Unstoppable Stories That Move

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this edition of Sally's Hotline, we hear from the unstoppable Gregory David, photographer, filmmaker, skydiver, skier, and a man who has had to start over in life more times than most of us can imagine. From breaking his back in a parachute accident, to immigrating to the United States from South Africa, to rebuilding after personal loss, Gregory knows firsthand what it means to fall, literally and figuratively, and choose to get back up anyway.Rather than offering easy answers, Gregory speaks from deep experience about what actually gets you through the hardest seasons of life: discipline, belief, mental rehearsal, and the willingness to stay focused on your goal even when progress feels invisible.This short but powerful tip episode is a reminder that the beginning is always the hardest part, and that if you can imagine something clearly enough, you are already closer to doing it than you think.In This Episode, You'll Hear:Why the beginning of any hard thing is always the most difficultHow progress becomes exponential once you push through the early resistanceThe difference between hope and belief How Gregory and his skydiving team learned to do things that had never been done before, one pattern at a timeWhy mental rehearsal is just as important as physical trainingKey Takeaways:Don't give up just because it starts hard. Everything does.Believe you have the capacity to improve. Discipline and focus compound over time. Progress that feels slow is still progress.If you want to hear Gregory's full story including skydiving championships, filming Hollywood movies in apartheid-era South Africa, refusing spinal surgery against doctor's orders, and his philosophy on consciousness and inner change, listen to Episode 43 of Unstoppable: Stories That Move.Support the Mission:Unstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. With NIH budgets being cut, your support matters more than ever.Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com or mail a check to: PO Box 12, Afton, MN 55001, USA

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?What do skydiving championships, apartheid-era South Africa, film sets, a near-fatal parachute accident, and quantum consciousness have in common? They're all chapters in the extraordinary life of today's guest.Sally Hed Dahlquist sits down with Gregory David, a 73 year-old South African-born filmmaker, skydiver, adventurer, and deep thinker who has rebuilt his life more times than most people dare to dream. From jumping out of planes clinging to cameras, to walking away from spinal surgery against doctor's orders and recovering anyway Gregory has lived by one rule: don't let anyone else decide what's possible for you.Now a US citizen living in Minnesota, Greg brings a rare combination of lived history, hard-won wisdom, and philosophical depth to this conversation.In this conversation, Gregory shares what has shaped him:A childhood in apartheid South Africa that taught him to question authority earlyA skydiving career that took him to world championships and nearly killed himA film career that spanned continents, eras, and technologiesThe courage to leave everything behind and start over in America with $6,000 and a familyA philosophy of resilience, neutrality, and inner change that he's still working on every dayListener TakeawaysResilience isn't a personality trait you're born with, it's a philosophy you build through experience and self-awareness.Refusing to accept someone else's verdict on what your body, your career, or your life can do is sometimes the bravest thing you can do.Between stimulus and reaction lies opportunity. Don't give that up.You can only change the world by changing yourself. That's harder than it sounds... and more powerful than it seems.Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Wild Geese (1978) with Gregory's aerial footageHarrington rod spinal surgery, and why Gregory declined itApartheid South Africa Random-access editing and the laser disc editing eraWalt Disney's film school (CalArts) in Los AngelesTranscendental meditationThe concept of timeline jumping and non-linear timeSupport the MissionUnstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. With NIH budgets being cut, your support matters more than ever.Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com or mail a check to: PO Box 12, Afton, MN 55001, USA

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?What happens when four unstoppable runners who all crossed the finish line at the Tokyo Marathon get together to talk about it?Sally Hed Dahlquist hosts a special roundtable with three of her favorite returning guests, Christelle Douillet, Rhea Deroian, and Tom Pedersen, to recap the Tokyo Marathon and share everything they loved (and learned) about traveling in Japan. Between them, they bring decades of running experience, dozens of world majors, and one very memorable hotel booking mistake.Whether you're dreaming of running Tokyo, planning a trip to Japan, or just love hearing from people who live life to the fullest, this episode is pure joy from start to finish.In this conversation, the group covers it all:What makes Tokyo unlike any other World Marathon MajorNavigating Japan as a foreigner... and why it was easier than expectedThe culture of quiet respect that made every moment feel specialShrines, temples, ryokans, onsen, and tatami mats (post-marathon)And why all four of them want to go back as soon as possibleWhat You'll Hear in This EpisodeChristelle's recap: Tokyo marathon, then the Nagoya Women's Marathon one week later, then a 100-miler back homeThe out-and-back course: why runners who dreaded it ended up loving itElites, shrines, a portable festival shrine being carried through the streets, and spotting the Tokyo Tower mid-raceThe bathroom situation: portapotties that were anywhere from 100 meters to 1.1K off courseSally's emergency depends-in-the-waistband strategy (and the park bathroom that saved the day)How Tokyo learned from last year's water shortageThe finish line experience: bath salts, face wipes, and volunteers with encouraging messages taped to their glovesThe Abbott six-star tent and what it felt like to finally collect that medal after years of chasing majorsChristelle's onsen experience and why after two minutes, it felt completely naturalRhea and Sally both booking tatami mat rooms The World Friendship Center in Hiroshima Meeting atomic bomb survivors and the powerful reminder of why nuclear weapons must never be used againListener TakeawaysDon't let the language barrier stop you. Google Translate and kind locals will get you everywhere.Tokyo Marathon is worth it: the organization, the volunteers, and the culture make it one of the best race experiences in the world.Travel changes you. Seeing history from another perspective makes you a more understanding human.The quiet respect of Japanese culture is contagious. Let it rub off on you.Book a bed the night after your marathon. Learn from Rhea.Mentioned in This EpisodeTokyo Marathon (2026)Nagoya Women's MarathonAbbott World Marathon Majors Six Star ProgramMarathon Tours & TravelLondon Marathon 2025 Fushimi Inari Shrine, KyotoMiyajima Island and the floating torii gate, HiroshimaWorld Friendship Center, HiroshimaRyokan traditional Japanese hotels and tatami mat roomsOnsen (Japanese hot spring baths)Pocari Sweat: the Japanese sports drink on course ("better than Gatorade")Episodes 5 & 16 — Christelle's full storyEpisodes 30 & 31 — Rhea's full storyEpisodes 36 & 37 — Tom's full storySupport the MissionUnstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. With NIH budgets being cut, your support matters more than ever.Donate today

