Real Friends

Running – Michelle and Stephanie

This month I have the special opportunity to chat with not only two well know runners in the St Louis running community but also two very special friends of mine, Michelle Dillon and Stephanie Hussman.  I met both of them close to ten years ago when I started training with Big River Training Team and we’ve been running and we’ve been part of a close-knit group of friends ever since then.  They both have great stories and great experiences to share – I think you are really going to enjoy this month’s episode.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music

Running - Bob Alexander

This month I get to chat with a special friend of mine, Bob Alexander.  I met Bob the first year I started running with Big River Training Teams and even got to be part of his support team on an ultra-run.  Bob eventually moved to Florida several years ago to accept a new job opportunity.  If you are interested in what the running scene looks like in Florida, or what it looks like to transition through different seasons as a runner, or even how fortunate we are to have the running community that we have in St. Louis, then stay tuned to this month’s episode of Real Friends – you won’t be sorry.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music

Runners - David Johnston and Terry Raterman

This month I get the opportunity to chat with an old friend and running buddy of mine, Terry Raterman, and his running friend, David Johnston.  David is an accomplished runner whose specialty is “ultra” distances.  While a lot of runners focus on 5k, 10k, and marathon distances, David focuses ultra distances like “551 miles in 6 days”.  If you are interested in what makes runners tick and what makes some runners gravitate to longer distances or challenges, stay tuned to this month’s episode of Real Friends – you won’t be sorry.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music

Resources:
https://www.irunfar.com/catching-up-with-david-johnston 
https://ultrarunning.com/calendar/runner/show?first_name=David&last_name=Johnston

Running - BRTT – Chester and Diahann

Every once and a while, I get an opportunity to chat with couples, like Chester and Diahann, who train at the same sport or activity.  Normally, I interview individuals to learn how running or walking impacts them individually, but how does a shared activity or passion like running or walking impact them as a couple, and what sort of ripple effect does it have on friends and family members?  If any?  And what does all of this look like when couples start running or walking in their mid-40s?  If you are interested to answers to any of these questions or just wish to learn more about Chester and Diahann’s experience with training together, stay tuned to this month’s episode of Real Friends – you won’t be sorry.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music

Running - BRTT - Adam and Brandon

For 2025, I thought we would kick things off by chatting with several of Big River Training Team’s “Unpaved” pacers – Adam and Brandon.   What is “Unpaved” you ask?  Unpaved is a series of running adventures offered through Big River Training Team which focuses on “trail running” and many of the popular, scenic trails in the St. Louis area.   If you are new to trail running or would just like to learn more about Adam and Brandon, stay tuned to this month’s episode of Real Friends – you won’t be sorry.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music 

2024 Fantasy Football Draft

This year you are invited to attend our 2024 fantasy football draft.  It’s our 16th year of playing fantasy football together and the draft is one of my favorite things to attend each year.  It’s an evening of meaningless sports conversation between multiple fantasy football coaches but it’s still a good time with friends and it allows you to “peak behind the fantasy football curtain”.  
  
Whether you are a fan of fantasy sports or not, I hope you enjoy it.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Fantasy Football site: https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Website: www.therobertharrison.com
Music:  Stop Me (A sport breakbeat rock) - Eugene Myers
https://pixabay.com/music/rock-stop-me-a-sport-breakbeat-rock-180737/

Running - BRTT - Cassie and Kasay

This episode we get to chat with the dynamic duo of Cassie and Kasay – both pacers for BRTT 8:30 pace group.  I’ve developed some really special friendships through running and its fun to witness when the same thing happens with other people.  That’s part of the fun of this month’s episode.  Not only are Cassie and Kasay both excellent runners and an important part of our local running community, but they’ve also developed a good friendship.  And good friends – true friends – well, they are worth their weight in gold.

If you'd like to learn more about Cassie and Kasay and their journey both as friends and as runners, stay tuned to today's episode of Real Friends - you won't be sorry.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Running - BRTT - Gabe, Kali, Tabitha

One of the things that I love about hosting a podcast is getting the opportunity to know a little bit about some of our runners.  While the questions are similar, no two podcasts are the same because no two runners exactly the same.  Today's podcast with Gabe, Kali, and Tabitha is a perfect example. It’s a great mix of humor, running streaks, and thoughtful reflection and a great example of how running and the running community appeals to runners of different backgrounds and different personalities who are still routinely united by their love for running.

