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In this interview, we have the privilege of speaking with Karim Oumnia, the visionary founder of Baliston, a groundbreaking footwear company that aims to revolutionize the way we walk through life. Karim discusses how Baliston's collaboration with design legend Philippe Starck has led to the creation of beautifully minimalist, tech-augmented walking shoes equipped with sensors that capture biometric data directly from your feet. This data feeds an advanced Al gait-analysis to provide a fitted insole designed to fully personalize your footwear experience, optimize comfort and prevent injury. They can also help develop biomarkers for neurological and other movement disorders (like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, MS and Epilepsy) to better support treatment and scientific research. Additionally, Baliston is on a mission to keep all our shoes from ending up in landfills.   Which is why they haven't just designed a shoe, they've designed a circular system. The shoes are made from just five 100% recyclable materials and designed to monitor the deterioration of their own cushioning, allowing every shoe produced by Baliston to be collected at the end of life and recycled. Baliston then takes responsibility for collecting the shoes and recycling them. When it's time to get a new pair of shoes, they'll send you the new pair (for no extra charge), along with prepaid mailing materials to send your old shoes back to them for recycling. We're grateful to Karim for taking the time to share his vision with us.  We're grateful for Balitson's support. And we're super excited to be in on the ground floor with such an exciting company.   Key Points and Highlights: Why walking is the sixth vital sign. Discover how Baliston's tech-augmented footwear aims to revolutionize the way we walk. Learn about the collaboration between Baliston and renowned designer Philippe Starck. Understand the significance of gait analysis and how it can improve comfort, reduce fatigue, and prevent injuries. Explore the potential of biometrics in supporting treatment and research for neurological and movement disorders. Uncover Baliston's commitment to sustainability through 100% recyclable shoe designs. Dive into Baliston's unique circular system, where they take responsibility for collecting and recycling their shoes. Relevant Resources and Links: Baliston's website Fast Company: These High-Tech Sneakers Tell You When They Need to Be Recycled CNN: Best Insoles for Outdoor Activities WWD: Philippe Starck's New Sustainable Sneaker: Baliston Forbes: Philippe Starck on How Boredom with His Creativity Led Him to AI and His New Baliston by Starck Shoes People: Best Fashion Launches of the Year

In this episode, we speak with Casper Ter Kuile, an author, speaker, consultant and former fellow at the Harvard Divinity School who explores how we make meaning, deepen our relationships, and experience beauty. Casper is the author of The Power of Ritual, and the co-founder of The Nearness, Sacred Design Lab and the podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. In today's interview, we focus on Casper's book, The Power of Ritual and how rituals can be an effective tool for connecting us to ourselves, each other, the world around us, and something beyond us-- however you think of that. We discuss what distinguishes rituals from other types of behaviors like habits and routines, and why rituals can be better than habits for helping us live in accordance with our values. This is one of my favorite interviews, and I could talk with Casper for hours.  Hopefully we'll get the chance to do so, because I have many more questions I'd love to ask him. Huge thanks to Casper for sharing so much with us. Also, big thanks to our partners at Hope Foods.   May is Mental Health Month and this is our third Mental Health Month where we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Hope. Hope Foods creates delicious organic hummus and dips with ingredients you can trust. Made with the freshest, all-natural ingredients, their products are perfect for snacking, meal prepping, and entertaining.  Hope is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing which means you can feel good about the products you're enjoying.  And speaking of feeling good, Hope is equally committed to mental health and emotional wellbeing.  They even have an entire page of their website dedicated mental health which provides a host of resources to support your emotional wellbeing.  Please check them out here.  And the next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to check out Hope Foods. Thanks again, Hope Foods, for your dedication to mental health and our long-term partnership. #EveryMileMatters!

