Taking Chances - Why not you?

🎙️ Podcast Promo: Meet John O'Brien — Grit, Growth, and the Long Run

From the streets of Peabody, Massachusetts to the finish line of one of the toughest ultramarathons, John O’Brien’s journey is anything but ordinary. A proud husband (wife Traci Kristine OBrien, daughters: Trinity O'Brien Erin O'Brien) and father of two, John’s story blends blue-collar roots, boardroom grit, and backcountry endurance.

He graduated from Framingham State with a degree in Economics, captained his college football team and went on to lead initiatives at powerhouse companies like GE Capital, Citibank, and John Deere. But it wasn’t jus...

🎙️ Today’s guest is someone who’s not only a powerhouse in the marketing world—but also a cherished part of my family’s story.

Anais Elenko is a wife, a mother of two, and a woman whose journey spans continents and courage. When a U.S. visa wasn’t in the cards, Anais didn’t stop dreaming—she pivoted, moved to Canada, and kept building. Years ago, she was an Au pair for my oldest daughter Trinity, and from day one, she became part of our family. Her warmth, resilience, and brilliance have stayed with us ever since.

N...

💥 Meet Traci Kristine O'Brien 💥

My wife Traci Kristine OBrien is one of the bravest, most resilient people I know — and on Monday, you’ll hear why.

Her career took her across the globe, serving as a civilian with the U.S. Government and Department of the Army. She was deployed not once, not twice, but THREE times to Iraq and Afghanistan. Not in a combat role — but in the thick of it. Mortars hit their bases. Danger was constant. And yet, she showed up, did the work, and made a difference.

She’s seen things mo...

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? is back with a powerhouse episode featuring the one and only John DeDoncker

He’s 61 years old. He’s a 9-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher. He’s crushed the Lead Challenge. And he’s still out there doing what most people only dream of—finishing one of the hardest 100-mile trail races on the planet 💪

📉 Finisher rate? Around 50% each year.

👴 Over 60? Less than 25%.

🔥 John? Still getting it done.

We dive deep into: 🏃‍♂️ Training strategies

🥗 Nutrition that fuels the grind

🧢 Gear that works

🧠 Coaching insights

🎯 Tips...

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You?

🎤 Andy Yohe – He’s a living testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of sport to heal and elevate. Born with hockey in his blood, he started on the roller rinks of Bettendorf, Iowa as a member of the Young Guns.

But in 1994, everything changed—an accident left him without both legs. Most would’ve called it the end. But for Yohe, it was just the beginning of a new kind of fight.

Fast forward to 2003: he’s back on the ice, this time with the RIC Blackhawks, and his scoring touc...

🎙️ Podcast Intro: Taking Chances – Why Not You?

Today’s episode is personal. It’s about grit, sacrifice, and the kind of quiet strength that doesn’t ask for applause—but damn well deserves it.

Our guest is my dad, John Joseph O'Brien Jr., born and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts. A proud Peabody High graduate, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1962, served in Vietnam, and came home in 1966 to start a new chapter—one marked by hard work, humility, and unwavering dedication.

He clocked third shift at GE Aircraft Engines in Lynn, Massachusetts, he...

🎙️ 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 he...

🎙️ 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 ab...

🎙️ 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 busine...

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 le...

🎙️ “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 goal...

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 lay...

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...

🎙️ 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: Ma...

🎙️Taking Chances: Why Not You? Episode Featuring Brandon Bartz

What do you get when you mix adrenaline, vision, grit—and just a little bit of crazy? You get Brandon Bartz.

In this episode of Taking Chances – Why Not You? I sat down with the guy who never outgrew the wild side. From motocross tracks to trail runs, from launching four CrossFit gyms across the Quad Cities to leading races as a director, Brandon is a one-man movement. He helped bring CrossFit to a whole region, sparked a fitness community of over 500 strong, and still finds time to b...

Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You?—the show that celebrates transformation, resilience, and the people who lead with heart. Today’s guest is the force behind one of the most iconic road races in the world. She’s a trailblazer, a leader, and a self-proclaimed back-of-the-pack champion who knows that “forward is forward.” Michelle Juehring is the Race Director of the legendary Quad-City Times Bix 7, celebrating its 51st year this summer in Davenport, Iowa. With over two decades of experience in race ops, sponsorships, and athlete hospitality, Michelle doesn’t just organize events—she creates experiences that inspire thousand...

