🎙️ Welcome back to Taking Chances, the podcast where we celebrate bold moves, unexpected turns, and the stories that shape us. Today’s guest is someone who knows a thing or two about carving his own path—Craig Burns.

Before we dive into Craig’s journey, let me give you a little context. He just turned 60 years old. He grew up in Peabody, Massachusetts on Beacon St, where his childhood was all about motion—running around the neighborhood, playing 4 square, chasing games, chasing friendships, and chasing every Boston sports team on TV. Hockey stole his heart early, and it still holds it tight.

School was a challenge—not because he didn’t care, but because he couldn’t sit still. He was more interested in connecting with people than cracking textbooks. After high school, he took a shot at the machinist apprenticeship at General Electric in Lynn. Graduated in ’89—and got laid off the same day. That moment was a wake-up call. He knew he had to pivot.

So he went back to school, starting at community college to fill in the gaps, and eventually found himself at UMass Lowell studying Exercise Physiology. But his curiosity didn’t stop there—He dove into Psychology, Philosophy, History, and Religious Studies. He was painting houses to pay the bills, staying active with running, biking, and hockey, and slowly realizing that the traditional path wasn’t for him.

After a brief return to GE, He TOOK A CHANCE and turned his side hustle into his full-time gig. That house-painting business has been his livelihood for the past 25 years. He built a life in North Andover with his amazing wife Jill, and their two sons, James and Jacob. And while the years have added up, He hasn't slowed down. His passion for learning, moving, and connecting keeps growing.

He’s someone who’s walked his own winding road—full of pivots, passion, and purpose. Today, we’ll explore his story, the chances he’s taken, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Let’s get into it.

🎙️ Podcast Intro: Taking Chances – Why Not You? (Solo Debut Episode)

Welcome to Taking Chances – Why Not You? Today… it’s just me. That’s right—your host flying solo for the very first time.

This week, I’m diving into the top three topics lighting up the world: sports, cryptocurrency, politics, and AI. Okay, that’s four—but who’s counting? I’m not an expert in any of them, so be kind. I’m just here to explore, reflect, and maybe laugh a little along the way.

I also open up about my current run streak. I talk about the noise—the negativity that seems to be everywhere. Online. On TV. In our feeds. My take? It’s not helping. So here’s the punchline, the takeaway, the little nugget of wisdom I hope lands: Just try to be happy.

This episode is raw, real, and maybe a little rambly—but it’s honest. So if you’ve ever wondered what it sounds like when someone takes a chance on their own voice… press play. Let’s go.

🎙️ Podcast Promo: Meet John O'Brien — Grit, Growth, and the Long Run

From the streets of Peabody, Massachusetts to the finish line of one of the toughest ultramarathons, John O’Brien’s journey is anything but ordinary. A proud husband (wife Traci Kristine OBrien, daughters: Trinity O'Brien Erin O'Brien) and father of two, John’s story blends blue-collar roots, boardroom grit, and backcountry endurance.

He graduated from Framingham State with a degree in Economics, captained his college football team and went on to lead initiatives at powerhouse companies like GE Capital, Citibank, and John Deere. But it wasn’t just business where John pushed boundaries.

What started as a mission to lose weight turned into a full-blown obsession with the long run. 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, marathons, 50Ks, 50-milers—you name it, he’s raced it. And at age 48, he conquered the legendary Leadville Trail 100, crossing the finish line in 28 hours and 42 minutes.

This podcast isn’t just about miles or medals—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of growth. Whether you're chasing your first 5K or your next big leap in life, John’s story will inspire you to lace up, lean in, and keep moving forward.

🎧 Tune in and meet the man behind the miles.

💥 Meet Traci Kristine O'Brien 💥

My wife Traci Kristine OBrien is one of the bravest, most resilient people I know — and on Monday, you’ll hear why.

Her career took her across the globe, serving as a civilian with the U.S. Government and Department of the Army. She was deployed not once, not twice, but THREE times to Iraq and Afghanistan. Not in a combat role — but in the thick of it. Mortars hit their bases. Danger was constant. And yet, she showed up, did the work, and made a difference.

She’s seen things most of us can’t imagine. And she’s finally sharing her story — the grit, the chaos, the humanity — in her own words.

