to performing at your best.

Come, walk and talk with us!

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https://www.instagram.com/evenachieving/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-coleman-1591b435/
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Additional Notes, links and mentions:

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More about Erika and her work here: https://www.erikacolemanspeaks.com/

Watch Erika’s TED Talk here: erikastedtalk.com

Book | Crucial Influence (https://amzn.to/4mUQayE)

Book | Born to Run (https://amzn.to/4mIirbs)

Article | "Too much of a good thing" (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258180060_Too_Much_of_a_Good_Thing_The_Challenge_and_Opportunity_of_the_Inverted_U)

Racquetball: https://www.usaracquetball.com/

Tarahumara: https://medium.com/@Stevegrayfs/the-tarahumara-the-running-people-e15142ee4183

Word of the Episode: FORWARD

Episode Guest:

Alex Baker

While Alex Baker hates ketchup, he hates cancer more. In this episode, Alex shares with Kristina how running became a steady source of strength through grief after losing his wife to a battle with cancer. He shares what it took to rebuild his health so he could care for himself and be there for his kids, and encourages listeners to notice the often unseen support systems that help carry us forward. Through running, racing, and fundraising, Alex offers a moving example of how pain can be transformed into purpose.

Take the next step forward, tune in and think with us.

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https://www.instagram.com/ketchuptocancer/

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Additional Notes, links and mentions:

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“I hate ketchup. I hate cancer more.” - Alex

http://ketchuptocancer.com/

Learn more about Alex and his goals: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=2257869&fr_id=159612&pg=personal

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.instagram.com/stjude/

Colorectal Cancer Awareness: https://colorectalcancer.org/get-involved/advocate/colorectal-cancer-awareness-month

Word of the Episode: CATALYST

Episode Guest:

Terrance Diggs

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This episode features Terrence Diggs, founder of the D17 brand and leader of the D17 Run Club, discussing his journey in running, community building, and brand development. The conversation explores how running serves as a catalyst for connection, personal growth, and inclusivity within the running community.

Terrence is a runner, creative brand builder, and community leader focused on running apparel and culture. Join us and learn how to be a catalyst in your community too!

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https://www.instagram.com/d17running/

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Additional Notes, links and mentions:

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Learn more about Terrance here: https://d17terrance.substack.com/

Word of the Episode: IDENTITY

Episode Guest:
Adam DeVon Miller

Adam DeVon Miller joins Kristina to explore identity through the lens of sport, purpose, and life beyond competition. A former multi-sport athlete and college football player, Adam shares how he took his values and career from off the field and on to founding the Good Game Foundation; which connects athletes with nonprofits and uses their platforms to create meaningful community impact. We talk about the different seasons of life, and the evolution of our identities, and in particular, how athletes can shape theirs once they formally leave the field, turning their love for sport into lasting purpose.

Tune in, and evolve with us!
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdevonmiller/
https://www.instagram.com/goodgamefdn
https://www.youtube.com/@goodgamefoundation
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Additional Notes, links and mentions:
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Learn more about Adam here: https://www.goodgamefoundation.org/about
The Good Game Foundation: https://www.goodgamefoundation.org/

Word of the Episode: QUITTING

Episode Guest:
Barb Anthony
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https://www.instagram.com/sportsocialworker_banthony/

https://www.instagram.com/playgapsports/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-anthony-lisw-s-31b047138/

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Additional Notes, links and mentions:

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Learn more about the Play Gap: https://www.play-gap.org/
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*More details and links to come.

Word of the Episode: QUIET

Episode Guest:
Dennis Heathfield
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https://www.instagram.com/deafathletic/

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Additional Notes, links and mentions:

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https://www.deafathletic.com/

*More details and links to come.

Word of the Episode: GRATEFUL

Episode Guest:

Amanda Kjar Wilkinson

Special Edition: Book Feature*

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This episode is a special edition, featuring the book: Walking with Grace: A Memoir In Two Voices, and author, Amanda Kjar Wilkinson.

In addition to author, Amanda is an artist, recreational athlete, interfaith advocate, community builder, and - Mother. She shares her profound journey of grief, hope, and resilience after losing two children, Gracelyn and Bennett, both keeping their legacy alive and becoming stronger in the process. We discuss how the themes in her book can exemplify how we can all better, "walk with grace" through, "Walking with Grace".

Through her personal story and books, Amanda explores the intersection of the physical and emotional impacts of grief, and the grit to keep living.

Amanda offers insights on the power of movement, connection, and community throughout the highs and lows, and different seasons of life - as well as how we can better support one another, and live life to the fullest.

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https://www.instagram.com/amandakjarwilkinson/

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Additional Notes, links and mentions:

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More about Amanda and her work here: https://amandawilkinsonspeaks.com/

* Featured Book | Walking with Grace (https://a.co/d/0gDcLhBk)

Book | The Body Keeps the Score (https://amzn.to/4ndNZWS)