Advertise on podcast: In Fearless Conversation

What does it take to keep moving forward when managing a chronic condition is part of everyday life? In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, we’re joined by Anna Noelle Ormrod, a member of 261 Club Uk, Lune Valley, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2001 during early pregnancy. Anna shares the realities of living with diabetes, including the challenges others may not see and the extra planning and care involved in running with the condition. We also talk about what brought Anna to 261 Fearless in 2020, how being part of a supportive running community has influenced her confidence, and how her understanding of being fearless has evolved over 25 years of living with diabetes. Anna’s story is a reminder that being fearless doesn’t mean having everything figured out. Sometimes, it means adapting, asking for support, and continuing to discover what you’re capable of. And stick around for the final question: What exactly is a jelly baby?

Are we over-complicating what it means to be healthy? Between workout routines, wellness advice, and the pressure to do it all, it's easy to forget that taking care of ourselves can start with simple, everyday choices. In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Beynon, a physician and diabetes specialist with 30 years of experience helping people living with chronic disease live life to the fullest. A lifelong dancer who also enjoys hill walking and skiing, Jennifer brings both professional expertise and a personal love of movement to the conversation. She shares why every bit of movement counts, what people living with diabetes should consider when becoming more active, and why finding an activity you genuinely enjoy may be more important than following the perfect exercise plan. We also explore the often-overlooked role of sleep in our overall health and well-being. Jennifer's message is an encouraging one: movement doesn't have to be complicated, and taking care of yourself doesn't have to mean doing everything perfectly. Find what works for you, make room for rest, and focus on building habits that help you live the life you want. About Dr. Jennifer Beynon Dr. Jennifer Beynon is a consultant physician and diabetes specialist in northern England. With 30 years of experience in medicine, she is passionate about helping people living with chronic disease stay active and continue doing the things that matter to them. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys dancing, hill walking, and skiing.

Today, we're bringing back one of our most popular episodes!I n this episode of In Fearless Conversation, we’re talking about the importance of fun—why it’s not just a nice-to-have bonus but a game-changer for motivation, running, and life! I've invited two of the most fun, generous, and supportive women I know—Sarah Rozelle and Ellen Frazier - two of our Boston Marathon charity team alumni, A.K.A the 261 Fearless Fun Patrol! Today, they’re sharing their take on why fun is essential and how we can all bring more of it into our daily lives. ✨ Fun Challenge for YOU: Before the next episode, do one thing just for the joy of it. Whether it’s skipping during your next run, playing a silly game with a friend, or dancing in your kitchen—embrace the fun! Share your experience with us using #FearlessFun on social media. 📖 Book Mentioned in This Episode: The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price 💬 Join the Conversation! What’s the most fun thing you’ve done lately? How do you make running or everyday life more playful? DM us, comment on social media, or email us at [email protected] 🔗 Links & Resources: Learn more about 261 Fearless Inc.: https://www.261fearless.org/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/261fearless/Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!💛 Loved this episode? If this episode brought you joy, please leave a review and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the fun! 🎉

What does it actually mean to BE fearless? It doesn't mean you're never scared, nervous, unsure, or uncomfortable. Sometimes being fearless is simply deciding to do something even when you're a little afraid. In this first episode of Fearless in Five, we're sharing five simple ways to practice being more fearless in your everyday life. Being fearless doesn't have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes it's one small decision to step outside your comfort zone and then another. Because running is just the beginning.

This episode was completely unplanned. Edith and I were in Vienna, just talking, when somehow we got onto the subject of a woman she had been intimidated by when she first met her. And I had to stop her. Because… Edith? Intimidated? I don't think I've ever thought of Edith as someone who is intimidated by anyone. 😂 But the more we talked about it, the more I realized how relatable it actually is. We all have those women we look up to. Women who seem so accomplished, confident, talented. Sometimes that admiration can feel a lot like intimidation. So we started talking about the women who inspire us, the women who make us a little nervous. And maybe there's something really powerful in realizing that the women we look up to are just women, too. This was one of those conversations that started somewhere unexpected and ended somewhere much more interesting which is probably why I love it so much.

Sometimes, we run because we want to get stronger. And sometimes, we run because we need to remember just how strong we already are. In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, Kim talks with Peloton instructor, Mariana Fernández about the moments when running became a reminder. A reminder of her strength, her resilience, and the person she was capable of being when she needed to hear it most. Mariana shares the story of her mother, a trailblazing runner in Mexico who has been one of her greatest inspirations, and how her mother’s example helped shape her own journey as a woman and a runner. She also opens up about a deeply personal chapter of her life: choosing to pursue motherhood on her own and navigating the courage, uncertainty, and strength that came with that decision. And, Mariana is running the New York City Marathon for 261 Fearless! We talk about what this race means to her and why she wanted to run it with us! It’s an honest conversation about the women who shape us, the moments that ask us to dig a little deeper, and how sometimes a run can give us exactly the reminder we need. Because running is just the beginning.

Let's get to know the women behind the runners that lead 261 Fearless communities! At the 261 Coach Summit in Vienna, we brought together women from across the global 261 Fearless community and one of our conversations dug a little deeper into who these special, impactful women are in addition to be a runner. Kim sat down with Petra from the 261 Club Austria, Leslie from 261 Club Chile, and Paula from 261 Club Austria to talk about the things that light them up and make them special! We talk about what they love to do besides running, what borders others have placed on them that they conquered, and how they are seeing the 261 Effect in their communities. And then we get a little more personal—and a lot more fun—with the question: What is something that might be silly but brings you so much joy! Recorded live at the 261 Fearless International Coach Summit in Vienna.

What happens when you stop caring so much about what everyone else thinks? At the 261 Coach Summit in Vienna, we brought together women from across the global 261 Fearless community and one of our conversations was all about caring less and living more. Kim sat down with Juliet (JMo) from the 261 Club UK, Prima from 261 Club Southern California, and Suela from 261 Club Albania to talk about the things we’ve learned to let go of as we’ve gotten older. The expectations. The pressure to be good at everything. The need to make everyone happy. The stuff that used to take up way too much space in our heads. We talk about what they’ve finally given themselves permission not to care about, what matters more to them now than it did ten years ago, and how they are seeing the 261 Effect in their communities. And then we get a little more personal—and a lot more fun—with the question: What are you weirdly good at? Recorded live at the 261 Fearless International Coach Summit in Vienna.

What if the person most impacted by your volunteer work is you? In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, host Kim Chaffee sits down with Marlene Prosch, Senior Operations Manager at 261 Fearless, to talk about the unexpected ways volunteering can shape our lives. Marlene's journey with 261 Fearless began with a simple goal: finding women to run with during the winter months. What she didn't realize was that saying yes to a volunteer Coach role would push her outside her comfort zone, build her confidence, introduce her to an international community of women, and ultimately lead her to a career with 261 Fearless. Together, Kim and Marlene explore how volunteering can help us discover strengths we didn't know we had, create meaningful connections, and open doors we never imagined. Marlene also shares insights from her recent participation in an Erasmus+ volunteering workshop in Berlin and reflects on why volunteering is just as transformative for the volunteer as it is for the people they serve. Whether you're already volunteering, considering getting involved, or simply curious about the impact one small "yes" can have, this conversation is a reminder that you never know where a volunteer role might take you. Learn more about volunteering with 261 Fearless here: https://www.261fearless.org/coaches/

If someone asked you, "What is 261 Fearless?"—how would you answer? For years, that's been one of the hardest questions for us to answer. Not because we didn't know what we did, but because we do so much. In this episode, we're introducing LACES—the simple framework that captures everything we've been working toward from the very beginning. These aren't new ideas. They're the five things every woman runner deserves, and the thread that ties together everything we do at 261 Fearless. Connect with us on social media or visit 261fearless.org to learn more about our global community, find a local Meet Run, or discover how you can get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every conversation helps us reach more women and continue building a more fearless world, one step at a time.

