Podcast Interviews
Listen and Watch
Episode 032 with the Chidiadi Rising Onyeukwu
On this episode of Perfect Timing Multisport, Mike had a chance to chat with Rising about his journey as an athlete, as well as a student leader at Darden School of Business.
Growing up as a track athlete, Rising learned that it was essential to take the advice of the leaders around him. In addition, through track, he understood that it was essential to run your own race, and not worry about someone else’s pace. This has been something he's taken into his program at Darden as it's presented a number of challenges on its own.
Last, we shared about all the events Darden’s Black Business Student Association and Black Professional MBA Student Association clubs have planned for University of Virginia’s Black Alumni Week in April.
In closing, be sure to connect with Rising, on LinkedIn, or on Instagram by following him through RisingsLens.
Episode 031 with Craig Tiede
On this week's episode of Perfect Timing Multisport, Mike had a chance to sit down with Craig Tiede. In this conversation, Craig shared a bit about his journey as an artist, a runner, and how the two have helped him navigate difficult times over the years. Craig also shared how he entered the music industry by organizing tours for his band while in high school, to ultimately managing a tour throughout Asia and Europe for NxWorries, a team composed of Anderson Paak and Knxwledge.
To sum up this interview with a simple phrase often used during the episode, “it was a vibe.”
For those that are in Darden, make sure you head over to Spotify to check out Craig’s profile and click that heart to add Darden Dank to your library.
For everyone else, make sure you check out head over to Craig’s workout playlist and add your favorites to the playlist. Also, be sure to check out Anderson Paak’s 501c3 non-profit organization - Paak House
Finally, to connect with Craig, you can find him on LinkedIn, or by following him on Instagram @CraigardenTiede.
Episode 030 with the Spencer Mitchell of Heads Up For Harry
* Content Warnings: Mentions of Loss, Death, and Suicide.
On this episode of the PTM Podcast, Mike had an opportunity to sit down with Spencer Mitchell, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board for Heads Up For Harry (HU4H). HU4H is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young adults affected by mental illness, and their loved ones, find the resources and support they need.
Spencer was able to share a bit about his friend, Harrison 'Harry' Willingham, and discussed some of the work the HU4H team has done to help people connect and share experiences, and insights around mental health and wellness.
Be sure to check out their website, and give them a follow on instagram at @heads_up_for_harry.
For those that need help identifying resources, the 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
#PerfectTimeForImpact: We are asking ten (10) people in the PTM community to donate $10 to ensure that Heads Up For Harry is able to continue spreading the message and mission through marketing efforts that share reminders for young adults to keep their heads up and be engaged in their mental health and the well being of their friends, family, classmates, and colleagues.
#JuneteenthRunAndRide Athlete Briefing
On this weeks episode of The @PerfectTimingMultisport Podcast, we take it back to the old days and went LIVE as we prepare for the #JuneteenthRunAndRide.
PTM Cohost @tiempoferpecto takes a moment to interview @innkeeperfreddie, @michandashinesand @shipphappens215 to answer questions participants had, and educate the community on why this event is important to them.
Please note, things got a little spicy so put those earplugs in the kiddos ears around minute 50 🤬 #BlameItOnThePassion 🤣✊🏽
Episode 029 with the #1928LegacyTour Riders
On this week's episode of The @PerfectTimingMultisport Podcast, Mike (@ShippHappens215) turns an unexpected, and extended delay during day 2 of the ride into an opportunity to learn more about the @MajorKnoxAdventures, #1928LegacyTour riders: Keshia (@Keshia.Ro), Courtney (@Court_N_Session), Alissa (@Queen_The_Machine), Regina (@ReginaDM) and Daniela (@TiempoFerpecto).
To learn more about the 1928 Legacy Ride, check out Episode 23 of The PTM Podcast, and stay tuned for extended interviews with each rider to be released at a later date.
Episode 028 with Dani and Mike
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we hopped on for the first time on the mic together for a full episode to chat about what we’ve been up to as Dani gets ready to start the @MajorKnoxAdventures #1928LegacyRide and we announce all you need to know for the PTM Juneteenth weekend events. Yes, as y’all might remember from last year, we go all out and we hope to roll deep. Check out the details in our LinkTree or the PTM Website to register or run/ride virtually with us.
