Mark McIntosh's Blog, page 18

Pep Talk: "Harvested Fruits And Goosebumps Too"

“Hey Mark,” joked the sharp-looking lady. “You got the priorities out of order. First and foremost, we like to have fun!”
It was a parting shot at what had been a wonderful luncheon with the Buffalo Belles. It’s a women’s booster club for University of Colorado athletics. This simple dude from Missouri was recently blessed to deliver a Pep Talk to the ladies at their kickoff luncheon. The group was founded in 1970 and continues to thrive. The ladies are a hoot.
In a former life, as a sportscaster at KCNC-TV in Denver, I had the pleasure of being “The Buff Guy” for the station. For almost 20 years, a lucky dude was embedded inside a football program that enjoyed much success from 1988-2005, including a 1990 national championship and a 2001 Big 12 Championship. I hosted the coaches’ shows of Bill McCartney, Rick Neuheisel and Gary Barnett. I’m still close to many players, coaches and their families of the era.
Back in the day, I also hung out often with the Buffalo Belles. There are no bigger CU fans than these women. We were always at the games together, them cheering and me reporting.
We had a grand time over lunch with a theme centered on three wonderful attributes of the group of cool gals: They are united in support of the university’s student/athletes, coaches and staff; they are die-hard fans willing to “fight to the finish” in rooting for the Buffs and as mentioned earlier, they love to have fun along the way.
Can you imagine? How many “teams” would benefit it they had a booster club behind them that was united, unwavering in support, and enjoyable? Home? Work? Neighborhood? Church? Non-profit? School? Dang, where could I sign up for a gig like that? It’s real easy to talk about the importance of that terrific trio - unity, support and fun - but far more difficult to execute. Life gets in the way of our best laid plans, right?
Emotions still stir when sharing the “One Heart Beat” story from the 1989 Colorado Buffaloes’ football team. I use it often when speaking about the importance of unity. It was cool to tell the story to a crowd that included many who had experienced the moment as well.
There was a light mist falling from the sky that late September day in Seattle, Washington. Husky Stadium on the University of Washington campus was jammed. It was one of the weekend’s best college football matchups: Undefeated Colorado on the road against coach Don James’ Huskies.
The media build up before the game centered on the Buffs mental state. A week before, in an incredibly emotional service, the team had said goodbye to its captain, leader and quarterback, Sal Aunese. The senior had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in the Spring of 1989 and succumbed quickly. Everyone wondered how the Buffs would react. Would it be such an emotional drain that victory on the road against a quality team in a hostile environment would be too much to expect?
Right before kickoff, the public address announcer asked the sell-out crowd to rise for a moment of silence in honor of the 21-year-old who left behind an infant son from a relationship with the head coach’s daughter. From a journalistic standpoint, really from any viewpoint, it was compelling stuff. As soon as the crowd rose, each and every member of the Colorado football family knelt on one knee and pointed skyward in honor of its fallen comrade.
Folks, while writing about this moment that transpired a quarter century ago, it still gives me goose bumps. I’ll never forget standing on that field with the light mist falling and thinking, “It’s like tears coming down from heaven for this team.”
How did the Buffs react? Well, they went out there and just kicked the Huskies’ butts. The team went on to win every regular season game, rose to #1 in the country and played for the national championship against the Lou Holtz-coached Notre Dame Fighting Irish. At the Orange Bowl that year the Buffs lost a chance to win the school’s first national championship in a game they should have won.
The 1989 Colorado Buffaloes motto throughout the year? In honor of Aunese? One Heart Beat.
Everybody checked their individual agendas at the door. Egos were not welcome. Behind Aunese’s replacement at quarterback, Darian Hagan, and a host of talented athletes who would later play in the NFL, these young men put together what was arguably the greatest season in school history. The Buffs did share a national championship the following year with Georgia Tech, but it was not without controversy, considering one of their wins was the now infamous “Fifth-Down Fiasco” at Mizzou.
United. One heart beat. It worked for a football team. It will work for us. Join a group this week and be like the Buffalo Belles. Pour heart and soul into the effort with unity, support and fun. It will not be easy. It will require great sacrifice. But the fruits harvested will sweeten our lives forever, and probably give you goose bumps too.

Pep Talk: "Up Periscope!"

