Shows / Taking Chances - Why not you?
Taking Chances - Why not you?
Taking Chances – Why Not You? What if the only thing standing between you and doing something extraordinary… is the decision to try?Taking Chances – Why Not You? is a podcast that turns curiosity into courage. Each episode features genuine, down‑to‑earth people who have achieved remarkable things—Olympic gold medalists, world champions, Guinness World Record holders, ultra‑distance race winners, Leadville Trail 100 finishers, backyard ultra champions, and founders of successful businesses.These…
Episodes
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Why not you? John O'Brien Solo
Just me doing a solo episode on what Taking Chances - Why not you? Is really all about.It's about being motivated, having mental toughness, taking risks, doing…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Why not you? - Scott Kummer - Ten Junk Miles
Scott Kummer is an attorney, doberman owner and quite possibly the most painstakingly average runner known to man. Scott has stumbled through numerous plus 4…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Why not you? - Run of Hope - Mark 7
The Run of Hope Liberty Torch Relay - The Run of Hope Liberty Torch Relay Mark 7 born as Mark Llewhellin in Haverfordwest, Wales, left school with low…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Why not you? - Gavin Brown 2
Gavin gives us a recap of his amazing run across the entire state of Colorado...680 miles in 14 days. On June 7th, he started running across the state of…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Why not you? - Eric Strand
This week, meet the one and only Eric Strand (@lead_feet) on Instagram— an absolute ultra-running machine and the definition of what it means to push human…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Why not you? - Molly Cain
In 2012, Molly Cain’s life changed in an instant. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, she spent nearly three weeks in a coma and woke up paralyzed…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Why not you? Jennifer Brown
What if one simple decision… could change everything? (Taking Chances - Why not you?)In this powerful episode, I sat down with @thisiowamom Jennifer Brown, a…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Why not you? - Tom Kelley
I sat down with Tom Kelley, a true leader in college athletics and a cornerstone of Framingham State University. With over 40 years dedicated to the…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Why not you? Amy De Seyn
I’m so excited to introduce you to Amy—someone who truly embodies what it means to take a chance and turn passion into purpose.Amy has spent the last ten years…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Matt Ostrom
What does it look like to take a chance on yourself—and keep climbing?In this episode of Taking Chances – Why Not You?, I sit down with Matt Ostrom, a Quad…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Why not you? - Gavin Brown
On the next Taking Chances – Why Not You? @Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@takingchanceswhynotyou/videosThe podcast that challenges the quiet doubts, the…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Tara Schuster Flesch
Today’s guest knows how to go far—really far—and still get faster doing it.We’re joined by Tara Schuster Flesch, an ultrarunner who consistently redefines what…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Jackie Young - Episode 43
Jackie YoungOwner of Fleet Feet Davenport and Fleet Feet Des Moines—helping thousands of runners take their first steps, break PRs, and find the gear that…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Artist Aimee - AF Tattoo Studio
PODCAST INTRO — “Taking Chances: Why Not You?”Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You? — the podcast where we dive into the real, raw, and remarkable…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Travis Swanson - Episode 40
aking Chances – Why Not You?This week, I’m sitting down with someone who defines grit, resilience, and the power of choosing a different path: Travis Swanson —…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Maurice Lowan - MarathonPandaMaurice - Episode 39
🚀 Meet Maurice Lowman — a.k.a. MarathonPandaMaurice 🐼🏃♂️One of the most relentless runners you’ll ever meet.🏅 43 Marathons🏅 100+ Half Marathons🏅 2 Ultra…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Amanda Green - Episode 37
🔥 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️Taking Chances – Why Not You? (Coming Next Monday February 16th) I sat down with the incredible Ace Verde Amanda Green and trust me, her…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 36 - Eliaz Willis
🎙️ Podcast Intro:*"Today, we’re honored to welcome an extraordinary athlete, advocate, and trailblazer—Eliaz Willis. Known to many as Liz, Eliaz is a U.S…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Steve Anderson - Episode 35 - Operation BBQ Relief
🎙️ Podcast Intro: Honoring Leadership with Steve AndersonWelcome to today’s episode, where we celebrate the heart of service and leadership. Each year…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Why not you? Year end 2025
2025 Year-End Recap: Taking Chances - Why Not You?What a remarkable year it's been for Taking Chances - Why Not You?! In 2025, we dropped 34 powerful episodes…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Scott Anderson - THE SCOTT BOYS
🎙️ S. Scott AndersonScott Anderson is a lifelong storyteller whose journey blends journalism, executive leadership, and a passion for history. An avid reader…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Solo #3
🎙️ Podcast "Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You? I’m your host, John O’Brien, and today we’re diving into solo episode number three.Recently, I…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - John O'Brien - "Finding a way"
Just me, solo, recapping an episode and then realizing that this Podcast highlights people who end up being able to FIND A WAY to get shit done! It's that…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Bella & Kathryn Miletich
🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You?Episode Title: “Sisters in the Arena: Bella & Kathryn Miletich”Today’s episode is a masterclass in grit, discipline, and…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Craig Burns
