Run The Race

WTVM
  • 4.9 (73)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

On your journeys of fitness and faith, we are helping you stay motivated to be stronger physically and spiritually on the new RUN THE RACE podcast. Host Jason Dennis - veteran WTVM news anchor, marathon runner and missionary, will talk to experts and people with inspiring stories as we dig deeper into the mind, body and soul.

  1. 6d ago

    #303: Shot as a Police Officer, Then God Directed Him to a Life of Service to Heroes and Nonprofits

    Dedicating his life to service and community building, this week's podcast guest has spent close to 17 years working for nonprofits and 4 years in law enforcement in Columbus GA, including the day he was shot. We talk about that scary ordeal...what it means to live a life of service to others...the tremendous mission of the organization House of Heroes where he's executive director...and a fun annual fundraiser that you can attend this month. (3:30) Josh McQuien recounts what it was like being shot by a suspect in a house back in October 2016. It involves a bulletproof vest, God intervening, following protocols and hunches with fellow officers, burn marks from the bullet, prayers even before it happened. (16:55) His walk with God was also impacted by his experience in law enforcement, a job that was a dream come true, but the real wakeup call came 2 months after being shot. He explains why he had to give up the badge and hit rock bottom, then refocused on the Lord. Josh is open with his messy testimony and encourages other men to do the same. That includes forgiveness for the man who shot him a decade ago. (28:50) As a former police officer, Josh now leads a nonprofit that's focused on providing needed safety renovations for the homes of former first responders and military veterans. He talks about what they do, who they're helping, and how. It also costs money for all the supplies that volunteers work with to do home improvements. And House of Heroes of the Chattahoochee Valley is hosting their annual "Bids and Bubbly" on Thursday night September 17 with unlimited champagne and exciting auction items. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available: House of Heroes Bids and Bubbly 2026 | House of Heroes Chattahoochee Valley. (39:41) We close out our chat talking about serving people, donating your time and/or money, and the benefits of plugging in to the community. Ending the pod episode in prayer, i appreciate you listening! Tell others about "Run The Race" and make sure you follow/subscribe to the podcast.

    #303: Shot as a Police Officer, Then God Directed Him to a Life of Service to Heroes and Nonprofits

  2. Aug 29

    #302: College Football Quick Hits with UGA Content Creator + God's Path, Player Prep, Sports Broadcasting

    As the college football season kicks off, Columbus GA native & sports broadcaster Bryce Koon steps off the field to join us on the "Run The Race" podcast to give his perspective on fitness, faith, family, and more! (2:22) Bryce's latest job is Director of Content for Georgia's new exclusive fan site "Glory Glory" in Athens...but he's been a play-by-play broadcaster, host, reporter, writer for the last 6 years for Georgia Tech, On3/Rivals at LSU, CBS Sports HQ, ACC Network, Mercer, and more: Bryce Koon - Home. (4:15) We start with a lightning round, with his predictions/takes on SEC and ACC darkhorses, national champion, college football surprise teams, and a quick insight on 5 key games this weekend and Week 1 of the season. (13:45) Can he still be a sports fan with the job he does? (18:35) Seeing players, coaches, practices up close...he's seen/learned a lot about the grueling prep for college football games, including a push for top notch nutrition. Practicing/playing in Georgia and Louisiana heat is challenging too. Bryce still cannot outrun his wife, a marathoner who's due to have their 2nd child soon, at the start of thise season. He's got some stories about balancing family life with football jobs, like staying home with their daughter in Baton Rouge. (39:11) 29-year-old Bryce also gets real about how his faith has grown through the roller coaster career and grind of being a sports content creator. He's seen how God knows better than what our plans are, so he wants to keep walking through doors that the Lord opens - being patient and trusting His plan that's never late. It's allowed them to be closer to relatives as they grow to a family of 4. (47:44) How about the future of sports broadcasting? It's much different than growing up and waiting to see the highlights on TV. It's now more about reels, TikTok, AI, but Bryce believes the key to the best content creating is being authentic, which they hope to do with the "Crowded Booth" podcast, years of he and friends talking sports that we can relate to: The Crowded Booth - Podcast - Apple Podcasts. Prayer to close out the podcast episode. Thanks for listening to Run The Race! Make sure subscribe/follow the show and tell your friends about it. And go Dawgs.

