The Exchange Zone Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ryan Moran
This is a podcast brought to you by the Berkshire Running Camp, a youth running camp in western Massachusetts that believes athletic and personal enrichment go hand-in-hand. Each episode we sit down with athletes, coaches, and members of the running community to learn how their experiences with running has shaped who they are. Together we realize how our lessons on the trails and on the track can be applied to everything we do.
Scottish 3k and 5k record holder and 2016 Olympian Andy Butchart joins us from his training camp in France. The 6th place Rio 5k finisher talks about his athletic journey, his approach to racing and training, and how Scottish grass is better than American grass.
This interview was conducted in August of 2020, three months before the Spotify release.
Thanks so much to Andy Butchart for his time, as well as New Balance for their work getting us in touch with Andy!
Find a peaceful head space with the help of camp counselors Andrea Hicks and Julie Tevenan! Julie and Andrea first talk about the benefits of meditation. Meditation begins at 8:53.
For more resources with guided meditations check these out!
- Headspace (https://www.headspace.com/)
- Calm (https://www.calm.com/)
- Balance (https://www.balanceapp.com/)
- Spotify (search guided meditation)
- Audible (search guided meditation)
Zoinks, who are these cool cats? Am I seeing double? Nope, and they're not twins either. The O'Driscoll brothers Kevin and Steve hail from some very competitive Norwell High School teams under the schooling of zen master coach Chuck Martin. Kevin went on to compete at WPI as an 800m specialist and Steve chose to become a Catamount at the University of Vermont. With experience ranging from robotics to comedy, lung cell research to McDonalds food challenges, these guys have a lot to say, and all of it is DYNAMITE.
Join us as we get the low down on friendly rivalries, grape juice, and how not to weigh down a tent. Can you dig it??
Show notes:
Shaddup You Face - Joe Dolce
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFacWGBJ_cs
As one of a handful of staff members who has been at BRC every year, Weymouth boys coach John Connolly has had an immeasurable impact on both the camp and the athletes who have been lucky enough to call him coach. Running is literally a family affair for John, but his passion and commitment to the sport and to those around him go far beyond his relatives. As a critical member of the BRC family, John leads run and evening groups and is the referee (aka hype man) of cabin games every year. Beyond that, John is an easy-going guy who is always game for a good banter.
Spencer, Pat, and Ryan sit down with John to talk about trusting the process, the importance of listening, and Alexander the Great.
Don't forget to buy your BRC swag at www.berkshirerunningcamp.com/ !!
Podcast hosts Spencer Geary and Ryan Moran are a couple of guys who talk into microphones. Using their vocal chords, they project sound out of their mouths in a certain arrangement, such that when received by an ear, the sound conveys meaning.
In this episode, Spencer and Ryan talk about pole vault, going with the flow, and bland cereal.
Don't forget to buy your BRC swag at https://www.berkshirerunningcamp.com/ !!
Keene State College teammates Allison Brady and Mark "The Sauce" Rabasco are some of the most unique counselors we have at BRC because of their impressive individual skill sets. Allison is a master in sports psychology, and she has been teaching a sports psyche class at camp for the past 2 years. Her expertise in the subject, as well as her experience as a gutsy competitor, heightens her effectiveness when relating to other athletes. But at BRC, she doesn't do this alone. Mark and Allison work together to make these valuable connections in their evening groups. With his ambitious yet meticulous approach to running, Mark adds his own expertise to the mix. As a long-distance aficionado, Mark pushes boundaries every day simply for the joy of running.
These two are fearless daredevils of the running world, and they never shy away from a challenge. As crazy as they may seem, their approach could not be more grounded and rooted, with a healthy focus on self-care. We sit down with them to discuss Keene State camaraderie, sports psychology, and running #forthelog.
Resources:
Marty Jerome Running Log https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Runners-Day-Day-Calendar/dp/1449497721
The Rich Roll Podcast https://www.richroll.com/
If you need help or guidance with mental health, please know that there are resources out there that can help.
Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255
National Eating Disorder Hotline 1-800-931-2237
BRC Camp Director and MSCTA Coaching Hall of Famer Greg "Z" Zopatti has coached boys and girls XC and track at Pembroke High School for 15 years, virtually the entirety of the school's history. In that time his teams have won countless All-State and Divisional Championships in both sports, and his boys teams of 2010 and 2011 qualified for the Nike XC Nationals Race in Portland, OR, making Pembroke the smallest public high school to ever quality for the event. But beyond the successes, Z is a motivator at his core. Eternally optimistic, Z is a master at getting the most out of each and every one of his athletes, from the top 7 to the bottom 7.
In a special Pembroke edition of the BRC Podcast, Z sits down with his former athletes Pat Cunningham and Ryan Moran to discuss the art of coaching, facing adversity, and Coach Downin's flashlight.
Beverly High School alumni and best friends Danielle Bertaux and Lexi Sutyak were significant contributors to their powerhouse high school teams. Both went on to have stellar careers at Brandeis College and the University of Vermont respectively. Beyond their athletic success, they bring a spirit to camp that is uplifting and infectious. Join us as we talk to the dynamic duo about the Beverly vibe, Slender Man, and running for office.
Veteran BRC counselors Dylan Jones and Chris Warren were also teammates and good friends on the Tufts University XC and track teams. Both athletes were integral contributors to a team culture that thrives in the balance between working hard and playing hard. Dylan and Chris share with us the joys of running as a team. as we discuss Tufts running culture, boot-leggery, and the price of saffron.
Couldn't get enough of Coach Miller? Listen in to hear his take on sound quality and soft drinks, and find out who popped in as a surprise guest!
BRC camp director Mike Miller is an MSTCA COY (Coach of the Year), Boston Globe COY, and Bay State Conference COY for the Weymouth High School girls XC, indoor and outdoor track programs. He has coached many successful teams and athletes, including a legendary XC All State Championship team in 2010, and multi-time EMASS D1 XC champions in 2010 and 2011. But more importantly, Coach Miller is a one-of-a-kind coach who brings wisdom, compassion, and a sense of humor to virtually everything he does. We sit down with Miller to discuss team chemistry, motivation, and the 2008 Boston Celtics.
Julie Tevenan and Andrea Hicks were teammates and good friends at Weymouth High School, and were integral parts of a team that won the MIAA All-State Championship in 2010. Both went on to have stellar running careers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Westfield State College respectively. The two are now crushing marathons post-college. We sit down with Julie and Andrea to discuss winning that All-State title, marathon running, and life on other planets.
Pat Cunningham is an alumnus of Northeastern University, and a current member of Tracksmith, a running club that congregates in the Boston area. Pat has had much success in high school, college, and club running, with a diverse portfolio ranging from 800m to the marathon. Camp counselors Spencer Geary and Ryan Moran sit down with Pat to discuss race mentality, skin care products, and space jumps.