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this installment of Sally's Hotline, we get a powerful tip from the Unstoppable Mike Ware, a Vietnam veteran, helicopter pilot, cancer survivor, and flight instructor, about the one choice that determines everything else: which door you open.Mike shares his simple but profound framework for navigating life's hardest moments. We all have one key, he says, and two doors, one marked life, one marked death. Free will means we get to choose which one we put that key into. And his message is clear: choose life, every single time.This episode is a quiet but powerful reminder that happiness isn't something that happens to you. It starts in your thinking and moves into your actions, and the decision to pursue it is always yours to make.In This Episode, You'll HearWhy happiness is a decision, not a circumstanceHow your thinking directly produces your physical reactions, and why that mattersMike's one-key, two-doors framework for navigating free willWhy choosing life isn't just about survival, it's about eternityWhat it looks like to have experienced both heaven on earth and something beyond itKey TakeawaysYou determine your own happiness. It begins with what you put in your head.Free will is a gift, and it comes with real consequences depending on how you use it.When quitting, giving up, or giving in feels easiest, remember: you have one key. Use it on the right door.Belief matters. In yourself, in the future, and in something bigger than this moment.Choose wisely.About Mike Ware Mike Ware is a Vietnam veteran who served as a helicopter pilot during the Tet Offensive, flew classified missions into Cambodia and Laos, and went on to a career in life flight operations before becoming a flight instructor. A survivor of war, cancer, and his own darkest moments, Mike is now writing his memoir, Blades of War, to share what he lived through, and why he's still here.Resources MentionedBlades of War by Mike Ware (forthcoming)Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1If This Episode Gave You a Boost:Share it with someone who needs a reminder that they still have a keySubscribe to Unstoppable: Stories That MoveLeave a review to help more people find these storiesAnd If You Want to Make an Impact: This podcast exists to raise $1 million for medical research. Your donation helps fund real labs doing real work that saves lives.Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?What does it take to survive a war, come home to a country that doesn't want you, and still choose to live?Host Sally Hed Dahlquist sits down with Mike Ware, a Vietnam veteran, helicopter pilot, life flight pilot, flight instructor, and living proof that surviving isn't just about making it out alive, it's about finding a reason to stay.Mike flew combat missions during the war in Vietnam, transported Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol soldiers into Cambodia and Laos on classified missions his country couldn't officially claim, and came home to a nation that met him with hostility instead of gratitude. Decades later, he's still flying, still teaching, and finally telling his story in his forthcoming memoir, Blades of War.In this conversation, Mike shares what has kept him going:Finding faith at the moment he needed it mostReturning to Vietnam decades later and seeing it with new eyesSharing his story so other veterans know they are not aloneThis episode is a reminder that surviving isn't the finish line, it's just the beginning of figuring out why you're still here.What You'll Hear in This EpisodeHow a recruiter's pitch changed the entire course of Mike's lifeFlying combat missions with just a few hundred hours of flight timeRope rescues, night flying, rats, snakes, and a homemade shower built from an Agent Orange drumThe Miracle Mission: a rescue flight that should have killed everyone on boardTwo decades of trying to be "normal" and what finally broke throughThe moment Mike was holding a gun and heard a voice that stopped himWhy he went back to Vietnam and what he found thereLife flight flying, Angel Flights, and becoming one of the oldest flight instructors in the USListener Takeaways If you're moved by Mike's story, here are your reminders:Survival guilt is real, and so is help. About 20 veterans die by suicide every day. If you're struggling, reach out. You have more to share than you know.Going back can heal you. Mike returned to Vietnam and found a thriving, industrious, joyful people. Sometimes the place that hurt you most can also set you free.Write it down. Mike's logbook, stained and terrifying, became the foundation of a memoir and a decade of healing.Find your people. Faith, a supportive spouse, and the right community made the difference between Mike's two doors.It's never too late to share your story. Mike is in his 70s, still flying, still teaching, and only now putting his story into the world.Mentioned in This Episode101st Airborne Division, "The Kingsmen"The Miracle Mission, helicopter tail number 16227, now at Camp Ripley, MinnesotaBlades of War by Mike Ware (forthcoming)Life flight / air medical transport programsAngel Flight, free air transportation for medical patientsVA.gov, mental health resources for veteransAmerican Association of Suicidology, suicidology.orgVeterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1Support the Mission If Mike's story reminded you that there is always another door, please share it with a veteran who needs to hear it.We're raising $1 million for medical research, and every dollar from listeners like you makes a real difference.Learn more + donate at UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?She came back. And she finished all seven.Sally Hed Dahlquist catches up with the unstoppable Tracy Cohen Roth, the teaching veteran, 140+ marathon finisher, and woman who just ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. First featured on Episode 22 in December 2025, Tracy returns to share the full story of what actually happened out there: the illness, the heat, the cold, the blisters, the NASA doctors, and the finish line in Miami where she had absolutely nothing left... and crossed it anyway.Tracy didn't just complete the World Marathon Challenge. She raised thousands of dollars in grassroots donations to get there, and came home to teach.In this conversation, Tracy shares what it really took:Battling a GI illness through four of the seven marathons with nowhere to stopRunning in 107-degree heat in Australia and 40-degree rain in SpainGetting pulled aside by NASA doctors who almost didn't let her run in MadridHow Liquid IV saved her raceCrossing the finish line in Miami in Antarctica gear with her husband waiting What You'll Hear in This EpisodeThe full 7-7-7 route: Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Forza Brazil, MiamiWhat 168 hours looks like when 112 of them are spent in the airThe GI nightmare that started in South Africa and followed Tracy through four continentsNASA doctors, dehydration, and the Liquid IV that put color back in Tracy's faceHow Tracy trained: 20 miles a day for seven days straight over Christmas breakThe packing system: one bag per continent, stacked inside a single suitcaseWhat it felt like to crawl across that last finish line with nothing left in the tankComing home with swollen feetA recovery trip to Norway with her son filled with northern lights, reindeer sleds, and the world's northernmost McDonald'sWhat she'd tell anyone who has ever said "I've always wanted to do that"Listener TakeawaysTracy's story is a masterclass in commitment and resilience. Here are your reminders:No regrets. If you've always wanted to do something, stop waiting and make it happen.You don't have to feel ready, you just have to show up and keep moving.Community carries you. Your body can do more than your brain thinks it can, especially when quitting isn't an option.Mentioned in This EpisodeWorld Marathon Challenge (7 marathons, 7 continents, 7 days)Episode 22: Tracy's first appearance on Unstoppable: Stories That MoveLiquid IV electrolyte powder (available at Costco)Salt electrolyte candies for heat racingSupport the MissionIf Tracy's story fired you up, please share this episode and consider supporting the bigger mission.We're raising $1 million for medical research, and every dollar from listeners like you truly makes a difference.Learn more + donate at UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this mini episode, host Sally Hed Dahlquist shares an exciting contest announcement and a simple, encouraging tip to help you get growing this spring.Sally is giving away five signed copies of a book by the unstoppable Joel Karsten, the Minnesota farm boy turned global change maker who developed a revolutionary technique for growing food in straw bales. His method has helped feed malnourished children in Cambodia and beyond, allowing communities to grow nutritious fruits and vegetables... even through monsoon season.And while you're waiting for your garden to grow? Sally has a beginner-friendly tip to get you started, no digging required.In This Episode, You'll Hear:How to enter the book contest to win a signed copy of Joel Karsten's book (open March 19 – April 30, 2026)A quick recap of Joel's incredible story and why straw bale gardening is changing lives worldwideSally's beginner gardening tip: start small with herbs in a pot, basil, cilantro, sage, and work your way upWhy straw bale gardening is the easiest way to grow your own food without digging up your yardHow to Enter the Contest:Visit unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com and look for "book contest"Enter your name and email between March 19 – April 30, 2026Five lucky winners will be drawn on April 30, 2026Learn More About Joel Karsten:Listen to his full story on Episode 18 of Unstoppable: Stories That MoveFind his books on AmazonVisit his website at strawbalegardens.comSupport the Mission:Unstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. With NIH budgets being cut, your support matters more than ever.Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com or mail a check to: PO Box 12, Afton, MN 55001, USA

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this edition of Sally's Hotline, we hear from the unstoppable Tom Pedersen, a lifelong runner and retired teacher who is back on the roads after a stroke and six-bypass open-heart surgery. Rather than dwelling on what the experience took from him, Tom shows up with hard-won wisdom about how to tackle the things in life that feel too big to start.Tom's advice is simple, practical, and deeply lived: every overwhelming goal, whether it's training for a marathon, recovering from surgery, or finishing an attic renovation for your daughters, gets conquered the same way. One step at a time.In This Episode, You'll Hear:Why the first step doesn't need to be big... it just needs to happenHow Tom applied this philosophy with students facing overwhelming challenges over 25 years in the classroomThe attic renovation story: a promise to his daughters that became a three-year project he figured out as he wentWhy having a meaningful "why" is often what finally gets you movingKey Takeaways:Overwhelming goals become manageable when you focus only on the next stepProgress compounds. Those "insignificant" early steps add up to something significantAsking for help along the way isn't a weakness, it's part of the processA promise to someone you love can be the most powerful motivator of allGetting started is always the hardest part, and always worth itIf you want to hear Tom's full story, including running marathons after a stroke, surviving six-bypass heart surgery, and chasing the Six World Marathon Majors, listen to his full story on episode 36 of Unstoppable: Stories That Move.Support the Mission:Unstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. With NIH budgets being cut, your support matters more than ever.Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com or mail a check to: PO Box 12, Afton, MN 55001, USA

