This episode features the inspiring story of Chris and Diana Twiggs, and their son Brendan Twiggs, who have relentlessly dedicated their time to relief work in Ukraine over the past few years, and perhaps more importantly built friendships of solidarity. Diana Twiggs, a practicing physician, started volunteering with International Medical Relief, providing essential medical care and support in urgent regions.
Through Diana’s initiative, Chris and Brendan have joined the cause. Chris, well known in the running community as the National Training Director for the Galloway Run-Walk-Run program, partners with Diana on trips to Ukraine, bringing medical supplies and supporting humanitarian efforts, and spreading the word. Their latest visit included both Lviv—a vital base for relief work close to the Polish border—and the capital Kyiv, where they participated in the Kyiv Marathon, standing in solidarity with Ukraine’s resilient spirit and thousands of fellow runners. They also brought medical relief supplies most recently to Traveling Colonels, a group of military veterans providing critical medical relief to the front lines where through dedicated people across the country.
Brendan Twiggs stands out for his ongoing commitment, joining us from the streets of Lviv as we hear the sounds of everyday life in his daily commute. Lviv Volunteer Kitchen—founded in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea by caring individuals; serves as a place to connect relief workers to needs on the ground.
The Twiggs' reflections in this episode emphasize how showing up for others can bridge divides and demonstrate in person that Ukrainians are not forgotten. They also the harrowing actions that everyday Ukrainians are taking to support their neighbors and countrymen as they fight to regain peace while striving to live a meaningful life each day. What can you do?
***Get Involved, Advocate, Give or Learn More***
International Medical Relief: https://internationalmedicalrelief.org/
Medical supplies were also brought to Kyiv through Traveling Colonels: https://thetravelingcolonels.com/
Lviv Volunteer Kitchen Charity: Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lvivkitchen/ or through local Ukrainian relief networks.
Kyiv Marathon:
Event info at https://kyivmarathon.org/ and through charity run directories.
***Take Action: Contact Your Representatives***
Your voice matters. Get informed and then urge continued support for Ukraine by contacting your US representatives!
Find Your Elected Officials: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
Direct link for Senate and House contacts.
For more inspiring stories and resources in the running community, visit and share: https://www.runninganthropologist.com
Moving Forward: Run Walk Talk Therapy with Sepideh Saremi & Launching the Mini Handbook of Running Therapy
In this very special episode, we sit down with Sepideh Saremi, founder of Run Walk Talk Therapy—a trailblazer whose groundbreaking approach brings movement and therapy together in the most accessible way possible. Sepideh’s Run Walk Talk method invites people to experience the power of therapy while moving side-by-side, turning a walk or run into a safe space for honest conversation, healing, and personal growth.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a total beginner, or simply curious about how our bodies and minds are connected, this episode will inspire and equip you. Sepideh shares how Run Walk Talk Therapy breaks down barriers, supports mental health, and welcomes all bodies and ability levels—with no performance pressure and every pace celebrated. You’ll also discover the research behind why walking (or running) while talking can unlock insight, reduce anxiety, and build deeper connections.
And that’s not all! We’re thrilled to announce the publication of the Mini Handbook of Running Therapy: How Movement Becomes Medicine for the Mind. Drawing from the latest science, real-world stories, and practical tools, this concise guide is for anyone seeking hope, motivation, or new ways to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression. Whether you’re a runner, walker, therapist, coach, or just looking for a fresh start, the handbook meets you right where you are.
Get your copy today! The Mini Handbook of Running Therapy is now available on Kindle and Amazon for 99 cents, or you can download the complete PDF for free. All links are in the show notes and below.
Kindle/Amazon: https://a.co/d/53lsZDS
Tune in, download the handbook, and join us as we explore Run Walk Talk Therapy and the movement for movement—with Sepideh Saremi. Let’s move minds, together. Read and explore more:
www.runninganthropologist.com
In this special Boston Marathon episode, we sit down right after the race with Dennis Lavoie—a remarkable runner from Maine living with Usher Syndrome Type 2, which causes both profound hearing loss and legal blindness. Just six years after taking up running, Dennis has completed all six World Marathon Majors, earning the prestigious Six Star Medal. He may be the first person in his para category (both blind and deaf) to achieve this milestone.
This year, Dennis’s regular guide was sidelined last minute, and our chance partnership was formed. We share stories from a history-filled weekend, including a pre-race dinner with my mentor Mark Bauman (Boston Marathon streak world record holder and this year’s official starter), and lining up with the competitive para athletes division right behind the elite women. We even had the chance to encourage running legends like Des Linden, Sarah Hall, and Paula Radcliffe.
Boston’s course is legendary, and the crowds carried us from Hopkinton through Wellesley’s “scream tunnel” and up the infamous Newton hills. Despite a hip flexor injury, Dennis finished strong—qualifying again for next year.
We also discuss the tough Boston qualification process, the rarity of the Six Star Medal, and the power of community and tradition on marathon day.
Learn more about Dennis’s story: [Bangor Daily News article]1
Support and learn about para athletes: Team With a Vision
See photos and read more: Running Anthropologist Blog: www.Runninganthropologist.com
Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast, where we are taking you on a journey through the Tunnel Marathon destination race in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing the Race Director to get an inside look at the event, as well as hearing from four runners about their experience from start to finish.
The Tunnel Marathon is known for its stunning course, which takes runners through a historic railway tunnel that stretches for over two miles, providing a unique and memorable backdrop for the race. With its gradual downhill slope, many runners come to this race aiming for a personal best or simply looking to soak in the breathtaking scenery of the Cascade Mountains.
We kick off our episode by speaking with the Race Director, who shares insights into the history of the race, the logistics of organizing such a large-scale event, and what makes the Tunnel Marathon truly special. We then hear from four runners who participated in the event, each with their own unique perspective. From the anticipation at the starting line to the exhilaration of crossing the finish line, we dive into their experiences, challenges, and moments of triumph throughout the race. So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the Tunnel Marathon and all it has to offer! Explore more at www.runninganthropologist.com or @runninganthropologist on FB/IG