Today we're joined by Larry McAlister, a three-time Head of Human Resources and a natural-born leader in the HR space.  Larry currently runs the Corporate Humanist Consultancy, where he advises on tech-based products-in-development and helping CHROs and growth-minded leaders build transformative talent strategies. Larry most recently served as VP of Global Talent at NetApp, and has been named in the Top 50 Human Resources Professional Awards and is consistently sought after for his transformation and thought leadership in HR. In our conversation today, we explore some of the key principles in Larry's work, including the importance of well-being and mental fitness, how HR leaders can drive bottom line ROI by fostering a culture of well-being, and the role of technology in creating a more people-centric approach to organizational culture. We also discuss how everyone in an organization can be empowered to contribute to this culture, regardless of their seniority. Larry's new book, "The Power to Transform: A Field Guide to Building a Human-Centered, Tech-Enabled Work Culture," explores how NetApp embraced the future by transforming its culture, incorporating best HR practices and cutting-edge tech to build a mold that leaders of all stripes can easily follow. The book, which hasn't even been fully released yet, is already a #1 International Best Seller! If you're interested, click here to pre-order it for just 99¢. Larry is also working with 3sixtyinsights to research employee resilience, a theme we think about a lot in the Charity Miles community.  If you're interested in learning more about this research project, please click here. Here is a link to read more about the BetterUp data and insights that Larry references in the podcast. Lastly, if you're interested in connecting with Larry, you can find him here on LinkedIn. Big thanks to Larry for sharing so much with us today. #EveryMileMatters

Carol is internationally recognized for her work in social purpose and corporate social responsibility (CSR).  For more than 25 years, Cone has embraced a steadfast commitment to building lasting partnerships between companies, brands and social issues for deep business and societal impact.  In her work, she continually brings breakthrough and lasting big ideas to clients to build their business and societal impacts. Early in her career, Cone launched the walking movement with Rockport as its leader, which grew the company three times over in the span of 4 years and led to its acquisition by Reebok. She created the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which grew to 50 countries around the globe and raised $1 billion.  Most recently, Cone conceptualized My Special Aflac Duck, a social robot developed from extensive child-centered design to comfort children going through an average of 1,000 days of chemotherapy. This innovative idea has been heralded around the globe, from the Tech for a Better World Award and Most Unexpected Product at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show, to Time Magazine’s list of Best Inventions of 2018. I've known and looked up to Carol since I started Charity Miles over ten years ago.  I'm grateful for her leadership and for sharing so much with us in this interview. #EveryMileMatters

Welcome to our first Walking Meditation of 2023, led by Cassandra Bianco. Merging modern neuroscience with ancient Tibetan techniques, Cassandra coaches her students on how to spend less time in the analytical mind, and instead invest more in the peaceful, natural state of wonder. Cassandra's meditation focus is within the fields of psychology, contemplative science and neuroscience and is rooted in the interconnectedness of all beings. For 14 years she’s trained with senior instructors and currently studies a lineage-based meditation with Thupten Phuntsok, a former Tibetan Buddhist monk. Phuntsok’s core teacher received direct guidance from a former tutor to the Dalai Lama. To learn more about or contact Cassandra, please click here. To learn more about or contact Cassandra with regards to her corporate work, please click here.

Today we're sharing the story of two important members of our community, Anastasia and Oksana, the designers who make Charity Miles look so good. Anastasia and Oksana are from Ukraine. We started working with them shortly before Russia invaded their country. Today, they share with us what their lives have been like since then. Even after hearing it, I cannot imagine. If you listen, I appreciate your feedback. And, if you're ever in need of a great (and affordable) designer, please check them out here, and email Oksana here. #EveryMileMatters

Sue and Gretja Otten are a mother and daughter team who are thru hiking the Appalachian Trail to raise money for Parkinson's research in honor of their husband/father, Ron. I met up with them on October 2nd while they were in Pennsylvania, nearly halfway done with the trail. I apologize that it took me a while to release this. (I'm not an audio-engineer and had to figure some stuff out to get the sound right.)  So, at the time I'm releasing this (November 3), they're already through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Over the last 104 days, they've completed 1,329.7 miles, which leaves only 864.6 miles to go to their finish line on Springer Mountain in Georgia! Gretja and Sue share what life is like on the trail, lessons learned and most importantly, WHY they're doing this. Personally, I can't imagine what it must be like to take on such an incredible adventure with either of my parents. But one day, I hope I have the opportunity to do something like this with my son, Max. Huge thanks to Gretja and Sue for taking on such an incredible endeavor, inspiring all of us, and for supporting the Michael J. Fox Foundation-- a cause that many of our members know is very close to my heart. Please check out Gretja and Sue on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/channel/UCociBTjQ2TshurgcGxCJmGA If you'd like to donate to their Team Fox Fundraiser, please click here: https://fundraise.michaeljfox.org/endurancegeneral/ATforPD #EveryMileMatters

