🎙️ Podcast Intro: “Taking Chances – Why Not You?” featuring Stacia Carroll

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You?

From marathons to muscle, we’ve explored what the body can do. But this episode? It’s about what the heart dares to do.

Stacia Carroll's story isn’t just about fitness—it’s about sacrifice.

She’s a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist (University of Northern Colorado - Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute) & Medical Exercise Specialist (American Council on Exercise).

Live2Give💚 a living organ donor who didn’t stop after two failed attempts.

Stacia Carroll gave part of her liver to a stranger, proving that grit, faith, and a whole lot of heart can change lives.

This episode dives into what drives someone to say yes when most would say “someday.”

💥 Discomfort is temporary. Impact is forever. Let’s go.

Become a donor: https://www.iowadonornetwork.org/

YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley https://www.ymcaimv.org/livestrong-at-the-ymca/

Next Monday September 8th: https://www.youtube.com/@takingchanceswhynotyou/videos

🎙️ Podcast Intro: Kevin Bullard Today’s guest is the kind of man who doesn’t just chase greatness—he pedals, swings, and drives straight through it.

Born during a snowstorm in Rome, Georgia and raised in the small town of Cedartown, Kevin Bullard’s story starts on two wheels at age three and never slows down. By ten he was a BMX National Champion. By college, a power-hitting catcher breaking records at Armstrong State. And by his twenties, he was suiting up for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

But Kevin’s story isn’t just about athletic dominance—it’s about heart, hustle, and the kind of family-first grit that turns champions into legends. After stepping away from pro baseball to raise his son, Kevin picked up a golf club and launched a second career in long drive competitions, sending balls over 400 yards and collecting titles like they were tee markers.

Now, he’s a successful entrepreneur in the insurance world, a proud father of two, and a man who knows how to entertain a crowd—whether it’s on the field, the fairway, or the corporate stage.

From BMX tracks to boardrooms, Kevin Bullard is proof that small-town roots can grow into big-time impact. Buckle up—this episode is a wild ride through wins, wisdom, and the power of showing up for the people who matter most.

Let’s dive in.

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? with Phil Young!!!

Phil is living proof that chasing big dreams—on foot and in business—can lead to extraordinary places. Meet Phil Young, owner of Fleet Feet Davenport, recently named one of the best shoe stores in America.

But Phil’s not just lacing up success in retail—he’s also one of the fastest humans to ever run 100 miles, holding one of the top times in the world. Yes, you heard that right.

In this episode, we dive into what it takes to build a nationally recognized business, the mindset behind ultra-endurance running, and why taking chances isn’t just for the bold—it’s for anyone ready to ask, “Why not me?”

From shoes to strategy, grit to gratitude—this one’s got it all. Let’s go.

#podcast #motivation #ultrarrunner #Tunnelhill #FleetFeet #PhilYoung

#InspiringVoices #RealTalkRealPeople #DiverseStoriesMatter #CommunityBuilders

Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You?, the show where bold moves, transformative stories, and fearless leadership take center stage.

Today’s guest is someone who doesn’t just shape narratives—she builds legacies. We’re joined by Beth Jannery, Founder and President of Titan Strategic Communications, a trusted thought partner to CEOs and a master of executive positioning. With over two decades of experience, Beth has led high-stakes initiatives like a $1 billion global rebrand and helped define the voice of industry giants, including Raytheon Technologies.

But her impact doesn’t stop at the corporate level. Beth brings a powerful blend of strategic insight and academic leadership, sharing her expertise as a member of the Fast Company Executive Board and the Forbes Business Council. Whether she’s advising top executives or teaching the art of storytelling, Beth is a force in the world of communications.

In this episode, we dive into the mindset behind bold strategy, the power of authentic leadership, and why storytelling isn’t just a skill—it’s a strategic advantage. So lean in, take notes, and get ready to be inspired.

Because if Beth Jannery can take chances and shape industries…why not you?

