Unstoppable Stories That Move

Sally Hed Dahlquist

A podcast with a purpose highlighting ordinary people who do extra-ordinary things, while raising money for medical research. From everyday athletes & artists, scientists & survivors, care-givers & change-makers, these people relentlessly pursue their dreams, resiliently pushing through pain & setbacks. What's their purpose? What makes them Unstoppable? Tune in to listen as these seemingly normal people share their stories of resilience and inspire us to keep moving forward

  1. 1d ago

    57. Sally's Hotline: More Cowbell, More Kindness with David Clark

    In this edition of Sally’s Hotline, we hear from the unstoppable David Clark, cheerleader, supporter, and better known in the running community as The Cowbell Guy. David is the husband of Jennifer Clark, who has completed more than 400 half marathons, and he has spent years showing up on racecourses with a cowbell, a smile, and plenty of encouragement for runners and walkers of every pace. Rather than offering complicated advice, David keeps it simple: always have a goal, and always be kind. No matter how old you are, how young you are, or where you are in life, there is always something else to work toward. And while you are chasing your own goals, you can still support the people around you. This short but joyful tip episode is a reminder that purpose can change throughout your life, but kindness, encouragement, and showing up for others always matter. Sometimes what someone needs most is help, a smile, a cheerleader, or maybe even a cowbell. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Why David believes everyone should keep setting goalsHow having a purpose can change throughout different seasons of lifeWhy supporting others matters while you are chasing your own goalsHow encouragement, kindness, and even a smile can help someone keep goingWhy David sees being a cheerleader as part of his purposeIf you want to hear David’s full story, including how he became The Cowbell Guy, how he supports his wife Jennifer’s running journey, and why encouragement on the sidelines matters so much, listen to his full episode of Unstoppable: Stories That Move, episode 56. Support the Mission: Unstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose to raise money for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com Together, we can save lives.

  2. Aug 6

    56. The Joy of Life on the Sidelines with David Clark

    Recorded live at Homewood Suites in St. Cloud, Minnesota, this episode features the unstoppable David Clark, better known in the running community as The Cowbell Guy. David is not the one chasing hundreds of half marathons. That honor belongs to his wife, Jennifer, who has completed more than 400 half marathons since 2013. But David has been beside her for hundreds of those races, cheering her on, ringing his Mississippi State cowbell, making runners laugh, and reminding everyday athletes that encouragement matters. In this episode, host Sally Hed Dahlquist talks with David after a Mainly Marathons event in St. Cloud, where Sally completed her 185th marathon and David walked a 5K. Together, they talk about race-day support, marriage, goals, cowbells, funny race shirts, talking to strangers, and why being a cheerleader on the sidelines can be its own kind of endurance event. From 0.0 shirts and “more cowbell” jokes to helping struggling runners and celebrating back-of-the-pack determination, David’s story is a joyful reminder that you do not have to be the fastest person on the course to make a powerful impact. In this episode, you’ll hear: How David became known as The Cowbell GuyWhy he started cheering for Jennifer during her half marathon journeyHow Jennifer went from Couch to 5K to more than 400 half marathonsWhy Mainly Marathons creates such a supportive environment for runners and walkersThe story behind David’s 0.0 shirts and his “somebody has to ring the cowbell” attitudeWhy encouragement from strangers can make such a difference during a hard raceHow David supports runners who are struggling on the courseWhy training matters, even when persistence carries you a long wayWhat David has learned from watching hundreds of everyday runners chase their goalsHow he and Jennifer have built a life around travel, races, laughter, and showing up for each otherWhy goals can keep changing once you discover what you are capable ofHow supporting someone else can become a purpose of its ownWhether you are a runner, walker, supporter, spouse, race volunteer, or the person standing on the sidelines with a sign and a cowbell, David’s story is a reminder that encouragement is not a small thing. Sometimes the voice that says “keep going” is exactly what helps someone make it to the finish line. Inspired? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who cheers you on, makes you laugh, or reminds you that showing up for others matters. Special thanks to Homewood Suites in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where this episode was recorded live. Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

  3. Jul 30

    55. Sally's Hotline: Find Your Copilots with Byron Waller

    In this edition of Sally’s Hotline, we hear from the unstoppable Byron Waller, survivor, pilot, change-maker, and the youngest person to fly around the world at age 15. While managing a serious medical condition and the risks that come with aviation, Byron set out on a mission to inspire other young people living with chronic illness to dream bigger, find their passion, and keep going. Rather than offering complicated advice, Byron shares a simple but powerful reminder: you are not alone. There are people out there willing to support you, guide you, mentor you, and help you achieve the dream that feels impossible from where you are standing now. This short but meaningful tip episode is a reminder that big dreams are rarely accomplished alone. Whether you are navigating illness, chasing a new goal, or trying to take one brave first step, finding the right people can help you move forward. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Why Byron wants people around the world to know they are not aloneHow the right mentors and supporters can help you pursue a dreamWhy asking for help is part of achieving something bigThe role Byron’s flight instructor played in his aviation journeyHow the Sling Aircraft team, pilots, mentors, and the World Rounders community supported Byron’s flight around the worldWhy a small community can still make a big impactKey Takeaways: There is always someone willing to help you.Find the right people, and let them support you.Mentors matter when you are chasing a big dream.A small community can make a big impact.Make the phone call. Ask for help. Just go for it.If you want to hear Byron’s full story, including how he became the youngest person to fly around the world, how aviation helped him find confidence after years of medical challenges, and how he is using his story to inspire other kids, listen to Episode 54 of Unstoppable Stories That Move. Support the Mission: Unstoppable Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com or support Byron’s mission at teenpilotdownunder.com Together, we can save lives.

  4. Jul 23

    54. From Hospitals to Hangars with Byron Waller

    Byron Waller is an airplane pilot, adventurer, survivor, and change-maker who knows what it feels like to be sick, stuck in a hospital bed, and dreaming about life beyond illness. After spending much of his childhood in and out of the hospital, Byron found a passion that changed everything: flying. At just 13 years old, Byron booked his first flying lesson. By 14, he was flying around Australia to inspire kids facing illness and adversity. By 15, he became the youngest pilot to fly around the world, not for the record, but to show kids everywhere that they can find a dream, pursue it, and keep moving forward. In this episode, host Sally Hed Dahlquist talks with Byron from the EAA AirVenture airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where they discuss aviation, medical challenges, risk, confidence, passion, and the power of taking one brave first step. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Byron found flying after years of medical challengesWhy he booked his first flying lesson at 13How flying became an escape, a passion, and a way to see the world differentlyWhy Byron flew around Australia before taking his mission globalWhat it took to plan a 67-day, 250-hour flight around the worldHow he managed risk, medical clearance, flight permits, visas, weather, and long ocean crossingsWhy the world-record title was never the real goalHow aviation gave Byron confidence and a sense of purposeWhat it feels like to fly 17 hours over open ocean in a small aircraftWhy the aviation community, especially the Sling Aircraft community, became like familyHow Byron hopes to help kids find their own dreams through aviation and adventureWhy passion can help carry you through illness, uncertainty, and fearWhether you are chasing a childhood dream, facing a medical setback, rebuilding your confidence, or trying to take one brave step toward something bigger, Byron’s story is a reminder that the sky is not the limit. Sometimes it is only the beginning. Inspired? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that dreams are still worth chasing. Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com You can also learn more about Byron’s mission at teenpilotdownunder.com.