Dani can be found on the gram @tiempoferpecto and Mike can be found @shipphappens215
To learn more about the 1928 Legacy Ride listen to episode 23 of the podcast.
Episode 027 with Bina Bilenky
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we talked to Bina the director and owner of the Philly Bike Expo (PBE). The only woman that owns a bike expo in the US. Pause, the only one. Yep, you read that right. Check out the episode to hear about Bina’s Tour d’Afrique, the start of the Philly Bike Expo and the PBE Women’s Racing Team.
Bina can be found on the gram at @binab85 and via @PhillyBikeExpo
Episode 026 with Jeryl
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we talked to Jeryl Hayes who’s a triathlete/marathoner and a Reproductive Justice (RJ) advocate and lawyer. In our conversation with Jeryl we learned about how she began to trust her body to achieve triathlons and marathons, and about the importance of being in spaces that celebrate Black women. Considering that Jeryl and Daniela share movement work, you’ll also hear conversations about Reproductive Justice and radical rest during the COIVD-19 pandemic.
Jeryl can be found on the gram at @jdhayes4
Episode 025 with Iesha Pankey
On this week’s episode of The PTM Podcast, we talked to Iesha Pankey. For those of you who don’t know Iesha yet, she is focused much like her insta handle describes and she’s driven by science -the why and the how. It’s no surprise that Iesha is a strong advocate for black women in STEM and a driven community leader. Throughout the episode we get to hear how athletics, her profession, and leadership come together in her life to build community and build new leaders.
Iesha can be found on the gram at @focused428
You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
Episode 024 with Christina
On this week’s episode of The PTM Podcast, we talked to Christina, a lifelong runner who during COVID times has transformed her training, thereby transforming herself in the process. Christina’s laughter is contagious, so prepare yourself for fun episode!
Christina is also an ambassador for Athletic Brewing (Use DANIELAOD20 for 20% off your first order) so you’ll hear us share some brews together on the episode.
Christina can be found on the gram at @oragnes.xe.
Episode 023 with Keshia Roberson
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we interviewed Keshia Roberson who you might remember from Episode 03 of our podcast. Keshia is currently organizing the 1928 Legacy Tour, a part of A Major Knox Legacy Adventures series, to honor Marylou Jackson, Velma Jackson, Ethyl Miller, Leolya Nelson and Constance White — five Black women who biked 250 miles over three days from Harlem to Washington D.C. Hear all about how you can follow and support this amazing adventure that centers and honors the legacy of these Black women.
To follow the riders use #AMKLA #1928LegacyTour to follow the adventure check out majorknoxadvetures.com.
To dig deeper into the history of the ride tune into @TheBicycleStory Episode 8 - Bikes, Race, and Racing in 1928
Keshia can be found @kesha.ro and you can follow Track Tuesdays @_tracktuesdays
Episode 022 with Lani Woods
On this week's episode of Perfect Timing Multisport, Mike had the pleasure of connecting with Creator of Black With Endurance, Lani Woods. During this episode, Lani shares a bit on her entry to athletics, ways in which she manages bipolar and depression, and how she turned a horrific leg injury during a Spartan race into a continued success story with hopes to encourage others, and diversify the sports that bring her joy!
We are so grateful to share this space with Lani and the BWE team, and look forward to ongoing collaborations!
Make sure you connect with Lani on IG at @Evolution_of_Lani, and head over to follow and subscribe to @BlackWithEndurance and @Unrelenting_Humans on IG and wherever you get your podcasts.
You can watch this episode on YouTube.
Episode 021 with Ant Jenkins
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we talked to Anthony “Ant” Cooper-Jenkins who shared with us how their love for art and cycling turned into an opportunity to design the 2021 Black History Month Cycling Kit for Pactimo. Ant also shares with us a bit about his upbringing and growing up in different parts of the world. We couldn’t be more excited to be back on Black History Month with this amazing story for you all.
