Mission of Spe Podcast

Welcome back to the Mission of Spe Podcast! In this episode, Mark sits down at St. Louis Union Station with Brian O'Loughlin, Vice President, and Cameron Schoeffel, Director of Sales & Entertainment at Lodging Hospitality Management (LHM)—the team behind some of St. Louis’s most iconic hospitality destinations. Brian and Cameron share the inside story of Union Station’s transformation, the...

Mission of Spe Podcast – Emma Klues, Great Rivers Greenway Welcome back to the Mission of Spe Podcast! In this episode, Mark does a follow up with Emma Klues, Vice President of Communications & Outreach at Great Rivers Greenway (GRG), a returning beneficiary for the 2025 Market Mile. GRG is dedicated to making St. Louis a more vibrant, connected, and active community through the development of...

Welcome to Mission Of Spe Podcast! In this motivating episode, Mark returns to share practical wisdom for runners facing the challenges of summer training. As the heat rises and the initial excitement of signing up for fall races fades, Mark offers encouragement, actionable advice, and a reminder that the journey is just as important as the finish line. This solo episode is packed with honest talk...

Welcome back to the Mission of Spe Podcast! In this episode, Mark sits down with Kindle Barber, Development Manager for Peter & Paul Community Services (PPCS), a returning beneficiary for the 2025 Market Mile. PPCS is dedicated to providing shelter, support, and hope to those experiencing homelessness in St. Louis, and continues to make a significant impact in the community. What’s Inside: Kin...

Welcome to Mission Of Spe Podcast, In this introspective episode of the Mission of Spe Podcast, Mark again celebrates the milestone of 50 episodes and discusses his plans to inject new enthusiasm and inspiration into the next 50. Mark opens up about his passion for podcasting, the inspiration behind trying new formats, and his commitment to interviewing guests who inspire both him and the audience...

Welcome to Mission Of Spe Podcast, In this episode, Mark interviews his dear friend Melissa Weber, diving into her journey with Rebel Run Club, which recently celebrated its first year. They discuss the logistics and challenges of running a club, from managing routes and maintaining community engagement to handling social dynamics. Melissa shares insights from her marketing background, including t...

Welcome to Mission Of Spe Podcast, In this milestone episode of the Mission of Spe Podcast, Mark reflects on 10 years of Spewak Training, sharing the emotional journey and the foundational story behind its inception. Mark recounts the early days balancing multiple jobs, the inspiration and support from key figures like Mike Miller, and the host's evolution from coaching for free to building a...

Welcome to Episode 51 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this special episode, of the Mission to Spe podcast, The podcast takes a momentous turn as Mark reflects on achieving the milestone of 50 episodes since its inception in the summer of 2020, marking almost five years of inspiring interviews and personal growth! Mark candidly discusses the struggle of direction after reaching this landmark, sharing...

Welcome to Episode 050 of the Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode of the Mission to Speed podcast, Mark interviews Sydney Lappe, and her inspiring journey from dietitian to author! Sydney has recently published a children's book inspired by her nieces, nephew, and her experience training for the St. Jude's marathon in Memphis, Tennessee titled 'Go Get Em for St. Jude's Turning Miles into Smile...

Welcome to Episode #049 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode of the Mission to Speed podcast, Mark interviews Jake Goldsborough, the owner of Start 2 Finish Event Management, about his extensive involvement in the running community over the past 23 years. They discuss Jake's journey from high school and college running to his current role in race timing and management. Key topics include the...

Welcome to Episode 048 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode we join Mark at the Forest Park Visitor Center in St. Louis, as he interviews Gretchen Brune and Elaine Sims from the "Happy Pace - Running Podcast."  The conversation reveals the unique format of their show, which is recorded while running, blending fitness and friendship. Key topics include the challenges of recording and editing...

Welcome to Episode #047 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode we join Mark at the Forest Park Visitor Center in St. Louis, Missouri, as he sits down with Scott and Charles, the dynamic duo behind '2 Guys, 1 Scale.' This episode explores Scott and Charles' remarkable weight loss journey and their transition from casual walkers to triathlon participants. They discuss the vital role of community...

Welcome to Episode #046 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode, Mark sits down in Forest Park for a phone interview with Chief Kurt Frisz from the St. Charles County Police Department. delving into his extensive career in law enforcement, his contributions to the community, and his involvement with Backstoppers, a charity supporting families of fallen first responders.   Chief Frisz shares his...

Welcome to Episode #45 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode of the Mission of Speed podcast, Mark is joined by Mark Sundlov who is the Soldiers Memorial Director at Missouri Historical Society. They discuss the museum's role in preserving the military history of St. Louis and the significant renovations completed in 2018 that transformed the museum into a vibrant downtown attraction. The...

Welcome to Episode #44 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode of the Mission of Speed podcast, Mark is joined by Development Manager for Peter & Paul Community Services, Kindle Barber. They discuss how they connected through a cold email and the essential work that Peter and Paul Community Services does in addressing homelessness in St. Louis. Kindle shares her journey from Springfield, Oh...

Welcome to Episode #043 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode, Mark sits down at 4 Hands Brewing Company in St. Louis to interview with marketing director Liz Swyers, diving into the conception and development of the Market Mile event. Liz, pivotal to the project's realization, shares insights into her journey, the significance of community involvement, and the innovative strides Four Han...

Welcome to Episode #042 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode, Mark sits down in Forest Park with Cameron Schoeffel from LHM and St. Louis Union Station This podcast episode engages in thoughtful discussions about revitalizing St. Louis through community engagement and development initiatives. It delves into transforming St. Louis Union Station and downtown areas, highlighting efforts in prop...

Welcome to Episode #041 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this engaging episode of the Mission to Speed podcast, Mark interviews Dr. Tyler Bryant, a sports chiropractor with a profound dedication to his craft and family. Dr. Bryant walks listeners through his journey from a small town in Southern Illinois to establishing a successful chiropractic practice in St. Louis, emphasizing his unique approach...

Welcome to Episode #040 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode. Mark will be interviewing Mark Vogl, Project Manager at Great Rivers Greenway. This episode of the podcast unveils the collaborative efforts behind the 'Market Mile' event in St. Louis, delving into its role in fostering a sense of community and celebrating the city’s redevelopment. Featuring insights from Mark Vogel of Gr...

Welcome to Episode #039 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode. Mark will be interviewing running coach Danny Stults. Danny is a lifelong distance runner and collegiate level coach with over a decade of coaching experience. He also was a Director of Operations - Track and Field/ Cross Country at Oklahoma State University. Holistic trainer who combines flexibility and accountability to help you...

Welcome to Episode #038 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode. Mark will be interviewing his brother Reporter/Multimedia Journalist Danny Spewak. Danny Spewak has more than a decade of experience as a news reporter at local television affiliates in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Buffalo, and mid-Missouri. A native of the St. Louis area, he graduated from the University of Missouri with dual degrees...

Welcome to Episode 037 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode. Mark will be interviewing Julia Griffey. Julia is a Senior Manager of Franchise Program Management and Deployment at Panera Bread. She also is currently an elite marathon runner, previously running for HOKA, living and training in Flagstaff, Arizona. She has a lifetime best of 2:29.58, and even secured a top 10 finish at the Olympi...

Welcome to Episode 036 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode. Mark will be interviewing Krista Staley. Krista talks about how she got into running and healthy living, Plus she shares the story of being the only person to win there medals in a single day plus advice for staying active after motherhood. In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as: Her journey in how her all state...

Welcome to Episode #035 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode. Mark will be interviewing Michael Aitken. Mike is an ambitious, disciplined, creative thinker with over 12 years of experience in fundraising, sales, marketing and a Masters in Non-Profit Administration. He founded the Team Runner Racing Team and Foundation to carry on the legacy of my son Runner, who passed away in January of 201...

Welcome to Episode #034 of Mission Of Spe Podcast. In this episode. Mark will be interviewing Founder of Moii Coffee, Firaol Ahmed. Firaol is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a finance and entrepreneurship degree while competing as a student-athlete at SLU. Alongside his studies and roasting coffee beans in the traditional Ethiopian way, he is a St Louis University cross country and tra...