Together, We Shall

Episode 63 | "The Marines are coming'...everything will be fine." Space/Air Force Marathon Director Jill Huffman

The episode blends heart, humor, and practical wisdom — a perfect representation of the Together We Shall spirit. Angel Ally and Disability Inclusion Advocate Jill Huffman, Race Director for the Space Force 10 Miler and Deputy Director for the Air Force Marathon, join us for a conversation ranging from humorous banter to deeply meaningful reflections on accessibility in racing, logistics planning, the military community, grief, and the power of running for others.  Jill shares how she brought Ainsley’s Angels to the Air Force Marathon, what race directors need from ambassadors to ensure accessibility, and why “special treatment” is really just equitable support. Her heartfelt personal story of loss and how “the Marines are coming” became her grounding mantra. Details and registration:  USAFMARATHON.com RUNSPACEFORCE.com Marine Corps Marathon - https://donate.ainsleysangels.org/51mcm [https://donate.ainsleysangels.org/51mcm] or joe@ainsleysangels.org  Audio version of the Together, We Shall Podcast can be found on Buzzsprout (link below), on the Apple Podcast app, as well as on Spotify, Amazon, and the Ainsley’s Angels YouTube channel for those seeking closed captioning or just like to watch vice listen to podcasts. https://twspodcast.buzzsprout.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0ZwNWJUaE9VbTJ1MFFuTXJWbzlicmo4cUFqUXxBQ3Jtc0trRzNxdmxTN0owekloamNxZGpQNkk5X3Z5TXJJNm85YXNCMDZySEFWcHBmM2NVakJYV2JYaHpzWnZVQUpOS29LMlZiYl9HeEtGc2VSU191bENjSFlWRlJpRDgwRzNpRS0wUEl5aEdQOEdzSlhZekt2RQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwspodcast.buzzsprout.com%2F&v=teKOdAdZEJc]   Together, We Shall Podcast is hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org

Episode 62 | "The Chair Lady...I don't have a name at events!" (Teri Durrin, Adaptive Star)

Episode 62 brings the heart, the history, and the humor. Rooster and Joe reflect on the 10 year anniversary of Ainsley’s passing, the launch of the “10 Years Later” video series, and the legacy that continues to grow. They welcome special guest Teri Durrin — the beloved “Chair Lady” of Adaptive Star — to talk about her family’s Marine Corps roots, the evolution of adaptive equipment, and a huge announcement: Adaptive Star is officially sponsoring the Ainsley’s Angels Charity Tent at the Marine Corps Marathon. It’s an episode full of emotion, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes magic that keeps our riders rolling. Marine Corps Marathon info, https://ainsleysangels.org/runwiththemarines/

Episode 61 | “Life sucks for you or for her? Make a choice. MAKE it good. Give her a good life.” (Tricia Benton)

What begins as lighthearted chatter quickly shifts into a powerful, deeply personal conversation about a mom’s journey as a mother, advocate, athlete, and leader. This powerful episode with Tricia Benton — leader, advocate, and 2023 Ainsley’s Angels Joe Orth Award recipient — navigating two premature births to raising her “triple‑threat” daughter Bailey and building a thriving Ainsley’s Angels community in Southern California, Tricia shares a raw, inspiring journey of resilience, family, and choosing joy even in the hardest moments.  Tricia’s story is a reminder that advocacy often begins and leadership expands during our lived experiences.  ⭐ The Moment Everything Changed Time Hack 9:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNQx9ZmFt8E&t=585s]-10:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNQx9ZmFt8E&t=630s]— “It sucks.”  “What sucks?”  “This life.”  “Sucks for you or for her? Then make a choice. Make it good. Give her a good life.” — Tricia’s father “Something on that day just clicked, and that’s when I became an advocate for my kid.” — Tricia Marine Corps Marathon info https://ainsleysangels.org/runwiththemarines/

Episode 60 | Chosen Twice: Jana Rugg’s Journey Through Adoption, Loss, and Reunion (Jana Rugg)