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?What does it take to keep running through a stroke and open-heart surgery?Host Sally Hed Dahlquist sits down with Tom Pedersen, a 73-year-old retired CPA, lifelong runner, and living proof that the body, and the will, can be rebuilt. After a minor ischemic stroke and a six bypass open-heart surgery, Tom didn't just survive. He found his way back to the finish line.Now on the verge of completing another World Marathon Majors in Tokyo, Tom shares the health scares he almost ignored, the doctors who believed in his passions, and why he's still putting one foot in front of the other.In this conversation, Tom shares what has kept him moving:Listening to his body, even when the signs were subtleFinding doctors who shared his "keep running" philosophyRecovering from a stroke and then open-heart surgery and getting back to the race courseGiving back through free tax preparation services in his communityThis episode is a reminder that unstoppable isn't about being fearless, it's about refusing to stop.What You'll Hear in This EpisodeHow a minor stroke in 2017 became a turning point The two types of stroke: ischemic vs. hemorrhagic Why he fired his first doctor for telling him to stop running marathonsSymptoms that don't scream "emergency" Post-bypass recovery: walking around the block, then a mile, then marathonsThe pineapple guy at the Berlin marathon (and why Tom is blaming him for those extra 35 seconds)Big Cottonwood Canyon Marathon: winning his age group, qualifying for Boston, post-strokeWhat gratitude looks like after surviving two major health eventsListener TakeawaysIf you're inspired by Tom's story, here are your reminders:Don't dismiss subtle symptoms. A dragging foot and a drooping face got Tom to the ER... barely. Pay attention.Find doctors who support your goals. If your doctor tells you to quit, find a doctor who doesn't.Running is medicine. Tom's blood pressure drops 20–30 points after a run. Every time.Know your family history. It doesn't have to define you, but it should motivate you.Recovery is incremental. Around the block → a mile → a marathon. There's no shortcut, and that's okay.Gratitude is a practice. After his heart surgery, Tom committed to being grateful for every single day.Mentioned in This EpisodeIschemic stroke vs. hemorrhagic stroke vs. TIA (transient ischemic attack)The Six World Marathon Majors (Abbott World Marathon Majors): Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, TokyoSydney Marathon (the new seventh major)Big Cottonwood Canyon Marathon, UtahJack and Jill Downhill Marathon, Washington StateGrandma's Marathon, Duluth, MinnesotaVITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) — free tax prep services nationwideAccountability Minnesota — free tax prep sites in the Twin Cities areaARC tax prep sites in Hudson, River Falls, Baldwin, Richmond, and Ellsworth, WisconsinMarathon Tours & TravelBritney Runs a Marathon (Netflix film)Support the MissionIf Tom's story reminded you that it's never too late to get back out there, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.We're raising $1 million for medical research, and every dollar from listeners like you makes a real difference.Learn more + donate at UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this edition of Sally’s Hotline, we hear from the unstoppable Mary Croft, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday by completing 80 kilometers (50 miles over two days). With more than 40 years of running behind her, Mary shares the simple, grounded habits that have helped her stay healthy, active, and engaged through every decade of life.Rather than chasing intensity or perfection, Mary’s wisdom centers on structure, rest, and realistic self-care. From scheduling movement to embracing naps (disguised as reading time), her advice is a powerful reminder that longevity isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about caring for your body with intention.This short but impactful tip episode is full of encouragement for anyone navigating aging, busy schedules, or changing energy levels, and it reinforces that staying active can look different in every season of life.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:Why having structure has been key to Mary’s long-term health and consistencyHow scheduling movement makes it easier to keep showing upThe underrated importance of naps and rest as we ageWhy regular sleep patterns matter more than we often realizeHow volunteering and staying engaged supports both physical and mental healthA gentle reminder to protect your energy and avoid overcommittingKey Takeaways:Consistency doesn’t require intensity, it requires intentionScheduling rest is just as important as scheduling movementSleep is foundational to long-term health and vitalityStaying active means adapting, not stoppingA healthy routine can evolve with you at every ageIf you want to hear Mary’s full story, including her decades of running, global races, and life of service listen to her full episode on Unstoppable: Stories That Move.Support the Mission:Unstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. With NIH budgets being cut, your support matters more than ever.Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com or mail a check to: PO Box 12, Afton, MN 55001, USA

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this unstoppable conversation, Mary Croft joins Sally Hed Dahlquist to reflect on a life that’s equal parts endurance and service. Mary recently celebrated her 80th birthday by running 50 miles at the Across the Years ultra event in Arizona. That milestone is just one chapter in a running career that includes 235 marathons and ultras, with 70 ultramarathons (up to 100 miles), races in all 50 states, and finishes on all 7 continents.Mary’s story stretches far beyond the finish line. She grew up as the daughter of Lutheran missionaries in Papua New Guinea, spent formative years in boarding school in Australia, and later built a career in nursing including work inside the Stillwater Prison in Minnesota. Along the way, she shares what endurance has taught her about consistency, community, aging, motivation, and staying grounded when the world (and the sport) changes.This episode is full of practical runner talk (fueling, gear, pacing, loop events, the evolution of marathons) and deeper reflections on purpose, resilience, and what it means to keep moving forward through every season of life.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:How Mary celebrated turning 80 by running 80K (50 miles) at Across the YearsWhat a multi-day loop event is like (and why it creates real community)How fueling has changed over the decades (from water + butterscotch candies to gels and electrolytes)Her origin story: the wellness movement, a friend’s discipline, and the first Twin Cities MarathonWhy Mary ended her Twin Cities Marathon streak in 2025, and how it felt to let that identity goHow the sport has changed over the decadesWhat it was like growing up in Papua New Guinea and returning later with her husband and sonHow Mary found her footing returning to college in Minnesota after years overseasThe reality of nursing inside the Stillwater Prison and how healthcare work shows up thereKey Takeaways:Community is a performance enhancer. Loop races and long events create space for real conversation and connection.You don’t have to optimize everything to be a “real runner.” Mary’s approach is body-led, not data-led.Consistency outlasts trends. Fueling fads, tech, and marketing evolve — but the basics still matter.Goals can shift without losing meaning. Ending a decades-long streak can be an act of freedom, not failure.If This Episode Inspired You:Share it with someone who needs a reminder that it’s never “too late” to do hard thingsSubscribe to Unstoppable: Stories That MoveLeave a review so more people can find these storiesAnd If You Want to Do Something Bigger:This podcast supports the mission of raising $1 million for medical research. Your support helps fund real labs doing real work that saves lives. Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this installment of Sally’s Hotline, we get a little tip from Polly Letofsky, the first woman to walk around the world, about one deceptively simple idea that carried her across the continents: it’s easier to give 100% than 50%.Polly shares a raw, unforgettable story from the center of India, where exhaustion, isolation, extreme heat, and danger pushed her to the brink, and where quitting would have been easier. Instead, she explains how committing fully, removing “quitting” as an option, and adopting what she calls the power of the resolute mind allowed her to keep going when everything in her body said stop.This episode is a powerful reminder that commitment isn’t about willpower, it’s about clarity. When the mission matters, half-measures only make things harder.In This Episode, You’ll HearWhy giving 100% is often easier than giving 50%How decision fatigue disappears when quitting is no longer an optionPolly’s harrowing experience walking alone through central IndiaThe moment she saw herself in a mirror and realized how depleted she’d becomeWhy she refused to stop even when coming home was fully possibleHow she problem-solved instead of quitting (including hiring an escort to finish safely)What the “resolute mind” actually looks like in real lifeWhy purpose makes endurance possibleKey TakeawaysHalf-commitment creates constant internal negotiation. Full commitment creates peace.If quitting is off the table, your brain redirects energy toward solutions.Being uncomfortable is not the same as being incapable.When the mission is bigger than you, perseverance becomes non-negotiable.Commitment is a decision, not a feeling.About Polly LetofskyPolly Letofsky is an adventurer, author, and advocate who became the first woman to walk around the world, completing a five-year journey to raise awareness for breast cancer and promote early detection. Her walk helped save lives by starting conversations in villages, cities, and countries around the globe.Resources Mentioned3 MPH: The Adventures of One Woman’s Walk Around the World by Polly LetofskyPolly’s publishing work: mywordpublishing.comIf This Episode Gave You a Boost:Share it with someone who’s stuck in the “almost quitting” phaseSubscribe to Unstoppable: Stories That MoveLeave a review to help more people find these storiesAnd If You Want to Make an Impact:This podcast exists to raise $1 million for medical research. Your donation helps fund real labs doing real work that saves lives.Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this unstoppable conversation, Polly Letofsky shares the story of walking solo around the world for five years to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and how that journey became an ongoing study in human nature, resilience, and community.Polly takes us from the early spark that led her to attempt the walk, to the moment she found herself truly alone for the first time in rural Australia… and into the unexpected, life-changing support of the Lions Club. What began as one woman passing a hat in a pub turned into a fundraising network that carried Polly from town to town, country to country, and through moments of culture shock and global upheaval.Along the way, Polly reflects on walking before GPS, navigating the world as a solo woman traveler, witnessing how communities respond to illness and vulnerability, and why she never once considered quitting even when things were uncomfortable, uncertain, or overwhelming.This episode is a powerful reminder that big missions are built one step at a time, and that support often shows up exactly when you need it.In This Episode, You’ll HearHow Polly’s walk for breast cancer awareness began and why she knew it had to be about more than travelHow a chance encounter with a Lions Club president changed everythingHow Lions Clubs coordinated support up the Australian coast and across the globeWhat it was like traveling and planning routes before GPS and smartphonesWhy Polly used McDonald’s as her universal meeting point on highwaysLife as a visibly foreign woman traveling alone in rural and tribal regionsThe realities of cultural difference, discomfort, and safety on the roadHow she learned to expect pivots instead of fearing themExperiencing 9/11 abroad and relying on global service organizations for stabilityThe long road from walk → book → publishing career, including hard-earned lessons about the industryKey TakeawaysBig goals are sustained through consistency, not comfort.Community support can appear in unexpected placesDiscomfort is not the same as danger, but awareness always matters.You don’t need to know every step in advance just the next one.Grassroots action is powerful, especially when research funding is at stake.Resources MentionedLions Clubhttps://www.senseofsecurity.org/If this episode moved you:Share it with someone who believes big missions are only for “special” peopleSubscribe to Unstoppable: Stories That MoveLeave a review to help these stories reach more listenersAnd if you want to do something even bigger:This podcast supports the mission of raising $1 million for medical research. Your support helps fund real labs doing real work that saves lives.Donate today at: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this Sally’s Hotline mini-episode of Unstoppable Stories That Move, host Sally Hed Dahlquist sits back down with Rhea Deroian, an unstoppable runner who has run every single day for the last 12 years.Rhea is a streaker in the truest sense, but her story isn’t about perfection or extreme discipline. It’s about consistency, commitment, and choosing yourself, even when life is hard.After leaving an abusive relationship, running became Rhea’s lifeline. What once helped her escape danger eventually transformed into a source of joy, grounding, and strength. Today, she shares one of the simplest, and most powerful, mindset shifts that helped her stay consistent for over a decade: 15 minutes is only 1% of your day.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why showing up matters more than how long you show upHow Rhea reframes time: 15 minutes = just 1% of your dayWhy consistency beats motivation every timeHow small commitments snowball into life-changing habitsReal-life examples of fitting movement into chaotic days (yes, even at 3 a.m.)Why caring for yourself first helps you show up better for othersRhea’s core adviceIf you can find 15 minutes, you can change your life.You don’t need perfect conditions, perfect gear, or a perfect schedule. You just need to start, then start again tomorrow.As Rhea puts it: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.Listen to Rhea’s full storyWant to hear more from Rhea and learn how she’s maintained a 12-year running streak? 🎧 Listen to Episode 30 of Unstoppable Stories That Move for her full interview.Listener reflectionWhat’s one thing that matters to you that you could start in just 15 minutes a day?Running, writing, strength training, reading, learning, healing, whatever it is, we’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment and share your answer so others can learn from you too.Support the missionThis podcast exists to do more than inspire, it exists to save lives.Unstoppable Stories That Move is raising $1 million for medical research, supporting labs that are working on cures for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. With NIH budgets being cut, individual donations matter now more than ever.Donate today: UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.comKeep moving forward—1% at a time.

