In Fearless Conversation

261 Fearless Inc.

Welcome to In Fearless Conversation, a podcast from 261 Fearless, where every discussion is an opportunity to shape the future. Our mission is to spark transformative conversations that educate, empower, and inspire women to take charge of their lives, their health, and their futures. Through candid discussions with in-house experts and invited guests, we explore topics that impact women's quality of life – from leadership/personal growth and health to financial security and relationships. We believe every conversation is a chance to connect, learn, and create positive change. We promise to deliver powerful, authentic conversations that go far beyond running, sharing stories of courage, leadership, and transformation from women around the world. Every episode will inspire you to take fearless steps in your own life, give you practical takeaways you can use, and make you feel deeply connected to a global community that runs not just for the finish line, but for the joy, freedom, and possibility along the way. Hosted by Kim Chaffee, In Fearless Conversation offers insights, tools, and encouragement for women to build the life they want – fearlessly and intentionally. Join us and discover how powerful a conversation can be in shaping the future you deserve.

  1. 2d ago

    The Results: The Data Behind the Movement

    In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, Kim Chaffee sits down with 261 Fearless CEO Edith Zuschmann to unpack the results of this year's annual Club Member Survey. Together, they explore what the data reveals about confidence, community, leadership, and why women continue to show up...not just for a run, but for one another. Edith shares why measuring impact matters just as much as measuring participation, the survey findings that surprised her most, and what they tell us about what women need right now. She also reflects on what these results mean for anyone wondering if they belong at their very first Meet Run. Whether you're already part of the 261 Fearless community or you're curious about joining, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the ripple effect that happens when women are given a safe, supportive place to move, connect, and grow. In this episode, you'll hear:Why 261 Fearless conducts an annual Club Member SurveyWhy measuring impact is more meaningful than counting participantsWhat the results reveal about women's needs todayHow running builds confidence, leadership, and belongingEdith's biggest source of pride in the 261 Fearless communityWhy your first Meet Run could be the beginning of something much biggerConnect with 261 FearlessLearn more about our global movement and find a 261 Club near you.Follow us on social media: InstagramShare this episode with someone who could use a little encouragement to take their first fearless step. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode. Every share helps us reach more women and continue building a world where every woman has the opportunity to discover what she's capable of, through running and education.

    The Results: The Data Behind the Movement

  2. Jul 16

    WE RUN: Empowering Women in the Western Balkans

    What happens when women are given a safe space to move, connect, and lead? In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, Kim Chaffee sits down with Christina Mayer-Ritzer to discuss the exciting new WE RUN project, a collaborative initiative led by Club 261 Austria in partnership with 261 Club Albania, Opportunity Balance Overcoming, and the University of Prishtina. Co-funded by the European Union through an Erasmus+ Sport Capacity Building grant, WE RUN is creating opportunities for women in Albania and Kosovo to connect, grow, and discover their strength through running. Christina shares how the project is helping establish safe, women-led spaces where women can build confidence, leadership skills, and community. Together, they explore the power of the 261 Fearless model, the importance of creating access and belonging, and how lessons learned in Albania will help pave the way for a future 261 Club in Kosovo. From the project's kickoff gathering in Klagenfurt, Austria, to the vision of empowering women throughout the Western Balkans, this conversation highlights how running can be a catalyst for connection, courage, and lasting change.

    WE RUN: Empowering Women in the Western Balkans

  3. Jul 9

    Inner Monologue: Running is a Privilege

    Growing up, Barbara DiGirolamo saw running as punishment, not something to enjoy. With parents who feared sports-related injuries and lived with disabilities, running wasn't part of her world. In this heartfelt Inner Monologue, Barbara shares how discovering running, and 261 Fearless, completely changed her perspective. What was once something to avoid became a source of gratitude, confidence, and connection. Join Barbara as she reflects on why running isn't something she has to do, it's something she gets to do. Learn more about 261 Fearless: https://www.261fearless.org/

    Inner Monologue: Running is a Privilege

  4. Jul 2

    The Next Generation of Fearless

    What happens when eager and ambitious students step outside their comfort zone and apply for an internship? So. Much. Growth. In this special episode of In Fearless Conversation, we sit down with two talented student interns from Syracuse University Falk College of Sport who took the leap into working with 261 Fearless. They share their academic journeys, what led them to Syracuse, and why they were drawn to an organization dedicated to empowering women through running. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the projects they worked on, the skills they developed, and the lessons they learned about leadership, teamwork, and creating meaningful impact. They also discuss how their experience with 261 Fearless has influenced their personal and professional goals as they look toward the future. Learn more about 261 Fearless: https://www.261fearless.org/

    The Next Generation of Fearless

  5. Jun 25

    Inner Monologue: Thank You, Body

    What if, instead of criticizing our bodies, we thanked them? In this heartfelt Inner Monologue, Rosy Spraker shares a deeply personal letter written to the body that has carried her through a lifetime of experiences, challenges, and adventures. With gratitude and grace, Rosy thanks her arms, legs, heart, brain, and every part of herself for the gifts they have given her along the way. As she reflects on the incredible capabilities of the human body, Rosy also celebrates the gift of running and the countless opportunities, friendships, lessons, and moments of joy that running has brought into her life. Through her words, she reminds us that our bodies are not something to judge or fight against, but something to appreciate for all they make possible. A longtime supporter of 261 Fearless, Co-Club Director of 261 Fearless DC Metro, and dedicated 261 Coach, Rosy has spent years helping women discover confidence, connection, and empowerment through movement. In this episode, she turns that same spirit of appreciation inward and invites listeners to do the same. Poignant, uplifting, and filled with gratitude, Thank You, Body is a beautiful reminder to honor ourselves, not for how we look, but for all that we are able to do.

