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.

Welcome back to the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast! In this episode, I am joined by the inspiring Dr. Rani a visionary entrepreneur and passionate advocate for holistic wellness.

Dr. Rani's journey is one of profound transformation—she’s a clinical hypnotherapist, certified breathwork, chakra healer, astrologer, author, and founder of Amazing You.

Speaking candidly from her home in the UK, she shares her deeply personal story: from overcoming patterns of workplace bullying and navigating upheaval, to rediscovering purpose and embracing lifelong learning and healing.

Together, Karen and Dr. Rani explore the powerful intersection of energy, intuition, and self-awareness. We discuss the importance of reconnecting with our breath, healing the mind-body connection, and tuning into the messages within us, whether through meditation, hypnotherapy, or the simple act of pausing to breathe.

With insights drawn from both personal experience and professional expertise, Dr. Rani emphasizes that our true potential lies in understanding ourselves beyond the surface, as multidimensional beings with unique life paths and deep connections to the world around us.

Whether you’re a runner, a seeker on a healing journey, or simply curious about the deeper layers of wellness, this episode promises actionable tools, inspiration, and a powerful reminder: the treasure you seek is already within you.

Carolyn joins us from the windswept Falkland Islands, and her journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From remote veterinary adventures around the globe to an unexpected and debilitating spinal injury that dramatically altered her life, Carolyn shares how she faced down misdiagnoses, excruciating chronic pain, and a healthcare system that didn’t seem to listen. Instead of accepting a life defined by limitation, Carolyn turned to her love of running and the outdoors—and through determination, research, and mind-body healing, she forged her own path to recovery.

In this episode, you’ll hear about Carolyn’s return to running after years of immobility, her holistic approach to pain and healing, and the crucial role of mental fitness—addressing trauma, reframing fear, and the power of hope. You’ll also get thrilling stories from her time as a veterinarian at the legendary Iditarod and the epic Mongol Derby, plus plenty of laughs and insights on the healing power of nature and adventure.

Whether you’re an athlete, someone managing pain, or simply curious about the connection between body, brain, and the will to persevere, Carolyn’s journey will leave you inspired and ready to overcome your own obstacles. Let’s dive into this uplifting conversation about resilience, adventure, and the unstoppable human spirit.

Eva Vennari understands the demands of modern life—the constant rush, the endless to-do lists, and the pressure to always be "on."

She noticed that beneath this high-paced routine, people often ignore subtle signals from their bodies: persistent headaches, joint pain, or surprising changes in health that seem “normal for the age” or easy to dismiss.

Drawing from her own experiences, Eva realized these are signs of energetic buildup and residue, caused by pushing ourselves without pause.

Her passion is helping others recognize these patterns and release the invisible stresses that get trapped in their bodies, guiding them toward balanced energy and holistic well-being.

In this insightful episode, join us as we chat with Vaughn Fahie about the power of our voices. Vaughn introduces the fascinating concept of a "voice print"—as unique as a fingerprint—and challenges us to rethink how we share our stories. We dive deep into the advantages and challenges of narrating your story versus writing it, and explore how to quiet that pesky inner critic that makes us doubt our voice.

We also discuss why so few people publish books despite the desire to, and how easy-to-use recording technology is revolutionizing how we preserve family histories. Plus, we reflect on the emotional impact of hearing loved ones' voices, the importance of "everyday" stories, and what might be holding you back from capturing your own unique narrative today. Get ready to be inspired to share your story, one voice memo at a time!

Welcome back to another episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection! Today, host Karen Bonnett-Natraj sits down with Joseph Schrum—a runner whose journey is as awe-inspiring as it is relatable. From their first wild meeting at the Crown King Scramble, where Joe turned a grueling run into an even more epic solo adventure, to tackling the formidable Cocodona 250, this conversation paints an honest picture of the ultrarunning experience for the “average Joe.”

Joe candidly shares how he transformed his life at 40, overcoming obesity, alcoholism, and health struggles to become an accomplished ultrarunner who has finished over a hundred marathons and numerous 100-milers. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of resilience—sleeping in a van after getting locked in a park, surviving snow, mud, and even lost gear in races that test the mind as much as the body. This episode is a celebration of community, perseverance, and the unsung heroes of the back of the pack. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to complete a 200-mile race, or if you think the world of ultrarunning is reserved for the elites, Joe’s journey will inspire you to redefine what’s possible.

So, whether you’re training for your first big race or just looking for motivation to get out the door, tune in for a dose of humility, humor, and unshakeable determination—because this is the story of everyday runners doing extraordinary things.