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this unstoppable conversation, Rhea Deroian shares how running became both an escape and a lifeline for her during an abusive marriage, and later as a joyful practice that she used to test potential partners, and ultimately find her person. Rhea takes us from her earliest inspiration (a marathon-running boss named Sue) to her own marathon win, and into the bigger lessons she’s learned about situational awareness, boundaries, healing, and trusting your instincts.Along the way, we talk with the grant writer about why research funding matters, how endurance teaches you to listen to your body, why the clock isn’t the only measure of success, and the book that helped Rhea name what was happening and find the courage to leave: The Gift of Fear.This episode includes a clear PSA on domestic abuse warning signs and resources because nobody should have to navigate fear alone.In This Episode, You’ll HearHow research funding is the real engine behind future cures and why it takes a village of specialistsThe moment running “clicked” for Rhea (and the marathoner named Sue who planted the seed)Why she fell in love with the marathon distance... even when she was wildly underpreparedThe kismet “Sue” connection that helped her win a marathon on a hard dayHow data can be motivating… until it becomes the only thing you value (looking at you, Garmin 😅)The reality of how partners can become jealous of a hobby and how that can turn controllingA candid, powerful conversation about abuse, silence, shame, and what helped Rhea leaveWhy Rhea believes healing is possible and why boundaries still matterThe “sixth sense” we all have, and how to practice trusting itKey TakeawaysThe clock is only one metric. A run (and a life) can be successful in a lot of ways.Support looks like encouragement, not control. If your partner punishes you for having a healthy outlet, that’s information that shouldn't be overlooked.Your gut knows before your brain catches up. If something feels off, it deserves attention.Once it becomes physical, the boundary has been crossed. Safety has to come first.Consistency builds self-trust. Streaks, routines, and movement can teach you how to listen to yourself again.You can grow from hard chapters without glamorizing them. Healing can include compassion and firm boundaries.Notable Quotes“The clock is one metric, but it can’t be the be-all end-all.”“He doesn’t get to take this away from me.”“I realized I wasn’t afraid of what was outside. I was afraid of what was inside.”“Whatever works for you, that’s what you should do.”Resources MentionedThe Gift of Fear by Gavin de BeckerNational Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.)Phone: 1-800-799-7233Website: thehotline.orgIf this episode hit home:Share it with someone who needs encouragement, clarity, or language for what they’re experiencingSubscribe to Unstoppable: Stories That MoveLeave a review to help more people find these storiesAnd if you want to do something even bigger: This podcast supports the mission of raising $1 million for medical research. Your support helps fund real labs doing real work that saves lives. Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Sally’s Hotline is shaking things up! We're excited to offer you the opportunity to hear wisdom directly from the Unstoppable guests themselves. Today, host Sally Hed Dahlquist welcomes back Sian Comerford, a woman whose life has been transformed through resilience, grit, and relentless commitment.After losing 265 pounds over five years, Sian is now an unstoppable weightlifter, trainer-in-training, and source of motivation. Now known as “Fit Mom” instead of “Big Mom,” Sian shares the simple, powerful habits that helped her keep going through, surgery and bedrest, setbacks, and doubt.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why Sian says motivation starts with remembering your “why”The power of progress photos and tracking your journeyWhy weight loss (and healing) happens one step at a timeHow she stays committed What it means to become your own inspirationSian’s core messageYou don’t need perfection to change your life.Every step matters. Every day matters. And if you keep putting one foot in front of the other, you will move forward... even when it feels slow.Listen to Sian’s full storyWant to hear more of Sian’s incredible journey? 🎧 Listen to Episode 28 of Unstoppable Stories That Move for her full interview.Support the missionThis podcast exists to do more than inspire, it exists to save lives.Sally’s nonprofit is raising $1 million for medical research, funding the labs that are developing tomorrow’s cures for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. With government research funding being cut, private support matters more than ever.Donate now: UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?It’s winter in Minnesota, prime resolution season, and today’s guest is a living reminder that transformation isn’t just a New Year’s idea…it’s a life-saving decision.Sally sits down with Sian Comerford, a 41-year-old mom of five from Indiana, small business owner (she bakes gourmet, deep-dish cookies!), and an absolutely unstoppable human who has lost over 200 pounds over five years. After grief, depression, and years of using food for comfort following her husband’s sudden death, Sian hit a turning point that forced her to reclaim her health.In this conversation, Sian shares what actually worked:Gastric sleeve surgery as a tool (not a magic fix)Building a medical and personal support teamLearning how to navigate food addiction and mindsetFinding a family at the gymAnd training hard enough that climbing the equivalent of the world’s tallest building became…a casual Sunday challenge.This episode is packed with hope, honesty, and practical reminders that you don’t have to start strong, you just have to start.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeSian’s incredible transformation: from 400 to 167 poundsThe difference between gastric sleeve vs. gastric bypassWhy support matters: weight loss doctor, nutritionist, and therapyFood addiction and the mental side of bariatric surgery: “negotiating between your brain and your belly”How a near-tragic moment with her daughter became a wake-up callWhy she lives by: “One foot in front of the other”Her fitness routine: early mornings, structured programming, metabolic finishers, and serious cardioStair Master goals that got wild: climbing the Burj Khalifa... and then someWhy she believes: “Eat the cookie” (and how restriction backfires)How lifting changed her identity: not “skinny,” but strong“Gym bros” aren’t scaryWhy she’s getting certified through NASM to become a personal trainerThe mindset shift from “new me” to “I love me, how do I level up?”Listener TakeawaysIf you’re trying to make a change this year, here are your reminders from Sian’s story:Start smaller than you think you “should.” Consistency beats intensity.Tools help, but mindset is the real long game.Get support: medical, nutritional, emotional, and community support all count.Don’t wait to feel confident confidence comes after you start showing up.Your “why” gets stronger when it’s bigger than you.Mentioned in This EpisodeGastric sleeve surgery (and what it actually does)Fairlife protein shakes, collagen peptidesNinja Creami (protein ice cream hack!)NASM personal training certificationSupport the MissionIf this episode encouraged you, inspired you, or helped you believe change is possible, please share it with a friend and consider supporting the bigger mission.We’re raising $1 million for medical research, and every single dollar raised by listeners like you truly makes a difference.Learn more + donate at UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Welcome to the final episode of Season One of Unstoppable: Stories That Move.In this reflective season-ending Little Tip, host Sally Hed Dahlquist looks back on a year of courage, growth, and risk and invites you to do the same. What did you do in 2025 that scared you? What did you try anyway? And how do you carry that momentum forward into 2026?Sally shares the three pillars that turn a vision into a living mission: clarity, consistency, and commitment. In this episode, Sally reflects on:Why finishing Season One is something to celebrate no matter how imperfect the journey has feltHow big dreams begin without a roadmap (and sometimes happy hours), but with a willingness to take the first stepThe power of clarity: defining what you really want beneath the goalHow consistency creates momentumWhy long-term commitment is fueled by meaning, not perfectionLessons learned from launching a podcast and founding a medical research charityThe quiet courage of showing up before you feel readyChoosing kindness over self-criticism when doubt creeps inWhy personal growth often happens off-camera and out of public viewYour Reflection for the New YearAs you step into 2026, ask yourself:What dream or vision matters most to you right now?What small step can you take today to move it forward?How can you stay consistent, even when progress feels slow?What commitment are you willing to make to yourself this year?Growth doesn’t require perfection. It requires movement.Supporting the MissionIf any of the episodes shared this season have encouraged you, inspired you, or helped you move forward, please consider supporting the mission behind it.Donate to support medical research at UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.comWith funding cuts affecting vital research, your contribution, no matter the size, helps save lives and fuel future breakthroughs.Thank you for being part of Season One. Thank you for listening, sharing, donating, and believing.There are more stories ahead. More miles to run. More courage to practice.Keep your dreams alive. Keep moving forward.

