Running Unicorns

Kristina Southam Townsend
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Sports

Hosted in the DMV by Kristina Southam Townsend—adventure athlete, global citizen, and former Race Director—Running Unicorns (RU) spans the fun, serious and bright sides of sport. From culture to community, youth to pro, sports diplomacy to economic impact, technicalities to travel, performance to style—we go the distance. Each episode kicks off with a word to unpack and serves as an anchor to bring big ideas home. Our mission is to inspire people to move more and feel alive, open hearts, minds, doors—and wallets—and increase positive impact through sports, recreation, and play. Connecting with everyday athletes, changemakers, and decision-makers, Running Unicorns aims to uplift and foster unity, no matter your mascot or turf. We explore how sport connects us, shapes us, divides us, and—ultimately unites us. Welcome to the club, come, run with us! Visit: runningunicorns.com Music by Tunetank from Pixabay

  1. May 7

    Running Unicorns | GRATEFUL with Amanda Kjar Wilkinson | Season 1 #11 - Special Edition: Book Feature

    Word of the Episode: GRATEFUL - Special Edition: Book Feature* Episode Guest: Amanda Kjar Wilkinson — This episode is a special edition, featuring the book: Walking with Grace: A Memoir In Two Voices, and author, Amanda Kjar Wilkinson. In addition to author, Amanda is an artist, recreational athlete, interfaith advocate, community builder, and - Mother. She shares her profound journey of grief, hope, and resilience after losing two children, Gracelyn and Bennett, both keeping their legacy alive and becoming stronger in the process. We discuss how the themes in her book can exemplify how we can all better, "walk with grace" through, "Walking with Grace". Through her personal story and books, Amanda explores the intersection of the physical and emotional impacts of grief, and the grit to keep living. Amanda offers insights on the power of movement, connection, and community throughout the highs and lows, and different seasons of life - as well as how we can better support one another, and live life to the fullest. — https://www.instagram.com/amandakjarwilkinson/ — More about Amanda and her work here: https://amandawilkinsonspeaks.com/* Featured Book | Walking with Grace (https://amzn.to/4tl5g1I)Book | The Body Keeps the Score (https://amzn.to/4ndNZWS)— For all show notes, visit: runningunicorns.com/notes

    38 min

  2. Apr 24

    Running Unicorns | QUIET with Dennis Heathfield | Season 1 #10

    For all show notes, visit: runningunicorns.com/notes Word of the Episode: QUIET Episode Guest: Dennis Heathfield — https://www.instagram.com/deafathletic/ — For video, clips, and closed caption features, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RunningUnicorns *Audio may be published first, followed by video.

    37 min

  3. Apr 24

    Running Unicorns | QUITTING with Barb Anthony | Season 1 #9

    For all show notes, visit: runningunicorns.com/notes Word of the Episode: QUITTING Episode Guest: Barb Anthony — https://www.instagram.com/sportsocialworker_banthony/ https://www.instagram.com/playgapsports/ — For video, clips, and closed caption features, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RunningUnicorns *Audio may be published first, followed by video.

    40 min

  4. Apr 24

    Running Unicorns | CATALYST with Terrance Diggs | Season 1 #7

    For all show notes, visit: runningunicorns.com/notes Word of the Episode: CATALYST Episode Guest: Terrance Diggs — This episode features Terrence Diggs, founder of the D17 brand and leader of the D17 Run Club, discussing his journey in running, community building, and brand development. The conversation explores how running serves as a catalyst for connection, personal growth, and inclusivity within the running community. Terrence is a runner, creative brand builder, and community leader focused on running apparel and culture. Join us and learn how to be a catalyst in your community too! — https://www.instagram.com/d17running/ — Additional Notes, links and mentions: — Learn more about Terrance here: https://d17terrance.substack.com/ — For video, clips, and closed caption features, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RunningUnicorns *Audio may be published first, followed by video.

    53 min

  5. Apr 23

    Running Unicorns | IDENTITY with Adam DeVon Miller | Season 1 #8

    For all show notes, visit: runningunicorns.com/notes Word of the Episode: IDENTITY Episode Guest: Adam DeVon Miller Adam DeVon Miller joins Kristina to explore identity through the lens of sport, purpose, and life beyond competition. A former multi-sport athlete and college football player, Adam shares how he took his values and career from off the field and on to founding the Good Game Foundation; which connects athletes with nonprofits and uses their platforms to create meaningful community impact. We talk about the different seasons of life, and the evolution of our identities, and in particular, how athletes can shape theirs once they formally leave the field, turning their love for sport into lasting purpose. — https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdevonmiller/ https://www.instagram.com/goodgamefdn https://www.youtube.com/@goodgamefoundation — Additional Notes, links and mentions: — Learn more about Adam here: https://www.goodgamefoundation.org/aboutThe Good Game Foundation: https://www.goodgamefoundation.org/— For video, clips, and closed caption features, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RunningUnicorns *Audio may be published first, followed by video.