“My mom passed away just about an hour ago.”
It was an awkward start to the conversation. You could see the wince in his eyes. “Would you like to reschedule?” was the first thing blurted from my brain. “No. There’s nothing I can do at this point. Might as well work.”
After a prayer for his family and some talk about data storage on the Cloud, we ended up talking a lot about life. “I wanted to join the Navy and become a nuclear technician.”
My eyes widened. “You wanted to serve on a submarine?”
I’ve always been fascinated with submarines, but would dread being underwater for so darn long. “How long do those folks stay submerged?” was my next question. “Days? Weeks? Months?” Too claustrophobic for a newfound devotee of the Food Channel. Darling fiancée has me hooked on the show “Chopped.” Ever seen it? Anyway, back to the story, from the big grin on his face you could tell he’d have no problem staying underwater longer than Moby Dick. Unfortunately, life got in the way of his best laid plans.
“Ramming my car into a concrete pillar at 70 miles an hour ended that dream,” he said. A horrific car accident just a few weeks from the storyteller’s high school graduation - fell asleep at the wheel - required six months of recovery. It also left physical scars. A military career was no longer an option.
We continued to talk about submarines. “What attracted you to living under water?” was my next offering. “All those Navy movies I watched growing up.” Apparently being submerged for lengthy periods of time, no pun intended, really floats his boat.
The events of life can submerge us every once in a while, right? As our conversation continued I learned this computer whiz is a single parent with two autistic and non-verbal children who communicate through gestures. Wow. This dude’s experienced a lot: Accident. The unexpected challenges of child rearing. Divorce. Life defining moments that require us to dive deep within ourselves to muster the strength to carry on, despite the obstacles. This man was so impressive in how he has endured.
It ain’t easy for sure. You’ve all been there, too. It’s a fact of life. It’s a roller coaster.
But just like the submarine or whale, we must eventually surface. We can’t stay down there in the murky depths forever. Well, I guess we could, but we all know that’s not in our best interests. We would drown in despair.
Our conversation was wrapping up when something Mr. Submarine said triggered a remembrance of something muttered to me a while back. Another buddy and I were talking about the importance of confidence. Not cockiness. Not ego. Confidence. Defined as “a feeling of certainty, self-reliance and boldness.” Can you imagine? If we all could consistently exude certainty, self-reliance and boldness? Holy smokes, bartender, another round for everybody. Non-alcoholic if desired. It would be good to possess confidence according to that definition, right? Please say yes.
Anyway, back to the point. This other buddy, Billy Mac from Hackensack, said something about a month ago that just knocked my socks off. Now, a conversation that starting with a loved one’s passing, shifted to personal adversity, weaved through a little business, the importance of perseverance and submarines allowed the following statement to surface from cranium: “Confidence is a submerged quality that allows talents and gifts to surface and be utilized in unique and excellent ways.”
My mind races to the men enrolled in Victory Production’s “A Stronger Cord” project. We’re trying to deliver them to Denver’s labor force as fitness-minded, dependable and productive men. It starts with the workout and confidence - certainty, self-reliance and boldness - ASC’s platoon is a good place for them to grow stronger - mind, body and spirit.
Life will submerge us. Often. That much we know. It’s a question asked during each live Pep Talk presentation. “Anybody’s life gone exactly the way you planned?” In ten years of asking that question, maybe, one or twice, somebody has raised their hand. It’s rare, for sure. We are going to have those “What the hell is going on around here?” moments.
It happens. The big question becomes, “What happens next?” We must, eventually, look through the periscope. We gotta look around and have the guts to say, “Time to surface.” Breathe in the fresh air. Scan the horizon. Chart a new course.
Who was it? Thoreau? Didn’t he say, “Advance CONFIDENTLY in the direction of your dream? Live the life you imagine?” He’s right.
Up periscope!

Pep Talk: "Two Rams Butting Heads And Loving It"

