In Fearless Conversation

Inner Monologue: Running is a Privilege

Growing up, Barbara DiGirolamo saw running as punishment, not something to enjoy. With parents who feared sports-related injuries and lived with disabilities, running wasn't part of her world. In this heartfelt Inner Monologue, Barbara shares how discovering running, and 261 Fearless, completely changed her perspective. What was once something to avoid became a source of gratitude, confidence, and connection. Join Barbara as she reflects on why running isn't something she has to do, it's something she gets to do. Learn more about 261 Fearless: https://www.261fearless.org/ [https://www.261fearless.org/]

The Next Generation of Fearless

What happens when eager and ambitious students step outside their comfort zone and apply for an internship? So. Much. Growth. In this special episode of In Fearless Conversation, we sit down with two talented student interns from Syracuse University Falk College of Sport [https://falk.syracuse.edu/] who took the leap into working with 261 Fearless. They share their academic journeys, what led them to Syracuse, and why they were drawn to an organization dedicated to empowering women through running. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the projects they worked on, the skills they developed, and the lessons they learned about leadership, teamwork, and creating meaningful impact. They also discuss how their experience with 261 Fearless has influenced their personal and professional goals as they look toward the future. Learn more about 261 Fearless: https://www.261fearless.org/ [https://www.261fearless.org/]

Inner Monologue: Thank You, Body

What if, instead of criticizing our bodies, we thanked them? In this heartfelt Inner Monologue, Rosy Spraker shares a deeply personal letter written to the body that has carried her through a lifetime of experiences, challenges, and adventures. With gratitude and grace, Rosy thanks her arms, legs, heart, brain, and every part of herself for the gifts they have given her along the way. As she reflects on the incredible capabilities of the human body, Rosy also celebrates the gift of running and the countless opportunities, friendships, lessons, and moments of joy that running has brought into her life. Through her words, she reminds us that our bodies are not something to judge or fight against, but something to appreciate for all they make possible. A longtime supporter of 261 Fearless [https://www.261fearless.org/], Co-Club Director of 261 Fearless DC Metro [https://www.261fearless.org/clubs/261-club-dc-metro/], and dedicated 261 Coach, Rosy has spent years helping women discover confidence, connection, and empowerment through movement. In this episode, she turns that same spirit of appreciation inward and invites listeners to do the same. Poignant, uplifting, and filled with gratitude, Thank You, Body is a beautiful reminder to honor ourselves, not for how we look, but for all that we are able to do.

The Future of Women's Sports: Trends, Data, and Opportunity

What happens when the numbers finally start telling the story women athletes have known all along? In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, host Kim Chaffee sits down with Keri Rubenstein, Assistant Professor of Sport Analytics at Syracuse University's Falk College of Sport, to explore the exciting growth of women's sports through the lens of economics, research, and data. Keri shares her journey from economics student to sports economist, discusses the evolution of sport analytics as a profession, and explains why the labor market for women athletes is one of the most fascinating stories in sports today. Together, Kim and Keri dive into the factors driving the rapid growth of women's sports, from increased media visibility and investment to the impact of role models, social media, and changing opportunities for female athletes. They also explore why researchers need to move beyond comparing women's sports to men's sports, the importance of investing in women's health and performance research, and what the future could look like if we continue to prioritize access, visibility, and opportunity. The growth of women's sports is not a passing trend—it's the result of decades of participation, passion, and perseverance finally being matched by visibility, investment, and opportunity. As researchers, leagues, media organizations, and fans continue to invest in women's sports, the possibilities for future generations of girls and women are greater than ever. CONNECT WITH 261 FEARLESS 261 Fearless is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women through running and education. Through local clubs, coach education, and leadership development programs, 261 Fearless creates supportive communities where women gain the confidence to reach beyond the run. Learn more at 261fearless.org [https://www.261fearless.org/] FOLLOW IN FEARLESS CONVERSATION If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review In Fearless Conversation. Sharing the podcast helps us reach more women with stories of courage, leadership, resilience, and empowerment. Because running is just the beginning. LEARN MORE ABOUT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY FALK COLLEGE OF SPORT https://falk.syracuse.edu/ [https://falk.syracuse.edu/]

Inner Monologue: I Don't Want To. Tough. Keep Going.

What happens when the thing that has always felt like part of your identity suddenly feels hard? In this honest and relatable Inner Monologue episode, charity runner alumni and new 261 Fearless Coach, Ellen Frazier shares the story of one of her favorite races and the mantra that carried her through it: "Is it that I don't want to, or I can't do? I don't want to. Tough. Keep going." As she reflects on that race, Ellen also opens up about a more recent struggle, feeling disconnected from running, despite identifying as a runner for much of her life. As a proud member of the Fearless Fun Patrol, Ellen has spent countless miles encouraging and empowering women at events like the Boston Marathon and Every Woman's Marathon. Yet in this season, she finds herself facing a different challenge: finding the motivation and belief to encourage herself. With a beautiful blend of vulnerability, humor, and wisdom, Ellen explores what it feels like when self-empowerment takes a temporary leave of absence, and how the support of trusted run friends can help carry us forward when our own confidence feels out of reach. This episode is a reminder that even the people who inspire others sometimes need encouragement themselves, and that perseverance doesn't always look powerful. Sometimes it simply looks like taking the next step. Whether you're feeling strong in your running right now or questioning every step, Ellen's reflections offer a compassionate reminder that you're not alone and that sometimes the most fearless thing we can do is simply keep going. Learn more about 261 Fearless here: https://www.261fearless.org/ [https://www.261fearless.org/]