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this special holiday Little Tip, host Sally Hed Dahlquist invites you to pause and reflect on the intangible gifts you’ve earned through your life experiences. These are the emotional strengths that build character, shape resilience, and carry you forward not just through the holidays, but all year long.Sally explores four powerful internal gifts that often go unnoticed and remain unclaimed: pride, letting go, honesty, and resilience and offers thoughtful questions to help you claim them fully.In this episode, Sally shares:What intangible gifts really are and why they matter more than material onesWhy accepting pride in your accomplishments is not arrogance, but ownershipHow letting go of perfection, guilt, or outdated dreams can free you to move forwardWhy honesty (with yourself and others) is essential for healing and growthHow resilience is built through challenge, not comfortPersonal stories from Sally’s journey through medical, financial, and professional adversityHow acknowledging your full story helps you become truly unstoppableThe Four Intangible Gifts1. PrideGiving yourself permission to be proud without minimizing, explaining, or deflecting. Accept the compliment. You earned it.Reflection: One accomplishment I am finally willing to be proud of is…2. Letting GoReleasing guilt, perfectionism, old expectations, or goals that no longer serve you and forgiving yourself for the past.Reflection: One thing I am willing to let go of is…3. HonestyFacing the truth of what happened, what it cost you, and how it shaped you without judgment or shame.Reflection: One story I want to stop hiding from myself is…4. ResilienceRecognizing the strength you’ve built by surviving, adapting, and continuing forward even when life didn’t go as planned.Reflection: A strength I have today because of my experiences is…A Holiday InvitationThese four gifts pride, letting go, honesty, and resilience are always available to you. Claiming them is an act of courage, compassion, and self-respect.You are allowed to be proud. You are allowed to forgive yourself. You are allowed to tell the truth about your story. You are allowed to recognize your strength.Support Life-Saving Medical ResearchIf this episode resonated with you, please consider extending the spirit of giving by supporting medical research that saves lives.With NIH budgets being cut, donations matter now more than ever.Donate at UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.comYour generosity helps fund research, support patients and families, and move us closer to better treatments and cures. May these gifts carry you through the holidays and beyond. Keep moving forward.

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Does wind really make that much of a difference when you’re running… or are you just being dramatic?Yes, it absolutely matters for your pace, your effort, your comfort, and even your safety.In this edition of Sally's Hotline you'll learn how wind speed and direction affect your running, how to read a course map with the wind in mind, and exactly what to wear so you’re not freezing, chafing, or getting sandblasted mid-race.You’ll walk away with a simple windy-day game plan you can actually use on your next run.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why wind changes everythingHow headwinds slow you down and tailwinds can speed you up by roughly a second per mile per mph of windHow wind can trick your sense of effort and mess with your running formHow to “read” the wind like a proWhat to look for in the forecast besides temperature and rainHow to compare wind direction to your race course map so you’re not surprised on race dayWhy 8–10 mph (or gusty conditions) is the point where you really need a planSally’s favorite weather toolsWindy.com – sailor-level wind maps with clean visuals and hourly directionyr.no – Norwegian forecasting with live local webcams (hello, ski hill cams)NOAA.gov – U.S. government weather data that powers other appsWhat to wear when it’s windy, cold, or bothHow Sally builds outfits in 10°F bandsWhen to add:Wind pants over tightsA lightweight ponchoFace masks, ski goggles, or clear safety glassesWhy breathable wind layers matterA little science for your inner nerdWhy air is “real,” has weight, and behaves like a fluidHow the Coriolis effect drives wind patterns and storm rotationWhy the sky is blue, clouds are white, and the ocean looks blue or tealHow to turn obsessing into preparation (instead of panic)A step-by-step checklist for:Checking wind speed and directionComparing it to your courseAdjusting your clothing, eyewear, and gearPlanning hydration on dry, windy days or at higher elevationHow to use each windy race as data: what worked, what didn’t, and how to adjust next timeQuestion of the DayHave you ever run in extreme wind? How did you handle it? What did you learn?Sally wants to hear your stories and strategies. Share your experience and keep the conversation going.Help Us Turn Headwinds into HopeIf this episode helped you feel more prepared and confident in the elements, you can pay it forward by supporting life-saving medical research.Donate at UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.comYour gift helps:Fund cutting-edge research impacted by NIH budget cutsSupport patients and families fighting for more time and better outcomesTurn devastating diagnoses into stories of survival and strengthInstead of just worrying about the future of medicine, you can be part of building it.Together, we can save lives.

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?What do you do when a crash takes your eyesight, your career, and the life you imagined?If you’re Dan Parker, you become the world’s fastest blind man.In this powerful conversation, Dan shares how he went from a devastating drag-racing accident and total blindness to setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest car driven blindfolded at 211.043 mph exactly 10 years to the day after the wreck that took his sight.Dan’s story is about much more than racing. It’s about purpose, faith, creativity, and refusing to accept that your life is over when everything changes.In this episode, you’ll hear:How a vivid 2 a.m. dream of racing at Bonneville Salt Flats pulled Dan back from the edge of suicideThe ingenious guidance system his team built so he could drive and race while blindWhy racers joke that a race car is “a black hole you throw money into”… and why they do it anywayThe wild logistics and near-misses behind his Guinness Record run at Spaceport AmericaHow a blind machinist still runs his own shop, building pens, parts, and race cars by feelWhy he says, “I lost my eyesight, but not my vision.”The brutal reality of traumatic brain injury and neuro-fatigue, and how he’s learning to live and work with itHis mission to help blind people regain independence through adaptive, semi-autonomous bicyclesThe truth about racing culture: inclusivity, mutual respect, and helping your competitors just so you can beat them fair and squareAbout Dan ParkerFormer chassis builder & drag racer who spent his life designing and fabricating race cars and bikesSurvived a catastrophic racing accident in 2012 that left him blind and with a traumatic brain injuryBecame the first blind man to race at Bonneville and later set the Guinness World Record as the fastest car driven blindfolded at 211 mphNow known as The Blind Machinist, running his own machine shop, turning custom pens, and collaborating on cutting-edge accessibility projectsLeads Blind Faith, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding independence and mobility for blind people through technology like adaptive recumbent bikesConnect with Dan: theblindmachinist.comIf Dan’s story moved you, go check out his work, support his projects, or grab one of his handmade pens—each one carries his motto:“You can make excuses, or you can make it happen.”Help Us Fuel More Miracles in the LabDan’s story is a perfect example of what happens when research, technology, and sheer human determination collide. That’s exactly what we’re funding through Unstoppable Stories That Move from groundbreaking brain tumor vaccines to tools that give kids and adults with disabilities a chance at a fuller life.If this conversation inspired you, please consider donating to medical research through our charity:Give now at UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.comYour donation helps:Fund innovative treatments and clinical trialsSupport children and families facing devastating diagnosesBridge the gap left by shrinking NIH budgetsTogether, we can save lives.

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Why do some people stick with a fitness routine for decades while others burn out after a few weeks? For this edition of Sally's Hotline, host Sally Hed Dahlquist shares the secret that transformed her own health: when movement becomes self-care, you will always come back for more.Sally, globetrotting marathoner and cancer-research fundraiser, opens up about how she went from feeling tired and scared about her health to running marathons all over the world. Spoiler: she didn’t start as a runner. She started as someone who just wanted to feel better.This episode is packed with gentle motivation, relatable stories, and practical ways to find a routine you can actually stick with.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why fitness gets easier once it becomes a safe haven, not a choreHow Sally’s running became her moving meditation and emotional anchorThe life-changing moment she experienced doing her first chest flyWhy your workout should never feel like punishmentWhy trying lots of different activities is the real key to consistencySimple mindset shifts that make exercise something you get to do, not something you have to doHow community classes (and one unforgettable teacher) helped Sally build lifelong confidenceQuick tips to make fitness stick:Try many activities until one feels good to your soulSchedule the thing you actually look forward toFind instructors who lift you up... not drill sergeantsTreat movement as therapy, not a taskFocus on how you feel, not how you lookCelebrate every bit of progressRemember: you are your #1 priorityA personal dedicationThis episode is lovingly dedicated to Kathy McMillan, Sally’s first weightlifting instructor at Bloomington Community Education. Kathy’s welcoming, supportive class helped Sally open up, physically and emotionally, and set her on the path to lifelong health. Her influence changed everything.Join Sally in saving livesIf this episode encouraged you, please consider donating to help fund cutting-edge medical research—including a first-in-kids clinical trial for deadly childhood brain tumors.With NIH budgets being cut, your donation matters more than ever.Donate today at UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.comEvery dollar helps fuel discoveries, support families, and bring hope where there is none.

