Podcast
Run The Race
Hosted by WTVM · EN
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.
37episodes
Episodes
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#300: In The Huddle With Sports Team Tony & Drew - On God, Injuries, Diabetes, Being On TV, Grief
1w ago01:15:59Tap to summarizeIt'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.
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#299: Having a No Quit Attitude, Running Ronnie Makes It 277 Miles Across GA in Record Time
2w ago00:51:53Tap to summarizeHe'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!
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#298: Women's Holistic Health Specialist Helps You With Energy, Weight, Peace, Nutrition Using Biblical Principles
3w ago00:55:09Tap to summarizeDo 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.
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#297: From Cardiac Collapse And Prayers To Being A Nurse Competing in Hyrox and Marathons
4w ago00:57:30Tap to summarizeWhat 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!
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#296: From My TV Job and Faith to Running and Family, "Sermons On The Side" Interviews Me
Jul 1000:51:27Tap to summarizeHope 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.
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#295: Black Hawk Down Ranger Vet Singing on USA 250th Bday + Leadership Rooted in Faith
Jun 2601:06:47Tap to summarizeAs we get ready to celebrate America's 250th birthday, it's a great time for an in-depth chat with Keni Thomas, who is coming back home to Columbus GA and Fort Benning to be the headline performer on the 4th of July. He's a combat veteran and famous Ranger who fought in the Battle of Mogadishu that left 19 Americans dead, as recounted in the movie "Black Hawk Down." He details what it was like in that crazy firefight 30 years ago...how faith in God expanded for him because of a fellow Ranger's challenge + his own book called "Get It On"...Biblical lessons to help others be better leaders...transitioning from the military to a successful music career in Nashville...and taking advantage of the platform from being part of a historic event. Throughout the podcast episode, you'll here parts of his hit song "Hold The Line." (4:10) After a brief bit about his band Cornbread...Keni recounts - in detail and stories - the world-renown battle in Somalia where 5 helicopters were shot down and they were out-numbered by the enemy 10 to 1, surviving by the grace of God. Was he afraid? (23:29) Keni also opens up about being a lazy Christian, but other well-known combat vets helped him see why the armor of God is so important. He says so many Biblical stories have people taking action even if they didn't feel worthy/able, like in Isaiah 6:8. Send me! Jesus' example as a squad leader is what Keni uses to help people to serve and set the example for others to follow. Do it anyway! (41:44) Giving a lil background on his "Hold the Line" song, Keni Thomas also talks about trying to make it in country music as a singer and songwriter, also what it means to come back home to Georgia and perform with his band at "Freedomfest" on Saturday July 4th, a free event at the National Infantry Museum: https://nationalinfantrymuseum.org/community-outreach/freedomfest/. (54:35) We close out the pod chat with Keni talking about teaching leadership across the globe, lessons learned (from life and the Battle of Mogadishu) and telling stories - like in scripture - about how you can fight through adversity and "terrible knowledge" to be an example of a servant leader: https://kenithomas.com/. (1:03:19) I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Follow or subscribe on Spotify, Apple. Tell others about it. We'll keep telling these stories of faith and fitness!
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#294: Fatherhood and Forty+ States Running Marathons (Recap of Yellowstone, Races Out West)
Jun 1900:35:31Tap to summarizeWith Father's Day weekend here, I'm talking on this special edition of "Run The Race" about fatherhood, fitness, and faith. Much of this solo episode of the podcast is a recap of my latest marathons (2 in 2 days) and my trip out West that included the first ever National Park. I ran 26.2 mile races earlier this month in Wyoming and Idaho on consecutive days as part of the "Bear Lake Trifecta." You'll hear on this pod about the scenic and hilly courses - challenging mentally and physically...meeting fellow runners from all over America and beyond (ran/walked one race entirely with a new friend from Utah)...how I recovered and celebrated between and after marathons in states #40 and 41 while seeing some sites in "Wydaho." Bonus: my run streak is now more than 4 years long. If you enjoy traveling and God's country, I also dive into specifics about what I saw and hiked at Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks - mountains, glaciers, moose, closeup bison, climbing to peaks, getting different views of hot springs and waterfalls, dragon-like sounds/sights at a mud volcano cave, scenic drives, the largest high-elebation lake in North America, and more. And before my closing prayer, we chat a bit about balancing fatherhood and fitness - tips to fit it in to your busy schedule. I love being a dad and explain how running intersects with my son/family. Thanks for listening to the podcast. Subcribe or follow "Run The Race" and tell others about it! Getting close to 300 episodes over nearly 7 years of interviews, sharing inspiring stories of faith and fitness.
