The Tanner Kern Podcast

My guest today is Shawn Eckert. Shawn is an ultra runner who lives in Florida. Shawn battled alcohol and drug addiction before completely turning his life around and finding health. When Shawn's son was born, he decided to lose weight. Although, he did not fully commit himself to his goal initially. It took Shawn a little time to start his journey, but he never looked back losing over 200 lbs from his 446 lb starting point and turning into an ultra-endurance athlete. Shawn's story is very inspirational and I know you will be able to apply his mindset of "getting the job done" into your own life. Check out Shawn on IG: https://www.instagram.com/havefamily/ and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAyVkXK5heKRzV6ZUXaBaBQ. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

Do you want to find out why I am running 100 miles straight on my treadmill to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention? If your answer to that question is "YES," check out this special episode of TKP. In this quick episode, I discuss why I am running 100 miles on my treadmill for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I also tell listeners all the details of the fundraiser including how you can watch me suffer through the run's live stream and donate to help stop suicide in the United States. The run will begin on Saturday, February 27th at 8:00 AM ET! Please tune in and help me combat the rising suicide rate in the United States because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To donate and watch the run, please visit https://afsp.donordrive.com/campaign/100-Mile-Treadmill-Run-. You can also view the run directly on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SWC5BMlcoI8. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com and check out my IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerkern/?hl=en. Thank you for your support!

My guests today are Shan Riggs and Callie Vinson. On December 1, 2020, Shan finished a three-month run across America. Callie was his crew chief for the entire journey that began on September 1, 2020. These two undertook this challenge to raise money for Foodshare, a food bank that supports the Greater Hartford area of Connecticut. Shan and Callie raised $45,000 for the charity in order to fight food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cross-country run took 92 total days (84 running days). Shan covered 3,255 total miles averaging 38.75 miles per day. He went through 10 pairs of shoes and consumed over 4,000 calories per day. In the episode, Shan and Callie recap their three-month journey to give listeners a little insight into what it's like running across the country! If you would like to connect with Shan please visit, https://www.instagram.com/shanriggs2100/. To connect with Callie, please visit https://www.instagram.com/callie_fornia/. To find out more about the run, check out the official website https://www.shanrunsacrossamerica.com. You can donate to Foodshare through this site! To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is Nick Jankel. Nick is a thought leader whose ideas, tools, and research are designed to take the pain out of transformation, blast through the barriers that block creativity and innovation, and unleash conscious changes in leadership and life that bring less suffering and more thriving into the spaces we touch. He is the co-founder of the leadership and personal development company Switch On and the chief architect of a rigorous methodology and philosophy for transformation, The Switch On Way. It blends the latest neuroscience with timeless wisdom from the great traditions. He is the author of multiple international bestsellers including Switch On: The New Science & Spirit of Breakthrough and The Spiritual Atheist. In the episode, we discuss Nick's background, transformational living and leadership, his advice for becoming the best version of yourself, and so much more! To learn more about Nick and Switch On, please visit https://switchonnow.com. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guests today are Chris and Eric Martinez. Chris and Eric had a childhood filled with adversity. They lost their father at the age of 18. This caused their mother to turn to alcohol and both of them to go down a negative path for an extended period of time. Chris and Eric used fitness as a way to pull themselves through the stages of grief. Fitness ended up shaping the beginning of their adult lives. Chris and Eric became personal trainers. This passion ended up turning into a personalized online training business called "Dynamic Duo Training." After nearly a decade of helping clients reach their fitness goals, Chris and Eric started a new business to help fitness professionals start their own online coaching businesses. These two entrepreneurs have turned this company, "Dynamic Fit Pros," into their second six figure business. Additionally, Chris and Eric are #1 International Best Selling Authors and hosts of the "Dynamic Lifestyle Podcast." If you'd like to connect with Chris and Eric, their website is https://www.chrisericmartinez.com. Also, make sure to check Chris and Eric out on Instagram and Facebook. Listen to the "Dynamic Lifestyle Podcast" here! To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is Jake Anapol. Jake is fresh off of his commitment to play Division I Football for the Marist Red Foxes. Jake has overcome a ton of adversity to get to where he is today. He moved to the United States from Oxford, England in elementary school. Jake had to undergo multiple surgeries to fix a knee issue that he was born with throughout his childhood. When Jake got to high school, he had an additional two surgeries caused from football totaling seven knee procedures. Jake began his high school football career at Xavier HS in Middletown, CT before transferring to the Kent School. Jake excelled in football at both places. At Kent, he became an All-League and All-New England offensive lineman. He missed his sophomore year due to injury and his senior season due to COVID, but Jake was still able to pick up multiple D1 offers. He recently committed to Marist and will sign with the football program on December 16th. If you'd like to connect with Jake his IG is https://www.instagram.com/jakeanapol_55/ and his Twitter is https://twitter.com/anapol_jake. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is Rich Duffy. Rich was born and raised in Philadelphia, but currently resides in Virginia with his wife and two children. Rich described his weight and health as a yo-yo throughout his adult life. When his 53rd birthday rolled around a couple years ago, he decided to give himself the gift of health. Rich made the commitment to stop drinking alcohol and do good things for his body. This resulted in Rich losing 60 pounds and becoming a two time marathoner in the past two years. He is now training for a triathlon. In the episode, Rich and I discuss his life as a child, his commitment to health, the changes that have taken place in his life and so much more on this episode of TKP. If you'd like to connect with Rich his IG is https://www.instagram.com/papaduff14/. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

