Taking Chances - Why not you?

In 2012, Molly Cain’s life changed in an instant. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, she spent nearly three weeks in a coma and woke up paralyzed, facing a future filled with uncertainty. When she finally saw her reflection—a face bruised and battered from the accident—she was overwhelmed with questions about who she would become and whether life would ever look the same again. But then cam...

What if one simple decision… could change everything? (Taking Chances - Why not you?) In this powerful episode, I sat down with @thisiowamom Jennifer Brown, a woman whose life transformation is nothing short of inspiring. After losing over 190 pounds, Jennifer didn’t start with a fancy gym or complicated program—she started with something anyone can do: WALKING OUTSIDE. From there, she built unsto...

I sat down with Tom Kelley, a true leader in college athletics and a cornerstone of Framingham State University. With over 40 years dedicated to the program—including 30 years as Athletic Director—Tom has built a legacy of excellence, from championship-winning teams to shaping the future of student-athletes. A former player turned coach with over 100 career wins, multiple conference titles, and na...

I’m so excited to introduce you to Amy —someone who truly embodies what it means to take a chance and turn passion into purpose. Amy has spent the last ten years as a personal trainer , but her love for movement and performance started long before that—she’s been a runner since junior high. What began as a personal passion evolved into a career dedicated to helping others grow stronger, faster, an...

What does it look like to take a chance on yourself—and keep climbing? In this episode of Taking Chances – Why Not You? , I sit down with Matt Ostrom, a Quad Cities entrepreneur whose journey is built on grit, vision, and saying yes to opportunity. Matt takes us back to his roots growing up in Iowa, his days playing college baseball at Iowa State, and the moment he realized chasing pro ball might...

On the next Taking Chances – Why Not You? @Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@takingchanceswhynotyou/videos The podcast that challenges the quiet doubts, the excuses, and the hesitation holding you back. Because the real question isn’t “Why not you?” It should be: Why not me? Today’s guest is @gavinbrown_ultra —dad of two, elite ultrarunner in pursuit, and living proof that extraordinary goals don’t...

Today’s guest knows how to go far— really far—and still get faster doing it. We’re joined by Tara Schuster Flesch , an ultrarunner who consistently redefines what endurance looks like. Tara just crossed the finish line of her fastest 100-mile race ever , clocking an incredible 21 hours, 47 minutes, and 10 seconds —a performance that speaks to years of grit, discipline, and belief in the process. B...

Jackie Young Owner of Fleet Feet Davenport and Fleet Feet Des Moines—helping thousands of runners take their first steps, break PRs, and find the gear that moves them forward. She’s not just in the running world—she is the running world. A badass ultra‑distance runner, tackling 50Ks!! A mom to three incredible girls, proving that success and balance can coexist…And a leader who knows that showing...

PODCAST INTRO — “Taking Chances: Why Not You?” Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You? — the podcast where we dive into the real, raw, and remarkable stories of people who bet on themselves… and changed everything. Aimee is someone who embodies grit, creativity, reinvention, and pure determination. Meet Aimee Ford, also known as Artist Aimee Ford, the powerhouse behind AF Tattoo Studio — one...

aking Chances – Why Not You? This week, I’m sitting down with someone who defines grit, resilience, and the power of choosing a different path: Travis Swanson — Father, Husband, Brother… and Ultrarunner. Travis calls himself a “typical middle‑aged, standard family, recovering alcoholic” … but anyone who knows him knows there’s nothing typical about the miles he’s logged or the battles he’s won. At...

🚀 Meet Maurice Lowman — a.k.a. MarathonPandaMaurice 🐼🏃‍♂️One of the most relentless runners you’ll ever meet.🏅 43 Marathons🏅 100+ Half Marathons🏅 2 Ultra 100‑Mile Finishes🏅 4 Ultra Marathon (24‑Hour) Finishes🔥 9.5‑Year Run Streak — from 1/1/2016 to 8/1/2025, Maurice ran at least 1 mile outside every single day. That’s 3,476 consecutive days of showing up. And now he’s taking on the 2026 Bo...

John Miletich

🔥 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? (Coming Next Monday February 16th) I sat down with the incredible Ace Verde Amanda Green and trust me, her story is a masterclass in betting on yourself. From growing up in Peabody, Massachusetts, to heading north to The University of Maine, Amanda has always carved her own path. But she didn’t stop there…At 29 years old, she made a bold move...

🎙️ Podcast Intro: *"Today, we’re honored to welcome an extraordinary athlete, advocate, and trailblazer—Eliaz Willis. Known to many as Liz, Eliaz is a U.S. Paralympian who competed in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games in the 100m, 200m, and placed 6th in the 400m. But her story doesn’t stop there. After Rio, Eliaz dominated the para professional Boston Marathon scene, winning the first three titles fr...

🎙️ Podcast Intro: Honoring Leadership with Steve Anderson Welcome to today’s episode, where we celebrate the heart of service and leadership. Each year, Operation BBQ Relief presents the Leadership Award to a volunteer who embodies trust, inspires others, and leads by example. The 2023 recipient, Steve Anderson , is the perfect reflection of those qualities. Steve first discovered Operation BBQ Re...

2025 Year-End Recap: Taking Chances - Why Not You? What a remarkable year it's been for Taking Chances - Why Not You?! In 2025, we dropped 34 powerful episodes, each one a testament to the core message: bold moves, big dreams, and the courage to ask, "Why not me?"This year, we brought you an incredible lineup of guests who embody resilience, determination, and the art of betting on themselves. Fro...

🎙️ S. Scott Anderson Scott Anderson is a lifelong storyteller whose journey blends journalism, executive leadership, and a passion for history. An avid reader, student of the past, and global traveler, Anderson draws on real-world experiences to bring depth and authenticity to his characters and narratives. Though his career path took him from journalism into the world of construction equipment, w...

🎙️ Podcast "Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You? I’m your host, John O’Brien, and today we’re diving into solo episode number three. Recently, I listened to Ken Rideout’s new podcast where Rich Roll was his guest, and it got me thinking. People are often drawn to stories of those who’ve overcome addiction—whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or food—because those journeys are raw, powerful, and i...

Just me, solo, recapping an episode and then realizing that this Podcast highlights people who end up being able to FIND A WAY to get shit done! It's that simple. ordinary people doing extraordinary things, accomplishing amazing things, balancing it all and FINDING A WAY TO GET IT DONE!

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? Episode Title: “Sisters in the Arena: Bella & Kathryn Miletich” Today’s episode is a masterclass in grit, discipline, and sisterhood. I’m joined by two powerhouse women who are no strangers to pushing limits—Bella and Kathryn Miletich. Daughters of UFC Hall of Famer and world champion Pat Miletich and the incredible Lynne Miletich, these sisters are carving the...

🎙️ Welcome back to Taking Chances, the podcast where we celebrate bold moves, unexpected turns, and the stories that shape us. Today’s guest is someone who knows a thing or two about carving his own path—Craig Burns. Before we dive into Craig’s journey, let me give you a little context. He just turned 60 years old. He grew up in Peabody, Massachusetts on Beacon St, where his childhood was all abou...

🎙️ Podcast Intro: Taking Chances – Why Not You? (Solo Debut Episode) Welcome to Taking Chances – Why Not You? Today… it’s just me. That’s right—your host flying solo for the very first time. This week, I’m diving into the top three topics lighting up the world: sports, cryptocurrency, politics, and AI. Okay, that’s four—but who’s counting? I’m not an expert in any of them, so be kind. I’m just her...

🎙️ Podcast Promo: Meet John O'Brien — Grit, Growth, and the Long Run From the streets of Peabody, Massachusetts to the finish line of one of the toughest ultramarathons, John O’Brien’s journey is anything but ordinary. A proud husband (wife Traci Kristine OBrien, daughters: Trinity O'Brien Erin O'Brien) and father of two, John’s story blends blue-collar roots, boardroom grit, and backcountry endur...

🎙️ Today’s guest is someone who’s not only a powerhouse in the marketing world—but also a cherished part of my family’s story. Anais Elenko is a wife, a mother of two, and a woman whose journey spans continents and courage. When a U.S. visa wasn’t in the cards, Anais didn’t stop dreaming—she pivoted, moved to Canada, and kept building. Years ago, she was an Au pair for my oldest daughter Trinity,...

💥 Meet Traci Kristine O'Brien 💥 My wife Traci Kristine OBrien is one of the bravest, most resilient people I know — and on Monday, you’ll hear why. Her career took her across the globe, serving as a civilian with the U.S. Government and Department of the Army. She was deployed not once, not twice, but THREE times to Iraq and Afghanistan. Not in a combat role — but in the thick of it. Mortars hit...