Best Meredith Willis Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 143- Frank & Mere & Chewbacca 1:10:16

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17d ago1:10:16

1:10:16

This week Frank & Mere talk about snow, holiday baking, running, and Pokemon Go! There is plenty of Echelon news with the Member's Distance Challenge, Disney 4Ks of Christmas, and Elevate by Echelon. New dual rides and strides, costumes, and an appearance or two by Chewbacca. Frank and Mere share what they/re watching and some pupdates to round out…

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Episode 142- Post Sweatsgiving Recap 1:26:42

25d ago1:26:42

1:26:42

Frank and Mere reminisce about Member's Appreciaition Week fun and Echelon Sweatsgiving classes.Frank explains how 18 miles is "an easy run" and Mere explains anatomy of the bicyclists of Sausalito with appropriate hand motions much to Frank's delight. See the video evidence on our Instagram page!

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Episode 141- All Things MAW 1:16:08

1M ago1:16:08

1:16:08

Frank & Mere talk about Echelon's Member Appreciation Week (MAW), home gym envy, fun themes, and awesome instructor duals. Mere has been traveling, Frank is racing against time, and lots of tv has been watched. Come along for the ride and catch up with us!

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Episoide 140- Frank & Mere 1:03:04

2M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Frank & Mere talk about Buc-cees (IYKYK), Going the Distance, Halloween rides and strides, and so much more. There are pupdates, Run Disney news, and travel reports and plans. Not to mention a whole lot of what we're watching!

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Episode 139- Leah Bia 1:03:27

2M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Frank & Mere talk to one of the sweetest and most fun members in the entire Echelon community-Leah Bia! She's also one of the smartest and we get to talk some science as well as all things she loves about Echelon. How did she go from "not a runner" to doing a 10K? Leah spills her secret to success. Join us on a fantastic ride on the Bike That goes …

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Episode 138- Frank & Mere 1:01:29

2M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

Frank and Mere talk about sourdough, upcoming races with guaranteened personal bests, and Thanksgiving. There is also Echelon news with the distance challenge coming back, new series, and tips from the Echelon Blog. Lots going on in the community! Join us on the Bike that Goes Nowhere!

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Episode 137- Frank & Mere Explain It All 1:03:42

2M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

This week Frank and Mere catch up on cruises, hurricanes, holidays, and Echelon member shenanigans. There's also plenty of Echelon news with yet another new Echelon Instructor, an awesome Q&A, making up our own Echelon Amazing Race Instructor Duos, and Read On & Prosper. Fun pupdates round out the episode. Enjoy!…

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Episode 136- Nicole Griffin Echelon Instructor-Chattanooga 48:59

3M ago48:59

48:59

Frank and Mere got down in the dirt and the rain and the sand to learn all about that groovy music festival life with our resident expert, Nicole Griffin! As one of the OG instrutors we go back a long way through miles and miles of chunky frozen peanut butter. Her smile is undeniable and one cannot help but have a positive vibe and good ride, strid…

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Episode 135- Frank & Mere 1:10:22

3M ago1:10:22

1:10:22

Dubai, Nikita, Miami, Oh My! Wow! Frank and Mere are overwhelmed with new rides and programs to try. It's a lovely problem to have. We have ridden with as many of the new intructors that we can as well as many awesome rides, strides, and fitpass from our OG instructors. With debuts of six Dubai instructors and three in Miami we have our workouts cu…

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Episode 134-Michael Browne Echelon Chattanooga Instructor 1:09:03

3M ago1:09:03

1:09:03

Frank and Mere speak to the sometimes serious, but also tons of fun, Michael Browne! Michael catches us up on his workouts, family life, hair journey, and all things Echelon. He may be the king of hard workouts, but he also stresses the importance of mobility and recovery to optimize performance. Join us for a delightful conversation on these topic…

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Episode 133- We Love London 1:35:36

3M ago1:35:36

1:35:36

Frank and Mere revisit past episodes with some of our London Echelon Instructors. You can find their full episodes listed at the bottom of this note. Huge shout out to Sage, Demi, Rowan, Susanna, Sarah, Marilena, Karen, Carly, Rachel, Antonia, Alexa, and the entire London Studio Crew! Thank you for the inspiration, dedication, and perspiration. You…

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Episode 132- Frank & Mere Go Off the Rails 1:03:02

4M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

Frank & Mere discuss Echelon and a few other things that Mere has been thinking about recently. Cruises, True Crime, Labubus...Frank endures with his usual brand of humor and grace. There is an updates to news we learned after we recorded. Three new Echelon Instructors have been announced! One for Miami and two for Dubai. Check out the Echelon Blog…

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Episode 131- Frank & Mere 1:05:35

4M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Frank & Mere talk about life, love, and the pursuit of Echelon. It's the Labor Day summer extravaganza and they both have plans to share. There are pupdates, book club anniversaries, RunDisney, and so many more topics to discuss!