Life is just weird sometimes, ain’t it?
Moments that begin less than ideal, somehow, someway, end up wonderful blessings. Ever had one of those? I sure hope, “Sure,” was muttered by many in response to that question.
Had one just the other day. Roaming the halls of the Denver Rescue Mission encouraging the guys there to join the “A Stronger Cord” workout up the road at Phoenix Multi Sport.
One guy, fit and strong-lookin’, walks up and says, “I’m willing to go, but I ain’t doing no team workout.” The ASC program starts with the workout. A team workout. No head phones, no slinking off on your own to work on biceps or whatever. We’re together. To steal a phrase from a great team, the 1989 football Colorado Buffaloes, “One Heart Beat.”
So I’m barking “Come on, let’s go sweat” with another dude barking into my ear “I’m going, but doing my own thing.” It was two stubborn knuckleheads digging in. It was getting a little tense. One of the Mission employees, a reasonable man who had seen it all unfold, popped out of a nearby chair with a warning: “Easy, guys.”
Quickly thereafter, the ASC Platoon headed out the door and jogged the three short blocks to Phoenix, a wonderful gym in downtown Denver. It’s dedicated to serving those in recovery. Great spot. Great people. Great purpose.
Anyway, we have our usual workout with the one confrontational guy not among us. The folks at Phoenix share ASC’s commitment to group workouts. NOBODY comes in that gym and works out alone. It would violate the spirit of the place. It’s kinda like life, folks; to thrive we must work well together. Unity with others is a good thing. Trying to do it alone is what usually gets us into knucklehead moments that are later regretted. So, considering fit and strong-lookin' dude’s attitude, he was on the outside looking in.
An hour later the workout is over. The ASC team is jogging back to the Mission. In the corner of my eye appears the perceived nemesis. He maneuvers next to me, keeping pace. He begins to apologize for being obstinate earlier in the day. I responded, “Hey, no problem, buddy. I can be as stubborn as the best of them. No harm, brother.”
We continue to chat as we jogged the final steps to the Mission. He offers, “I’ve been sober for 48 hours, coming down off meth, and have anger issues I gotta work on. I’m an Aries and stubborn as hell.”
My eyes widened with curiosity. “You’re an Aries? What day?” Fit and strong-lookin’ dude says, “April 14.” A great big grin spreads across my face. We’re now back at the Mission. There are tons of homeless guys hanging outside the facility waiting for the doors to fly open for the evening meal. Fit and strong-lookin’ dude and I are engaged in an animated conversation. Disturbing their peace perhaps. Anyway, I share that my birthday is April 13.
Both of us born an Aries, in April, one day a part.
“Give me a head butt,” shouts my newfound friend. “That’s what Rams do!”
I didn’t hesitate a bit. It was a solid bump, but nothing drastic. We then hugged like long-lost pals. The next day at chapel service, I forgot my reading glasses. Fit and strong-lookin’ dude offered his to help this aging jock read some stuff from Proverbs about wisdom.
A few minutes later, while driving home through Denver’s afternoon rush-hour traffic, I was reflecting on what had transpired. Life and its weirdness.
A moment in time had started quite combatively, but in this case had transformed fairly quickly into a bond that I hope is never broken. I hope that fit and strong-lookin’ dude trusts that I have his best interests at heart and expect the same in return.
That’s how we build relationships. I don’t care if we’re talking homes, businesses, churches, non-profits, sports teams or whatever’s been forgotten, building winning teams starts with relationships built upon mutual respect for one another.
Easy to talk about, far harder to achieve. I get it. People will disappoint us. We will disappoint people. Life is a roller coaster with plenty of dips. But let’s keep talking to one another. Relationships don’t always get off to a great start, right? But, what’s that ol’ saying? “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish!”
Perhaps this is the lesson: Seek to understand.
A fit and strong-lookin’ dude and a simple dude from Missouri are living examples of that truth. Two rams. Butting heads and lovin’ it. We kept at it - seeking to understand.

Pep Talk: "Dare To Be Different!"

While exiting the parking lot of the Denver Rescue Mission recently, a car pulls alongside mine. The friendly-looking man rolls down the window and shares something with this knucklehead from Missouri that just warms my marrow: “Mark, when those guys come back from working out at the gym, they’re different.”
The beta test of Victory Production’s “A Stronger Cord” (ASC) program, in partnership with the Mission and Phoenix Multi Sport, is off to a promising start. At least according to a guy who works in a leadership role within the shelter that sits on the corner of Park Avenue West and Lawrence Street in downtown Denver.
“What do you mean? They’re different?” It didn’t take him long to respond. “They have a better attitude about things.” We have a long way to go for sure, but it seems we’ve struck a cord with our emphasis on fitness. It starts with the workout. A group workout. A team. No headphones. No “just doing my own thing” mentality. One Heart Beat.
Men in recovery, surrounded by fitness-minded, dependable and hard-working men, and we’re working out together. We’re strengthening minds, bodies and spirits. Our mission is to deliver this type of men to America - at home, work and elsewhere.
The focus of Victory's ASC and its work with the homeless men is to get them to the point where they’re ready to be re-engaged with family, jobs and communities. It starts with the workout and the rebuilding of their social network through engaging with a platoon of other like-minded men involved as volunteers.
The power of coming together with folks of similar intention in the pursuit of a noble goal. Rarely a bad thing, right?
It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about trying to bring an emphasis on fitness into the “How do we fix homelessness”” issue, the achievement gap issue in education, the fraying infrastructure issue or other social challenges that affect our turbulent and crazy world.
We need some new ideas. We need folks to unite. A Stronger Cord is a direct call to the men of America. Time to rally and grow stronger. Mind. Body. Spirit. Home. Work. Elsewhere. Fit. Dependable. Hard-working. There are nine of them there. Pick any three and embrace the concept, as Solomon suggests in Ecclesiastes, “a cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
For those involved with A Stronger Cord, it starts with the workout. Men in the gym, sweating, grunting, and uniting.
A young woman recently moved to town in pursuit of a master’s degree in public health. The Ohio native is also a fitness-minded person. I was recently introducing her to the leaders of two wonderful gyms: Kinetics Fitness Studio and Green Door. After wrapping up the tours, we were discussing what she had discovered about her chances of landing an internship, or even a job at one of the two places.
The young woman said to me, “Mark, I really enjoy being around folks at the gym. Most have such a positive attitude. It’s contagious.”
Amen, sister.
It all starts with connecting with others. In this case, through a workout. But the key is connecting with others who share a passion for what floats our boats. For Victory and me, it’s delivering transformed men to society. For you, it might be education, the environment, social justice, health care or whatever stirs your soul.
What are you passionate about? In all likelihood, you’re not alone. Go find some like-minded folks and connect with them. That’s where the magic happens! Rarely does it work solo. We all need a team.
Be like the Redwood tree. You’re heard that story before, right? The California Redwood is North America’s tallest tree. Grows to 400 feet along the Golden State’s northern coastline. A real key to its survival? Redwood roots grow horizontally, not vertically. The roots intertwine with nearby similar trees. When powerful storms blow in off the coast of California, folks, the Redwoods stand tall because they’re connected.
I’ve been called a lot of things in life through 56 years, smart rarely one of them but, in my personal opinion, I don’t give a hoot what we’re talking about. Yep. Wherever we’re trying like heck to achieve goals and overcome challenges, if we’re out there like the Lone Ranger, we’re screwed. The chances for success drop dramatically.
We gotta rally around one another. We have to check individual egos and agendas at the door and, as Billy Mac from Hackensack would say, “Charge from the fox hole together.”
For ASC, our focus is getting guys off the street and back into homes, jobs and communities. For you, it may be something different. What we definitely have in common is the process. It’s the same. We unite determined to change the status quo. To no longer accept, “that’s just the way it is.”
It will not be easy. There will be bumps along the way. We must be relentless in pursuit of our goal. This week, dare to be different!

