The GJBeat

Most everyone on a local level knows Emily in some way through her wide variety of fitness and life activities.  She was born and raised and has chosen to stay just up the street in Callaway VA.  Strength training and Spartan races have been her thing for several years while now getting lured into cycling and ultra running.  Emily brings a large positive presence wherever she goes.  But don't...

Joanna Kimmel is known by some but maybe by few.  We slowed her down just enough to have a conversation about herself and life.  She takes on some major adventures and travel doing so mostly solo.  Her backyard backs up to one of the best mountain trail systems in the area.  Joanna spends almost all her time on trail or in water when she's not dispatching for the electric company.  You probab...

Bryan has been nearly a lifelong friend who reconnected after a few years to talk about his life and adventures.  He is an avid conservationist and hunter climbing mountains in much the same way as an ultrarunner.  But with more clothes and equipment.  His approach to the outdoors is quite spiritual and unique.  Bryan's gratitude shines in everything he talks about.  He's an adopted son...

"Liz Ackley is a middle-aged, adventure seeking, mess of a woman, hell-bent on changing the world.  A seeker of joy, Liz approaches life with a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and mud between her toes. She’s a teacher, a dedicated community advocate, and a backwoods aficionado.  Be it a mountain trail, an epic solo adventure, or a community-level health disparity, Liz runs at challeng...

We spoke vaguely about this project in episode 23 with Robin and Blaine Lewis and that big things are on the horizon.  They certainly are.  They unveiled their plan shortly after coming on the GJBeat and it's their largest service project yet.  Between now and 8/21/21 they are raising the funds and planning the logistics to gift shoes to 8000 students in Roanoke City Schools who otherwise wou...

The moment I met Lee Sandstead, I knew he had a lot to talk about.  So we did and it was extensive.  Lee currently coaches elite cycling athletes but his story is deep.  He hosted the show Art Attack on the Travel Channel a few years back while also serving as a university professor and world traveler.  He's had some personal struggles with alcoholism and relationships and his openness is int...

Robin and Blaine Lewis stepped way out of the safety of normal life many years ago to come to Roanoke and take a tremendous risk for their passions.  The passions of family and running.  They talk about the decision to make Roanoke their home all the way to their present day activities and love of the community.   They are doing their finest work in the people business!

Johnny Robinson has done just about everything.  But he does everything very well.  He's a kind and restless soul enjoying every second of life.  As a very recent cancer survivor, his active lifestyle has returned.  He recently retired from his dentistry practice and is living his best life in the Roanoke Valley.  Some call him "The Legend" while others are just happy to be in &quot...

Aaron comes to the podcast directly after his RockStar Challenge completion starting in Harrisonburg and ending in Roanoke, VA.  He is loaded with unique adventures told by him and his wife Carrie.  They own and operate Trader Jerry's in Salem, VA.   Enjoy!

Josh Grice is known mostly as the front man of the Harwell Grice Band.  However, this episode was recorded just after finishing his first marathon.  Just to see if he could.   He's a huge local personality and makes his living as a public school assistant principal.  Take a listen as Josh talks and sings about life.  Check out the Harwell Grice Band as live shows are back!  

Brendon Voelker is an adventure trail guide in the western part of North Carolina.  He is also a freelance writer for FATMAP and expert level geographer.  His business name is White Dot Adventures.  He visited our area to spend a few days with us trail running, socializing and podcasting.  He's pretty amazing and hope you enjoy!!

The Roanoke region is full of athletic talent.  David Angell holds a solid position amongst the very best.  He's an elite speed runner with too many victories to count.  Much of what he does takes place in other parts of the country and he gives us a full description of who he is.  David was born and raised in Franklin County VA and is an excellent person far beyond his physical talents.  Enj...

Julia is the Director of Events for the Roanoke Outside Foundation and organizes the Blue Ridge Marathon, GO Fest and others.  Her podcast appearance happened to be on the day that BRM was approved as an in-person event for 2021.  Thank goodness!!  She's a dynamic lady with tremendous responsibilities.  Take a listen!