🎙️ Welcome back to Taking Chances, the podcast where we celebrate bold moves, unexpected turns, and the stories that shape us. Today’s guest is someone who…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Solo - John
🎙️ Podcast Intro: Taking Chances – Why Not You? (Solo Debut Episode)Welcome to Taking Chances – Why Not You? Today… it’s just me. That’s right—your host flying…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - John O'Brien (that's me!) Guest host: Traci (my wife) 1
🎙️ Podcast Promo: Meet John O'Brien — Grit, Growth, and the Long RunFrom the streets of Peabody, Massachusetts to the finish line of one of the toughest…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 26 - Anais Elanko
🎙️ Today’s guest is someone who’s not only a powerhouse in the marketing world—but also a cherished part of my family’s story.Anais Elenko is a wife, a mother…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 25 - Traci Kristine O'Brien
💥 Meet Traci Kristine O'Brien 💥My wife Traci Kristine OBrien is one of the bravest, most resilient people I know — and on Monday, you’ll hear why.Her career…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 24 - John DeDoncker Part Deux
🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? is back with a powerhouse episode featuring the one and only John DeDonckerHe’s 61 years old. He’s a 9-time Leadville Trail…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 23 - Andy Yohe
🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You?🎤 Andy Yohe – He’s a living testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of sport to heal and elevate. Born with hockey…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 22 - John O'Brien
🎙️ Podcast Intro: Taking Chances – Why Not You?Today’s episode is personal. It’s about grit, sacrifice, and the kind of quiet strength that doesn’t ask for…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 21 - Stacia Carroll
🎙️ Podcast Intro: “Taking Chances – Why Not You?” featuring Stacia Carroll🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? From marathons to muscle, we’ve explored what the…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 20 - Kevin Bullard
🎙️ Podcast Intro: Kevin Bullard Today’s guest is the kind of man who doesn’t just chase greatness—he pedals, swings, and drives straight through it.Born during…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 19 - Phil Young
🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? with Phil Young!!!Phil is living proof that chasing big dreams—on foot and in business—can lead to extraordinary places. Meet…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 18 - Beth Jannery
Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You?, the show where bold moves, transformative stories, and fearless leadership take center stage.Today’s guest is…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 17 - Brian Doerfeld
🎙️ “Today’s guest is Brian Doerrfeld – a Quad Cities native whose journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Growing up immersed in golf and sports…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 16 - Michele Hartwig
Michele Hartwig is a passionate runner, race director, and all-around trail enthusiast from Crystal Lake, Illinois. Michele has chased personal goals with…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 15 - Erin Montgomery
Today's guest embodies endurance, dedication, and heart. Meet Erin Montgomery, a force of nature from Clinton, Iowa, where she lives with her partner Todd and…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 14 - Mark Ironfield
🎙️ Welcome to Taking Chances – Why Not You? – the podcast that celebrates bold moves, relentless grit, and the power of transformation.Today’s guest is living…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 13 - Brandon Bartz
🎙️Taking Chances: Why Not You? Episode Featuring Brandon BartzWhat do you get when you mix adrenaline, vision, grit—and just a little bit of crazy? You get…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 12 - Michelle Juehring
Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You?—the show that celebrates transformation, resilience, and the people who lead with heart. Today’s guest is the…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 11 - Stephen Paul
Straight from the bayou country - West Monroe, LA, Stephen Paul’s music is inspired by his cajun roots and classic country. Combining a traditional 90’s…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 10 Evan Kilstrom
Taking Chances – Why Not You? —the podcast where we dive into the bold moves, the big dreams, and the everyday people who prove that the impossible is just a…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 9 John Byrne
Join us for an electrifying episode with Dr. John Byrne, Professor Emeritus at St. Ambrose University, professional speaker, and expert in goal setting and…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 8 - John DeDoncker
🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨 Ultra-running fans, get ready for an inspiring conversation with none other than John DeDoncker—a legend in endurance sports! John is an…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 7 - Michael Wardian
Welcome to Taking Chances - Why not you? where we dive deep into the minds of the world's best athletes, thinkers, and visionaries. Today, I had the absolute…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 6 - Curt Johnston
I had the privilege of sitting down with Curt Johnston, a 2018 Leadville 100 Trail Race finisher, for a conversation packed with grit, determination, and a…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 5 - Pat Angerer
Hey everyone, quick heads-up—this episode’s audio is a little rough. I got a new camera, and somehow the recording defaulted to the computer’s mic instead of…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 4 - Mark Dowdle
I recently had the opportunity to interview Mark Dowdle, who has won the Wausau Limitless last man standing ultra marathon two years in a row. This year he ran…
Taking Chances - Why not you?Freestyle - Episode 1 - OB and Kyle
Our first attempt at doing this. We talk about running and all kinds of other stupid stuff.
Taking Chances - Why not you?Taking Chances - Episode 3 - Pat Miletich
Pat sits down with me and we talk about our Mom's, what it was like growing up, Running, Training, Work, Business and of course we couldn't do this without…