Pep Talk: "Working To Figure It Out"

“Hey buddy, I think you’ve finally figured it out.”
Ever heard those words uttered? To you? I’ve had them recently centered around a program, with the assistance of many others, Victory has created. It’s called “A Stronger Cord.” ASC for short. 
It’s pointed directly at the men of America. The mission? Encourage men to grow stronger - mind, body and spirit. In my work with the homeless in Denver for the past few years, it’s become crystal clear, at least in this simple dude from Missouri’s cranium that the men of America could do better.
Too many are walking away from responsibilities of leadership - home, work and elsewhere - and living on the streets. I spend considerable time with these guys these days. Want to do more. I call them knuckleheads. They call me a knucklehead. Each is correct. For whatever reason, life has not gone exactly as planned. For any of us.
Why? There are many reasons. But what is stressed with each and every engagement is that we have a choice. Correct. It’s really quite simple. Given that life is a roller coaster, when we hit the dips, what are we going to do? That’s been a fundamental question Victory’s been asking for a decade. Stuff happens.  A few might be lucky enough to avoid life’s disasters. They are the exception.
We have lots of guys who need to be re-connected with their families, a meaningful job and a variety of social groups. Win. Win. Win. ASC takes direct aim at these guys. 
For instance, David. A program candidate at the Denver Rescue Mission. Young and handsome. Movie star looks. He’s also had a problem with saying no to drugs. Meth. He knows it. As I think all of us can relate, old habits - drugs, alcohol, bad relationships, lack of purpose, too much work, to name a few - are sometimes hard to break, right?
Well about three months ago, this dude, who I pray keeps moving forward in such a positive way said, “Hey Mark, we need to start exercising around here!” He was talking about life at the shelter. Lots of bodies crammed in there. No viable space for working out as a group. I’m a huge proponent of a “sweat a day keeps the doctor away.”
From life as an athlete to life as a sports guy, I have marinated too many years in locker rooms. There’s (this is a dude thing) just something about being in the gym and collectively toiling with a bunch of other goofballs in the pursuit of a common goal. The goal might be success in athletics, business or non-profit. I don’t give a donkey’s butt. What matters is men are bonding in healthy and production fashion. Sweating. Grunting. Verbally joisting. United. It glues men together. Especially when this “man time” gives rise to success. The fruits of the effort are bountiful and permeating.

Benefits a man’s mind, body and spirit. When I say spirit, I mean their attitude. Their spirit. It has nothing to do with religious, or lack thereof, beliefs. Anyway, back to the point. A Stronger Cord.
Men isolated from their responsibilities need a comprehensive program with a mission to strengthen their minds, bodies and spirits, rebuild social networks and reconnect with loved ones, work opportunities and community ties.
Victory’s Platoon network is the key to rebuilding social networks and important personal relationships. We’re actively seeking fitness-minded men with positive attitudes to join us in workouts and relationship building. Platoon members encourage men in recovery to achieve goals and overcome challenges. Challenged men often  have talents hidden beneath the struggles. ASC is trying like heck to unearth them. 
King Solomon once said long ago: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. But a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Good things come in threes, right?  Stronger mind, body and spirit. Better attitude, social network and relationships across board - family, job and community. There’s tons of three-stranded cords within ASC.
In addition, Victory, as its been doing for a decade, will continue to produce content like live presentations, the Daily Dose, weekly Pep Talk, books, JOCK products, videos, blogs, podcasts and other stuff. All available to support ASC.
Denver has a homeless problem. Most of that population is male. A Stronger Cord is going to engage those guys. We need your support. Time. Talents and Treasures. We could use it all at this early stage. I hope something in this ramble inspires you to reach out and say, “Mac, count me in!” If not you, somebody you know.
It’s time for a team meeting. It’s time for a stronger cord. One that’s not easily broken despite life’s challenges. Thanks for reading. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s work together to figure this out. Teamwork. The key to success. Join us!

