July 31, 2026
You have no idea how badly I wanted to rename my podcast that, but Chafing The Dream won instead. As Marty said in our recent recording, it’s a great title to describe what “this” is.
If you looked at my life over the last eight years on a map, it wouldn’t be a straight line, instead looking like a toddler took a crayon to a wall. As with most things in life, there were turns, sudden stops, and plenty of moments where I stared at the ceiling at 2 AM thinking, what on earth am I actually doing?
I sold running shoes, drizzled popcorn, taught students in quarantine online, and found a home teaching special education in a private therapeutic setting. I jumped into completing all sorts of events; a couple of Ragnars, half marathons in Massachusetts, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Ohio, and ran laps around Lambeau. Toss in some trail races, unexpected age group wins, and marathon relays; it was an amazing time. Yes, the majority of those turned out to be one-and-done experiences, but just doing them even once made every single one completely worth it.
I’ve also been fortunate to have spent time behind the scenes; as photographer, race shirt creator, check-in, water stations, or, most recently, dispatch. After all, if you can’t be an athlete, be an athletic supporter. Plus, I actually like it better.
Just like that crayon drawing on the wall, that’s pretty much the path my company and podcast have also gone. I’m so proud of The Flying Pig Project and how far it’s come. When Start Lines and Swag Bags debuted in August 2024, it fit where my head was at but over time, the podcast became less about the swag and much more about people sharing their stories. As the show grew into something deeper, the whole mission naturally shifted.
But writing this here today, looking back at all those chaotic moves, I don’t regret any of it. The mess was kind of necessary. Without it all, I never would have figured out what actually matters. This rebrand isn’t me pretending the last eight years were a smooth master plan. It’s just me finally landing in a spot authentic to who I am.
If you’ve been along for the ride through all the chaotic phases: thanks for sticking with me. And if you’re new here: welcome to the version that took a long, winding road to get here. It was absolutely worth all the while.