    #302: College Football Quick Hits with UGA Content Creator + God's Path, Player Prep, Sports Broadcasting

  3. Aug 20

    #301: Clingstones' Fast Kevin Kilpatrick Jr Swings Away, From Braves Baseball To Putting God 1st

    Hoping to be a future Atlanta Braves outfielder, Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. is just a few steps away from it. The CF for the baseball organizations AA affiliate Columbus Clingstones is this week's guest on "Run The Race." And he runs...fast, to catch balls and around the bases! The Georgia native talks about being drafted...fitness training that helps him hit homers and steal bases...making God and prayer a priority...support from fans, teammates...and how explosive jumps in the gym helps him with speed. (2:44) Earlier this month, it was a first for "Kevo" as he was named Southern League Player of the Week, out of hundreds in their section of the minor leagues, thanks to batting over .600 with 3 homers in 3 games and 9 RBI. We talk about how the College Park GA kid started in baseball, chose it over football. And how about that moment being selected by his favorite Braves team as their 17th round pick in the 2022 MLB draft? He describes that, including an almost dead phone battery. (13:28) We also dive into his typical day as a Columbus Clingstones player, including practice and recovery (ice baths) and training - from muscle memory reps to weight lifiting. Gotta stay in shape for a long season! (18:05) Kilpatrick's goal is also to "keep God first." He opens up about praying and trusting, trying to do the right things, leaning on his faith during long road to MLB, growing up in church but not being able to attend as much during the baseball season . (22:48) He also loves baseball and the fans encouraging him to keep his head up. He's not giving up on his dream of playing for the Braves, but for now, he's on a journey with his Stones' teammates which he describes as a brotherhood, including new top prospects recently added to the squad. Who would he pick in a fantasy draft of Braves or Clingstones players? (31:49) Kevin also gives us insight on ways he avoids injuries on the field...making decisions on stealing bases with instincts...exercises that help with speed like explosiive jumps, with weights too...and what he does for fun with his girlfriend. (42:35) Closing out the episode in prayer. THANKS much for listening to the podcast! Make sure you subscribe/follow "Run the Race," and tell your friends about it.

    #301: Clingstones' Fast Kevin Kilpatrick Jr Swings Away, From Braves Baseball To Putting God 1st

  4. Aug 5

    #300: In The Huddle With Sports Team Tony & Drew - On God, Injuries, Diabetes, Being On TV, Grief

    It's episode 300 of the "Run The Race" podcast! We've had almost 7 years of conversations about fitness and faith. And we're trying something new, hopefully making it a regular monthly edition with WTVM-ABC coworkers. This one is a double feature with Sports Leader 9's Tony Reese and Drew Pavan being having fun and getting vulnerable with some deep issues. (00:25) We start with East Alabama native and Troy University alum Tony Reese, now the WTVM sports director, starting with his challenges with having type 1 diabetes...impacts like watching his weight, heat, gadgets, job stress. (9:05) Tony played lots of sports including football and is a big NBA fan, (13:07) so his dream with sports broadcasting as a job, inspired in part by his TV news loving grandfather. Now his catchphrase "Let's Get Into It" is catching on in the Columbus GA area. (17:25) His prayer warrior mother is now preaching in Valley AL. Tony talks about he and his wife being rooted in faith...trying to uplift student-athletes and others...being thankful amidst imposter syndrome...getting through difficult parts of TV job with the help of God and therapy. (27:50) We close out our chat with him being an inspiring example for other young men as the first black sports director at WTVM, with full circle moments at the TV station that Tony used to watch growing up. (31:35) The second part of the "double feature" pod is an in-depth chat with NY native and University of Alabama alum Drew Pavan, a WTVM spoirts anchor/reporter for almost 2 years. We start with the ups and downs of his football career...which almost led to playing at the next level. Playing since he was 6, he had 4 major knee injuries as a teenager, mostly as a member of the Flaming Arrows, his HS mascot. Dashed dreams took a mental toll, but he alwways practiced play-by-play while on video games. (44:40) The COVID pandemic and another surgery eventually led to weight gain, up to 290 pounds, then he lost at least 80 pounds. How did he do it? It involves, in part, intermittent fasting which he still does now. Drew explains. (50:05) Now it's surreal for him, living the dream of talking about sports on TV, getting hyped covering football just as if he was a player. (53:10) Drew's story also involves tragic losses of people close to him, from a gruesome accident with a teammate's death during football practice...to his mom passing away from breast cancer when Drew was 20 years old. He talks about what his mother was like...and the impact of those deaths on his maturity and going through the motions as a Catholic. He's open about how knee injuries - ending his football career - had him questioning his faith, now seeing them as tests from God who doesn't always answer prayers in our timing. (1:05:45) We wrap with some fitness on the TV job. (1:13:40) Closing prayer, like all the other 299 episodes! Thanks so much for listening. Make sure to follow or subscribe to "Run The Race" and share it with others.