👏🏽Get👏🏽The👏🏽Kit👏🏽
Ant can be found on the gram at @anthony0307
Episode 020 with Gaftie Marlow
On this week episode of The PTM Podcast, we had the opportunity to connect with a DMV and Marine Corps Marathon Legend, Graftie (LOL) Marlow. In this conversation we were able to learn how Gaftie learned how to swim as an adult in order to "save his own life", and ultimately compete in Full Distance Triathlons (aka IRONMAN). Gaftie did not shy away from the topic concerning Black Lives, how he show's up for his communities, and what he hopes to see as we progress as a country moving forward!
You can watch this episode on YouTube.
Episode 019 with John Lewis
On this weeks episode of The PTM Podcast, we sat down with another Philly grown athlete, John Lewis. Throughout this conversation, we were able to learn much more about John's introduction to athletics through football in Philly, and ultimate journey to track and field. John also shares stories during his collegiate days at Clemson University, and how he used the loss of his grandmother as motivation during the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Track and Field Championship in route to a Personal Record. Now a professional runner with District Track Club, John shares how his team and supporters like Under Armor continue to push him further each day as a runner.
Be sure to connect with John on IG at j_lew800.
Episode 018 with Darien Edwards
On this week’s episode of The PTM Podcast, we sat down with ultra FAST runner, and Active Duty Marine, Darien Edwards to wrap up Veteran’s Day. During this episode, we got to learn more about the journey from Darien's upbringing in a small New Jersey town, to Baltimore, Miami, and eventually into the Marines in 2018. Now stationed in Quantico looking to transition off of active duty, Dairen shares his love for the DMV community, and his excitement to stay in the area once his enlistment comes to an end. You don’t want to miss this episode from this PTM OG!
You can watch this episode on YouTube.
Episode 017 with Colonel Yvonne Spencer
As we return to our regular schedule post elections, we want to celebrate veterans in the multisport community. On this week’s episode of the PTM Podcast, we talked to Colonel Yvonne Spencer, founder FastChix. Born in Pittsburg and raised in Columbia, Maryland Col. Spencer is finally back where she was raised after 19 moves. To calm your wonder, yes, Col. Spencer is Steelers fan and interviewed for this podcast in our home studio which also happens to be an Eagles household! Col. Spencer, shares with us her experience in the Air Force Academy, her perseverance as a leader in the Air Force and her story as an athlete that leads her to build FastChix.
You can also check out that new, new, off the press in Triathlete Mag: “Why aren't there more Black triathletes” by Dr. Shaunna Payne Gold, Col. Yvonne Spencer and Heather Toney - web version of the article is forthcoming.
Colonel Spencer can be found on the gram at @withlipgloss and fastchix1_.
You can watch the recorded interview with Von on YouTube.
Episode 016 with Chickaro Martin
On this week’s episode of the PTM podcast we talked to Chickaro Martin, who shared with us how they’ve brought sports and civic duty together. Chickaro, a social entrepreneur and former Division 1 athlete, known as the “Health Architect” shares with us his latest initiative called Run the Polls centered around voting education and getting out the vote.
For Chickaro, accessibility to fitness and community impact is where it’s at. To learn more about him head to thehealtharchitectdc.com.
You can watch this episode on YouTube.
Episode 015 with Innkeeper Freddie
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we talked to Fred Irby and introduced him as the newest member of PTM. We could not be more excited to bring on the powerhouse of knowledge and skill that Fred holds to the team. Fred will be the PTM Events Manager so prep yourselves for some dope PTM Events like the upcoming Halloween Shenandoah Hike and Bike on Oct. 31.
Freddie organized the Juneteenth Marathon of which you’ll hear some of the story here but for a full recap of the event and how it came together go to the Guestbook Podcast for episode 079 to hear of the Inaugural Juneteenth Marathon.
Freddie can be found on the gram at @innkeeperfreddie
Welcome to the team Freddie! And to the rest of you, go get your vote on (if you’re eligible to vote)!
You can watch the recorded interview with Freddie on YouTube.
For more information on the Amputee Cycling Clinic that Katie is organizing on Sunday, October 4th at 9AM please reach out at amputeecyclingdc@gmail.com!