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this episode, Sally talks with Tracy Cohen Roth, the 62 year old teacher and endurance athlete who is taking on the World Marathon Challenge: 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. She’s completed marathons in all 50 states, 19 full Ironmans, 5 100-mile ultras, and now she’s lacing up for one of the toughest events on earth. Her why? To prove it’s never too late to go after something huge and to raise money for cancer research.In this conversation, Sally and Tracy talk about grief, grit, and why putting one foot in front of the other can become a powerful act of hope for defining your second act.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Tracy went from non-athlete to marathoner at 39 after losing her mom to breast cancerWhat it actually looks like to train for 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 daysThe mindset she relies on when her body is screaming “stop” but her heart says “keep going”How she uses running to honor her mom’s legacy and inspire her studentsWhy stories like Tracy’s fuel Sally’s mission to raise $1,000,000 for medical researchA simple way you can join their fight by donating todayYour gift today helps:Support Tracy’s 777 campaignFuel Sally’s Unstoppable: Stories That Move mission to raise $1,000,000 for cutting-edge brain tumor research that goes directly to the work of Dr. Chris Moertel and PI Dr. Anne Bendel, who are leading a first-in-kids clinical trial using a new peptide-based immunotherapy approach for deadly childhood brain tumorsEvery $10, $50, or $100 tax-deductible gift helps move this research forward faster so kids and families get better options, sooner.Donate now:Support Tracy’s World Marathon ChallengeSupport Sally’s $1M research goal for pediatric brain tumorsShare this episode with a friend who needs a reminder that it’s never too late to start.

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Mega-marathoner and host Sally Hed Dahlquist breaks down one of the most important, and most misunderstood, parts of marathon success: how to fuel your body with sugar, electrolytes, and carbs so you don’t bonk, crash, or quit.After running 174 marathons, Sally has tried every combo of gels, real foods, pouches, gummies, bars, and pre-race breakfasts imaginable. Today, she shares what actually works, why glucose is queen, and how to manage your energy without upsetting your stomach or sabotaging your finish.Because life is sweet... and so is running, when you fuel it right.In this episode, you’ll hear:What to eat before the race How to fuel your body without waking up at 3am. What Sally eats and how to avoid overstuffing so your stomach has room to keep absorbing fuel.Why pure maple syrup is the ultimate running fuel Thin, easy to swallow, natural sugars, surprisingly effective… and why the cheap stuff doesn’t cut it.The “every 5 miles” fueling rule How Sally times her glucose intake so she eats before she feels tired, dizzy, or depleted.Exactly what Sally carries in her pockets Her Ziploc “snack packs,” pickle strategy for cramps, caffeine timing, and more.Sugar crashes, bonking & nausea How to avoid the energy cliff, and what to do if you accidentally go over the edge.Fueling at high altitude Why dry air and elevation demand more water, more electrolytes, and more intentional fueling.Honey vs. maple syrup vs. commercial gels What actually matters, what doesn’t, and how to ignore marketing hype.This tip is dedicated to:Christine Anderson, whose family’s company, Anderson’s Maple Syrup, created Pure Fuel, the maple-syrup pouches Sally now uses for every race. Truly grade-A goodness, from a truly grade-A friend.Inspired?Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a running buddy especially the one who eats nothing, panics at mile 17, and then hangs out in the aid tent.Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research:unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In this powerful episode, tumor immunologist Dr. Mike Olin  and pediatric neuro-oncologist Dr. Chris Moertel share how a University of Minnesota discovery, centered on the immune-silencing molecule CD200, sparked a revolutionary clinical trial for one of the deadliest childhood brain cancers.They reveal what it took to get the drug into children, the upcoming Phase 2 trial, and exactly why donor support is the only thing that moves this work forward.In this episode, you’ll learn:The discovery that changed everything: Blocking CD200 so the immune system can finally recognize the tumor.From idea to children: Adult testing ➜ FDA approval ➜ pediatric Phase 1 trial now underway.The next critical step: A multi-site Phase 2 trial led by PI Dr. Anne Bendel, designed to prove efficacy and unlock fast-track access for kids.A smarter, more affordable approach: Focused ultrasound that replaces costly tumor-lysate vaccines and boosts survival in early models.Why funding is urgent: Drug manufacturing, MRI imaging, lab testing, regulatory oversight, and even travel and lodging for families—all dependent on donations.The broader impact: This discovery may also help patients with breast-to-brain metastases and other CD200-positive tumors.Why your donation matters:Every dollar directly accelerates:More kids enrolled in trialsMore drug manufactured and deliveredMore MRIs, labs, and safety testing completedMore families able to travel for treatmentFaster progress toward FDA fast-track approvalEvery contribution moves a child closer to treatment. Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research and help bring life-saving treatment to children who need it now.Donate at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Host Sally Hed Dahlquist is here to help you understand how to power your body through races with carboloading.Whether you haven't quite mastered your perfect pre-race diet (looking at you, microwaved rice cups!) or you'd just like a biology nerd to explain how your body stores and uses fuel, this is the tip you've been waiting for.In this episode, you’ll hear:Some of Sally's favorite foods to power up for race dayTips for making the best out of less-than-ideal options available at pre-race festivitiesWhat foods to avoid if you don't want to bonk at mile 20Inspired?Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your favorite running buddy (especially the one who swears swears by pre-race pizza).Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Horticulturist and author Joel Karsten joins Sally to share how “straw bale gardening” went from a DIY workaround on compacted soil to a worldwide method feeding families, inspiring school programs, and winning design festivals in France. We cover the science, the practical how-to, and the humanitarian impact of growing food where soil, space, or drainage make gardening tough.In this episode, you’ll hear:The origin story: The college grad with terrible soil.How it works: Why “conditioning” bales (nitrogen + water + time) kickstarts composting, warms roots, and becomes living soil.Straw vs. soil, for real: Fewer weeds, less bending, faster spring growth, better disease break, surprising water retention (and the #1 mistake: overwatering).Global ripple effects: Projects in Cambodia and the Philippines where bales on mounds and floating rafts help families grow fresh vegetables despite floods and droughts.Kids + curiosity: Worms, microbes, and school demo gardens that turn science class into lunch.Legacy threads: Sally’s mom’s first bale garden, Norman Borlaug’s influence, and the quiet innovation behind our produce aisles.What’s next: Joel’s family tree nursery (windbreaks, fast-growing hybrids) and continuing to teach the method worldwide.Key takeaways:Advantages stack up: Early harvests (warm roots), fewer weeds, better drainage during rains, less disease carryover, and accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities.Don’t drown your bales: They hold moisture well. Water deeply but not constantly, let gravity and biology do their thing.End-of-life bonus: Spent bales become beautiful compost for containers, beds, or top-dressing.Food security matters: Simple, low-tech setups (bales on raised mounds or rafts) can bridge monsoons, droughts, and long distances from markets.Resources mentioned:Straw Bale Gardens (book series) by Joel KarstenUniversity of Minnesota horticulture legacy & Norman Borlaug inspiration💜 If this episode helped you see gardening (and food security) in a new light:Follow the show and leave a rating/review—it really helps us grow.Share this episode with a friend who swears they “don’t have good soil.”Tag us with your first straw bale harvest pics—we’re cheering you on!