Episode 60 of the "Together We Shall Podcast" features Jana Rugg (Ainsley's Angels in Tulsa Ambassador) discussing her deeply personal journey of adoption and finding her biological parents.  "If there's something scary that you've thought about doing, do it." -Jana Rugg In this episode, Jana Rugg shares her extraordinary journey — from being born in a home for unwed mothers, to growing up as a caregiver, to losing both adoptive parents far too young, and finally to reconnecting with the biological family she never thought she’d meet. Her story includes a heartbreaking first “no,” a life‑changing second chance, and a reunion 48 years in the making. Today, Jana stands as a leader, a marathoner, and the ambassador of Ainsley’s Angels in Tulsa — living proof that courage, curiosity, and hope can rewrite a life. Here are some memorable quotes from the podcast, with timestamps: "The other part of the equation is I make content, I don't consume it." - Rooster Rossiter (1:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ3hvNUBMKU&t=115s]) "But it doesn't matter because ultimately, like making awareness of stories and journeys, don't need a specific day, week or month." - Rooster Rossiter (4:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ3hvNUBMKU&t=259s]) "And my parents always told me that I was adopted. There was never a moment that I remember learning that I was adopted... I kind of thought I was a little bit better than everybody else when I was little bitty." - Jana (6:57 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ3hvNUBMKU&t=417s]) "I really, it really did give me a good, confident, positive feeling about being adopted from the beginning to be told that I was picked." - Jana (7:16 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ3hvNUBMKU&t=436s]) "And that's why Ainsley's Angels was such a draw for me when I discovered it." - Jana (9:11 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ3hvNUBMKU&t=551s])  "It never crossed my mind that someone would say no." - Jana (29:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ3hvNUBMKU&t=1759s]) "You never really just have one more chance." - Jana (51:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ3hvNUBMKU&t=3105s]) "You can't force the timing when you're trying to recruit someone for a job and you can't force it in a relationship." - Jana (55:57 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ3hvNUBMKU&t=3357s]) "Take the chance because you can't always try again." - Jana (1:10:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ3hvNUBMKU&t=4245s]) Hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org  To join our MCM team please go to, https://ainsleysangels.org/runwiththemarines/

Episode 59 | “In real time, we don't see how dots connect, but in time we learn every dot mattered.” (Dan Cruz)

Marine Corps Marathon Journey!  This episode of the Together We Shall podcast centers on the camaraderie, history, and impact of the Ainsley’s Angels community through the lens of the Marine Corps Marathon weekend. The hosts welcome Dan Cruz, a long-time ally and communications professional in the endurance-sports world, to share his journey—from sports PR beginnings to becoming a full-fledged Ainsley’s Angels marathoner. Rooster and Joe reflect on Dan’s long-standing role as a national advocate for inclusion, praising his authenticity and leadership.  During the DC weekend, Dan received Ainsley’s Angels’ Presidential Coin for Inclusion Excellence—a recognition reserved for exceptional allies. Dan describes inclusion as beginning with respect, linking it to consistency in actions and relationships. Discussion highlights the mutual joy of allyship—helping others while being personally fulfilled through connection and shared mission. Behind-the-Scenes at the Marine Corps Marathon: The hosts share humorous race-morning stories (alarms, 4 AM wake-ups, “never miss a movement” moments). Together, We Shall Podcast is hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org Key moments and takeaways from this episode include: Inclusion through Action: Accessibility and respect are the foundation of true inclusion. Legacy of Service: Ainsley’s Angels continues to unite communities through running, compassion, and advocacy. Consistency Matters: Relationships built on authenticity and service create lasting impact. Shared Humanity: The marathon symbolizes life’s challenges and the strength found in community. ✨ “From the start line to the Iwo Jima Memorial, this episode captures the heart of inclusion, friendship, and purpose. Join Rooster, Joe, and special guest Dan Cruz as they relive an unforgettable Marine Corps Marathon weekend — filled with laughter, life lessons, and a full-circle moment of allyship.” #TogetherWeShall [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/togetherweshall] #AinsleysAngels [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ainsleysangels] #MarineCorpsMarathon [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/marinecorpsmarathon] #InclusionMatters [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/inclusionmatters] #RunningForInclusion [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/runningforinclusion] #TeamCassidy [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/teamcassidy] #AngelAlly [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/angelally] #PurposeDriven [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/purposedriven] #runwiththemarines [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/runwiththemarines] #podcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast]