When Carol and Donna lace up their running shoes, they're not just embarking on a physical journey, they're navigating the complex tides of menopause with every stride. Our heartwarming finale brings these incredible women from the ERC community into the spotlight, sharing how they've turned running into a fortress of empowerment during a time that society often whispers about. As we wrap up our series of conversations with the Emancipated Run Crew community, we delve into the silent battles, the communal triumphs, and the undeniable strength found in the running community and beyond.

This episode is a celebration of resilience, a testament to the power of conversation, and a rally cry for inclusion. We honor the strides made in menopause education, inspired by Karen Arthur, Davina McCall, and countless others who have reframed this natural transition from taboo to a shared, open experience. The stories of Carol and Donna underscore the importance of movement and community at every life stage, shining a light on the unique challenges faced by black and brown women, and the power of representation in sports.

Join us as we reflect on the lessons learned and the collective wisdom we've gained from the conversations we've shared throughout this journey. We're incredibly grateful to our guests and you, our listeners, for the richness you've brought to this series. Here's to finding our pace together, to the beauty of shared experiences, and to embracing every step of life's marathon with courage and heart.

We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, X (akaTwitter) and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com . We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!

You can also follow our guests on Instagram:
Donna - @donsfitnessgram
Carol - @thisisseajay64

When the Emancipated Run Crew's Trojan Gordon, Lionel Mullin, and Greg Patmore joined us, we discovered a shared truth that many black men carry: the weight of unspoken struggles with mental health. Our conversation ventured into the transformative space where the discipline of running meets the vulnerability of mental wellness, revealing the profound impact of therapy and the creation of communities like ours that defy the age-old stoic masculine mold. We embraced not just the physical strides but also the emotional ones, as these runners helped unpack the societal pressures that often silence men's emotional voices.

This episode is a heartfelt tapestry woven with the threads of our guests' personal journeys, highlighting the importance of safe spaces where men—especially within the Black community—can find camaraderie and the strength to express their emotions fully. We delved into the challenges and triumphs of fostering openness, the patience it takes to build trust, and the surprising parallels between the vulnerability required in personal relationships and that which can lead to a security breach in a professional setting. It's clear that the path to mental wellness is not a solitary run but a group sprint, where each stride forward is supported by the empathy and understanding of our peers.

Finally, we steered the conversation towards the younger generation, discussing the delicate balance of entrepreneurship and the support that can sometimes come in conflict with personal gain. The insights shared by Trojan, Lionel, and Greg illuminated the essence of trust within friendships and familial bonds. Their stories serve as a gentle reminder of the power of listening, the courage it takes to be vulnerable, and the undeniable value of therapy in the everyday connections that shape our lives.

We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, X (akaTwitter) and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com . We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!

You can also follow our guests on Instagram:
Trojan - TheBeardedRunner
Lionel - LionRoars
Greg - Greg Patmore

In the first ever TSL Rewound, we gather around the memory of our beloved cousin Steph, whose laughter and courage echoed even as triple negative breast cancer sought to silence her, by revisiting an episode that captures her essence. Steph's legacy, woven through stories of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a relentless battle against cancer, resonates with a message of hope and the importance of cherishing every heartbeat. Her voice, a tender reminder of strength and love, takes center stage once more, inviting listeners to hold dear the wisdom of self-care and the power of dreams that defy life's darkest moments.

Imagine facing life's most profound challenges with a smile that never fades and a spirit that refuses to be dampened. Steph, our special guest  and guiding light in this episode from February 2021, did just that, painting a portrait of resilience that etches itself into the heart. Her journey through the trials of IVF, the joy of motherhood, and the rigors of managing a business while waging a war on cancer is a poignant narrative that inspires awe. It's a tale that touches the core of human perseverance, spotlighting the unshakeable love within a family and the laugh that lingers even in the silence.

Throughout our conversation with Steph, we unravel the complexities of a cancer journey amidst the loneliness of a pandemic, the support networks that become our lifelines, and the unvarnished truths of life and love in the shadow of illness. Her transformative approach to health—embracing an alkaline diet, meditation, and energy healing—not only showcases her indomitable will to live but also serves as a beacon for all navigating similar paths. We honor Steph's memory by sharing her story, a testament to the enduring power of hope and the unwavering belief in tomorrow's sunrise.

We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and you can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or listen on our website! And don’t forget to rate and review us!

Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.