FINDING GOOD

In this episode of The FINDING GOOD Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Sam Hendel, the founder of Good Grief, a community that helps individuals navigate their grief through running and connection. Sam shared her personal journey, which took a devastating turn in 2022 when both of her parents were diagnosed with stagefour cancer within the same week, alongside a significant breakup. This overwhelming grief led her to find solace in running, ultimately inspiring her to create Good Grief. We discussed the importance of choosing happiness in the face of life's myriad challenges, alesson Sam learned from her mother. She emphasized that grief can be isolating, and through Good Grief, she aims to foster a supportive community where people can share their experiences and uplift one another. Sam's passion for running and her desire to help others find the good in their grief has led to the growth of Good Grief which has expanded beyond Austin to Washington, D.C. Throughout our conversation, we explored the tenets of being positively selfish, surrounding oneself with good people, and leaving the world better than we found it. Sam's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of community, and I was truly inspired by her outlook on life. As we wrapped up, we discussed future plans for Good Grief, including the potential for a foundation to further support those dealing with grief and loss. Join us as we dive deep into Sam's story, her incredible accomplishments, and the meaningful connections that can be forged through shared experiences. Don't forget to check out Good Grief on social media and consider joining their free weekly community runs. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, keep finding good!

In this episode of the Finding Good podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with the remarkable Nate Boyer, a true Renaissance man whose journey spans military service,professional football, and philanthropy. Nate, a Green Beret and former NFL player, shared his unique perspective on the importance of finding common ground in divisive times,particularly in relation to his experiences with Colin Kaepernick and the kneeling protests.We delved into Nate's current endeavors, including his work with Waterboys, an organization dedicated to providing clean water in East Africa, and MVP (Merging Vets andPlayers), which connects veterans and former athletes to help them navigate their transitions. Nate's passion for storytelling also shines through in his upcoming documentary about D-Day, where he aims to honor the sacrifices of World War II veteransand draw parallels to today's challenges. Throughout our conversation, Nate emphasized the significance of positivity, community, and the need to leave the world better than we found it. He shared personal anecdotes about the mentors who have shaped his life, including his parents, military comrades, and coaches like Mack Brown and Pete Carroll.As we wrapped up, we discussed the importance of being "positively selfish"—taking care of oneself in order to better serve others. Nate's insights remind us that while we may facechallenges, there is always hope for a brighter future, and we can all play a part in making a difference. Join us for this inspiring episode filled with wisdom, resilience, and a call to action for all of us to contribute to the greater good.

There's no denying the remarkability of Justin William's story. The professional cyclist from L.A.'s toughest neighborhood inherited his Belizean father's love of cycling. The sport kept him insulated from the infamous street life of South Central, where 1 in 3 kids wind up in jail or dead before they reach adulthood. We had the privilege of sitting down with Justin in his hometown of Los Angeles for a fascinating discussion, and explored all the ways his life perfectly embodies the tenets of FINDING GOOD. We kicked off our conversation by exploring Justin's early life in South Central - the notorious neighborhood of greater Los Angeles that boasts one of the highest crime rates in the country - where he grew up in a large family and faced the challenges of living in a community heavily influenced by gang culture. Despite the odds, Justin found solace in sports, particularly cycling, which he initially discovered through his father's Belizean heritage of possessing a passion for the sport.Justin shared a memorable story about a grueling 50-mile ride led by his father that served as a pivotal moment in his cycling journey. This experience not only tested his physical limits but also instilled in him a sense of determination and resilience. We discussed how his competitive nature and stubbornness have fueled his success in cycling, especially when many young athletes give up after failing to make it to the world tour. As we delved deeper into the conversation, Justin highlighted the importance of community and support, especially in the wake of recent fires in Southern California. He spoke about the incredible efforts within the cycling community to come together and help those affected, showcasing the power of unity and compassion.We also touched on the broader landscape of American cycling, discussing the challenges and opportunities for young riders. Justin emphasized that cycling doesn't have to be limited to the Tour de France or UCI world tours; it can encompass various forms of racing that are more accessible and exciting for fans.Throughout our discussion, Justin's passion for the sport and his commitment to giving back to the community becomes quite clear. He articulated his mission to create opportunities for underrepresented riders and to build a supportive environment within the cycling world.This episode is a testament to the idea that success is not just about personal achievements but also about uplifting others and making a positive impact. Join us as we explore Justin's journey, his insights on resilience, and his vision for the future of cycling. Enjoy!

There's no denying the remarkability of Justin William's story. The professional cyclist from L.A.'s toughest neighborhood inherited his Belizean father's love of cycling. The sport kept him insulated from the infamous street life of South Central, where 1 in 3 kids wind up in jail or dead before they reach adulthood.We had the privilege of sitting down with Justin in his hometown of Los Angeles for a fascinating conversation, and explored all the ways his life perfectly embodies the tenets of FINDING GOOD.

In this episode of The Finding Good Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with PhilipSpeer, a remarkable chef and the founder of Comedor in Austin, Texas. Philip's journey is one of resilience, as he shares his experiences with addiction, recovery, and how running transformed his life.We touch on the significance of food as a means of connection and celebration - particularly in the context of his Mexican heritage, the recent Michelin Guide feature that has brought even more attention to the unique and delectable style of Comedor, and how addiction nearly killed him, but through fitness and community his life is more full than ever before.Finally, Philip passionately advocates for making high quality food accessible to all, and he shares his involvement with worthy initiatives like Field Guide Fest and his work with the Central Texas Food Bank.Enjoy!

Andra Liemandt is a renaissance woman - wife, mom, musician, entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, and plenty more. But her role as founder and CEO of The Kindness Campaign is her prevailing passion and also how we came to know one another.I first met Andra eight years ago when she was performing at a World Kindness Day event with her band, The Mrs. Andra is an incredibly talented drummer and singer, offering a one-two-punch of crisp percussion and vocals.On this episode of The FINDING GOOD Podcast, Andra and I revisit the origin story of TKC and the immeasurable impact her work has provided to thousands of students in hundreds of schools. We also explore what it takes to balance her endless list of social events, charity campaigns, time with her most favorite people - her kids - and everything else that accompanies being a nonprofit leader in one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Enjoy!

Less than a week before this podcast was published, Mitch Ammons registered for and subsequently won the 31st Austin Half Marathon on a whim. His contagious spirit and million dollar smile carried him through all 13.1 grueling miles of the hilly course in the capital city of Texas. But Mitch's journey into the upper echelon of distance runners actually started out on a road to recovery. After more than a decade of illicit drug use - which included heroin, meth, and freebasing oxycodone - Mitch went to rehab after five unsuccessful stays.But the sixth time, in this case, was a charm. After being freed from the clutches of addiction and relentless discomfort of withdrawal, Mitch found solace in running - a sport he'd previously excelled at before the drugs took over.Nowadays, in addition to running, and winning, countless running events year over year, Mitch has become a wildly successful real estate agent, and is married to his best friend, Jordie, whom Mitch describes as the best thing that has ever happened in his life.We dive deep into Mitch's addiction story and remarkable return to life. We share so many things in common and could've chatted forever. But our hour together was fascinating, and one I think you'll find incredibly valuable.Enjoy!

Brad Womack is many things - entrepreneur, fitness fanatic, a two-time Bachelor on the perennially popular hit series on ABC... But more than anything, he's my friend. And just an all-around amazing human being.Never one to shy away from a physical challenge or philanthropic endeavor, Brad's dedication to a healthy lifestyle is matched only by his determination to uplift the world around him. On this episode of The FINDING GOOD Podcast, we talk about the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur, the importance of physical and mental health, and navigating the sale of the 23-year old hospitality business he built from the ground up with his twin brother, Chad, and business partner, Jason Carrier. Enjoy!

Our guest today is as impressive as they come. From living out of his car to securing investments from Shark Tank for his company, Cardio, Destin George Bell is a shining example of what true grit and determination can accomplish.Combining his passion for fitness, entrepreneurial work ethic, and ability to captivate the attention and support of those around him, Destin created Cardio - a "game-ified" fitness app that turns the sport of regular old running into a turf war, touting tens of thousands of users across 70 countries. Like all of our guests, we chat with Destin about his journey and how he embodies the FINDING GOOD mentality by being positively selfish, surrounding himself with good people, and through various efforts, does his part to leave the world better than he found it. Enjoy!

Allison Morrison is an elite athlete, entrepreneur, and technology professional, and close friend of ours. We spend time discussing her rigorous training schedule, balancing work and personal endeavors, being a female founder in the male-dominated start-up space, and plenty more.Allison's passion project, Ralli, is a soon-to-be-released mobile app that connects athletes by utilizing data from fitness applications to bring together individuals of similar capabilities and fitness goals. It was an enlightening conversation and one I know you'll enjoy listening to.

In this exploratory episode of The FINDING GOOD Podcast, producer JB Hager sits down with our host, Mike Thompson, to discuss the origin story of FINDING GOOD.