In the Long Green Line podcast episode, Dan Konopka, the drummer for the Grammy award winning band OK GO, discussed his time as a student at York High School. Despite not being a part of the cross country team, Konopka was a student in Coach Newton's gym classes. Coach Newton would often send Konopka on errands in lieu of class and the drummer reminisces fondly about his time spent running errands for the coach. Konopka also talked about his band OK GO, which is known for their creative and visually stunning music videos that have amassed over 500 million views on YouTube, and their unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic elements.

In this episode, recorded in the Winter of 2004, Coach Newton discusses his FIRST year at YORK, He explains NTN and the Portland course, He talks about military service, especially how Vietnam impacted the team. Tells happy story of his father…going to every meet he was in. Please like, comment, and subscribe to this podcast to help us spread the word about this project. Check out our website at www.longgreenlinemovie.com for links to stream the film, purchase merchandise like shirts, hats, and DVDs, and to read more about each of these episodes. This podcast was produced by Greg Balza, with music by Kyle Wittlin, and it is hosted by Matty Arnold.

In this episode of the podcast Matty speaks with John Fisher and his mother Peggy about their time involved with York high school cross country, and Coach Joe Newton. John has become affectionately dubbed as the “heart of the film,“ for coining the phrase, “cross country is like life,” and for bringing his heart to motivational pep-talks inspired by his time influenced by Coaches Kern and Newton at York High School. John never let his journey with autism stop him from showing up on time, consistently, and giving his all to the team. His mom Peggy, shares about being the mom of two York Cross country boys, John and his older brother, Joe, who has become an inspiration in his own right as an example of humility, redemption and paying inspiration forward. Matty and Peggy Fisher also discuss how Coach Newton has impacted the lives of countless young men, and how his work might be received in today’s cancel culture world of smart phones and social media. Those from the Chicago area might find themselves a little homesick listening to this episode.