Robin McGeough is a professional licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor, the Director of Chemical Dependence Services at Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, and a recovering addict himself. Robin is also the founder of Run4Recovery, an endurance and community event designed to provide vital support to those recovering from alcohol and drug addictions in the San Gabriel Valley. Robin founded Run4Recovery after a friend presented a challenge: if he could run 20 miles a day for 10 days, they would donate $1,000 to a charity of his choice. Robin met the goal and raised $3,500 that year. Since then, over the last 15 years, Run4Recovery has raised more than $310,000 for the Puente House Foundation scholarship fund. While the event originated as a running feat, the team transitioned to riding ElliptiGO elliptical bikes to prevent joint and muscle injury.  Robin has personaly run and ridden thousands of miles to draw attention to the cause.  This year, starting on September 26, Robin ran 502 miles on an EliptiGO over 5 days. For more information on Run4Recovery, visit www.run4recovery.com.

In 2014, Andrea was in the prime of her life. She was 33, married and planning to start a family. She had a rewarding career. And she was having fun participating in triathlons and other endurance events, including a marathon and Half Ironman. Then she was diagnosed with ALS and soon walking with a cane. Only 20% of people with ALS live more than five years past their diagnosis. Yet, 8 years after her diagnosis, Andrea is not just living.  She just completed 50 marathons, in all 50 states! Andrea knows she's one of the lucky ones. "Fortunately," she says, "I am able to eat... and breathe... and speak." This may be the most heart-stopping thing anyone has ever said to me in an interview. (Or otherwise.) I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like to not take eating, breathing and speaking for granted. I also cannot imagine the kind of courage, imagination and resilience it would take to be diagnosed with ALS-- and then set out to conquer fifty marathons. In this interview you'll hear Andrea's story in her own voice. But it's not just her voice-- it's the voice of the ALS community. Please click here now to learn more about Andrea and support her Foundation which is raising money to fund research towards a cure or effective treatment for ALS. Thank you to Andrea for having the courage to live and write such an incredible story-- and thank you for sharing it with all of us.

Katerina Biloruska is the Chairwoman of the Parimatch Foundation, the corporate foundation of Parimatch, an international sportsbetting company with deep roots-- and over 1,000 employees-- in Ukraine. In normal times, the Parimatch Foundation focuses on children's sports and education initiatives. But these are not normal times. As of the date of this release, we are over a month into Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A few weeks ago, I sent an email to our community with some resources for how our community could step up to support people of Ukraine. I received a reply from one of Katerina's colleagues to let me know how the Parimatch Foundation (and the company) have shifted their efforts to support the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.   I asked if they'd be willing to share more on our podcast, and I'm grateful that Katerina took the time to share her perspective for what's happening on the ground, and how we can help. If you'd like to learn more about Parimatch's work in Ukraine, please click here.

Ryan Kaplan is the Director for the Jewish Community Center of Krakow's Ride for the Living, an annual cycling event from the gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau to JCC Krakow, giving participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in Krakow’s Jewish past, present, and future. As many of you know, we've been working hard to evolve Charity Miles so that we can be more accessible to all the great charities that want to join us.  We're happy to say that we're now more able to do so, and JCC Krakow is one of the newest members of the Charity Miles community. In ordinary times, JCC Krakow provides social, educational and community-oriented services to the Jewish community of Krakow, offers programming open to the entire Krakow community to foster Polish-Jewish relations, and acts as a visitor center for the hundreds of thousands of tourists, many of them Jewish, who pass through Krakow. But these are not ordinary times. As of the date of this podcast, we are over a month into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has sent over 2 million Ukranian refugees to Poland. The Polish people are rising to the occasion, doing everything they can to support the refugees. JCC Krakow is stepping up as well.  Since the war began, they have served many thousands of Ukranians, an average of over 300 each day. They are housing and feeding over 200 Ukrainians, Jews and non-Jews, in hotel rooms and apartments in Krakow.   They have outfitted and opened a mother and child safe space with a local partner that provides day care for 25 young children, and Polish and English classes, psychological counseling, and job training for their mothers in a warm, cozy environment. And much more. I'm grateful that Ryan was able to take the time to share his perspective from the ground with us. If you'd like to support or learn more about the work that JCC Krakow is doing for Ukranian refugees, please click here.