    #300: In The Huddle With Sports Team Tony & Drew - On God, Injuries, Diabetes, Being On TV, Grief

  5. Aug 1

    #299: Having a No Quit Attitude, Running Ronnie Makes It 277 Miles Across GA in Record Time

    He's the new record holder for the solo Run Across Georgia for the 277 mile long event! My friend Ronald (Ronnie) Robinette ran from Tybee Island to Columbus GA on Memorial Day week. (2:22) We dive first into how/why he started running in his mid 30s, a little more than 3 years ago. It involves weight loss, a family thing, mostly treadmill miles for months, not even knowing how far a marathon was. Ultimately, running has become his therapy! (9:25) Ronnie breaks down his adventure running (and walking) across the state of Georgia which took him 96 hours and 43 minutes, smashing the previous record. Why did he do it? No coach or run plan to get ready. His training in two words: consistency, intensity! The strategy of pausing run to sleep in hottest part of the day didn't work. He got maybe 8 hours of sleep total over those 4 days. There was junk food involved (cheeseburgers), hydration drinks, protective clothes, lots of sunscreen, armadillos, and more. And after finishing...following asleep while eating a waffle. (26:28) Where does his mental fortitude or "No Quit" attitude come from? He talks about his upbringing, being an underdog, proving people wrong. And now he's got a family that loves to do fitness in the outdoors with. And as he approaches 40 years old, Ronnie appreciates firnds pushing him and the amazing Chattahoochee Valley running community support. (32:35) Injuries happen, especially with ultramarathon runners! Ronnie had a torn labrum, a painful hip in the months leading up to "Run Across Georgia" but he still did it! And he had a real quick recovery after those 277 miles. His paying job involves strength and heat training. Next up: more race adventures with his wife and the Lone Wolf 135 miles trail race this Fall. Closing out the podcast in prayer, I appreciate you listening. Make sure to follow, subscribe to "Run The Race." Share it with your friends. We hit 300 episodes next week! God is good!

    #299: Having a No Quit Attitude, Running Ronnie Makes It 277 Miles Across GA in Record Time

  6. Jul 24

    #298: Women's Holistic Health Specialist Helps You With Energy, Weight, Peace, Nutrition Using Biblical Principles

    Do you sometimes (or a lot) go through life on an empty tank with not enough sleep, consistent anxiety or fatigue, digestive discomfort, clothes that don't fit? This week's "Run The Race" podcast guest is a women's health specialist aiming to help others thrive, regain energy and peace, lose stubborn weight, balance hormones, and more! (3:50) Amber Swift is the founder of Journey To Renewed Health, LLC based in Columbus GA. We talk about the root causes of chronic stress like foods that can be "poison" and physical symptoms from that affecting you sleep, skin, headaches, stomach. She shares her personal journey of being sleepless, anxious, bloated, aching as a 39-year-old mom of 5. She says...be ok with saying No and also not having people like you. She also has advice for parents taking care of themselves, including 3 things to do daily. What about if you're too busy? It's worth it to find what's wasting time and doing what's needed to feel good enough to do what God's called us to do. (14:33) We dive into the benefits of exercise, cortisol balance, gut health, and the mindset shift to treat food like medicine. (21:50) Amber also uses Faith-based principles to be good stewards of out physical and mental health. What's preventing your body from healing? She's got some simple things for your body and mind involving water and walking and thankfulness. She's thankful for her husband Mark who's a counselor helping people with a "Renewed Mind." (31:15) Along with Biblical foundation and functional nutrition, her integrative approach to holistic health also includes Chinese medicine and essential oils. She gives examples of each of those and explains how they can be preventative natural medicine, perhaps replacing antibiotics for some. I also asked her how the church views those practices. (38:13) We also talk about why she coaches and success stories of women taking care of their health, leading to better families and transformed communities. It's not a quick fix. She developed a program called "Set For Life," with different options for membership, individual/group coaching. Here are links for a free 15 minute review with her or to listen to Amber's podcast or watch her helpful videos: Amber Swift bio - Google Docs. Closing out the podcast in prayer, I'm Thankful that you listen. Subscribe to "Run the Race" and tell others about the podcast as we continue to provide entertaining stories and inspiring insight related to faith and fitness.

