Inspiring Journeys Paul Stroessner

Inspiring Journeys' own Kerri Nelson, and Chris Marino, whose incredible story can be heard on Episode 8 of Inspiring Journeys, completed the 2024 Boston Marathon!
We get to live vicariously through them on Marathon Monday as give their experiences from the Marathon Expo to the trip to the starting line, to the race itself. And a little potty talk in between. 
This is a great episode for runners to either relive the historic marathon, or inspire them to want to run it. It is also great for non runners to go behind the scenes of a run. 
This annual event is also the pinnacle of inspiration, which lives up to this podcast's name! By the time Kerri and Chris take the left on to Boylston, you'll be ready to lace up some running shoes yourself!
 
Also, this episode's 22 Too Many veteran is
Dirk Dastrup





March 22, 1999 – July 29, 2021
Dirk was an active-duty airman, stationed at Hurlburt Field in the Florida Panhandle.
Dirk Anthony Dastrup, was born and raised in Benson, AZ. Dirk had a heart of gold. His passion was always to rescue others. He always had an ear for his friends’ troubles. He loved the ocean. He had no problem swimming at 11 o’clock at night. He was learning to snorkel and scuba dive while stationed in Florida. His heart still belonged in the desert.
He loved Bath Bombs. He had a dream to serve Veteran Families with a package of Bath Bombs to honor their service. Mom is following by taking up his cause:  Dirks Dream Bath Bombs Co. 
Dirk suffered with Depression caused by Military Regulations. He was receiving counseling and medication, but to no avail. It wasn’t any source of help. 
Dirk was 22 years old. He left behind his mom, his step father, his 6 siblings and father. His radiant smile, dreams and love are so truly missed.
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Please feel free to donate to Chris' charity #BFightsALD to help fight and bring attention to ALD.
Kerri can be found on
Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar
Facebook: Every Run Has a Story
You can find Adriana at:
Instagram  @SoulFriendYoga
email: adriana@soulfriendyoga
Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off
You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:
Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner
Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner
Facebook
 
Inspiring Journeys can be found on:
InspiringJourneys.net
Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod
Facebook
 
You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:
Apple Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Spotify

On this episode, we welcome the incredible Russ Rogers to the show! 
Russ is the author of a children's 5-book series, Today...
He is also the founder of the movement called Movetoday365. He encourages everybody to get some movement in and get outside. 
As a part of Movetoday365, on the second Saturday of every month, friends and family gather together with Russ and go for a 2 mile walk . This is done in Santa Cruz, Ca, but can be done virtually as well.
In addition to discussing the origins and process of Russ writing the Today series, we talk about being active every day, and the importance of getting off devices and connecting in a real way.
 
This episode's 22 Too Many veteran is
Daniel McCoy
In Memory of PVT Daniel McCoy, US Army
April 13, 1993 – July 10, 2022
Ft. Campbell, Kentucky
“Daniel was unlike any human I’ve ever known. Smart, funny, loving, kind, and edgy! He was a sponge and soaked up information – he was smarter than most. He did life his way, and we respected that so much. 
He loved hanging with his friends and his dog, taking walks in nature, and being the best comedian and prankster! He enjoyed cooking for his dad. He was big into nature and loved learning. His drawing abilities were astonishing. Artistic, smart, and hilarious are characteristics that describe him so well.  
He loved his siblings very much. He was a blessing to those who got to know and love him.
He lived in Pecatonica, IL and Wildwood, FL, and has treasured friends in both places.” Shared by his mother, Leilani.
The states he called home were Florida and Illinois. 
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You can purchase Russ' books on Amazon
You can also visit Russ on https://movetoday365.com/
You can also find him on:
Instagram (@MoveToday365)
Facebook
Email: movetoday365@yahoo.com
 
Inspiring Journeys can be found on:
Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod
Facebook
And the web site https://inspiringjourneys.net/
Kerri can be found on
Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar
Facebook: Every Run Has a Story
 
You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:
Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner
Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner
Facebook
You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:
Apple Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Spotify

The 128th Boston Marathon took place on April 15, 2024. Your host, Paul Stroessner was in attendance for both the marathon and the expo, and this is his report.
This week's 22 Too Many veteran is
David Simpson