Pep Talk: "Five Steps When Our World Seems Wrecked"

The email read, “It’s nice to know that things can come out all right in the end.”
My heart ached while reading it. It came from a guy in the middle of an incredible personal storm. A long and troubled marriage unraveling. Several young, wonderful and growing children to be effected from the fallout. Fear of the unknown. Can an incredibly patient and forgiving man accept that a treasured union is littered with land mines and too dangerous to traverse? Letting go. Easier said than done.
We spent time together recently. It was quite apparent that love for family and the welfare of children were top priorities. Those admirable traits can be a double-edged sword. It was one of the typical, “Trying to keep it together for the kids’ sake.” The man has endured for so long. He was seeking assurance the future held promise.I tried my best to encourage him, based upon experiences with divorce, to believe that yes, despite the current pain and uncertainty, there is hope to prevail against what ails.
The conversation stirred up memories. Starting with my parents’ marriage. It was a classic “staying together for the kids” toward its end. As a high-school senior, I was relieved when they finally decided to part. Bless my parents for trying but the tension inside the home was palpable. You could see the unhappiness etched in their faces, oozing from their tone of voice and emanating from their avoidance of one another.
We’ve all been in these types of situations before. The present is not pretty. It might be from the breakdown of a marriage, the loss of a job, the presence of an illness or whatever. These trials arrive like an uninvited house guest. We see the future but few possibilities of relief. We want assurances that “everything will be all right in the end.”
There are no guarantees of course. Things might not get better. The timeframe we have for things to get better is unpredictable. LIfe rarely goes as planned.
A buddy’s smack dab in the middle of crazy time. If he were a contestant on the game show “Let’s Make a Deal” he wouldn’t pick what’s behind any of the three doors. The game plan for marriage and family, blown to pieces.
This roller coaster we call life sends us on unexpected twists and turns doesn’t it? Usually when we can least afford it mentally, physically and financially. What’s the key to somehow, someway, mustering the courage and strength to pick ourselves up, wipe the dust from our clothes and march forward with hope for a better tomorrow?
I think it starts with understanding we’re not alone. This good buddy knew I had traveled a similar path of divorce with children involved. He was seeking comfort from another who has journeyed down that rocky road.
There are truly few experiences that are unique. It sure feels that way when we’re in the middle of the muck, but rarely are we alone in suffering. I think it’s important to realize this and to try and connect with like-minded people. We can draw strength for the task required. Regardless of the origin, strategies for bouncing back from adversity are the same starting with three critical steps: a determination to learn from, not become a victim of, the experience; understanding we’re not alone and mustering the energy to connect with others of like-mind.
Once we connect with others of shared experiences it’s also important to encourage one another and not let the gatherings turn into complaining sessions. Nobody will benefit. Instead of complaining, let’s try and give hope and confidence to one another that, with a lot of courage and wonderment as our guide, there’s a plan for us. Light at the end of the tunnel that’s not an oncoming train. Yep. There is a plan to prosper and not harm us, to give us hope and a future. We gotta believe!
Real easy to talk and write about. Far more difficult to execute when the poop hits the fan. I get it. Been there. You have too. What advice would you offer to those in distress? Please share. Many can learn from them.
As we parted ways, I shared one final thought. A wise psychologist once said to me and a former bride when it became apparent that our union was over: “If you’re going to get divorced, make it a good divorce.”
This week, if your world seems wrecked, scour the rubble and find what’s salvageable. Five steps: Dig for forgiveness. Search for acceptance. Believe in hope. Grieve for what has been lost but rebuild. Dare to dream again.

Pep Talk: "Stronger Strands"