🔗 Connect with Beth on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethjannery/

🎙️ “Today’s guest is Brian Doerrfeld – a Quad Cities native whose journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Growing up immersed in golf and sports, Brian’s early years were defined by athletic ambition. But in his twenties, life took a detour as he navigated the highs and lows of bartending, battling depression and a difficult relationship with alcohol. - In 2021, Brian made a bold decision to reclaim his life. Now in his fourth year as a personal trainer, cross country coach, and local 5K race director, he’s not just helping others move forward—he’s racing toward his own goals. His current pursuit? Crushing a sub-70-minute time in the elite HYROX men’s pro division. Brian’s story is about grit, growth, and the power of choosing a different path. This is what Taking Chances is all about.”

Michele Hartwig is a passionate runner, race director, and all-around trail enthusiast from Crystal Lake, Illinois. Michele has chased personal goals with precision and heart—like the time she ran 63.25 miles in under 12 hours, earning her that coveted “100K Under 12 Hours” shirt and a 2nd-place overall female finish. But it’s not just podiums that make her proud. What fuels Michele most is helping others discover their strength. As a race organizer, she's created events that foster friendships, confidence, and personal breakthroughs. Her own journey—from childhood trauma and paralyzing anxiety to peace found through running—adds a deeply personal layer to her mission. “If I can help someone stop hurting like I used to hurt,” she says, “that means more than any finish line.” She now averages about 20 miles a week and spends more time hiking and biking with her husband, whose resilience after injury mirrors Michele’s commitment to adapting without giving up. She’s powered by AC/DC, motivated by watermelon and post-ultra hamburgers, and carries her handheld water bottle and fanny pack like a badge of honor. Her mantra? “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.” It’s a philosophy that’s carried her through countless miles—and continues to carry others forward.

Today's guest embodies endurance, dedication, and heart. Meet Erin Montgomery, a force of nature from Clinton, Iowa, where she lives with her partner Todd and their four loyal labs. By day, she’s shaping young minds as an educator in Camanche and coaching cross country, basketball, and track. But Erin's impact doesn't stop there—she’s a dedicated dog breeder, raising labs with care and purpose… and she’s an ultrarunner whose stats are jaw-dropping:

🏃‍♀️ More than ten races of 100 miles or more

🏅 A five-time finisher of the Mines of Spain 100 miler

💯 And yes, she’s conquered the Potawatomi 150 miler!

In 2015, Erin blazed another trail as the Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, bringing the lessons of grit and adventure into classrooms nationwide. She continues to work with Iditarod Education, connecting students with this legendary race through her passion and experience.

Whether she's on a school track or a rugged trail deep in the wilderness, Erin shows us what it means to live boldly, push limits, and never settle.

🌟 This episode is a celebration of perseverance, purpose, and the magic of saying "yes" to the road less traveled.

🎙️ Welcome to Taking Chances – Why Not You? – the podcast that celebrates bold moves, relentless grit, and the power of transformation.

Today’s guest is living proof that it’s never too late to chase greatness.

💪 Mark Ironfield grew up in Framingham, Massachusetts, where his love for lifting began in a basement with old-school cement weights (IYKYK). Football and sports were part of the mix, but it was the iron that truly called to him. That passion led him to Pep’s Gym, where he discovered powerlifting—and at just 21, he started competing.

But here’s the twist: Mark didn’t win his first meet until he was 47 years old. And since then? He’s been unstoppable. Breaking records, dominating meets, and proving that age is just a number. After turning 50, he won every single meet he entered—and he’s still going strong.

🏠 Today, Mark runs a free powerlifting gym out of his basement, welcoming anyone willing to put in the work. His only rule? Show up early. He lives by Lombardi time—if you’re 15 minutes early, you’re on time.

Mark is a husband, father of three, business owner, and world-record-holding powerlifter. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and paying it forward.

📈 Check out his records: Open Powerlifting – Mark Ironfield

📸 Follow him on Instagram: @mark_and_dee_ironfield

📹 Watch him in action on YouTube: @Ironfield100

Let’s dive into Mark’s incredible journey—and ask the question we always ask: Why not you?