    Inner Monologue: Thank You, Body

  6. Jun 18

    The Future of Women's Sports: Trends, Data, and Opportunity

    What happens when the numbers finally start telling the story women athletes have known all along? In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, host Kim Chaffee sits down with Keri Rubenstein, Assistant Professor of Sport Analytics at Syracuse University's Falk College of Sport, to explore the exciting growth of women's sports through the lens of economics, research, and data. Keri shares her journey from economics student to sports economist, discusses the evolution of sport analytics as a profession, and explains why the labor market for women athletes is one of the most fascinating stories in sports today. Together, Kim and Keri dive into the factors driving the rapid growth of women's sports, from increased media visibility and investment to the impact of role models, social media, and changing opportunities for female athletes. They also explore why researchers need to move beyond comparing women's sports to men's sports, the importance of investing in women's health and performance research, and what the future could look like if we continue to prioritize access, visibility, and opportunity. The growth of women's sports is not a passing trend—it's the result of decades of participation, passion, and perseverance finally being matched by visibility, investment, and opportunity. As researchers, leagues, media organizations, and fans continue to invest in women's sports, the possibilities for future generations of girls and women are greater than ever. Connect with 261 Fearless261 Fearless is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women through running and education. Through local clubs, coach education, and leadership development programs, 261 Fearless creates supportive communities where women gain the confidence to reach beyond the run. Learn more at 261fearless.org Follow In Fearless ConversationIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review In Fearless Conversation. Sharing the podcast helps us reach more women with stories of courage, leadership, resilience, and empowerment. Because running is just the beginning. Learn More About Syracuse University Falk College of Sporthttps://falk.syracuse.edu/

    The Future of Women's Sports: Trends, Data, and Opportunity

  7. Jun 11

    Inner Monologue: I Don't Want To. Tough. Keep Going.

    What happens when the thing that has always felt like part of your identity suddenly feels hard? In this honest and relatable Inner Monologue episode, charity runner alumni and new 261 Fearless Coach, Ellen Frazier shares the story of one of her favorite races and the mantra that carried her through it: "Is it that I don't want to, or I can't do? I don't want to. Tough. Keep going." As she reflects on that race, Ellen also opens up about a more recent struggle, feeling disconnected from running, despite identifying as a runner for much of her life. As a proud member of the Fearless Fun Patrol, Ellen has spent countless miles encouraging and empowering women at events like the Boston Marathon and Every Woman's Marathon. Yet in this season, she finds herself facing a different challenge: finding the motivation and belief to encourage herself. With a beautiful blend of vulnerability, humor, and wisdom, Ellen explores what it feels like when self-empowerment takes a temporary leave of absence, and how the support of trusted run friends can help carry us forward when our own confidence feels out of reach. This episode is a reminder that even the people who inspire others sometimes need encouragement themselves, and that perseverance doesn't always look powerful. Sometimes it simply looks like taking the next step. Whether you're feeling strong in your running right now or questioning every step, Ellen's reflections offer a compassionate reminder that you're not alone and that sometimes the most fearless thing we can do is simply keep going. Learn more about 261 Fearless here: https://www.261fearless.org/

    Inner Monologue: I Don't Want To. Tough. Keep Going.

  8. Jun 4

    Safeguarding the Run: Being Fearless but Sensible

    We've talked a lot of about safety in our last few episodes and today we are addressing a different layer to running safety... understanding your body, preparing for the unexpected, and making informed decisions that support your health and well-being. In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, host Kim Chaffee sits down with 261 Fearless education experts Dr. Juliet McGrattan and Marlies Hirschbeck to explore what it means to safeguard your run. Together, they discuss practical strategies for staying safe, building confidence, listening to your body, and creating sustainable running habits that support you on any run. Whether you're new to running, returning after a break, managing a health condition, or simply looking for ways to run smarter, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you feel empowered, prepared, and fearless on every run. Connect with 261 Fearless: Website: https://www.261fearless.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/261fearlessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/261fearlesskvswitzerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/261fearless Learn More About 261 Fearless 261 Fearless is a global women's running network dedicated to empowering women through running and education. Through local clubs, coach education, and community programs around the world, 261 Fearless helps women discover their strength, confidence, and courage—one step at a time. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps us continue bringing fearless conversations to runners and change makers around the world.

    Safeguarding the Run: Being Fearless but Sensible
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to In Fearless Conversation, a podcast from 261 Fearless, where every discussion is an opportunity to shape the future. Our mission is to spark transformative conversations that educate, empower, and inspire women to take charge of their lives, their health, and their futures. Through candid discussions with in-house experts and invited guests, we explore topics that impact women's quality of life – from leadership/personal growth and health to financial security and relationships. We believe every conversation is a chance to connect, learn, and create positive change. We promise to deliver powerful, authentic conversations that go far beyond running, sharing stories of courage, leadership, and transformation from women around the world. Every episode will inspire you to take fearless steps in your own life, give you practical takeaways you can use, and make you feel deeply connected to a global community that runs not just for the finish line, but for the joy, freedom, and possibility along the way. Hosted by Kim Chaffee, In Fearless Conversation offers insights, tools, and encouragement for women to build the life they want – fearlessly and intentionally. Join us and discover how powerful a conversation can be in shaping the future you deserve.

Information

  • Creator
    261 Fearless Inc.
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 261 Fearless's Podcast
  • Show Website
    In Fearless Conversation