“Well,” cracked my razor-sharp almost-octogenarian mother in our regular Friday morning phone chat, “Better late than never.”
Touché, dear Patsy Sue. I was sharing the news of learning to box. Yep. At 56, I’m going to finally take Muhammad Ali’s advice and “Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.” 
I can remember meeting Ali back in 1986. It was one of the first stories I did upon arrival in the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas to work at KGBT-TV as a sports guy. I’ll never forget the moment. The man had charisma. Young children, who had no idea of the boxing icon’s story, flocked around the three-time heavyweight champion. This was a time when the Louisville, Kentucky native was in the early stages of his battle with Parkinson’s. Today, the disease has robbed the once-loquacious pugilist of his ability to speak. Enough about Ali.
Anyway, Mom is delivering good-natured grief about learning to box at my age. I couldn’t care less. The reason has nothing to do with waking up one day and realizing, “I wanna learn to box.” It’s the byproduct of trying to better serve the men at Denver Rescue Mission. In working with the men for more than a year it’s become apparent, at least to me, that while good-intentioned folks pour energy into empowering these guys to grow stronger in mind and spirit, we were missing the critical third phase. We are doing nothing to help them grow stronger physically.
It’s such a critical piece to bouncing back from whatever ails us, right? I can remember exactly when that truth bore deep into my marrow. It was a long time ago. Dumped by a long-time girlfriend, realizing my athletic career was history and having no clue what the future held, I was bummed out. Life was not progressing as planned, that’s for sure. I know you all can relate. A buddy who ran for the Mizzou Tiger track team encouraged me to join him and other middle-distance runners for workouts. It was an epiphany: a good workout kicked in the endorphins and gave hope to prevail against what ails!
It’s what we’re bringing to the table for men in recovery. Victory Productions has been encouraging these guys to try a different path when it comes to mind and spirit but, until this point, was not addressing the fitness aspect.
That has changed, thanks to the wonderful folks at Phoenix Multi Sport. A gym just three blocks from the Denver Rescue Mission. This past Wednesday we had our first workout. We boxed. Thanks goodness, not one another. We wrapped hands, punched heavy bags, speed bags, hand paddles, jumped roped, threw around medicine balls and did calisthenics. We had a blast. A team of men working toward a common goal of growing stronger in body, mind, and spirit. The circle had been closed.
This is the first phase of the A Stronger Cord program Victory has created to help fight Denver’s homeless issue. It’s just a slice of the pie but the goal is to work with other key stakeholders in engaging the portion of Denver’s homeless population - like many of the guys at Denver Rescue Mission - who are not suffering from mental illness as much as mental anguish. Life has not gone according to plan. As I like to say whenever blessed to give a live Pep Talk presentation about overcoming adversity, “They’ve been poked in the eye.” Their self-esteem is low. So too is their hope.
Phase One works on hope. Phase Two of ASC works on rebuilding their networks. Quite often, these guys have been booted from their homes by loved ones who have finally reached their limits. These guys are in exile. Through the Associate Program, we help them rebuild that network by exercising and connecting with men of integrity who desire to serve. One of the main objectives in this phase is to help participants become more aware of their gifts and how to utilize them in unique and excellent ways.
Finally, Phase Three takes advantage of the growth seen through successful completion of the first two phases and seeks employment opportunities for participants. The ultimate goal is to re-integrate these men into their families, the workforce and our communities, transformed and eager to assume leadership of their lives. Men stronger in mind, body and spirit. 
King Solomon is considered one of the wisest dudes to ever walk the Earth. He once wrote, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, but a cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
Three stronger strands. Mind. Body. Spirit. Whether we’re talking this program or our own personal lives, rarely a bad thing. Strengthen the strands whenever you can. This way, when the storms of life batter our world - they do - we will not easily be broken!
We are looking for fitness-minded men to join this effort. Is that you? Someone you know? If so, let me know!

Pep Talk: "Indiana Jones Always Tried!"