    #298: Women's Holistic Health Specialist Helps You With Energy, Weight, Peace, Nutrition Using Biblical Principles

  7. Jul 15

    #297: From Cardiac Collapse And Prayers To Being A Nurse Competing in Hyrox and Marathons

    What a story! At age 23, a fit Evan Hinson had a sudden cardiac arrest, and the odds were against him to survive. The newly married now-traveling nurse joins me on "Run The Race" to talk about the scary moments...prayers and resiliency...making his foundation more solid with God...becoming a nurse helping people in similar health emergencies...what his recovery and comeback looked like...resuming fitness challenges like CrossFit, running a marathon and completing an Ironman, and Hyrox which he explains...inspiring and comforting others with his medical miracle story of faith. (1:45) It was late 2017 when Evan Hinson fell, not waking up until he was airlifted to an ICU. Now, he has a defibrillator installed in his chest to prevent it from happening again. His story involved nonstop prayers from those around him.  (13:22) From a Why God pity party to being thankful and more focused on the Lord, Evan sees how it was a miracle he survived. (18:33) After recover from the cardiac event, Evan resumed his studies to be in the health care field, but felt a new calling to be God's hands and feet as a critical care NURSE, including at the same ER and ICU and critical care unit where he fought for his life 8+ years ago. And he can relate to patients. (26:00) It was also humbling for him to re-learn how to walk, talk, eat on his own. Fast forward, he just got married 2+ months ago! (31:45) Evan loves fitness and working out. He talks about getting back to that after his medical crisis - tranisitioning from CrossFit to more running and doing an Ironman 70.3 and Hyrox competitions. He got AG top 10 in Atlanta and Miami. Big upcoming goals include a faster Hyroz time and getting a BQ (Boston Marathon qualifying time) with a  sub 3 hour marathon. Why does he love running? (44:50) His comeback story is inspiring others with hope from God, sometimes against all odds. As a nurse, Evan feels an obligation to keep himself in shape since he asks them to do the same. I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening! Share this podcast with others, follow and subscribe!

    #297: From Cardiac Collapse And Prayers To Being A Nurse Competing in Hyrox and Marathons

  8. Jul 10

    #296: From My TV Job and Faith to Running and Family, "Sermons On The Side" Interviews Me

    Hope you had a great Fourth of July! We're not flashing back 250 years, but two friends who host the "Sermons on the Side" podcast interviewed me in the summer of 2025. That conversation is this week's "Run the Race" episode - an opportunity to get to know your host better. (4:25) I talk about being authentic, how/why I got into TV news (reporting/anchoring almost 3 decades now), using that platform or celebrity to spread God's love, support from family, running marathons in 50 states, and some "no huddle" rapid questions that includes a lil of me singing. And back in the present...closing the episode out, as always, in prayer. Chaplain Richard Moore and Brad Williams are great, Godly, funny dudes and dads who I also had as guests on "Run the Race" episode 250. Follow, like, and share this podcast so others can be inspired with some faith and fitness insight. And do the same for their "Sermons on The Side" podcast about unexpected lessons or "sermons" God reveals through life's everyday moments, as they share personal stories turning the ordinary into a deeper Biblical purpose for our lives: Sermons on the Side - Podcast - Apple Podcasts.

    #296: From My TV Job and Faith to Running and Family, "Sermons On The Side" Interviews Me
See All (303)

4.9
out of 5
73 Ratings

About

On your journeys of fitness and faith, we are helping you stay motivated to be stronger physically and spiritually on the new RUN THE RACE podcast. Host Jason Dennis - veteran WTVM news anchor, marathon runner and missionary, will talk to experts and people with inspiring stories as we dig deeper into the mind, body and soul.

Information

  • Creator
    WTVM
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    303
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Run The Race

You Might Also Like