James and Krista White, father and daughter, are the co-authors of Anti-Racist Leadership, a book about how and why corporate leaders at all levels can create anti-racist systems, structure and, ultimately, culture in their companies. James comes to this as the former Chairman and CEO of Jamba Juice, and a board member for several companies, including The Honest Company. Krista is a writer and entrepreneur focused on diversity and inclusion.  She is currently building an app to address the sex-ed gap for the Queer community. This is a book for the moment.  This is something I know everyone in our community cares about-- especially our employee empowerment partners. Huge thanks to James and Krista for writing this book and for sharing so much with us. If you'd like to contact them, here are the relevant handles... Culture Design Labs. James White, LinkedIn. Krista White, LinkedIn. Krista White, Twitter. #EveryMileMatters!    

Jon Montoya isn't just walking around the world with Charity Miles... He's walking to all seven wonders of the world. 1. Chichén Itzá El Castillo, in Mexico 2. Machu Pichu, in Peru 3. Christ the Redeemer, in Brazil 4. The Colosseum, in Rome 5.  Petra, in Jordan 6.  The Taj Mahal, in India 7.  The Great Wall of China It's a 25,000 mile journey that he estimates will take him seven years to complete. He started last July and has already completed 2,500 miles.  So, he still has a long way to go. But he as already come very far, and learned quite a bit. Jon is walking in support of (RED) and to champion the World Health Organizations ambitious and inspiring 2030 Global AIDS Strategy - to eliminate AIDS by 2030. This may be my favorite interview yet - Jon is just incredible. Huge thanks to Jon for sharing so much with us and inviting us to be a part of his journey. >> Here's a link to Jon's YouTube. >> Here's a link to Jon's Instagram. >> Here's Jon's email if you'd like to drop him a note: buenviajemyfriend@gmail.com. #EveryMileMatters

Dave Richman is an entrepreneur, author, public speaker, athlete, and philanthropist. As an author, Dave has written a few books. His first, "Winning In the Middle of the Pack" he shares insights learned on his own transformation journey.  Once a couch-potato (and smoker), David has since completed over 50 triathlons, including 15 Ironman-distance triathlons, and more than 50 ultra-marathons. In his most recent book, "Cycle of Lives", Dave shares the stories of fifteen people who each have their own cancer journey.  Dave then symbolically connected these stories by riding his bike 5,000 miles, zig-zagging across the U.S. to each of people.  There's a lot in this podcast-- so much that I'll probably have to listen to it several times. Huge thanks to Dave for taking the time to share so much with us. #EveryMileMatters!  

Grayson Murphy is the 2019 World Mountain Running Champion, 6th place finisher in the Olympic Trials for the Steeplechase, and a 5X collegiate All American.   She's also an environmentalist, mental health advocate and entrepreneur who makes journals for training and life. I met Grayson two years ago at a running trade show and she gave me one of her journals, which I used last year. So, I was very happy to be reconnected to Grayson by our partners at Nuun. I know that most of you don't need an introduction to Nuun. They make electrolyte solutions without sugar.  I've used Nuun in my training for years, and am still using them now as I train for the NYC Marathon. I also know that many of the people in our community love Nuun as well-- because I see so many of you posting about it on our social media channels.   So huge thanks to Nuun for sponsoring us, and for reconnecting me with Grayson! #EveryMileMatters!

Erin Azar is a Tik Tok star with nearly 700,000 followers! But she is perhaps an unlikely social media celebrity.  She's not a fast runner.  She doesn't have perfect abs, a spotless kitchen or that one secret trick to whatever. She's a mom of 3 from rural Pennsylvania who started running a couple of years ago, after the birth of her third child.   Just a mile a day she thought, as she started documenting her journey on YouTube and then Tik Tok. At the time, she was just looking for a community of others like her to share the journey with. But something about her posts struck a chord, and her videos "blew up" (as the kids say) to millions of views and hundreds of thousands of followers. Erin is a breath of fresh air, exactly what the running community-- and social media needs these days. Special thanks to my friend Kim at AfterShokz for introducing me to Erin.  Kim and her sister, Christy are running the NYC Marathon for Team Fox.  When they told this to Erin, Erin wanted to join to because her father has Parkinson's. In just the last 2 weeks, Erin has already raised over $40,000 for Team Fox.  And she's not slowing down! Huge thanks to Erin for supporting Team Fox, and for taking the time to share her story and insights with us.   #EveryMileMatters!