“My Cousin David took his own life. A few nights ago, he became one of the 22 US veterans that commit suicide daily. I know it was not always this way but it is this way now. This happens 22 times a day-people feel like I do starting 22 times a day. He was either the first or the last of the day. He said goodbye on the last day of May in the last hour in his time zone. The outcry of support was overwhelming. People know. This happens too much. He knew it happened too much.
David became medically disabled. He had PTSD and had also contracted Lyme disease during his many years in service. When he returned from service, work within his community and with his fellow veterans became his service. Many also remember him from the video below. He fought for the rights of those four legged soldiers. Now all the two legged ones need to stand up for him. Did this have to be? I don’t think so.
To know how to help veterans overcome suicide, one only needs to know what a veteran who overcame suicide knew. Andrew Jones with The Ripple Effect – Helping Veterans and Families HEAL explained how he did just that. He found words in that dark place that kept him from taking his own life – familiar words “Hold your position.” Hold your position, call for support. That is what a soldier does when he is in trouble. David didn’t have these words in that dark place. All military personnel should be given these words upon their exit into civilian life. If David had orders in respect to his own life, he would have followed them.
David, if I could have said anything to you on that last hour in May it would have been hold your position and call for support. And if I can say anything to the 22 that are starting to die today it is just that: HOLD YOUR POSITION. Why did you not have these words David Michael Simpson? I am so sorry. I cannot stop thinking them now. Hold your position. Call for support.
There are so many people, so many mothers, so many fathers and brothers, wives, husbands…children who wish that their loved one had received this order. But instead these soldiers just come back and die on American soil from unseen injuries they received in battle. PTSD is not a permanent thought process and suicide is not a consistent thought. They need an order to follow when they think these thoughts. Let’s give it to them. I ask for your help. All of you. Every single one of you reading this.
To the 22 veterans today who will face this darkness alone: Hold your position, call for support. You are an American life. It is the duty of the government and its military to protect you. If you are a threat to your own life, hold your position and call for support.
But I cannot say “that is an order”. I am a civilian surrounded by civilians who are watching them all die. So this is just a Facebook post.
They need an order to pull them back from the chaos. So give it to them.
David, support was on its way. You just had to hold your position.”
https://youtu.be/Cnf5QZ0rzzo?si=RGzj8JrMcyM6KSsG
 
Also mentioned The Frontrunner by Brad Fawley

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Inspiring Journeys can be found on:
Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod
Facebook
Kerri can be found on
Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar
Facebook: Every Run Has a Story
 
You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:
Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner
Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner
Facebook
You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:
Apple Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Spotify

On this episode, we welcome the incredible and inspirational Maurice Lowman, also known as the Marathon Panda. 
Maurice had gone from hitting rock bottom on the streets of Rhode Island to living the life of High fives and positive vibes, being sober since March 12, 2015, and continuing an outdoor run streak since January 1, 2016!
The 2024 Boston Marathon will be Maurice's 42nd marathon! He also runs half marathons and ultra marathons, and every other race you can think of!
Maurice now lives an incredible life of positivity, gratitude, and hope. So come check out his story and be inspired!
Maurice can be found on Instagram at @marathonpandamaurice
You may also support Maurice's charity for the Marathon - The Herron Project
This episode is also dedicated to the 22 Too Many veteran:
James Balmonte





January 17, 1998 – January 26, 2022
Load Master 21AS assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB
SSgt James L. Balmonte was an instructor loadmaster in the 21st Airlift Squadron assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California as of October 2017. James was active duty, and he was part of the direct support of Operation Freedom Sentinel and Inherent Resolve.
James was a kind soul who would brighten the day of everyone he spoke to. He would use his comedic charm, cheerfulness, and great personality to make everyone feel welcomed. He had quick wit and a great sense of humor that made him a lot of friends and made people want to be around him. He was loyal to his job, his family, his friends, and his Beeliner family. He was the first person to stand up and help out wherever it was needed. He especially loved to talk about his culture, his life in Guam, and life outside the military. James enjoyed video games and hanging out with family and friends. He loved to travel around the world and try new things like snowboarding in Tahoe. 
He joined the military in order to make a difference in this world. It gave him something to focus on that he could be proud of and that would constantly challenge him. He was a dedicated person at heart and put everything he had into everything he did.
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Inspiring Journeys can be found on:
Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod
Facebook
Kerri can be found on
Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar
Facebook: Every Run Has a Story
 
You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:
Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner
Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner
Facebook
You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:
Apple Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Spotify

The Inspiring Journeys podcast is off to a hot start, featuring all incredible guests. On this episode, Kerri and Paul reflect on the resilience, power, and inspiration of each guest.
 
Let us know if you had any takeaways from anybody on the show so far.
 