We're throwing it back to last summer! In this New York City-sized episode of In Fearless Conversation, we take you inside the 2025 Club Director Summit in New York City, where global change-makers Kathrine Switzer and Edith Zuschmann delivered an unforgettable pep talk to 12 fearless Club Directors from around the world. Recorded live at the Summit, this episode captures the passion, wisdom, and bold energy of two pioneers who know what it takes to build community, ignite growth, and lead with purpose. Kathrine and Edith reflect on the power of collective leadership, why visibility matters, and how each of us can turn courage into action—whether we're running miles or running movements. Whether you're a club director, a leader in your field, or simply looking for a shot of fearless inspiration, this conversation will leave you ready to take the next bold step. Featured Guests: 🎙️ Kathrine Switzer — Marathon icon, author, activist, and founder of 261 Fearless 🎙️ Edith Zuschmann — Co-founder, CEO & President of 261 Fearless, leadership coach, and global community builder Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more about 261 Fearless: 261fearless.org 🔗 Connect with the global Club network: Find a Club 🔗 Follow us on Instagram: @261fearless

In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, Kim Chaffee sits down with 261 Fearless CEO Edith Zuschmann to unpack the results of this year's annual Club Member Survey. Together, they explore what the data reveals about confidence, community, leadership, and why women continue to show up...not just for a run, but for one another. Edith shares why measuring impact matters just as much as measuring participation, the survey findings that surprised her most, and what they tell us about what women need right now. She also reflects on what these results mean for anyone wondering if they belong at their very first Meet Run. Whether you're already part of the 261 Fearless community or you're curious about joining, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the ripple effect that happens when women are given a safe, supportive place to move, connect, and grow. In this episode, you'll hear:Why 261 Fearless conducts an annual Club Member SurveyWhy measuring impact is more meaningful than counting participantsWhat the results reveal about women's needs todayHow running builds confidence, leadership, and belongingEdith's biggest source of pride in the 261 Fearless communityWhy your first Meet Run could be the beginning of something much biggerConnect with 261 FearlessLearn more about our global movement and find a 261 Club near you.Follow us on social media: InstagramShare this episode with someone who could use a little encouragement to take their first fearless step. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode. Every share helps us reach more women and continue building a world where every woman has the opportunity to discover what she's capable of, through running and education.

What happens when women are given a safe space to move, connect, and lead? In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, Kim Chaffee sits down with Christina Mayer-Ritzer to discuss the exciting new WE RUN project, a collaborative initiative led by Club 261 Austria in partnership with 261 Club Albania, Opportunity Balance Overcoming, and the University of Prishtina. Co-funded by the European Union through an Erasmus+ Sport Capacity Building grant, WE RUN is creating opportunities for women in Albania and Kosovo to connect, grow, and discover their strength through running. Christina shares how the project is helping establish safe, women-led spaces where women can build confidence, leadership skills, and community. Together, they explore the power of the 261 Fearless model, the importance of creating access and belonging, and how lessons learned in Albania will help pave the way for a future 261 Club in Kosovo. From the project's kickoff gathering in Klagenfurt, Austria, to the vision of empowering women throughout the Western Balkans, this conversation highlights how running can be a catalyst for connection, courage, and lasting change.

Growing up, Barbara DiGirolamo saw running as punishment, not something to enjoy. With parents who feared sports-related injuries and lived with disabilities, running wasn't part of her world. In this heartfelt Inner Monologue, Barbara shares how discovering running, and 261 Fearless, completely changed her perspective. What was once something to avoid became a source of gratitude, confidence, and connection. Join Barbara as she reflects on why running isn't something she has to do, it's something she gets to do. Learn more about 261 Fearless: https://www.261fearless.org/

What happens when eager and ambitious students step outside their comfort zone and apply for an internship? So. Much. Growth. In this special episode of In Fearless Conversation, we sit down with two talented student interns from Syracuse University Falk College of Sport who took the leap into working with 261 Fearless. They share their academic journeys, what led them to Syracuse, and why they were drawn to an organization dedicated to empowering women through running. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the projects they worked on, the skills they developed, and the lessons they learned about leadership, teamwork, and creating meaningful impact. They also discuss how their experience with 261 Fearless has influenced their personal and professional goals as they look toward the future. Learn more about 261 Fearless: https://www.261fearless.org/