Maureen Anne Shea Carranza is a professional boxer, actress, commentator, and speaker, bestknown in the fight world as “The Real Million Dollar Baby.” Born in the Bronx, New York to Irish and Mexican parents, Maureen rose from humble beginnings to become a two-time world champion and one of the most respected veterans in women’s boxing.

With a professional record of 33 wins (13 by knockout), 3 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest,
Maureen has held both the WBC Interim Featherweight and IFBA Super Bantamweight World Titles. She’s known for her grit, longevity, and fearless independence—often self-promoting her career and speaking out against inequities in the sport.

Maureen trained under elite coaches including Hector Roca and Derik Santos, and was Hilary Swank’s sparring partner for Million Dollar Baby. Outside the ring, she’s a commentator, brand ambassador, former TV host, and advocate for both youth mentorship and domestic violence awareness. She’s also been featured in People, Sports Illustrated, E! True Hollywood Story, and more.

Maureen holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Iona College, and currently lives and trains in South Florida. In 2025, she won yet another pro fight at age 44—proving her staying power in and out of the ring.

Welcome to episode 60 of the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast! In today’s inspiring episode, host Karen sits down with the remarkable Bob Becker, a legendary figure in the ultramarathon world who just set a new record as the oldest finisher of the grueling Badwater 135 at age 80.

With nearly two decades of Badwater experience—whether running, crewing, or working with race staff—Bob shares what keeps him coming back to one of the world’s toughest footraces. T

ogether, Karen and Bob reminisce about the early days of their friendship, swap unforgettable Badwater stories, and dive deep into Bob’s mindset, training, and nutrition strategies that helped him conquer 135 miles across Death Valley.

Bob opens up about setbacks, his competitive spirit, the critical role of his crew and coach, and his passion for challenging what’s possible at any age. He also discusses his journey as a race director for the iconic KEYS100 and Daytona 100, the importance of staying active as you age, and his advice for anyone looking to push their limits. T

une in for a conversation packed with wisdom, humor, and motivation—and discover why Bob Becker proves that age is just a number when it comes to endurance, resilience, and chasing big goals.

https://keys100.com/

https://daytona100ultra.com/

Welcome back to the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast! In this episode, host Karen welcomes returning guest Stacy Ann Bistak, a nutritionist and wellness advocate with a passion for exploring holistic health. This time around, Stacy dives into the world of electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs)—those invisible forces all around us, from our phones, WiFi, and Bluetooth devices, to the ever-present cell towers and even the lighting in our homes.

Together, Karen and Stacy unpack the ways EMFs might impact our bodies, especially when it comes to sleep, cellular health, and energy levels. They touch on the unique challenges faced by endurance runners, from tackling sleep deprivation in ultramarathons like the Badwater 135, to sharing practical tips for recovery, nutrition, and safeguarding yourself against modern environmental stressors.

They also celebrate the restorative power of nature—think forest bathing, grounding, and the subtle yet powerful benefits of being surrounded by trees and natural essential oils. Plus, they explore healthy fueling strategies for runners, the role of whole foods like root vegetables and honey, and even cover the debate around sun exposure and sunscreen.

Whether you’re an ultrarunner, a wellness enthusiast, or just curious about how everyday technology may be affecting your performance and recovery, this conversation brings fresh insights, actionable strategies, and a reminder that tuning in to your mind-body connection is key to running—and living—strong.