If you'd like to learn more about Gabe, Kali, and Tabitha and their journey as runners, stay tuned to today's episode of Real Friends - you won't be sorry.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music

 

Running – Edna Rodriguez

This month I chat with a special friend of mine – Edna Rodriguez.  Amidst the background of chirping birds and the constant song of the Cicada (yes, 2024 is the year of the Cicada), Edna and I have a delightful conversation at Shaw Park in Clayton, Missouri.  The youngest of six children, Edna initially came to America to chaperone younger high school students but eventually came to America permanently and has lived in the St. Louis area for over twenty years.  If you would like to learn more about Edna and her passion for running, family, friends and life, stay turned to this month’s episode of Real Friends – you won’t be disappointed.

Don’t let the cicadas in the background distract you!  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

 

Running – BRTT Run-Walk - Andy & Alison Bourey

This month we chat with several friends of mine – Alison and Andy Bourey.  Many people recognize Alison and Andy as the colorful, warm and friendly couple who run with the Run-Walk group at Big River Training Team.   But Alison and Andy are more than runners.  They are also married and have many passions and interest outside of running.  If you are a fan of wisdom and insight and would like to hear more of Alison and Andy’s story, stay turned to this month’s episode of Real Friends – you won’t be disappointed.   

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Resources:
Big River Running Company - www.bigriverrunning.com
Espresso Yourself Coffee & Cafe - 5351 Devonshire Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109
www.espressoyourselfcafe.com
Sisters Sandwich Shoppe - 5353 Devonshire Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109
https://sisterssandwichshoppe.com/menu/

 

High School Seniors – 2023 (Part 2 of 2)

In part two of this two-part series podcast, we revisit the topic of dating then pivot and discuss some of the other topics that high school students often face including faith, friendships and family.   I can’t think of a better way to enter the holiday season than sharing a podcast that celebrates these three essentials to not only a meaningful holiday season, but to a meaningful life.  I hope you enjoy it; I know I did.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Resources:
Thank you to my “Podcast Posse”: Ellie, Josie, Ava, Micah, Sam, Isaac 

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music

High School Seniors – 2023 (Part 1 of 2)

Back in August, I had the honor and pleasure of sitting down with six of my favorite high school students and chatting with them about their high school years.  Most of them were seniors and would soon be headed off to college or transitioning into their next season in life.  It’s an exciting season of life filled with both challenges and rewards. 

In part one of this two-part series podcast, we discuss many of the topics that high school students often face including high school FADs, social media, the highs and lows of high school, and dating during your high school years.  We even discuss the personal growth and transformation that often does take place during the high school years.

Have you ever wondered how the next generation thinks?  Or if they are equipped to tackle some of the challenges we face as a nation?  If so, listen to these six students and discover for yourself.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Resources:
Thank you to my “Podcast Posse”: Ellie, Josie, Ava, Micah, Sam, Isaac 

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music 

 

Running – BRTT 10:00 Group – Gretchen, Sidi, Leah

Have you ever viewed running as a punishment?  If so, why would you choose to run later life?  And what happens if you run several hours or dozens of miles each week with the same people?  Those are just some of the questions and topics we cover in this month's episode of “Real Friends” as three friends - Leah, Sidi, and Gretchen - share their experiences and their insights regarding what they love most and what they find most challenging about running.  Enjoy. 

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music 

Resources:
Thank you to my “Podcast Posse”: Leah, Sidi, Gretchen

Big River Running Company - www.bigriverrunning.com
Kirkwood Park - www.kirkwoodparksandrec.org/places-to-go/parks
Zettl Photography

Fantasy Football Draft – 2023 – Just For Fun

This year you are invited to attend our 2023 fantasy football draft.  It’s our 15th anniversary of playing together and the draft is one of the highlights each year.  It’s silly, meaningless sports conversation but it’s still a good time between friends and allows you to “peak behind the curtain” and see how friends draft their fantasy football teams.   
I hope you enjoy it.  