You might remember Bill Bucklew from our 2018 interview when he walked across the United States for Parkinson's Disease, which Bill has. In today's interview, we join Bill on his latest journey, something he's calling The Long Walk for Parkinson's: 640 miles, over 17 days, 40 miles per day, from the northern tip of Scotland to London... where he'll then run the London Marathon. For this journey, Bill is not alone.  He's joined by John MacPhee, who also has Parkinson's and has a slate of his own incredible accomplishments, including a previous walk across the U.K. The two of them are representing the U.S. and the U.K. coming together in a collaboration to help people living with Parkinson's live their best lives. Appropriately, they're also raising money for Parkinson's organizations in both countries, including The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson's U.K. and Cure Parkinson's U.K..   Big thanks to Bill (and John) for continuing to inspire and for sharing part of this journey with us! #EveryMileMatters!

Chuck Stravin was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma in 2015, and has been living with it ever since. Chuck is a father of 4 girls.  Shortly after his diagnosis, he made it a personal goal to see all 4 daughters graduate high school.  With that no complete, he’s looking ahead to four college graduations (2 down there), followed by four engagements, weddings and grandchildren. This is one of the most vulnerable and personal interviews that I’ve done since we started this podcast.  One of the things that has stuck with me since speaking with Chuck is what he’s learned about – and what he wants to teach others – about resiliency.   Since his diagnosis, Chuck has become a part of the family at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, where he receives his care. He shares a lot about that too, which makes us especially proud to be partnering with them and the Jimmy Fund. So if you want to be part of something special, go to JimmyFundWalk.org and sign up for their walk, which will take place on October 3rd, around the globe. Thanks to the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Institute for the opportunity to be a part of their amazing work, and family.  Thanks to Genentech for their support! Big thanks to Chuck for sharing so much with us. And of course, big thanks to all of you for joining us. Every Mile Matters.  

Sarah Hamilton is a mom. Her daughter, Caroline, is now in college. But when Caroline was just 6, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. This set Caroline, Sarah and their family on a lifelong journey with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In this interview, Sarah shares that journey with us, and also the secret to how she and her team have helped raise over $1 million for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. I'm grateful to Sarah for sharing so much with us, and to the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute for the opportunity to collaborate with them. On Sunday October 3rd, the 2021 BOSTON MARATHON® JIMMY FUND WALK YOUR WAY PRESENTED BY HYUNDAI will unite people around the globe a they walk in their own communities to raise funds to support all forms of pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute-- the premier cancer center.  If you aren't registered yet, visit jimmyfundwalk.org today.  

Ben Kenyon is the Head Strength Coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, an author, and the founder of the Great Day Squad. With the Sixers, Ben helps some of the world's best athletes get stronger both physically and mentally. He has also taken what he's learned from coaching elite athletes, and from his own personal journey, to now help everyday athletes (like me) perform their best - both on the road, and in life. That's what his Great Day Squad is all about.  Which is why I was especially interested in chatting with Ben for this interview. Big thanks to Ben for sharing so much with us. And big thanks to our partners at Honey Stinger for introducing me to Ben. As you've probably seen, we're thrilled to be partnering with Honey Stinger which makes a variety of nutrition and hydration solutions for athletes. I've long been a fan of their waffles. And now they have a new hydration system that consists of three different mixes to help you Prepare, Perform and Recover. This has been a huge game-changer for me personally as I'm currently undertaking my most difficult endurance challenge yet.  It's called the "Calendar Club" and to put it simply: each day this month, I'll be running the # of miles of days in the month. So, June 1 = 1 mile... June 2 = 2 miles... June 30th = 30 miles. That's 465 miles, half of which are after day 21.   Today is June 15, so I did 15 miles.  So things are about to get really interesting. Obviously, hydration is crucial for me in attempting this.  And Honey Stinger has been truly helpful. So, if you'd like to receive a free sample of Honey Stinger, and also enter for a chance to win a Garmin watch, please click here to take our hydration survey. Thanks again! -Gene