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#293: Christian Hip Hop Artist Brings Unity At Parking Lot Praise Music Festival in Columbus GA
Jun 1101:03:42Tap to summarizeTimothygabriel is a Christian hip hop music producer and recording artist that has organized a special event for the last 6 years in Columbus GA called Parking Lot Praise Music Festival that I'll be emcee for this month. We also talk in this episode about his up-and-down music and faith journey...changes over the decades in Christian music...what people can expect at that event on Saturday June 20...bringing unity to churches and along racial lines...the importance of service for believers, and more. And during the intro of this podcast, you'll get a taste of his music with the song "Drip in Jesus." (3:10) Timothy G. Dixon aka timothygabriel talks about his music path that started with writing a Christian rap song at age 9, perfoming at church, but being discouraged by the pastor's rejection of it. He started rapping for the world, was cussing a lot, almost did a song with Killer Mike...but gave his life to the Lord, has done music for Him since then. (9:22) Christian music has definitely changed. How can you tell the different between genuine music that good for you spiritually or not? He also talks about different music for different seasons. Churches and music can also be separated by race, but he wants to change that. He says the enemy can use music too. timothygabriel says he's gone further lifting God's name vs the millions he could've made doing secular music. Give it a listen: https://ffm.to/timothygabriel?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e233_tv0&fbclid=IwY2xjawSX_DhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoS3BOWTU2UlNFR1BCZkg0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmkKyA3AMBtpfQJW15yDOZlR58ff-ressyUIzkOgtBQaruySz86oRIyhQKY8_aem_GEp5M1yfx4SSmHWqocy3xw (31:20) The FREE 6th annual Parking Lot Praise Music Festival will be on Saturday June 20 at Noon at Woodruff Park at 1000 Bay Avenue in Columbus GA, also with a Christian Parade starting at 10am. He describes how it got started at a mall and from a song. This founder and CEO of Lion & Lamb Music says this event is for believers and the unnchurched, with plenty of food trucks + a diverse lineup of speakers and artists including the Grammy nominated Canton Jones performing. Goal: love and showing unity, using food and music to draw people to Jesus and His church. More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-parking-lot-praise-christian-music-festival-tickets-1983699565801 (49:07) We wrap up our chat with Timothy, involved in a lot of nonprofits, talking about why it's so important for Christians to be servants in the community. He also opens up about his health issues, a failing kidney + mental health struggles, how keeping his mind on Christ helps him get out of the darkness. He may also be releasing new music fairly soon. (1:00:05) I close us out in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run the Race." Subscribe and follow the show, tell others about it, as we continue to share stories of faith and fitness that help you live a better life.
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#292: Son With Autism Helps Parents See God's Grace As They Start New Ministry
Jun 301:00:06Tap to summarizeGlobally, 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum. In the US, it's 1 in 31 children or 1 in 45 adults (8.5 million in America with autism). This week's guests on "Run The Race" are parents who have faced it for nearly two decades, with their son Drew diagnosed at age 2. Now, they're helping to start a new program in Columbus GA through an established ministry. And they're very open in this conversation about the struggles of caring for someone with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), including how it impacts marriage and the community. (5:40) Retired Army Brigadier General Andy and Nikki Hilmes go deep about learning their son had autism - from anger and focusing on fixing...to being advocates and praying and discovering resources. They have key advice for other parents with a special needs relative. (21:30) How faith played a role in this journey...from being cautious and wanting to protect Drew to allowing others to bless him with God's grace, realizing he makes their life fuller. There are new trends in society about autism too. (27:37) There also has to be a focus on keeping the marriage strong and not neglecting your other kids (their daughters joke their brother has "autism privilege"). It's a busy life, so Andy and Nikki divide and conquer. Sounds like the military. The GEN also discusses how his 27+ years in the Army helped him learn how to handle tough times at home and how having a son with autism made him a much better leader. (37:45) Nikki, the founder and former owner of the Autism Learning Center in West GA, is now opening a branch of Wesley Glen Ministries (established by the church) in Columbus this summer, with a divine mission from above to provide important services for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They talk about how this program will benefit the community and vice versa. They are hosting an open house on June 23 from 4:30-7pm at 900 Front Avenue in Columbus. Learn more at https://wesleyglenministries.com/services/wesleyglen-columbus/. (51:12) We close out our pod chat talking about self-care through exercise at the gym or through family hiking, how fitness benefits both caregivers and those on the spectrum. (57:07) I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening and tell others about "Run The Race." Subscribe to or follow the show. We've been providing inspiration and insight on faith and fitness on this show for almost 7 years now.
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#291: With Goals For Soccer & Women, Columbus United GM Promotes Club Ahead Of The World Cup
May 2200:48:11Tap to summarizeShe's one of the youngest people to hold a General Manager position in US Soccer history. Now, the Columbus United FC (Football Club) GM, in West Georgia, Eleni Hitchcock is promoting the game and her squad ahead of one of the biggest sporting events anywhere: The World Cup starting in the USA on June 11. We talk about the fitness needed for soccer/football, as she watches intense training. She also has plenty to say about women being involved in sports and leadership. (4:30) we talk about the popularity of soccer - a family tradition for her - and Eleni's journey from a kid following her dad as he worked in MLS and launched teams...to being a GM in a sport she loves. (12:40) The World Cup, with 48 teams competing for a month this summer - in 16 host cities in the US, Mexico, Canada - creates opportunities to build excitement for local teams and semi-pro players. That includes a new soccer shop in Columbus GA selling all kinds of gear...and even looking ahead to the 2031 Womens World Cup. The next Columbus United match is at home (AJ McClung Memorial Stadium) this Saturday night May 23, dubbed as "Ted Lasso" night. We discuss how that fun and inspiring show has sparked more interest in the sport too. (20:45) Growing women's soccer is a focus around the nation and for Eleni. She hopes to inspire younger women and is outspoken about females being in sports and having opportunities in leadership like her role as GM. Columbus United now has market rights for a women's team, which will be coming in the future. Their squad is also an example of the path to pro soccer. (31:00) What kind of fitness is involved in this game? Eleni says a lot, according to the training (practices) she watches. Columbus United FC is also focused on being involved in the community, youth programs. (37:05) Her team is one of 196 in the league but their division is Alabama and Georgia teams. What's it like at one of their matches? Go United!! (45:30) After our chat, I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Make sure to follow or subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories and insight on fitness and faith. Tell your friends about it too!
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