🎙️hear Traci’s journey. It’s raw, powerful, and unforgettable. Funny too. We had a blast doing this one.

#TraciKristineOBrien #RealStories #Resilience #PodcastDrop #BehindTheUniform #WomenWhoLead

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? is back with a powerhouse episode featuring the one and only John DeDoncker

He’s 61 years old. He’s a 9-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher. He’s crushed the Lead Challenge. And he’s still out there doing what most people only dream of—finishing one of the hardest 100-mile trail races on the planet 💪

📉 Finisher rate? Around 50% each year.

👴 Over 60? Less than 25%.

🔥 John? Still getting it done.

We dive deep into: 🏃‍♂️ Training strategies

🥗 Nutrition that fuels the grind

🧢 Gear that works

🧠 Coaching insights

🎯 Tips for crossing that elusive finish line

If you’ve ever wondered how someone keeps showing up, year after year, and defying the odds—this episode is your blueprint.

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and maybe start asking yourself…

Why not me?

#TakingChancesPodcast #LeadvilleTrail100 #EnduranceLegend #WhyNotYou #TrailRunning #PodcastDrop #JohnDeDoncker #LeadChallenge #MasterAthlete #TrailTips #RunningOver60 #GritAndGrace

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You?

🎤 Andy Yohe – He’s a living testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of sport to heal and elevate. Born with hockey in his blood, he started on the roller rinks of Bettendorf, Iowa as a member of the Young Guns.

But in 1994, everything changed—an accident left him without both legs. Most would’ve called it the end. But for Yohe, it was just the beginning of a new kind of fight.

Fast forward to 2003: he’s back on the ice, this time with the RIC Blackhawks, and his scoring touch is undeniable.

By 2006, he’s representing Team USA in Torino, Italy, helping secure a bronze 🥉 at the Paralympic Winter Games.

Four years later in Vancouver? Gold 🏆🥇.

And in 2014, after a three-season break, he returns—not just as a player, but as captain of the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team, leading them to another gold in Sochi. 🏆🥇🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Three Paralympic medals. Two World Championship podiums. And a legacy that stretches far beyond the rink.

Andy Yohe (thank you!)

🎙️ Podcast Intro: Taking Chances – Why Not You?

Today’s episode is personal. It’s about grit, sacrifice, and the kind of quiet strength that doesn’t ask for applause—but damn well deserves it.

Our guest is my dad, John Joseph O'Brien Jr., born and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts. A proud Peabody High graduate, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1962, served in Vietnam, and came home in 1966 to start a new chapter—one marked by hard work, humility, and unwavering dedication.

He clocked third shift at GE Aircraft Engines in Lynn, Massachusetts, held down two jobs, and raised three boys—me, John Joseph O'Brien III, along with my brothers Michael and Mathew. Back then, he was making $100 a week. But what he gave us was priceless: a blueprint for resilience, responsibility, and love.

He’s 81 years old now—and still works every single day. That’s not just longevity. That’s legacy.

We lost my mom, his wife, on September 16th, 2001—just days after 9/11. She battled small cell lung cancer with grace and courage. Her absence is felt deeply, but her spirit lives on in the man who never stopped showing up.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered if they have what it takes. My dad didn’t ask “Why me?”—he lived “Why not me?” And today, we honor that.

Let’s dive in.

🎙️ Podcast Intro: “Taking Chances – Why Not You?” featuring Stacia Carroll

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You?

From marathons to muscle, we’ve explored what the body can do. But this episode? It’s about what the heart dares to do.

Stacia Carroll's story isn’t just about fitness—it’s about sacrifice.

She’s a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist (University of Northern Colorado - Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute) & Medical Exercise Specialist (American Council on Exercise).

Live2Give💚 a living organ donor who didn’t stop after two failed attempts.

Stacia Carroll gave part of her liver to a stranger, proving that grit, faith, and a whole lot of heart can change lives.

This episode dives into what drives someone to say yes when most would say “someday.”

💥 Discomfort is temporary. Impact is forever. Let’s go.

Become a donor: https://www.iowadonornetwork.org/

YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley https://www.ymcaimv.org/livestrong-at-the-ymca/

Next Monday September 8th: https://www.youtube.com/@takingchanceswhynotyou/videos