Travelling podcaster, Legs for literacy - With John Leygraaf and guests #199

 In this fun episode, we welcome one of our favourite guests back on our show, Santa Claus. It was tough getting Santa back; he is so busy this time of the year, but Diane managed to pull it off for a 6th time. Great job Diane. We ask Santa a few questions about keeping in shape, his coldest Christmas Eve ever and how important it is to give during the holiday season. Sit back and enjoy some candy cane in your Hot chocolate, and listen to the jolly guy himself. Merry Christmas, everyone. This will be our last episode until sometime in the New Year, time to be with family and friends,  enjoying quality time with them. See you in 2026; I'm looking forward to it. Motivate to Move email:[email protected] Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveAs always, give the gift of life and donate blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

 Riverview Running Idiots 5 K Fun Run (Part of our Travelling Podcaster Series) In this episode of Motivate to Move, we hit the road once again for another stop in our Travelling Podcaster Series — this time with the Riverview Running Idiots! On November 27 at 6 PM, this fun-loving group gathered for their Idiots 5 K Fun Run, bringing together about 40 runners of all levels. Some were just wrapping up their Couch to 5 K journey, while others were seasoned runners — but everyone crossed the line with a smile. There were snacks, prizes, and plenty of laughter, plus a few great door prizes too. A special shout-out goes to Sam, who handcrafted all the medals in her spare time — they were absolutely amazing! We also want to recognize our event sponsor, Bumper to Bumper, who went above and beyond to make the night a success. What a fantastic job they did — along with all the volunteers who made it possible. Without Kendra, Julie, and Sam, events like this simply wouldn’t happen. After the run, we chatted with several participants to capture the energy, stories, and community spirit that make small local events so special. Sometimes the best races aren’t the biggest — they’re the ones that bring people together. 🎧 Tune in for this heart-warming, down-to-earth episode of Motivate to Move — proof that running is always better with good friends, good fun, and a little local flavour.Motivate to Move email:[email protected] to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20movePlease give the gift of life and donate blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

In this episode of Motivate to Move, we continue our powerful conversation with Boyd Dunleavey, a two-time Acute Myeloid Leukemia survivor who has faced more in life than most could imagine. In Part 2, Boyd dives into what keeps him grounded: healthy eating, positive lifestyle choices, and the power of intermittent fasting. He shares which fasting approach works best for him and how moderation and self-control have become the foundation for his health and happiness — and the perfect title for this episode. Boyd also opens up about living with neuropathy, his two Halifax Marathons (both incredibly tough races), and the sheer determination it took to complete them. Since a serious car accident, he’s run eight of his eighteen marathons, proving once again that his drive and faith know no limits. Of course, there’s a little fun mixed in too — from Disney runs and unforgettable post-race cookies (yes, the chocolate chip and shortbread kind!) to his hopeful plans for another Fredericton full or half marathon this spring, if his health allows. This conversation captures everything Motivate to Move is about: perseverance, gratitude, balance, and the joy of just keeping on moving.Motivate to Move email:motivatetomove.podcast#gmail.comMotivate to Move YouTube channel:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20movePlease donate blood today and give the gift of life.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

 In this episode of Motivate to Move, we welcome back Boyd Dunleavey, a two-time survivor of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and someone who has truly stared down impossible odds. Boyd is a longtime listener, and after everything he’s been through, we wanted him back on our show. Boyd was first diagnosed in 2011, and after his cancer returned, he ultimately received a life-saving stem-cell transplant in 2012. His donor, Nathan Barns, was flown by the U.S. Army from Japan to make the donation that would give Boyd another chance at life. Even his doctors have told him how shocking it is that he’s still here today. Boyd’s passion for living shines through in everything he does. He is actively involved with Man Up to Cancer, participates in Disney races, and has run multiple Boston Marathons, along with many other full and half marathons. On top of all that, he plays guitar and brings that same enthusiasm to his music.This episode is Part 1 of a 2-part series, where Boyd shares the beginning of his extraordinary journey — his diagnosis, the stem-cell transplant, his deep faith, and the gratitude he carries forward every day. An inspiring start to a story filled with courage, resilience, and hope.Motivate to Move email:[email protected] to Move Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveAs always, please give the gift of life and donate blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

In this episode of Motivate to Move, we chat with Savannah Awde, a Fredericton-based adventurer, journalist, and all-around powerhouse. When she’s not working as a reporter and editor for CBC, Savannah can be found pushing her limits — on the trails, in the mountains, or halfway up a frozen waterfall. Savannah recently completed 85 km at Loonie Loops, her longest distance yet! John met her there in the middle of the night — she was smiling, chatting, and moving strongly while he tried to keep up (and didn’t). In July, she took her energy to the Québec Mega Trail, and when she’s not running, she’s out rock climbing, scaling cliffs, or ice climbing in the winter. We talk about what drives her, how she balances a demanding career with her passion for adventure, and the funny, unforgettable moments that come with exploring wild places. From late-night ultrarunning conversations to epic photos hanging off icy cliffs — this episode is as inspiring as it is entertaining. 🎧 Tune in for laughs, motivation, and a healthy dose of “if she can do it, maybe I can too.”Motivate to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveMotivate to Move email:[email protected] the gift of life and donate blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

 We wanted to try something a bit different for our 200th episode. We recorded on 2 different evenings, and I would piece it together no problem, right? On Wednesday, we had a massive thunderstorm, and the internet wasn't good; the program stopped recording. Luckily, people stayed to give me more content, and I want to thank them because 15 minutes turned into 90 minutes easily.  The second evening, everything went off without a hitch, awesome. I did get much more content the second evening but that was okay. I put it all together, and hopefully you enjoy some of our favourites. It was a fun way to ask people why they decided to come on our podcast in the first place. We ask more questions and, of course, do some Irrelevant game questions. So many great people to chat with, it's an amazing time with all of them. Motivate to move email:[email protected] to Move Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveAs always, please give the gift of life and donate blood today!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

 Legs for Literacy is back, and I take my mic and my recording program and interview as many people as possible. I want to know how their Legs for Literacy experience went for them. How was the weather and the course? Will they run the event again, and what was the course support like? It is an incredible feeling to hear someone telling you live how they crushed their goal at the finish line—some incredible stories from incredible people. Motivate to Move email:[email protected] to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveAs always, give the gift of life and donate blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

 We sit down with runner, filmmaker, and world traveller Mark Hemmings, whose running story is anything but ordinary. Mark only started taking trail running seriously in April 2023, and instead of easing in, he immediately set his sights on getting listed on the Fastest Known Time (FKT) website. His target? The legendary Fundy Footpath — a brutally challenging 64.3 km trail along the rugged New Brunswick coastline. Along with good friends Colin Swift and Markus, Mark completed the full route in 17.5 hours, mixing endurance with laughter and the occasional moment of chaos. The entire journey was documented and turned into an 18-minute film, which premiered at the Outdoor Outdoor Film Festival (OOFF) starting October 16th. But Mark’s adventures don’t stop there. When he’s not tearing up trails, he’s leading groups of runners up Mount Fuji in Japan — a country he’s visited 18 times. He shares the wild story of climbing through lava rock, razor-sharp volcanic sand, and even a typhoon, with sideways wind, sideways rain, and moments where crawling was the only safe option. We also get into Mark’s humbling moments — like leaving Loonie Loops feeling discouraged after pushing too hard, too early. Instead of quitting, he’s reframing pride, reworking strategy, and planning smarter. Another 100-miler attempt is definitely coming. Oh, and did we mention he qualified for Boston — again — but never got to race it? Legs for Literacy will be his fourth attempt at redemption. From FKTs to films to typhoons on volcanoes — this one delivers inspiration, adventure, and real talk on resilience.Motivate to Move email:[email protected] to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveAs always, please give the gift of life and donate blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

In this episode, it’s just your favourite duo — John and Diane — catching up on everything life, running, and a little bit of lawn bowling! We kick things off with Diane, who says she’s too busy to go to work — and she’s not kidding. Between lawn bowling in multiple leagues, playing with her grandson (and winning, of course), being president of the Centennial Lawn Bowling Club, running, and co-hosting this podcast, her days are jam-packed. Then John shares his experience at this year’s Loonie Loops — a 24-hour trail running event around a beautiful 3.1 km lake loop. Armed with determination (and hiking poles to protect a torn meniscus), John pushed through 33 laps for a total of 102 km, earning himself a spot on the event’s Wall of Fame. He talks about his strategy, mindset, the challenges through the night, and why this was one of the best-run events he’s ever attended. It’s an episode full of motivation, planning, perseverance — and the reminder that sometimes the best things happen when you keep moving forward, one lap at a time. 🎧 Tune in to hear the stories, laughs, and inspiration from the Motivate to Move crew!Motivate to Move email:[email protected] to Move Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveAs always, please consider giving the gift of life by donating blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

Episode #195 – The New Pickleball of Winter Sports: Stick Curling with Harry McDougall This week on Motivate to Move, we welcome Harry McDougall, who’s bringing fresh energy back to Saint John’s curling scene. After returning home, Harry found the old curling club nearly shut down and lifeless. Instead of letting it fade away, he helped breathe new life into the rink by launching a stick curling league. Now, Friday nights are buzzing with action, and the club proudly hosts the largest stick curling league in Canada. Harry shares how this version of curling makes the game more accessible, fun, and social — and why he believes stick curling is quickly becoming the “Pickleball of Winter sports.” We dive into how the league came together, why participation is growing so fast, and what makes stick curling the perfect fit for all ages. Whether you’re a longtime curler or just looking for a new way to stay active in the colder months, this episode is sure to inspire. 👉 If today’s conversation got you curious, check out your local curling club — you may be surprised to find stick curling happening right in your own community. Give it a try, meet new people, and keep moving all winter long!Motivate to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveMotivate to Move email:[email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.