“Even the great Indiana Jones has his flaws!” bellowed a simple dude from Missouri.
I was talking with the guys at the Denver Rescue Mission during our regular Thursday morning team meeting. “Does everybody have their JOCK straps on?” cracked one of the guys who has been in the program for a bit and familiar with my style of encouragement.
Victory Productions offers JOCK wristbands to those who desire. The letters stand for J-oyful for blessings; O-ptimistic about the future; C-ourageous despite the past. If we can somehow, someway, despite the unexpected and unwanted stuff life throws our way, stay joyful, optimistic and courageous through it all? We can K-ick some butt!
That’s what the JOCK wristbands are all about. It doesn’t matter how old we are, what kind of shape we’re in, whether we’ve got an athletic bone in our bodies or not, there’s the potential for a JOCK inside of each and everyone of us. I’ll get off the soapbox and back to the story.
So the dudes trying to whip addiction and I are talking about how even the great Indiana Jones has his flaws. We do too. How do I know Indiana Jones has flaws?
I was an eyewitness.
It happened several years ago. The location: Malibu, California. An amazing young man who I’m proud to call son, Kyle, is a middle-school thespian. I’m visiting that beautiful spot on Earth for his school’s production of “Bugsy Malone.” Now working for NBC on the writing team for Late Night With Seth Myers, Kyle had the lead male role in the play.
Proud Pappa had just pulled into the school parking lot - a booming drive would land a golf ball in the Pacific Ocean from it - and was rummaging around in the rental car trunk looking for a camera to chronicle the event.
So while this knucklehead’s noggin is stuffed in the trunk and his hands rummaging in a suitcase, a very cool-looking car pulls into the adjacent parking spot. Luckily on my right, since I’m deaf in my left ear. I could hear clearly.
The car was a luxurious black Jaguar. Tinted windows. Awesome looking wheels. Impossible not to notice, despite most of my focus being on finding the damn camera.
The passengers are departing the classy vehicle. I can’t see them yet but can hear them talking. One voice sounds real familiar. A man’s voice. He had been driving. I’m still rummaging in trunk but by now, the man with the distinct and familiar voice has reached the back of his car, to my immediate right.
It’s actor Harrison Ford. Indiana Jones.
He’s with his now-wife Calista Flockhart and an older woman. I figure it was probably Harrison’s mom. Ford’s daughter is the same age as my son and was also in the play. Dad, stepmom and grandma are heading to the play, too.
I finally find the camera and trail the Ford trio, about ten feet behind, on the stroll toward the well-kept theatre that sits on the grounds of Malibu High. Suddenly, the former carpenter-turned-movie-icon stops dead in his tracks and mutters - I cleaned this up - “Shut the Front Door. I forgot the tickets!”
Sheepishly, one of the most successful actors in film history pivots on his heels and heads toward his cool-looking Jag. As Ford walks past me, I gave him a sympathetic look before offering, “Hey, Harrison.”
As I pass Flockhart and the woman I presumed to be grandma, I will never forget the look on those two ladies’ faces. While Indiana Jones, the man who always had it figured out when fighting the bad forces, retrieves the forgotten tickets, the women had a “That dude would forget his head if it wasn’t attached” kinda look. Yep.
Even Indiana Jones has flaws. He’s certainly not alone.
A short while later, just before entering the theatre to watch our kids’ show, the Chicago native caught up with his posse. We were in line. Our eyes met briefly. He kinda rolled his with a, “Hey, I’m a goof sometimes” look.
There is always room for improvement, right? The guys at the Denver Rescue Mission know that. Concerning our lives, we know it. Harrison Ford knows it. We can always become superior to our former selves. We are flawed.
But let’s not beat ourselves up too much for the flaws. Let’s strive to overcome them. The only true flaw would be not trying. This much we know: Indiana Jones always tried!

Pep Talk: "Challenge. Encourage. Care.

I read it, and while not weeping, my heart aches and memories return.
The craziness on America’s border with Mexico. Thousands of children detained in the Rio Grande Valley. Bless them. Stuck in Texas border towns like Brownsville, McAllen and Harlingen.
I used to live there. My almost 30 years as a journalist began with a job at KGBT-TV, the CBS affiliate in Harlingen, Texas. Weekend sportscaster and weekday reporter, as well as the play-by-play voice for Pan American University’s basketball and baseball teams. On Sunday nights this gringo from Missouri anchored the news, weather and sports. A former wife used to chide me; “You can’t deliver the ‘news’ like you do sports.” Why not?
I’ll never forget many things about living on the border for two years before moving to Denver to continue my career: the oppressive heat and humidity, the warmth of the people, the passion for high-school football and the food. Although I never took a liking to Barbacoa. Ever had it? Slow-cooked cow brains. An acquired taste.
Drug busts, human trafficking and the violence associated with each, often led our newscasts. But rarely was the story focused on unaccompanied children pouring across the border. It was adults, usually men, trying to sneak across the Rio Grande River and into the United States. In search of a better tomorrow for themselves and families left behind. In many ways, south Texas was northern Mexico. The conditions, Third World. From the latest news, it sounds like things have deteriorated.
One moment in time left a huge imprint on my soul and drives a passion to encourage youth and their parents about the importance of education. The television station each year would air “Christmas For The Needy” stories. I was assigned to share information concerning a family of eight. Mom, dad and six kids. Lived in a cardboard shack. No running water or electricity. Dilapidated is an understatement. Two king-size beds dominated the structure. One parent, three kids in each bed. Nobody in the family spoke English.
Most of the folks I worked with at KGBT-TV were bilingual. Thank goodness. The photographer working the story with me translated my questions and the family’s responses. I can vividly recall the drive back to the station. I had to turn the story for that evening’s newscast. I struggled with words. Do I take the angle of despair? Those kids had little chance of success considering the obstacles. Or do I take the angle of love? Having come from a splintered family myself, I admired their closeness. In hindsight, I realize the unity might have been powered by isolation. I’m uncertain. Writing on deadline,  I finally chose the love angle, while bringing light to the family’s plight.
I've always wondered what happened to those six kids. Today, they must be in their late 20s to early 30s. Did any of them defy the odds? Earn an education? Realize the American dream? Or, did they remain uneducated, poor and desperate for assistance?
When I absorb the news of the thousands of Central American kids being rounded up and detained, my heart aches and the memories return. These kids need help, especially those truly escaping heinous conditions surrounding gangs and human trafficking. For those who stay and avoid deportation, another issue arises: effectively assimilating them into our educational system.
I see video of these Central American children, and the six kids in that cardboard shack come flashing back. I hope and pray the desperate kids of today are surrounded by nurturing adults who will stress the importance of an education. I think of the financially strapped school districts and the costs associated with such a huge influx of children, many of whom are probably not literate in their native language, let alone English. We should care for these victims, but we must challenge them and those who provide for them. Overcoming the language barrier and a commitment to learning must be top priorities. There must be expectations.
I finished writing this Pep Talk on an airplane flying to Kansas City for my 25-year-old niece’s wedding. Sitting beside me on the flight was my 17-year-old daughter, who is preparing for her senior year in high school. The America we’re handing over to our next generation faces many perils: mounting debt, crumbling infrastructure, failing schools, growing economic inequality, immigration policy failure and soaring health care costs, to name a half dozen. There are plenty more.
It’s embarrassing. The wise words of President John F. Kennedy resonate: “Ask not what your country can do for you but what can you do for your country.” America has much work to do. We need to challenge the idle, encourage the timid and care for the frail. Whether crossing the border, street, town or living room, we need wisdom to apply each where appropriate. Challenge. Encourage. Care.
This week, let’s slow cook that terrific trio into the lives of others. Barbacoa can satisfy hunger for a day, but challenging, encouraging and caring? They can stuff a soul full of hope. We need plenty of that right now, on the border and beyond.
We can do it!