Straight from the bayou country - West Monroe, LA, Stephen Paul’s music is inspired by his cajun roots and classic country. Combining a traditional 90’s country style with a modern country sound, Stephen offers a refreshing voice to country music and its fans.

At age three, Stephen began his musical journey when his father gave him his first drum kit. Following years of involvement in music ministry at his church, Stephen began playing guitar and eventually pursued songwriting. Stephen graduated from the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) in 2013 and performed with a variety of local bands during his...

Taking Chances – Why Not You? —the podcast where we dive into the bold moves, the big dreams, and the everyday people who prove that the impossible is just a dare waiting to be answered.

Next week's guest, Evan Kilstrom, embodies transformation in its purest form. A 2019 graduate of Pleasant Valley High School and a three-season lineman for Iowa State, Evan played under the bright lights of the 2020 Big 12 Championship and helped clinch a Fiesta Bowl victory over Oregon. But his story didn’t stop when the clock ran out.

After tipping the scale at 340 pounds, Evan m...

Join us for an electrifying episode with Dr. John Byrne, Professor Emeritus at St. Ambrose University, professional speaker, and expert in goal setting and motivation—

Taking Chances is now proudly supported by our friends Johnna and Austin Chesney, the amazing owners of four iconic establishments in the Quad Cities: The Public House, The Ridge Social Drinkery, Oak Grove Tavern, and Candy’s Back Bar.

Dr. Byrne is no stranger to pushing the limits. A 6-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher and 2024 Lead Challenge conqueror (yes, that beast of a series includes the Leadville Trail Marathon, Silver Rush 50, Lead...

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨 Ultra-running fans, get ready for an inspiring conversation with none other than John DeDoncker—a legend in endurance sports! John is an 8-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher, a Leadman finisher, and a Western States 100 miler finisher—but he's aiming for something even bigger: becoming a 10-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher! Hailing from the Quad Cities, John grew up in East Moline and has lived in FIVE of the Quad Cities! He graduated from the University of Iowa (Tippie College of Business) and earned his JD from Iowa College of Law in 1988. A former President of TBK Bank Midwest Division...

Welcome to Taking Chances - Why not you? where we dive deep into the minds of the world's best athletes, thinkers, and visionaries. Today, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with a true legend in the world of ultrarunning—Michael Wardian.

If you’ve ever glanced at the leaderboard of an ultra-distance race, chances are you’ve seen his name at the top. Michael holds too many race records to list here, but if you’re curious, you can find the staggering details at Michael Wardian's Results.

From dominating the U.S. National 100 km Champ...

I had the privilege of sitting down with Curt Johnston, a 2018 Leadville 100 Trail Race finisher, for a conversation packed with grit, determination, and a whole lot of heart. We reflected on his early days playing basketball in high school and college, his quest to break 46:00 at the Bix7, and—most importantly—his incredible comeback from a DNF in 2016 to crossing the finish line at Leadville in 2018. Curt shared his physical and mental approach to preparing for that redemption race, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

Oh, and today’s a special day—Curt turns 49...

Hey everyone, quick heads-up—this episode’s audio is a little rough. I got a new camera, and somehow the recording defaulted to the computer’s mic instead of our fancy setup. Rookie mistake, but the conversation is still top-notch.

Pat and I sat down to chat about Memorial Day, growing up in Bettendorf, Iowa, and the role of sports in shaping our lives. We talked about his journey from playing football as a kid to competing at the University of Iowa, then making the leap to the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. We also covered his experi...

I recently had the opportunity to interview Mark Dowdle, who has won the Wausau Limitless last man standing ultra marathon two years in a row. This year he ran for 39 hours and covered 158 miles. We discussed his race experience, his perspective as the returning champion, and his future plans including his goal of becoming a professional backyard ultra runner. Topics also included training, support crews, group runs, and the motivations behind participating in such events.

Our first attempt at doing this. We talk about running and all kinds of other stupid stuff.

Pat sits down with me and we talk about our Mom's, what it was like growing up, Running, Training, Work, Business and of course we couldn't do this without talking about the 2016 Leadville Trail 100 race, the race across the sky. Hope you enjoy it.