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Fantasy Football site: https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com
Send questions or comments to realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Visit my website at www.therobertharrison.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

BRTT 11:00 min Pace Group - Kim, Kara, & Shannon

This month I have a really fun conversation with several of the athletes from Big River Training Team’s 11:00 minute pace group - Kim, Kara, and Shannon. If you like honest conversation, great insights and lots of laughter, you're going to enjoy this month's episode of Real Friends. 
 
Not only do these girls share a natural chemistry with each other, but they also share honest conversation regarding some of the challenges that women face not only with athletics, but in other areas like work-life balance, raising a family, safely training alone and developing new and healthy friendships.  If any of these topics sound familiar or pique your interest, check out this month's episode of Real Friends.  You'll be glad you did.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/ 

Resources:
Thank you to my “Podcast Posse”: Kim, Kara, & Shannon

Big River Running Company - www.bigriverrunning.com
Fenton City Park - www.fentonmo.org/862/Fenton-City-Park

Mike Flynn - One-on-One

This month we continue chatting with friends of mine from our local running community.  This month’s guest is Mike Flynn.  Many people know Mike as the Program Director at Big River Running Company or you may have potentially bought a pair of shoes from Mike at his store in University City.  Like many runners, Mike started his running career in high school.  But due to setbacks and surgeries during those years, Mike literally “knelt down and kissed his high school track goodbye” at his final practice as a senior.   
So, what inspired Mike to get back into running and eventually join a running company like Big River Running Company?  Listen to this month’s episode and discover for yourself. 
Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/ 
mike.flynn@bigriverrunning.com
www.bigriverrunning.com

Running - Sadie Smith and Laura Filla

This month I chat with two women well known and well respected in the St. Louis running community – Sadie Smith and Laura Filla.  Sadie is a master’s class athlete with a long list of awards and accomplishments.  Laura is also a respected runner and owner of her own fitness company – Filla Endurance.  Both women are full-time moms and full-time wives.  How do they do it?  Listen to this month’s episode of Real Friends and discover for yourself. 

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

For more information regarding Filla Endurance or to contact Laura Filla refer to the links below:
https://www.fillaendurance.com
https://www.facebook.com/FillaEndurance
https://www.instagram.com/fillaendurance

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music 

John Kertz - One-on-One

This month we chat with both a friend and runny buddy of mine – John Kertz.  Many people recognize John as the high-energy, high-octane person who kicks off early morning runs during the spring and fall for Big River Training Team.   But John is also a devoted husband, dad, and coach of high school runners.  If you are interested in more of John’s story, including his dream to one day potentially make it as a successful wide receiver, listen to this month’s episode and discover for yourself.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

 

Ian Breckenridge - Part 2 of 2

What would you do if you had the opportunity to pursue a new career later in life?  You had spent all your life in one field or profession, but your heart yearned for something different.  Would you follow your heart?  Follow your passion?  Even if it meant going back to school?  

Today in part 2 of a 2-part series, I resume my conversation with Ian Breckenridge as he shares how he left a good paying job in the technology industry and pursued his passion to get a degree in counseling.  A degree which ultimately allowed Ian to serve others as a counselor in the unique field of Equine Therapy.  

What’s holding you back from pursuing your dreams and passions in life?  
Listen to my friend, Ian Breckenridge, as he shares his inspirational story and discover for yourself.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website: www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/ 

Ian Breckenridge - Part 1 of 2

If you live long enough, you are bound to experience challenges in life.  Some major, some minor; some self-inflicted while others totally out of your control. Truth is, we all experience challenges in life.

Today, I share a conversation with a friend of mine, Ian Breckenridge.  Like each of us, Ian has experienced his own unique set of challenges in life – both financial, relational, and spiritual.  How to rebound from these struggles to develop a greater sense of empathy for the people you love and serve? Or how do you use the challenges you’ve experienced in life to provide hope for people wrestling with hopelessness?

Listen to my friend, Ian Breckenridge, as he shares his open, honest story and discover for yourself.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website: www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/