  5. Jul 16

    53. Sally's Hotline: Beyond the Itinerary with Guillaume de Rémacle

    In this edition of Sally’s Hotline, we hear from the unstoppable Guillaume de Rémacle, everyday athlete, adventurer, modern explorer, polar guide, and author of the children’s book Destination Antarctica. After more than 11 years of traveling the world, working in different countries, meeting people across cultures, and taking on wild physical challenges, Guillaume has learned that some of life’s greatest opportunities begin with a simple conversation. Rather than offering travel advice based on perfect planning, Guillaume speaks from deep experience about what happens when you stay open to people, places, and possibilities. His message is simple: don’t be afraid of difference, don’t be afraid of the unknown, and don’t underestimate how much one person can change the direction of your life. This short but powerful tip episode is a reminder that the world is full of people willing to help, teach, guide, and connect with you if you are brave enough to step outside your comfort zone and start the conversation. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Why Guillaume believes every encounter is an opportunity to learn somethingHow meeting the right people helped him travel, write books, become a guide, and build a companyWhy difference should be seen as a strength instead of something to fearHow talking to strangers, neighbors, hotel staff, and people in other countries can open the door to unexpected adventuresWhy the unknown often feels scarier from far away than it does once you arriveHow trust, curiosity, and human connection can turn a trip into something much deeper than an itineraryKey Takeaways: Don’t be afraid of difference. Embrace it as a strength.Every person you meet has something to teach you.A simple conversation can change the direction of your life.The unknown is not always a threat. Often, it is where the adventure begins.You don’t need every detail planned before you go. Sometimes the best trip comes from trusting life once you arrive.People are amazing everywhere.If you want to hear Guillaume’s full story, including his years of travel, his work in Antarctica, his children’s book Destination Antarctica, his wild athletic challenges, and his new conservation-focused travel company, listen to Episode 52 of Unstoppable: Stories That Move. You can also learn more about his work with Arctic Tern Expeditions, a company that connects people to people and people to nature through meaningful travel experiences. Support the Mission: Unstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com or mail a check to: PO Box 12, Afton, MN 55001, USA Together, we can save lives.

  6. Jul 9

    52. Connecting People, Nature, and the Wild Places That Change Us with Guillaume de Rémacle

    Guillaume de Rémacle has built a life around curiosity, connection, and wild places. A polar guide, author, expedition designer, and lifelong animal lover, Guillaume has spent years working in Antarctica, teaching travelers about penguins, seabirds, krill, and the fragile ecosystems that hold the planet together. In this episode, host Sally Hed Dahlquist talks with Guillaume about his unlikely path from international business studies to polar guiding, his work at Port Lockroy in Antarctica, the children’s book he wrote to help people understand Antarctic wildlife, and his new work designing conservation-focused expeditions. From counting penguins and handling 92,000 postcards at the Antarctic “mailbox,” to building trips around chimpanzees, gorillas, Bengal tigers, red pandas, and local communities, Guillaume’s story is a reminder that curiosity can become a calling, and that connecting people to nature can change how we see the world.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  How Guillaume began his Antarctic journey at Port Lockroy, the famous post office and museum in Antarctica  What it was like to count penguin nests, eggs, and chicks as part of a long-term wildlife survey  How he became a polar ornithologist after starting with a background in international business  Why krill are essential to the Antarctic ecosystem, and how krill poop helps store carbon at the bottom of the ocean  How his children’s book helps travelers, families, and students better understand Antarctica  Why he believes education is key to protecting the next generation of ecosystems  How Arctic Tern Expeditions is building trips around animal conservation, cultural immersion, and local connection  Why Guillaume designs travel experiences that go deeper than sightseeing  The importance of meeting local people, sharing meals, and learning directly from the communities who live alongside wildlife  How travel can reduce fear, expand empathy, and remind us that people around the world are easier to love than we think  Why curiosity, positivity, and self-trust have shaped Guillaume’s life and work  The story of Guillaume and Karine getting married in Antarctica — complete with a penguin passing through the wedding photo Whether you dream of Antarctica, love wildlife, care about conservation, or simply want to live with more curiosity and courage, Guillaume’s story is an invitation to look beyond fear, stay open to the world, and remember that there are more solutions than problems. Buy Gui's book: Destination Antarctica: The Frozen Continent Bursting with Life (A Graphic Novel) Inspired? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves animals, wild places, meaningful travel, or stories about people building a life around purpose. Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research:  unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