Episode 014 with Tazer Tay
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we talked to Montavius “Tazer Tay” Carson. During the episode not only did we learn of Tay’s HBCU family legacy, but also of the athletic legacy that has molded how active and diverse of an athlete he is today. We also got insight into how social sports and greek life molded him into a leader, and how athletic discipline translates into other sectors of his life. Last, we discussed the upcoming 2020 District 19 Miler and 19K Race, an event organized by District Running Collective on October 18th.
You can watch this episode on YouTube.
Episode 013 with Katie
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we talked to a very special guest Katie. Katie has been an amputee for 20 years. On this episode we get to learn about her love for cycling -which has transformed her life.. Brace yourselves folks, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Katie is a powerhouse and we are honored that she’s shared her story with us.
Katie can be found on the gram at @KatieeCycles
You can watch the recorded interview with Katie on YouTube.
For more information on the Amputee Cycling Clinic that Katie is organizing on Sunday, October 4th at 9AM please reach out at amputeecyclingdc@gmail.com!
Episode 012 with Dr. Brianna Hurt
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we talked to Dr. Brianna Hurt. Dr. Hurt shares with us about her career shift from accounting to physical therapy, yep… that’s a transition alright! Brianna also shares with us details of that professional transition, and her new found relationship with her bike and athletics in the times of COVID.
Brianna can be found on the gram at @doctorbriannahurt and @blacknmilescycling.
You can watch this episode on YouTube.
Episode 011 with Skylar & Noah
On this week’s episode we talked to Skylar and Noah, two Howard University Swim and Dive Team Captains, and swimmers of The Gorée Project, a project of Black Kid's Swim, Inc. Noah and Skylar will be swimming from the coast of Dakar to the Island of Gorée in Senegal. The swim from the coast of Dakar to the Island of Gorée is a historic 3.5 mile open water swim where hundreds of Senegalese and African swimmers retrace the same path enslaved Africans traveled over 400 years ago to flee Gorée before being shipped in the cross Atlantic slave trade. The Gorée Project will follow two young Black swimmers in their journey as they prepare for not only their first trip to Senegal, but their first trip to the Motherland for this momentous occasion.
A special PTM Podcast Episode release, on the weekend of a major march for Black Lives in D.C. Because we are not in DC to stand along those marching, we are hoping to be present virtually through this powerful episode.
Noah can be found on Insta at @Noah.Nichloas97. Skylar can be found on insta @Skylar_Due. Black Kid's Swim can be found on insta at @BlackKidsSwim, and their project can be found in @goreeproject.
Watch the recording of our episode with Skylar and Noah on YouTube.
Episode 010 with Sarah "Flats"
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we talked to Sarah Truitt, a DC Teacher - YES A DC Teacher!! Y’all Sarah, also known as flats, will share with us the origin story of her nickname, and the importance of a fit fam for accountability, and for metal health. Flat’s shares with us the stark difference from her Lake Anna Triathlon to her Atlantic City long course triathlon experience.
Sarah can be found on the gram at @sarahtris70.3
Watch the recording of our episode with Sarah here.
Episode 009 with Meena
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we talked to Dr. Meena Aladdin, she shared with us her love for endurance sports and how for her, there’s fluidity within the grit that sports, science, and the life of a refugee requires. Dr. Aladdin embodies grit, strength, and humility in ways we’re deeply honored to share.
Meena can be found on the gram at @maladdin1.
Watch the recording of our episode with Meena on YouTube.
Episode 008 with Dr. Micah Wells
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we talked to Dr. Micah Wells, is a Physical Therapist whose determination has brought him the ability to marry his athletic life to his profession. Originally from Cleveland by way of Tennessee State University Dr. Wells travels the country supporting athletes although his home base is in DC. His candor, energy, a true love for his craft came to life in our exchange. Who’s the GOAT?!?!?!
Micah can be found on the gram at @itsdrwells.
Watch the recording of our episode with Micah here.
