Running Strong Mind-Body Connection

Welcome back to the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast! In this episode, host Karen Bonnett-Natraj welcomes ultra runner and coach Nick Bautista , whose story perfectly embodies the intersection of hustle, healing, and the transformative power of alignment between mind and body. After meeting at the grueling Route 66 Ultra Run—a 140-mile adventure— Karen Bonnett-Natraj was deeply inspired...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast! In today's special "Unplugged with Karen" edition, our host Karen goes solo and unscripted, sharing straight from the heart. She reflects on an incredible year of growth for the podcast, filled with powerful stories, uplifting connections, and personal milestones. Karen opens up about her own journey this past...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection! In today's "Mo & Me #3," host Karen sits down with her running partner and legendary guest, Mo Bartley , for their first chat of 2026. Together, they reflect on the highs and lows of the past year—the injuries, the setbacks, and those unexpected moments that force every runner to reset their mindset. From shared stories o...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection! Today, host Karen Bonnett-Natraj sits down with Jessper Maqyindang, an accomplished runner from Los Angeles whose journey began with a childhood diagnosis of asthma. Instead of letting this challenge hold him back, Jessper Maqyindang transformed adversity into passion—sharing how he built up from short training runs to 5K...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast! In today's conversation, Karen sits down with Haleh Houshim —a vibrant, two-time best-selling author whose vision for a 200-year life is matched only by her passion for empowering others to live with purpose, vitality, and joy. Together, they dive deep into powerful topics, including overcoming the darkness of...

Jennifer Tolo's journey is one of transformation, resilience, and awakening. Growing up as a driven athlete, Jennifer channeled her determination into a successful career as a critical care nurse, thriving on the fast-paced adrenaline and a deep desire to help those in need. Like many, she felt compelled to fix healthcare's flaws, earning a master's in administration to drive change from the insid...

Welcome to another episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection, where we explore the transformative power of aligning mind and body for real, lasting strength and joy. In today's conversation, host Karen Bonnett Natraj sits down with the incredible Shadrack Biwot , a former professional runner from Kenya turned coach and massage therapist, whose unique perspective on patience, presence, and sel...

Welcome to another episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection, hosted by Karen Bonnett-Natraj . In this inspiring conversation, Karen Bonnett-Natraj sits down with Sunita , an avid hiker and yoga teacher, to explore the powerful link between mental resilience, physical endurance, and nature. Sunita shares her recent journey completing the Tour du Mont Blanc, a legendary 110-mile trek across Fr...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection! Today, host Karen Bonnett-Natraj sits down with the amazing Dr. Grazyna—an electrical engineer turned age-reversal specialist who's living proof that thriving at any age is possible. At 74 with a biological age of 58, Dr. Grazyna shares her transformational journey, expert insights, and the science behind reversing aging...

Welcome to another episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection! In this inspiring conversation, host Karen Bonnett-Natraj sits down with Jennifer Hough—international best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Wide Awakening—to explore the profound link between our physical performance, mindset, and the principles of physics. Jennifer, affectionately called a "cosmic instigator," shar...

Welcome to another episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection! I'm your host, Karen Bonnett-Natraj, and in today's episode, we welcome the inspiring Dr. Greg Yuen. Dr. Yuen's fascinating journey began when he was just 12 years old, after the passing of his grandmother sent him on a lifelong quest for longevity and wellness. Through decades of experience spanning Western medicine, psychiatry, m...

Welcome back to the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast! In this episode, host Karen Bonnett-Natraj is joined once again by the insightful Stacey Anne Bistak, holistic nutritionist and ultra-endurance enthusiast. Stacy returns for her third visit to share her expertise on the critical role that nutrition, hydration, and electrolyte balance play in both running performance and overall well-...

Welcome back to the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast! In this heartfelt episode, host Karen Bonnett-Natraj, certified mental fitness coach and founder of the Mental Fitness Edge, sits down with her friend and returning guest, Dr. Wendy Lyon. Together, they explore "the journey to love" and why building lasting relationships is more like running a marathon than sprinting to the finish li...

Welcome back to the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection Podcast! In today's inspiring episode, host Karen Bonnett-Natraj sits down with the multi-talented Danielle . Forsgren whose fascinating journey takes us from the bright lights of the theater world to the innovative realm of medical devices. Danielle shares how her upbringing as a fourth-generation performer shaped her creative drive, why she...

Welcome back to another episode of the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast, where we dive deep into the intersection of mental and physical resilience. This week, host Karen Bonnett-Natraj is joined by returning guest Mo Bartley for an honest and inspiring conversation all about navigating change—both on the racecourse and in life. Together, Karen and Mo share their personal stories of ove...

Maureen Anne Shea Carranza is a professional boxer, actress, commentator, and speaker, bestknown in the fight world as "The Real Million Dollar Baby." Born in the Bronx, New York  to Irish and Mexican parents, Maureen rose from humble beginnings to become a two-time world champion and one of the most respected veterans in women's boxing. With a professional record of 33 wins (13 by knockout), 3 lo...

Welcome to episode 60 of the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast! In today's inspiring episode, host Karen sits down with the remarkable Bob Becker, a legendary figure in the ultramarathon world who just set a new record as the oldest finisher of the grueling Badwater 135 at age 80. With nearly two decades of Badwater experience—whether running, crewing, or working with race staff—Bob shar...

Welcome back to the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast! In this episode, host Karen welcomes returning guest Stacy Ann Bistak, a nutritionist and wellness advocate with a passion for exploring holistic health. This time around, Stacy dives into the world of electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs)—those invisible forces all around us, from our phones, WiFi, and Bluetooth devices, to the ever-pr...

Welcome back to the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast! In this episode, I am joined by the inspiring Dr. Rani a visionary entrepreneur and passionate advocate for holistic wellness. Dr. Rani's journey is one of profound transformation—she's a clinical hypnotherapist, certified breathwork, chakra healer, astrologer, author, and founder of Amazing You. Speaking candidly from her home in th...

Carolyn joins us from the windswept Falkland Islands, and her journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From remote veterinary adventures around the globe to an unexpected and debilitating spinal injury that dramatically altered her life, Carolyn shares how she faced down misdiagnoses, excruciating chronic pain, and a healthcare system that didn't seem to listen. Instead of accepting a life defin...

Eva Vennari understands the demands of modern life—the constant rush, the endless to-do lists, and the pressure to always be "on." She noticed that beneath this high-paced routine, people often ignore subtle signals from their bodies: persistent headaches, joint pain, or surprising changes in health that seem "normal for the age" or easy to dismiss. Drawing from her own experiences, Eva realized t...

In this insightful episode, join us as we chat with Vaughn Fahie about the power of our voices. Vaughn introduces the fascinating concept of a "voice print"—as unique as a fingerprint—and challenges us to rethink how we share our stories. We dive deep into the advantages and challenges of narrating your story versus writing it, and explore how to quiet that pesky inner critic that makes us doubt o...

Welcome back to another episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection ! Today, host Karen Bonnett-Natraj sits down with Joseph Schrum—a runner whose journey is as awe-inspiring as it is relatable. From their first wild meeting at the Crown King Scramble, where Joe turned a grueling run into an even more epic solo adventure, to tackling the formidable Cocodona 250, this conversation paints an hone...

Welcome to another episode of the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast, hosted by Karen Bonnet-Natraj. In this inspiring conversation, Karen sits down with her friend and fellow ultra runner, Jared Harding, whose journey from marathon newbie to Cocodona 250 finisher is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the unbreakable spirit of the ultra running community. Jared opens up about...

Stacey-Anne grew up in a Western culture, though her parents turned to natural remedies most often, except in an emergency. With their move to Canada, conventional medicine became the norm due to a fast-paced life. However, Stacey-Anne found herself questioning this approach, especially with the burgeoning side effects.  Over time, she developed a preference for natural methods, valuing the slower...