  7. Jul 2

    51. Sally's Hotline: Optimism with Garry Bjorklund

    In this edition of Sally’s Hotline, we hear from the legendary Garry Bjorklund, the first winner of Grandma’s Marathon in 1977, the namesake of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, and a Minnesota hometown hero whose name has appeared on thousands of race shirts. Garry’s full story appears in Episode 50 of Unstoppable: Stories That Move, which is especially fitting for the 50th anniversary of Grandma’s Marathon in 2026. From his early running days in Twig, Minnesota, to his Olympic career, to his lasting connection with Grandma’s Marathon, Garry has lived through plenty of starts, stops, challenges, and comebacks. Rather than offering complicated advice, Garry shares a simple but powerful lesson: keep your optimism as you work toward the challenge. Whether you accomplish the goal on your first try, your fifth try, or your hundredth try, optimism gives you a reason to keep going. This short but meaningful tip episode is a reminder that progress does not always happen on your preferred timeline. Sometimes you get it right the first time. Sometimes you have to sand it down, prime it, wait a year, and try again. But if you stay optimistic and keep after it, you can still build something beautiful. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Why Garry believes optimism is essential when facing a challengeHow running taught him to recover from both the highest highs and lowest lowsWhy optimism is something you practice, not something that always comes naturallyHow a frustrating deck-painting project became a lesson in patience, preparation, and trying againWhy some goals happen quickly while others may take yearsHow Sally’s experience at the Grandma’s Marathon Expo reinforced Gary’s message about staying optimisticKey Takeaways: Keep your optimism as you work toward the challenge.You may not accomplish the goal on your first try, but that does not mean you stop trying.Optimism is a practice. You can train it the same way you train your body.Preparation matters. Sometimes the second attempt works because you learned what needed to happen first.Any progress is still progress, even if it is slower than you hoped.Stay optimistic, keep after it, and keep moving forward.If you want to hear Garry’s full story, including his roots in Twig, Minnesota, his Olympic journey, his connection to Grandma’s Marathon, and the story behind the half marathon named in his honor, listen to Episode 50 of Unstoppable: Stories That Move. To hear how Grandma’s Marathon got started and became an elite race with small-town charm, listen to Episodes 48 and 49 with Scott Keenan, the founder of Grandma’s Marathon. You can also enter the drawing to win Scott’s book, My Journey to Grandma’s Marathon: History and Heroes, at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com through August 31, 2026. Support the Mission: Unstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com or mail a check to: PO Box 12, Afton, MN 55001, USA Together, we can save lives.

  8. Jun 18

    50. The Hero Behind the Half with Garry Bjorklund

    Garry Bjorklund is a Minnesota hometown hero, collegiate All-American, Olympian, Grandma’s Marathon champion, and the namesake of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. But before his name was printed on thousands of race shirts, Garry was a kid from Twig, Minnesota, running gravel roads, racing his mom to the mailbox, and learning that running was about much more than winning. In this episode, host Sally Hed Dahlquist sits down with Garry ahead of the 50th anniversary of Grandma’s Marathon to talk about his roots, his running career, the people who shaped him, and the lasting spirit of the race that still brings him back to Duluth. From a serious foot injury that threatened his future, to the heartbreak of the 1980 Olympic boycott, to the joy of seeing everyday runners cross the finish line, Garry’s story is full of humility, perspective, and deep love for the running community.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  How Garry first fell in love with running on the roads and trails of Twig, Minnesota  Why he says “the race begins at halfway”  The coaches, teammates, neighbors, and friends who shaped his life  How Garry went from not knowing what a college scholarship was to running for the University of Minnesota  The impact of legendary coach Roy Griak and teammate Eugene Daly  What Garry learned from competitors like Steve Prefontaine and runners of every level  Why he sees running as a family, not a lonely individual sport  How Grandma’s Marathon became part of Garry’s life and legacy  Why the finish line matters just as much for everyday runners as it does for elites  The funny story of the runner who insisted Garry Bjorklund was not Garry Bjorklund  Garry’s love story with Rhonda, the courage it took to call her, and the “karma” of his Olympic bib number Whether you’re chasing a personal record, running your first half marathon, cheering from the sidelines, or simply trying to keep moving forward in your own life, Garry’s story is a reminder that running is never just about speed. It’s about friendship, humility, kindness, courage, and the people who help us become who we are. Inspired? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves running, Grandma’s Marathon, or a story about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Support the mission to raise $1 million for medical research:  unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

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About

A podcast with a purpose highlighting ordinary people who do extra-ordinary things, while raising money for medical research. From everyday athletes & artists, scientists & survivors, care-givers & change-makers, these people relentlessly pursue their dreams, resiliently pushing through pain & setbacks. What's their purpose? What makes them Unstoppable? Tune in to listen as these seemingly normal people share their stories of resilience and inspire us to keep moving forward

Information

  • Creator
    Sally Hed Dahlquist
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unstoppable Stories That Move
  • Show Website
    Unstoppable Stories That Move