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Host Sally Hed Dahlquist is here to encourage you to put yourself out there by joining a club.Whether it's a running club or a book club, surrounding yourself with likeminded people helps you to reach your goals and strive toward progress. While making friends (or even meeting your spouse!) along the way!In this episode, you’ll hear:How Sally went from training for a marathon to tiring out tennis opponentsWhere Sally met her husband, and the swanky digs they celebrated their wedding in that was made possible by club insider perks How running clubs could be your way in to a sold out raceTraveling on the cheap with club ratesInspired?Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your favorite running buddy (especially the one who swears every race is flat).Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Christelle Douillet returns to the podcast to chat with host Sally Hed Dahlquist about coming to the states from France. Ascending the ranks from being "extra hands in the lab" to doing powerful research about the correlation between arsenic and diabetes because there's more to health than running shoes. In this episode, you’ll hear:How resilience can be strengthened just like any other muscleChristelle's exciting acceptance into a major raceHow science translates to the race courseWant to support Sally’s mission to raise $1M for medical research? Visit unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?After crisscrossing the globe to run on every continent (yes, even camping on ice in Antarctica), Levi Shank is closing in on a milestone: 200 marathons. With 191 races (and a handful of ultras) under his belt, Levi joins host Sally Hed Dahlquist to talk travel hacking, mental resilience, and why community can carry you farther than you think.Flying standby, couchsurfing with strangers-turned-friends, asking an entire race expo for a ride (“closed mouth doesn’t get fed”), and celebrating Sally’s 50th state Levi proves there’s more than one way to the start line.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Levi mapped a practical (and affordable) path to 200 marathons and 7 continentsThe Antarctica story: sleeping in a tent on snow, racing fast to beat the chill, and… a penguin passing someone on courseWhy running is his anxiety toolkit and how the second half of every marathon is “mostly mental”The power of asking for help: ride shares from expos, couchsurfing wins, and saying yes to serendipityLevi’s PTO & budget system (spreadsheets! countdown timers!) to keep big goals realisticIdentity & ownership: why he changed his name to Levi—and how it shaped his lifeFavorite carb-load rules and race-day fueling that actually work when you travelThe joy of showing up for friends: helping celebrate Sally’s 50 States finish in West VirginiaResources & linksCountdown app (for race-day timers)RoadsideAmerica (quirky stops between packet pickup and the start)Couchsurfing (community travel on a budget)Moonlight on the Falls Marathon (WV) — Sally’s 50th stateKentucky Derby Festival Marathon (Louisville) — Levi’s target #200Feeling inspired? What’s the boldest thing you’ve done to make a start line, or your smartest travel hack for race day? Tell us!Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a nudge to chase their next big goal.Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?With over 300 marathons, 127 ultras, and 35 x 100-milers, Charlotte Corriher proves you don’t have to be the fastest to be Unstoppable... but you can absolutely be the festive-est. Known on Instagram as @marathoncostumechic, Charlotte races in themed costumes (head-to-toe, start-to-finish) and brings big joy to big miles. From a pirate-themed 300th marathon weekend in Wilmington, NC (complete with swords and a yacht-club celebration) to the glitteriest Dopey you ever did see, she shows how grit, community, and play carry you through the pain cave.In this heartfelt episode, host Sally Hed Dahlquist chats with Charlotte about coastal running life in Wilmington, milestone magic, and the mindset that turns outrageous goals into finish-line realities.In this episode, you’ll hear:Charlotte’s origin story → going from a non-runner to becoming the blister queenCostume philosophy → “If you can’t be fast, be festive,” born at Shamrock 2007Favorite builds & hacks → 3-tier Birthday Cake (PVC + porta-potty lessons), Alaska SalmonWilmington milestone → why a pirate theme fit the Cape Fear coast and her hometown marathon’s 15th yearMega goals & numbers → 307 marathons, 127 ultras, 35 x 100-milers so far; the dream of 100 one-hundredsUltras, the smart way → why 48-hour loop races work: strategic sleeping, heat management, and “night-moves” playlistsMind over miles → navigating the pain cave, chasing the buckle, stacking small wins when the distance feels impossibleWork/life that fuels the miles → remote client management in employee benefits; “Seeing America 26.2 miles at a time”Tools & tips → Garmin badge buddies, Strava, hills/sprints + aqua aerobics for recoveryReal life, real joy → Wilmington beach living and her one-eyed cat, JackFollow Charlotte: Instagram: @marathoncostumechicResources & shout-outs:0Wilmington Marathon (15th anniversary weekend)Roadside America app (oddities for race trips)Timed/loop ultras (why 48-hour formats help first-time 100-milers)Whether you’re eyeing your first ultra or plotting costume glitter that’ll “get you through,” Charlotte’s story proves playfulness and persistence can happily coexist mile after mile.💜 Support Sally’s mission to raise $1M for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.comFeeling inspired? What’s the wildest costume you’ve raced in, or the one you want to try? Tell us!Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little sparkle with their miles.

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Host Sally Hed Dahlquist dives into one of the most underrated tools in marathon prep: the elevation profile.From sneaky overpass bumps to high-desert dryness, Sally breaks down how to read course maps, plan for hills, and avoid signing up for the wrong race entirely (yes, that happens!). Whether you’re eyeing a net-downhill PR or bracing for altitude, this episode will help you show up prepared to run smarter.In this episode, you’ll hear:How to actually read an elevation map and interpret the scaleWhy “flat” courses are never really flatAltitude factors: hydration, sun exposure, and pacing at 6,000+ ftThe truth about net-downhill races (and Boston’s new rules)A Baton Rouge law firm hilly sense of humor Packed with course stories from San Francisco to Montana, this Hotline tip reminds you that the right prep can turn daunting hills into just another part of the journey.Inspired?Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your favorite running buddy (especially the one who swears every race is flat).Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?After winning Grandma’s Marathon, holding its course record for over 30 years, and becoming the first-ever winner of the London Marathon, Dick Beardsley is a true Minnesota running legend. But his story is so much more than medals and finish lines. From battling life-threatening accidents and addiction, to losing his son, Andy, a proud Iraqi war veteran, to suicide, Dick has faced challenges that would have stopped most people in their tracks. Instead, he’s chosen to keep moving forward with faith, gratitude, and unstoppable spirit.Host Sally Hed Dahlquist chats with Dick about resilience, recovery, and what it really means to be “unstoppable.” From his fishing guide life in Bemidji to the race course battles of Boston and London, Dick shares stories full of heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.In this episode, you’ll hear:Dick’s life as a fishing guide in northern Minnesota and why the outdoors is his happy placeThe story of his son Andy’s military service, struggles with PTSD, and tragic passing and how Dick honors him every dayWhat it was like to tie for 1st place at the inaugural London Marathon in 1981His legendary duel with Alberto Salazar at the 1982 Boston MarathonDick’s ongoing recovery from accidents, surgeries, and addiction, and how he’s stayed sober for over 30 yearsThe perspective, gratitude, and joy that fuel his unstoppable approach to lifeWhether you’re a back-of-the-pack runner or chasing PRs, Dick’s story is a reminder that the real victories come from perseverance, connection, and the courage to keep going.💜 Resources & Links:Learn more about Dick’s story and his guiding at Lake Bemidji B&BSuicide prevention resource: suicidology.orgSupport Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.comFeeling inspired? Have you ever faced a moment where you had to dig deeper than you thought possible? Share your story with us.Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a runner, veteran, or friend who needs to hear that hope and healing are always possible.