Ret. NYPD Detective Andrew Liakos and SBA Member, Ret. Sgt. Edward Scali, have teamed up with their company Midnight Platoon to create a thoughtful tribute in honor of Police Officer Jonathan Diller. All profits from the shirt sales will go direct to the Diller family.  
In the past Midnight Platoon has raised considerable funds for the families of fallen NYPD officers. You can see the new shirts and sweatshirts created in honor of P.O. DIller at the following link: https://midnight-platoon.com/search?q=diller&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
 


Episode 1: Defeating Anxiety with Misty Johnson
Misty can be found at:
https://growwithmisty.com/
Facebook - Grow With Misty
 
Episode 2: Be Genuine with Jenn Gray
Jenn can also be found on:
Instagram: @imjenngray
TikTok: @imjenngray
LinkedIn
https://imjenngray.com/
Also, you can join Jenn's book club on Facebook
 
Episode 3: Integrate With Kate DeCosta
Kate can be found on:
Instagram: @integrate.with.kate
LinkedIn
https://integratewithkate.net/
 
Episode 4: Reclaiming Your Life with Jessica Rae
Jessica can be found:
2 accounts on Instagram: @truly.jessicarae and @digital.fierce.femmes
Inspiring Journeys can be found on:
Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod
Facebook
 
Episode 5: The Joy Hour with Tom Lyman
You can find Tom at
https://www.theconsiderategroup.com/
The Joy Hour Podcast, which can also be found on all podcasting apps as well as YouTube.
Instagram: @tomthejoyhourguy
 
Episode 6: Project Accounted For with Eddie Scali
Eddie can be found in his Facebook group Project Accounted For and also on Instagram (@project_accounted_for)
 
Episode 7: Inspiring Journey of SoulFriend Yoga with Adriana Ferns
You can find Adriana at:
Instagram  @SoulFriendYoga
email: adriana@soulfriendyoga
Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off
 
Episode 8: From Heart Attack to The Boston Marathon: The Inspiring Journey of Chris Marino
Please feel free to donate to Chris' charity #BFightsALD to help fight and bring attention to ALD.
 
 
Inspiring Journeys can be found on:
Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod
Facebook
Kerri can be found on
Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar
Facebook: Every Run Has a Story
 
You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:
Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner
Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner
Facebook
You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:
Apple Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Spotify

We welcome Chris Marino back to the show! Chris was on episodes 51 and 52 of Journey of the Rhode Runner when he ran his first Boston Marathon in 2021.
Then on December 3, 2022, while out on a run, Chris survived a widowmaker heart attack (which has a 10-20% survival rate). Not only has Chris survived, but is thriving. On April 15, 2024, Chris will be running his first Boston Marathon since his heart attack!
In addition to his heart attack, we discuss Chris' son Braden and his rare disease, Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), which prompted Chris to run the Boston Marathon to begin with. And if this was not enough to take in, 3 weeks before Chris' heart attack, his wife Katie suffered a seizure!
In this epic-sode, we dive deep into each of these events. You will be truly inspired by this incredible Marino family! While many people would buckle under any of these events, the Marino family has not only survived, but are thriving! 
This episode is also dedicated to the 22 Too Many hero:
Ellis Weems
“Ellis was born in Landsthul, W. Germany on 21 June 1992 (the summer solstice). I was still in the military, and he was the joy of my life! He was raised in Harper Woods, Michigan. Ellis was my only child, and my mirror image who left this Earth far too soon. He loved life, and loved to put a smile on the faces of those who came in contact with him. He was active in soccer, baseball and an extreme skateboarder. He loved to eat – my goodness, my grocery bill stayed high when he was home! He was a free-spirit; always soaking up the information he received from others so that he can master it in his own life. I miss his smile and our conversations about life. I miss my Son every single day…15 July 2016 will be a constant reminder that the joy of my life is no longer here…” shared by his mom, Theresa
In the spring of 2017, Theresa ran a 5k in memory of Ellis at Ft. Bragg, NC.
#22toomany#OurHeroes are #NeverForgotten
 
Please feel free to donate to Chris' charity #BFightsALD to help fight and bring attention to ALD.
 
Also mentioned in this episode is the mircle worker, Kate Decosta of Integrate With Kate, who helped Paul figure out a lifelong battle of mysterious headaches.
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Inspiring Journeys can be found on:
Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod
Facebook
Kerri can be found on
Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar
Facebook: Every Run Has a Story
You can find Adriana at:
Instagram  @SoulFriendYoga
email: adriana@soulfriendyoga
Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off
You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:
Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner
Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner
Facebook
You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:
Apple Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Spotify