Pete's outdoor involvement in the Roanoke region is almost beyond comprehension.  His hands are in all major events: GO Fest, Blue Ridge Marathon, GO Cross and endless other projects relating to outdoor economic development.  The list is long and he tells so much about who he is, where he has been and his vision for the area.  His energy is obvious and you're going to love this one!

Jacob Gibson was on my list from the beginning of podcasting.  He has accomplished big things in life so far from his championship years as a Virginia Tech offensive lineman to his career successes thereafter.  He has chosen to spend his life so far in and around the Roanoke region.  Jacob is one of the nicest people I've ever known and his life story up to this point is nothing but positive....

Daniel came to the U.S. at a young age with no English speaking skills.  He lived in New Jersey until finding his way to Virginia with us.  Locals know him for his huge beard as he flies by everyone on trail.  His newly clean face makes him nearly a stranger to his friends.    He's a pilot, medical professional and beekeeper.  A great guy with a great story.  Enjoy!

Jeremy and Amy are very well known in their areas of influence for their tremendous physical accomplishments.  But mostly for being great people and spreading positivity.  Jeremy goes deep into his entire life story with Amy by his side.  He's an incredible athlete and his stats prove it.   He talks about his nearly impossible childhood, racing and life after 'retirement'.   But I d...

Allison is a huge presence in Roanoke running circles.  Her life story isn't exactly as you'd predict and just as well.  She's an expert in medical subjects and the owner of a local running store.  She puts tremendous efforts into promoting local fitness events.  Hope you enjoy!

Kathy Bush is a true favorite in the Roanoke region.  She gives us some perspective of where she's been and where she's going.  Her ultra racing history is pretty strong but she's so much more than that.  Kathy is the picture of professionalism in every part of her life.  Her energy and love for life are amazing.  Take a listen and you'll know.  

McLane recently made Roanoke his new home and got a brand new wife just a few days before his podcast.  His athletic talents are pretty amazing along with his somewhat nonstandard approach to racing.  Before beginning his career in education, McLane spent lots of time in other parts of the country and thru hiked the Appalachian Trail in nearly record fashion.  He's a smart guy with a huge fut...

Matt is another resident of Athlete Avenue in Roanoke who showed to talk about all the things he enjoys.  We focused on triathlon events while comically comparing them to ultra running.  He's quite an athlete and well known medical professional.    His friends refer to him as 'No Show Togo' as he doesn't always make it to the starting line.  Hope you enjoy!

Tim Lewis is mostly known for the number of times he's summited Mcafee Knob and his social media posts that follow.  The number will be 300 very soon.  He's an amazing athlete and ran/hiked roughly half of the fourteen thousand foot peaks in Colorado in two trips this year.  Tim's longest distance run is 158 miles and his future is bright.  Follow his adventures on social media and...

Ed Mckeown could easily be crowned "Best All Around" when superlatives are awarded in the Roanoke Valley.   We sat down one day after his whirlwind solo Presidential Traverse adventure and talked about life.  He began in North Carolina and made it to Virginia just in time to find his love for mountains, trails, cycling and brand new friends.  Some call him the 'Activities Director&a...

Bernie Sanders is known for so many things in the Roanoke Valley and beyond.  He's a Boston Marathon finisher using the tremendously difficult Blue Ridge Marathon as his qualifier.  Bernie is most widely known for his win at the Union Cycliste Internationale Road Masters World Championship in Austria at age 60.  He was a popular restaurant owner and current financial advisor.  A gentleman, ch...

Ercilia is now a SW Virginia local after making her way to the U.S. from Brazil.  She gave us an amazing look into her life and how she earned her citizenship as an American.  Her journey started at zero to become a business owner and ultra-marathon runner.  Her stats are excellent but her personality is better.