Discover how a 63-mile walk across Chicago transformed writer Michael McColly’s health, mindset, and connection to the world around him. In this episode, Michael joins Frank Ring to explore the power of walking for mental clarity, physical health, and understanding the hidden stories of our cities.

Michael shares the journey behind his book Walking Chicago’s Coastline: A 63-Mile Journey to the Indiana Dunes — revealing what you learn when you navigate Chicago’s beaches, neighborhoods, industrial zones, toxic fields, and natural marshlands on foot.

This conversation dives into: • How walking helped Michael manage depression and chronic illness • What long-distance walking reveals about Chicago’s coastline and history • The beauty found in overlooked, abandoned, or industrial spaces • Why intentional walking boosts creativity, focus, and emotional resilience • The connection between walking, environment, and community health • How COVID reignited America’s love for walking • The spiritual and personal growth that comes from purposeful movement

Frank also shares his personal experience with prostate cancer, including how walking supported him throughout treatment — and why every man needs to hear this message:

👉 Get your PSA levels tested. Early detection saves lives.

If you or someone you love is dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis, Frank is here as a resource. “I’ve lived it, I’ve walked through it, and I’ve come out the other side stronger. Helping men through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery is the most meaningful work of my life.”

Connect with Michael McColly: 📘 Walking Chicago’s Coastline – https://amzn.to/48uePDh 🌐 Website: https://www.michaelmccolly.net

Frank also opens up about his prostate cancer battle, the fog of uncertainty he faced during treatment, and how walking helped him rebuild energy, identity, and hope. He reminds all men: Get your PSA levels checked. Early detection saves lives.

Additional Resources: ➡️ The Walking Works Free Chapters - https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/walkingworksbookgiveaway ➡️ WIN Weekly Newsletter: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/newsletter

➡️ Free “Power of Starting” Guide: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/thepowerofstarting

If you or someone you love has received a prostate-cancer diagnosis, Frank is here as a resource. “I’ve lived it. I’ve come out the other side more optimistic about life than ever. And now my mission is to help other men stay strong through treatment, recovery, and beyond. This is the most rewarding work of my life.”

To learn what it looks like to work with Frank, email: Frank@walkingforhealthandfitness.com

#WalkingPodcast #MichaelMcColly #WalkingChicagosCoastline #UrbanWalking #IndianaDunes #WalkingForHealth #PSATest #MensHealthMatters #ProstateCancerAwareness #WalkingInspiration #WalkingWorks #FrankSRing #WalkingForFitness #HealingThroughWalking

Struggling to stay consistent with your walking routine? In this episode, author and coach Frank Ring shows why you can’t improve what you don’t track—and how simple logging turns “I’ll try” into visible progress.

Frank shares the origin and completion of his 11,285-mile Virtual Walk Around the United States (including 186 miles across New Jersey), and the science-backed strategies that kept him moving for years.

You’ll learn exactly how to track your walks—from the Walking Logbook Journal (wins, reflections, gratitude) to the Google Sheets Walking Tracker (automatic totals, graphs, mileage countdowns)—so you can build motivation, accountability, and long-term consistency.

Start today to build your walking habit! Walking Habit Builder Program: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/habit Use Code: tracking33 and save $10.

Walking Logbook Journal: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/walking-logbook-journal

What you’ll learn:

✅ Why self-monitoring boosts adherence and results

✅ How tracking reinforces goals, mindset, and momentum

✅ Practical ways to log time, distance, steps, wins, and gratitude

✅ How Frank used maps, photos, and creative “virtual checkpoints” to make walking fun and sustainable

✅ Get the tools: Free Google Sheets Walking Tracker: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/podcast/why-tracking-works-lessons-from-my-virtual-walk

✅ Walking Habit Builder: 10 weeks of coaching + resources (use code tracking33 and save $10): https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/habit

Start with Day 1 today. In 30 days, look back at your log and see how far you’ve come.

Website: Walking for Health and Fitness: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com

Books by Frank S. Ring

👉 Frank S. Ring: Walking for Health and Fitness: https://amzn.to/334f3gK

👉Frank S. Ring: Walking Works Blueprint: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/walkingworksblueprint

#WalkingForHealthAndFitness #WalkingHabitBuilder #WalkingMotivation #WalkingPodcast #FitnessAccountability #HealthyHabits #WalkingConsistency #WalkYourWayToHealth #TrackYourProgress

Anxiety doesn’t have to control your day—and you don’t need a prescription to calm your mind. In this episode of the Walking for Health and Fitness Podcast, I’ll show you how to turn your daily walk into a moving meditation that rewires your brain and restores your peace of mind.

Here’s what you’ll discover: ✅ Hack 1: How to meet anxiety instead of fighting it—featuring insights from David Bayer’s A Changed Mind ✅ Hack 2: Gratitude walks that reset your mental script and help you focus on what’s good ✅ Hack 3: Sensory focus walks to anchor you back into the present moment

• A bonus Fall Stress Reset routine that uses just 10 minutes a day to lower stress and boost calm

I also share a personal story of when anxiety first hit me—and how reframing those feelings changed everything.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have simple, powerful tools you can use today to walk through anxiety, not around it.

👉 Don’t miss this one—especially as fall stress ramps up.

🎁 Download my free guide The Power of Starting here: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/thepowerofstarting

Get more information:

Website: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com

👉 Frank S. Ring: Walking for Health and Fitness: https://amzn.to/334f3gK

👉Frank S. Ring: Walking Works Blueprint: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/walkingworksblueprint

👉 David Bayer: A Changed Mind: https://amzn.to/4mw0zyX

👉David Bayer- This is The Best Explanation Ever on Overcoming Anxiety: https://youtu.be/9NlUFBWQ2Zw?si=mKX6_KvXXQR2TGqC

Walk on, Frank

#WalkingPodcast #WalkingForHealth #WalkingForFitness #AnxietyRelief #StressRelief #WalkingWorks #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #FitnessPodcast #WalkingMeditation