Pep Talk: "A Whole Bunch of Fun"

There are just moments in life that leave us bewildered, shocked, angry and whatever else applies, wondering, “What the heck is going on around here?”
I had one of those recently while hosting an event showcasing lots of courage, cars, wonderful music and food in honor of a special young man, Austin Williams.
He died in March of last year after battling cancer for three years. The young stud had just turned 17. I have two kids older than that. I can’t imagine the pain for the parents. But, I really love this, family and friends have decided to take that pain and honor a wish. Austin, toward the end of his battle with lung cancer, took a liking to classic cars. A 1972 Chevelle in particular.
One of the most popular Chevy’s ever built the Chevelle debuted in 1965 and was consider a classic. It became Austin’s dream car. KUSA-TV, the NBC affiliate in Denver - I worked there while co-hosting a show called “Colorado and Company” - had done a story on Austin receiving this cool-looking car. It was a wonderful story of a terminally ill warrior going through chemo. To pass the time he starts reading lots about classic cars. In addition, Austin’s about to turn of legal driving age and declares, “Ain’t no guarantees in life. Hey, I wanna drive a nice ride like that.”
The community says, “We like that kid’s attitude” and bingo, Austin had a special ride. It was parked front and center for the fourth DTC/Greenwood Village Chamber of Commerce “SummerFest.” It was the second year that proceeds from the fun day went to Rollin’ Dreams. That’s the non profit Austin’s family - led by mom Daelyn - at his dying request founded to help other teenage kids going through what Austin endeared before the battle went in his foe’s advantage.
I just can’t imagine losing a child. OMG.
But somehow, someway Austin’s mom, family and friends are doing a grand job of keeping his spirit alive and honored. The event featured a community coming together to honor a great kid, hear some awesome music from a stellar band, “The Boomers”, savor yummy food from restaurants, quenching - it was hot - brewskies from local purveyors and, well, just having a good time. For a good cause.
As I offered to the crowd, “This is wonderful, we’re out here having fun, never growing weary of doing good for others and nobody’s benefiting more than us. Way to go!” The classic cars were so cool, the folks generous and the mood festive. I hope Austin approves because a whole bunch of folks poured their hearts into remembering you and all the other kids who face such a lousy sentence with such valor. It’s the least we could do.

I also hope to be invited back again next year, hope the Boomers come back and play and that I sing a few songs with them. I love to sing but that’s another story for another time. The Pep Talk is this: It’s really amazing what can happen when you bring together folks who are united behind a good cause. Magic can happen.
I always think of the 1989 Colorado Buffaloes or 1974 season Ray-South Cardinals football teams when talking about the power of a collective spirit. Powered by a united front each team went through the regular season unbeaten before losing in disappointing fashion and dashing their title hopes. I witnessed each. The former as a sportscaster and latter as player.
There’s that kind of spirit around Rollin’ Dreams partnership with the DTC/Greenwood Village Chamber’s annual event. It was born from tragedy. What warms my marrow is to observe how Austin’s family, friends and supporters are rallying in his honor.
Maybe the message is this. We all know someone - I think of my old man - that, perhaps, for the next week we can keep that person’s great spirit alive. Yep. With my thoughts, words and actions I’m gonna honor ----- ? Fill in the blank.
It might be Austin. Marvin. Charles. Lyndi. Ann or anybody. Let’s try like heck to honor them since they’re no longer around. It’s the least we could do. Plus, honoring someone’s admirable legacy, if it’s anything like SummerFest 2014 benefitting Rollin’ Dreams, can be a whole bunch of fun too.
Have a good one!