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Mega-marathoner and host Sally Hed Dalquist shares a practical, and often overlooked part of race day: making sure you actually get to the start line.From New York’s ferry-to-bus shuffle to pickup truck rides in Hawaii, Sally covers the good, the bad, and the downright messy logistics of arriving at the start line calm, prepared, and ready to run. Because no matter how many marathons you’ve trained for, the part that might elevate your heartrate the most is just getting there.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why you need a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C for getting to the start lineSally’s “three-bag system” that makes pre-dawn prep stress-freeStart-line fiascos: lost runners, canceled shuttles, and tight security delaysHow a once-in-a-lifetime floating bridge race in Seattle went sidewaysWhy being early is always better than being rushed💬 “It’s better to wait at the start than to miss the bus—and miss the race.”Whether it’s hitchhiking with fellow runners in the rain or getting lost in London’s underground, Sally reminds us that planning ahead and asking for help makes all the difference.Inspired? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your favorite running buddy (especially the one who’s always running late).Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?After fleeing Vietnam as a teenager in the 1970's, Thanh Truong built a new life in the United States, one marked by quiet determination, an adventurous spirit, and an unshakable love for running. Now, he’s on the verge of his 200th marathon and his second completion of the 50 States Marathon Challenge.In this heartfelt episode, host Sally Hed Dahlquist chats with Thanh about his extraordinary journey, from "boatperson" to becoming a globetrotting marathoner. Along the way, Thanh has raced across continents, built lifelong friendships, and proved that grit, humility, and curiosity can carry you across any finish line.In this episode, you’ll hear:Thanh’s migration from Vietnam and life in an Indonesian refugee campHow a church sponsorship brought him to Virginia Why running marathons around the world became his passionThe mental and physical challenges that keep races exciting, even after 198 finishesHow friendships with fellow runners make the miles even more meaningfulWhy Hartford 2025 will mark not one, but two monumental milestones for ThanhWhether you’re chasing your first 5K or your own 50 States finish, Thanh’s story is a reminder that resilience isn’t loud, it’s consistent, steady, and built one step at a time.🏅 Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.comFeeling inspired? Have you ever crossed a finish line that changed the way you saw yourself? Share your story with us.Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a little proof that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Multi-marathoner and host Sally Hed Dahlquist keeps it real with this Sally’s Hotline episode on one of the least glamorous, but most important, aspects of long-distance running: going to the bathroom.From porta-potty strategies and poop horror stories to the science of gut reactions and electrolyte overload, this hilarious and surprisingly helpful episode is all about how to handle your bathroom business on race day without shame.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why holding it in is a terrible ideaA bonus tip for keeping your “back door” chafe free like a proHow chafing, salt pills, and hydration all affect your GI systemSally’s top tips for porta-potty survival (hint: don’t drop your phone!)Tales from the toilet: including Aspen 2025, Berlin, and a first-time marathoner’s unforgettable “Jobby” journeyA special dedication to Meghan, a tough-as-nails first-time marathoner who proved just how unstoppable she is, even with bloody knees and bathroom emergenciesEqual parts funny and functional, this episode is a must-listen for every runner who’s ever had to make an unscheduled pit stop...or will someday. Because no matter how many marathons you’ve run, the bathroom is always part of the journey.Inspired? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your favorite running buddy (especially the one who’s not shy about TMI).Question for you: in the comments, tell us what is your most memorable Tale from the Toilet?💖 Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Host Sally Hed Dalquist drops in with a quick, powerful Sally’s Hotline mini-episode to share how exercise can do more than strengthen your body, it can help exorcize your demons.Whether it’s stress, trauma, or emotional weight you’re carrying, this tip explores how physical movement (especially running) can help process what’s stuck inside. Sally shares her own experiences with running as meditation, how it helped her overcome financial struggles, and why movement can bring surprising moments of emotional clarity.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why running can be a form of moving meditation (even if you've rolled your eyes through a yoga class)How stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol affect your runs, and your weightThe unexpected way Sally lost weight when she wasn't running marathons Why emotional clarity often strikes mid-runA dedication to Aaron Burrows, author of Metal Monday and guest on Episode 4, who used running and faith to transform his lifeSally reminds us that whether you’re praying, pacing, or just trying to process the week, movement can be medicine. It can help you uncover what’s been buried and guide you toward peace, purpose, or even your next big breakthrough.Inspired? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this tip with someone who needs a mental health reset.Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research:unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?After surviving a violent robbery where he was shot 5 times, Aaron Burros set out on an epic journey: to run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks. But what began as a physical feat transformed into something much deeper.In this heartfelt episode, host Sally Hed Dahlquist chats with Running Servant Aaron about his quest for healing, purpose, and God, all while raising awareness and funds for mental health and medical causes. From Daufuskie Island, SC to the Mad Marathon in VT with book signings alongside legends like Bart Yasso (originator of the Yasso 800s), Aaron is living proof that grace, grit, and a sense of humor can take you further than any finish line.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Aaron transformed his healthHow being shot five times led him to healingThe spiritual moment that changed everything on a drug run in KentuckyWhy Aaron believes in God's voice, not just goal settingHow he uses running to cope with trauma, raise awareness, and connect with purposeBehind the scenes of his book: Medal Monday: My Quest to Run 50 Marathons in 50 States in 50 Weeks 5 Years After Being Shot 5 timesWhether you're seeking healing, inspiration, or the strength to keep moving through adversity, Aaron's story reminds us that transformation starts with one step at a time.Order Aaron's book: Medal Monday Available on Amazon or connect with Aaron on Instagram: @runningservantProceeds support mental health initiatives and running for recovery programsFeeling moved? Have you ever heard that Voice pushing you onward? Tell us your experience.Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Running is always about more than running.In this Sally’s Hotline episode, Sally shares a reminder for anyone who’s ever questioned why they started in the first place. Whether you began out of hope, heartbreak, habit, or sheer spite, you showed up, and that matters more than anything.Sally dedicates this story to Beth, a fellow runner she met at the 2025 London Marathon, a race Beth signed up for just to spite her ex… and finished with grit.In this mini episode, you’ll hear:Why your “why” matters even if it started pettyWhat to do when you hit the emotional wall mid-race (or mid-life)Why running can be a tool for transformation, not just a finish lineHow a random stranger at mile 15 helped Beth become unstoppableYou did the work. You showed up. You get full credit.This one's for every runner who’s ever cried during a marathon, doubted their strength, or wondered if they were doing it for the “right” reasons. You are. Keep going.Inspired by this story? Support Sally’s mission to raise $1M for medical research and honor the unstoppable spirit of runners around the world: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.comSubscribe for more real talk, running stories, and small moments of big courage, every week.

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?This episode was recorded live on location at the King Neptune Café in Wrightsville Beach, NC, so while the audio may be a little rough, the conversation is anything but.Host Sally Hed Dahlquist sits down with mega-marathoner and scientist Christelle Douillet, just one day after Christelle completed her 300th marathon earning her a spot on the prestigious World Mega Marathoners list. Over celebratory drinks (a “bloody marathon,” anyone?), the two swap stories about hydration mishaps, surprise personal records, and the quiet mental shifts that come from doing something hard over and over again.In this episode, you’ll hear:What it takes to run 300+ marathons... and why some don’t countHow Christelle's Berlin PR shifted her identity as a runnerWhat scientists drink after a marathon (spoiler: it's salty)How both women use running as a tool for discovery, recovery, and redefining limitsThe connection between arsenic, diabetes, and Christelle’s groundbreaking researchFull Transcript BelowDue to background noise in this recording, a full written transcript is included to ensure accessibility and clarity.Access Transcript HereWant to support Sally’s mission to raise $1M for medical research? Visit unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Sometimes the bravest thing you can do at mile 21? Unzip your jacket.In this edition of Sally’s Hotline, host Sally Hed Dahlquist shares a deceptively simple but race-saving tip: Don’t be afraid to take it off. Even if it’s breezy. Even if you’re nervous. Layering is your friend, and learning when to peel those layers back can make or break your race.Dedicated to the “Jersey City Tough Guy” stronger than you can believe, still afraid of getting cold, but pushed through anyway (and finished strong).Layer like a pro. Chafe less. Finish strong.✨ Support Sally’s mission to raise $1M for medical research at: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.comSubscribe to Unstoppable: Stories That Move for more real stories, practic

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Tom Perri has run over 740 marathons, paced thousands of runners. But what makes him truly unstoppable? He’s done more than 250 marathons while living with stage 4 cancer.In this powerful episode, host Sally Hed Dalquist sits down with her longtime friend and fellow marathoner Pacer Tom at Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota. With balloons inflating behind them and excitement buzzing through the expo, Sally and Tom talk pacing, purpose, and what keeps him finishing every mile, despite diagnoses, with joy, humor, and an unwavering will to give back.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Tom earned the nickname The Human MetronomeWhat pacing means, and how it’s part running, part inspirationWhy he’s written a book (and working on a second!) to raise money for the Red CrossWhether you’re training for a marathon or facing a challenge of your own, Tom’s story will remind you that you are capable of more than you think.Order Tom’s book: Running My Salvation from Stage 4 Cancer by Pacer Tom Perri Available on Amazon or via email: [email protected] (He'll even sign it for you! Proceeds go to the American Red Cross.)Inspired? Talk back to us: what rang true for you? Can you relate to Tom's experiences? Have you run with him (or Sally)? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a boost.Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?In the first edition of Sally’s Hotline, host Sally Hed Dahlquist shares a bite-sized but powerful race-day tip: Always carry electrolytes. And if you don’t have any? Start talking to the people around you. The chemicals and the conversation can be game-changers when things get tough on the course.🏃‍♀️ This tip comes from a story about a runner named Garrett, a surprise encounter at the Kentucky Derby Marathon, and the moment that sparked both this podcast and Sally’s new medical research charity.Dedicated to Garrett Davidson, whose thank-you message helped Sally find her fire again. Stay tuned—and subscribe to Unstoppable: Stories That Move so you don’t miss updates.Support the mission to fund vital medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

Text me. I’d love to hear from you! Can you relate to anything we said? What do want to hear more about?Every unstoppable journey starts with a moment of truth.In the first episode of this brand new podcast, host Sally Hed Dahlquist is joined by her best friend Deanna Johnson. She takes the hotseat to tell her story. The one she's never told publicly... until now. From a rare childhood diagnosis with a grim prognosis to running over 150 marathons, Sally shares the pain, resilience, and healing that shaped her path to becoming UNSTOPPABLE. In this episode, Sally opens up about:What it was like growing up with a “terminal” diagnosisHow feeling like a "freak" kept her silentWhy running became her rebellion and her refugeHer time in medical researchCrawling out of over $100K in debtThe moment she knew it was time to share her truthHer bold mission to raise $1 million for medical researchThis is the beginning of a podcast that’s about more than movement, it’s about the unstoppable fire that drives us to keep going, no matter what.You're invited to witness the origin story behind Unstoppable: Stories That Move.🌟 Learn more and support Sally’s mission at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com