    35 min

  6. Apr 22

    Running Unicorns | FORWARD with Alex Baker | Season 1 #6

    For all show notes, visit: runningunicorns.com/notes Word of the Episode: FORWARD Episode Guest: Alex Baker While Alex Baker hates ketchup, he hates cancer more. In this episode, Alex shares with Kristina how running became a steady source of strength through grief after losing his wife to a battle with cancer. He shares what it took to rebuild his health so he could care for himself and be there for his kids, and encourages listeners to notice the often unseen support systems that help carry us forward. Through running, racing, and fundraising, Alex offers a moving example of how pain can be transformed into purpose. Take the next step forward, tune in and think with us. — https://www.instagram.com/ketchuptocancer/ — Additional Notes, links and mentions: — “I hate ketchup. I hate cancer more.” - Alexhttp://ketchuptocancer.com/ Learn more about Alex and his goals: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=2257869&fr_id=159612&pg=personalSt. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.instagram.com/stjude/Colorectal Cancer Awareness: https://colorectalcancer.org/get-involved/advocate/colorectal-cancer-awareness-monthhttps://www.instagram.com/ketchuptocancer/— For video, clips, and closed caption features, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RunningUnicorns *Audio may be published first, followed by video.

    32 min

  7. Apr 22

    Running Unicorns | CHAMPION with Erika Coleman | Season 1 #5

    For all show notes, visit: runningunicorns.com/notes Word of the Episode: CHAMPION Episode Guest: Erika Coleman Erika Coleman, speaker, consultant, and recovering overachiever, joins Kristina for a conversation about burnout, resilience, and what it really means to be a champion. Known for her TED Talk on “success without stress,” Erika brings that message closer to home here. From reconnecting over time the two spent in the mountains of Mexico with the Tarahumara (running community) to reflecting on racquetball, family, and business, Erika and Kristina explore the mountains and valleys we all climb and cross — and why pacing yourself is essential to performing at your best. Come, walk and talk with us! — https://www.instagram.com/evenachieving/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-coleman-1591b435/ — Additional Notes, links and mentions: — More about Erika and her work here: https://www.erikacolemanspeaks.com/Watch Erika’s TED Talk here: erikastedtalk.comBook | Crucial Influence (https://amzn.to/4mUQayE)Book | Born to Run (https://amzn.to/4mIirbs)Racquetball: https://www.usaracquetball.com/Tarahumara: https://medium.com/@Stevegrayfs/the-tarahumara-the-running-people-e15142ee4183— For video, clips, and closed caption features, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RunningUnicorns *Audio may be published first, followed by video.

    51 min

  8. Apr 22

    Running Unicorns | CONVERGENT with Joanne Pasternack | Season 1 #4

    For all show notes, visit: runningunicorns.com/notes Word of the Episode: CONVERGENT Episode Guest:  Joanne Pasternack What happens when passion, purpose, and sport all meet? That’s where convergence begins. Joanne Pasternack joins Kristina for a conversation on how sports build bridges and strengthen communities. With experience spanning the Golden State Warriors, the San Francisco 49ers, Special Olympics, and beyond, Joanne brings a powerful perspective on leadership, youth sports, and global impact. From ice skating to the NFL, wrestling to chess, and athletes to authors, together we look for the throughlines — and how to use them to create meaningful connections. Join, and find more throughlines with us! — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpasternack/ https://www.instagram.com/joannepasternack/ — Additional Notes, links and mentions: — More about Joanne and her work: https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/0033600001PUvWVAA1/joanne-pasternackBook | Patrick Willis: Journey to The Hall of Fame (https://amzn.to/4sQZwN5)Book | The Way of the Champion by Paul Rabil (https://amzn.to/4csHxb0)Article | Michael Phelps Teaches the Ravens to Swim: https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/michael-phelps-ravens-visit-teach-players-swim-training-campLaureus | Sport for Good: https://www.laureus.com/sport-for-goodLaureus | Sport for Good: Figure Skating in Harlem x IWC: youtube.com/watch?si=7PX8h7RSX-pXdRpN&v=SBuom__Z4-8&feature=youtu.beESPN x Disney x Positive Coaching Alliance | Take Back Youth Sports: https://positivecoach.org/take-back-sports/Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/USA Fencing & Parafencing: https://www.usafencing.org/Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy (Dominique is a Maryland native): https://www.dominiquedawesgymnasticsacademy.com/— For video, clips, and closed caption features, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RunningUnicorns *Audio may be published first, followed by video.

    48 min
See All (13)

Trailer

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Hosted in the DMV by Kristina Southam Townsend—adventure athlete, global citizen, and former Race Director—Running Unicorns (RU) spans the fun, serious and bright sides of sport. From culture to community, youth to pro, sports diplomacy to economic impact, technicalities to travel, performance to style—we go the distance. Each episode kicks off with a word to unpack and serves as an anchor to bring big ideas home. Our mission is to inspire people to move more and feel alive, open hearts, minds, doors—and wallets—and increase positive impact through sports, recreation, and play. Connecting with everyday athletes, changemakers, and decision-makers, Running Unicorns aims to uplift and foster unity, no matter your mascot or turf. We explore how sport connects us, shapes us, divides us, and—ultimately unites us. Welcome to the club, come, run with us! Visit: runningunicorns.com Music by Tunetank from Pixabay

Information

  • Creator
    Kristina Southam Townsend
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025
  • Show Website
    Running Unicorns

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