Episode 007 with Jules
On this week’s episode of the PTM Podcast, we talked to Julie Sims, a Cali native and DMV cycling LEGEND! Julie shared her approach to setting one big goal after the next, and she demystified bike packing for us via sharing her bike tour through California. We got to hear about her evolving love for cycling as she’s gone from commuter, to roadie, to off-road cycling, to garage racing and cyclocross! Julie doesn’t miss a beat and you don’t want to miss this dope episode as we see her off to California this month.
Julie can be found on the gram at @dmv_jules
Watch the recording of our episode with Jules on YouTube.
Episode 006 with Leslie
On this week’s episode we talked to Leslie Prado, an incredibly accomplished athlete that’s completed marathons, ultra distance triathlons, and is a podium placing bikini competitor. Leslie is a true Chaski; running speed and agility is in her blood. A Chaski, as Leslie shared with us in the episode, is a Quechua word for Incan messengers who ran through the mountains, jungles, at all elevations and temperatures to deliver messages. In this episode, we got to hear how Leslie needed to change her strategy and adapt to run the Boston Marathon.
Leslie can be found on Insta at @lprado223.
Watch the recording of our episode with Leslie here.
Episode 005 with Will Lloyd
On this week’s episode of Perfect Timing Multisport, we talked to Will Loyd, lifelong cyclist of all trades. Founder of The Black Foxes, Will loves to break hierarchical structures, codes and other barriers that we quickly put up as a reason to not do something or that are imposed on us. Will is a visionary that continues to interrupt and inspire in a beautifully symbiotic way. An example of this is this powerful piece published in The Black Foxes, “Let’s re-evaluate how we view and consider womxn.”
Will can be found on Insta at @bossmeem and @the_blackfoxes
Watch the recording of our episode with Will here.
Episode 004 with Sophia
On this week’s episode we talked to Sophia Kaounas of the DC Tri Club Elite Team and District Taco Elite Racing. Sophia discussed everything from her first race at @KineticMultisports #SavagemanTriathlon, best practices to the #NewbieTriathlete, her trajectory into Elite level competitive racing, her mental fortitude, confronting impostor syndrome in athletics, and her experience with recovering from a collarbone injury in 2019. Sophia also shared her work as a guide for blind athletes with Achilles International, and the importance of growing diversity in the multisport community.
Sophia can be found on Insta at @skaounas
Watch the recording of our episode with Sophia on YouTube.
Episode 003 with Keshia
On this week’s episode of PTM Podcast, we interviewed Keshia Roberson, a Philly native and DC Track gem. Keshia is many things but above all, Keshia is an inclusive community leader. During this conversation, we cover part of her story of becoming; becoming a runner, a coach, an advocate, a leader all while also managing depression. Understanding the role of mental health in athletes has led Keshia to grow her programs and approach to community building.
Keshia can be found on Insta @kesha.ro and @_tracktuesdays
Watch the recording of our episode with Keshia on YouTube.
Episode 002 with Fitts
In this episode we interviewed Marcus Fitts, who’s at the forefront of thinking about the triathlon and multisport spaces for black and brown athletes to flourish. His focus lies in narrowing the gap for athletes from competitor, to elite, to professional athletes. Through the episode we get to hear Marcus’ story of resilience in the face of a football injury in high school, and the role swimming held in his recovery.
Marcus can be found at Insta: @Coach_Fitts and @Grit.USA
Watch the recording of our episode with Fitts on YouTube.
Episode 001 with Michanda
In this episode we get to know Michanda, a bold and visionary athlete in the multisport space. We discussed her experiences as an athlete, an announcer and as an organizer. Michanda, with the support of Michael Shipp and Perfect Timing Multisport (PTM), put together the inaugural District Juneteenth Bike Ride. We get to hear about the behind the scenes planning, ride reflections, and visions for the future of diversity in the multisport world.
Michanda can be found at Insta: @michandashines Website: michanda.com
Watch the recording of our episode with Michanda on YouTube.
Episode 000 with James
Check out our conversation with Co-Founders Mike Shipp and Roy James as Roy shares his story, and talk about what he’s hoping to build through the PTM coaching services.
Watch the recording of our episode with James on YouTube, or listen on our podcast.
Roy can be found on Insta at @JukeTri