"My cancer might be inoperable but I’m not scared. I just want the word ‘inoperable’ used and not ‘incurable’." This is a quote from today's guest Matthew Pullan. Matthew Pullan, known as Running Through Cancer, is a young adult from the UK. In 2004, he had a brain tumor that was able to be successfully removed. Matthew had a normal childhood following the removal of his first brain tumor. He participated in all types of sports growing up. In 2020, he was feeling dizzy so he went back to his Cancer specialist. An MRI revealed that he had another brain tumor near the location of his first tumor that was removed. Surgery removed 99% of the second tumor, but doctors found that the cancer had spread to his brainstem making it inoperable and terminal. Despite this, Matthew continues to maintain an amazing outlook on life. He is still running and going to college while undergoing cancer treatments. In the month of November, he's running a mile a day for charity which is a clear sign of his positivity. In the episode, Matthew and I discuss his entire life, we dive deep into the sport of running, and we hear why Matthew isn't going to stop! If you'd like to connect with Matthew his blog is https://matthewsrunningjourneyblog.wordpress.com, IG: https://www.instagram.com/runningthroughcancer/, Twitter: https://twitter.com/runningthrucncr. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is Matt Dekoeyer. Matt is a 2012 graduate of Xavier High School where he played the offensive/defensive line and won two Connecticut state championships. Following high school, Matt attended Providence College. He joined the rugby team in his sophomore year and fell in love with the sport. He ultimately became an assistant coach immediately following graduation and spent one season as the head coach of the team. Matt ultimately moved on from the head coaching role and ended up moving to Boston to be in the hotbed of tech startups. He has lived in Boston since 2018. After one year of living in Boston, he made a massive change in his life. Last fall, he joined UFC Gym Boston, started focusing on his diet, and has now lost 60 pounds. Matt is currently in the process of training for his first sanctioned Golden Gloves Boxing match which he hopes will take place in the spring pending the state of the pandemic. In the episode, we discuss Matt's journey, we dive deep into the topic of weight loss and his experience with UFC Gym Boston, we talk about not being defined by low moments in your life and so much more! If you'd like to connect with Matt here's his social media handles: https://www.instagram.com/mdekoeyer74/ https://www.facebook.com/matt.dekoeyer https://twitter.com/mattdekoeyer https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-dekoeyer-37753073/. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is Steve Opalenik. Steve is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Co-Founder of The Promethean Project. Steve received his undergraduate degree from UMass Amherst and his masters from Springfield College. In 2017 he started The Promethean Project. The Promethean Project is a non-profit wellness center, whose mission is to create a one stop shop for peoples’ physical, mental, and holistic health needs and goals. In the episode we discuss Steve's background, why he started The Promethean Project, what his goals are for the people that the project supports and future plans for the non-profit. We end with some hard hitting questions surrounding Steve's favorite movies, foods, and exercises. If you'd like to learn more about the Promethean Project visit https://theprometheanproject.org. Their social handles are https://www.instagram.com/theprometheanproject/ and https://www.facebook.com/prometheancounseling. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is Dan Jaskot. Dan is the President of Empower Leadership and host of the Lead with Empower Podcast. Empower Leadership is a collection of leadership experts who share a passion for adventure and helping others. Dan attended Xavier High School where he played football & baseball. He continued his education at Springfield College as a Physical Education major and a member of the football team. Following graduation, Dan initially went into teaching before joining the Empower Leadership team. He has been with the company since 2009 helping people of all ages build their leadership, teamwork, and relationship skills. In the episode I pick Dan's brain about the philosophy of leadership. We also discuss his journey to where he is today, Empower Leadership, and his podcast. I was recently a guest on Dan's Lead with Empower Podcast! Check out the show and his podcast here: https://leadwithempower.com/pods-and-blogs/#podcast If you'd like to connect with Dan here's his twitter: https://twitter.com/Leadership_Dan If you'd like to learn more about Empower Leadership visit: https://leadwithempower.com and https://twitter.com/LeadWithEmpower. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is Jamie O'Hare. Jamie is a former Division I basketball player at Lafayette College where she was a 3-time All-Patriot League selection at Guard for the Leopards. She is also 2nd in assists and the all time 3 Point leader in Lafayette history. In her journey to D1 basketball, Jamie was introduced to the weight room by her father and found a love for lifting weights. This propelled her to an amazing collegiate basketball career and she is now running a fitness account on social media to inspire and inform others about exercise and nutrition. In the episode we talk about her basketball career, her weightlifting journey, @jamieohfit and so much more! Check out Jamie on social media here: https://www.instagram.com/jamieohfit/ & https://twitter.com/jamieohfit. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is Darius McDonald. Darius owns his own business 100percentfitness where he is a personal trainer and sports massage therapist. He resides in England with his wife and two children. This is Darius' second time coming on the show. In the episode we discuss many topics including the running challenges that Darius and his son Charlie have embarked on during the COVID pandemic. Darius is attempting to complete the LEJOG Virtual Challenge in 6 months. This is an 874 mile run which is the distance from Lands End to John O'Groats in England. He is doing this for MAMA Academy which is a UK charity that helps mothers and midwives prevent stillbirths. His 7-year-old son Charlie is also doing a big run for charity. Charlie is trying to run 100 miles in a year for three different UK charities: A children's hospital, an Alzheimer's foundation, and a homeless shelter. Here's the links to find Darius on social media and Strava as well as his MAMA Academy fundraising link: https://www.instagram.com/dariusmcdonald1/ https://100percentfitpt.live/ https://www.facebook.com/100percentfitness.co.uk https://www.strava.com/athletes/32778096 https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dariusmcdonald1 Here's the links to donate to Charlie's Run: Alzheimer's Foundation is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charliemcdo9ald Homeless Shelter is https://www.justgiving.com/fundra.../charliemcdo9ald-shelter Children's Hospital is https://www.justgiving.com/fundr.../charliemcdo9ald-children To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com

My guest today is Matt Wallace. Matt is a great dude as well as an extremely versatile runner. His first ever running race was a 100 mile DNF, but this fueled him to conquer the distance and keep pushing his body to new limits. He has completed four 100 milers including the Georgia Jewel this past weekend and is a Tahoe 200 mile finisher. Despite this, Matt doesn't just excel on the trail. He has qualified for the Boston Marathon twice and also is a multiple time full Ironman finisher. In the episode we discuss how Matt got into endurance sports, his favorite parts of different types of races, his fond memories from the Tahoe 200, and his latest 100 miler! It was a blast getting to talk to Matt and I hope you all enjoy. If you'd like to connect with Matt his IG is https://www.instagram.com/mwallace25/. If you'd like to learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is ultra runner Hector Rodriguez. Hector Rodriguez is a husband, father, and challenge seeker that resides in San Diego, CA. Hector’s journey started after coming across David Goggin’s Can’t Hurt Me book. He was an endurance athlete before he read the book, but his life was completely transformed as he lost 50 pounds and began intentionally throwing major challenges in his path. Hector began running, walking, and hiking 10 miles a day and this paid dividends in his daily life as well as his ultra career. In 2020, Hector started to see his consistent training payoff in his challenges. He finished top 5 finish in the Pirate Cove 24-hour race, 3rd in the Aravaipa Strong 100 miler, and 2nd in the Aravaipa Lone Mountain race where he covered 146 miles. He is currently preparing to take on Moab 240 in a month which is a 240 mile race through Moab, UT that has 29,000 ft. of climbing...the same elevation that you would get from climbing Mt. Everest. If you'd like to connect with Hector his IG is https://www.instagram.com/hrod619/?hl=en. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com and check out the show IG https://www.instagram.com/tannerkernpodcast/?hl=en.

My guest today is ultra runner Shan Riggs. Shan's running resume includes close to 50 ultra marathons including the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run which is the oldest 100 miler in the country. Shan is about to embark on a run across the United States for Foodshare which is Greater Hartford Connecticut's regional food bank. The people at Foodshare connected Shan and I because that was the non profit that I ran from Canada to Connecticut to support. In less than a week, Shan will be running from San Francisco, CA all the way back to Connecticut to raise money for Foodshare in these difficult times that the world is currently experiencing. He is trying to finish the run in three to four months and raise a lot of awareness for food insecurity along the journey. If you'd like to find out more about the run or support Shan please visit https://www.shanrunsacrossamerica.com If you would like to connect with Shan on social media his IG is https://www.instagram.com/shanriggs2100/. If you would like to learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is AMPed Up Coaching founder Amy Puchini. Amy received her undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences and is currently pursuing her masters in holistic nutrition. She started AMPed Up Coaching as a way to help others achieve their goals by utilizing fitness, nutrition, and mindset together in harmony. She preaches that making small changes is the way to creating lasting change in one's life. In the episode we talk about how Amy found a passion for fitness and nutrition, starting AMPed Up Coaching, what helping others means to her and so much more on this episode of TKP. Amy has a great IG where she shares a ton of content and it also includes everything about her business. Go check it out https://www.instagram.com/amy_puchini/. If you're interested in learning more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is Anthony Garcia. Anthony is a former collegiate offensive lineman turned ultra endurance athlete. If you know anything about football, offensive linemen are the biggest people on the field who typically hate running. I know this was the case for Anthony and I at least! Anthony's playing career ended in 2003, but it wasn't until two years ago that he found trail running and fell in love with sport. Since his football career ended, he has lost 140 pounds and completed numerous ultra running races including the Aravaipa Black Canyon 100K and most recently the Cool Moon 100 Miler. In the episode we discuss Anthony's football background, weight loss, why he got into ultra trail running, his recent 100 miler, and so much more! If you'd like to get in touch with Anthony his IG is https://www.instagram.com/bigfoot_runner/. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com.

My guest today is Shorney Douet. Shorney is a high school buddy of mine where we played football together. Following high school, Shorney attended Allegheny College and played football for two years before transfering to Penn State. Shorney has done whatever it has taken to get into the sports world and has an incredible story of perseverance to get to where he is today: An equipment assistant for the Miami Dolphins. He has worked with the Orgeon and Penn State Football programs as well as the Kansas City Chiefs prior to his current position with the Dolphins. In the episode we discuss Shorney's journey to where he is today, his future goals, and advice for others in order for them to reach their dreams! If you'd like to get in touch with Shorney his IG is https://www.instagram.com/1shorn/ and his Twitter is https://twitter.com/ShorneyD. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com or check out the show's IG page https://www.instagram.com/tannerkernpodcast/.

My guest today is War at the Shore Baseball Tournament Director Will Visgilio. Will and I grew up playing in these tournaments together and now he has taken over as the tournament director and is doing an amazing job. WATS has experienced a difficult summer with COVID, but they've found a way to adapt to regulations and still provide a world class experience for the kids who make the trip to Southeastern Connecticut for a tournament. WATS has been in business since 2001 and it was started by the current General Manager of the company, Joe Zrenda. Joe built the business from the ground up and now WATS is attracting more than 300 teams per summer with weekend events featuring 90+ teams. In the episode we discuss the history of WATS, what it's like putting on a massive tournament, why the company is all for the kids, and so much more on the Season 1 finale of TKP! If you'd like to check out War at the Shore visit https://warattheshoretournaments.com or check them out on their social media pages. IG: https://www.instagram.com/warattheshoretournaments/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/waratheshorebaseballtournaments/. To learn more about myself and the show please visit https://www.tannerkern.com or check out the show's IG page https://www.instagram.com/tannerkernpodcast/.