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Episode 130- Chelsea Norris 1:05:19

4M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Frank and Mere had the extreme pleasure of meeting longtime Echelon Community Member, Chelsea Norris, in Las Vegas this summer. After seeing "Ridin Horses Ridin Bikes" on the leaderboard for years, it was great to learn more about her world. This episode has something for everyone: horsin' around, jewelry making, Backstreet Boys, travel, Harry Pott…

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Not Only Survive, but Flourish: The Story of WSPA 28:23

4M ago28:23

28:23

Hello, this is New Angle: Voice, the podcast about Pioneering Women in American Architecture brought to you by the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation. I'm your new host, Alexandra Lange. Our latest episode describes the creation and experience of the Women's School of Planning and Architecture, popularly known as WSPA, which ran for four summer…

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Episode 129- Frank & Mere 1:08:37

4M ago1:08:37

1:08:37

Frank and Mere catch up on Frank's handyman adventure and Mere's reading list. We also talk about the changes at Echelon with one studio closing and another opening and what that might mean for us as a community. Pupdates and tv/movie/book recommendations are including in our discussion as well.

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Episode 128- Sam Jackson Echelon Lead Instructor Miami 1:03:56

5M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

Frank and Mere got a chance to catch up with Sam Jackson! She's always on the go and we appreciate her taking the time to talk all things Ecehlon and running with us. We also got a Kessie pupdate and some wedding planning news! There was a bit of This or That and the infamous 5 questions. Sam took it all in Stride as we knew she would!…

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Episode 127- TDE Survivors 1:17:09

5M ago1:17:09

1:17:09

Frank and Mere survived the Tour de Echelon along with so many awesome Echelon community members. They recap some of their favorite moments and provide encouragement for those still riding. There are lots of other exciting workouts to discuss as well as a HUGE race reveal. Who is doing what, when and where? Find out here! There's book club shenanig…

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Episode 126- Vegas Recap 1:14:38

5M ago1:14:38

1:14:38

In this episode Frank and Mere explain that happens in Vegas, does not stay in Vegas! Wedding shenanigans, Backstreet Boys, and an unexpected Echelon community & friends of the podcast meet-up. Frank and Mere also discuss what they've been riding and striding and rowing and fitpassing lately. Hint: It's a whole lotta Tour de Echelon! There are some…

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Episode 125- Justin Kouns Echelon Instructor- Miami 1:26:56

6M ago1:26:56

1:26:56

Frank and Mere had to pedal fast on the Bike that Goes Nowhere to catch up with Miami Instructor Justin Kouns. He is a man always on the go! Justin graciously gave us the gift of gab and his time. This episode is jampacked with stories, laughter, travel, and fun! Loving his classes and wanting to find out more? Will he be doing a 75 on the Stride f…

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Episode 124- 4th of July Extravaganza 1:09:01

6M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

Frank and Mere talk all things red,white, and BBQ. And more importanly, the Tour de Echelon is back! Get the lowdown on what's coming up and how you can join Frank on the stride for some TDE fun! Frank & Mere recount their recent rides and strides as well as pupdates!

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Episode 123- Frank & Mere 1:11:46

6M ago1:11:46

1:11:46

In this episode, Frank and Mere talking moving woes, Pupdates, and a possible Escape Room Franchise (do not steal our brilliant ideas!) There's lots going on at Echelon too with Pride Rides/Classes, Echelon Run Disney Virtual Challange Series, and EchelonCoach. Have you tried it? Let us know! Mere and Frank are both off on separate, but fantastic a…

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Episode 122- Elisabetta Baglio 1:07:58

6M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

Frank and Mere get a taste of Italy with the delightful Echelon community member Elisabetta Baglio, aka Purple Friend Bear. We talk tiramisu, cappuccino rules, shoutouts, pupdates, and the pure joy of working out! The Disney Virtual Challenge through Echelon is out and people are receiving their medals and completing their 5Ks which we discuss alon…

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Episode 121- Katie Niebel 1:25:09

7M ago1:25:09

1:25:09

Are Yinz ready for this one? Frank and Mere talk to Echelon Rider and Pittsburgh resident, Katie Niebel! We talk about her path to fitness and her career as a NICU RN among other things. There are lots of people getting called out in this one, or is that shouted-out? Frank and Mere are not immune! it's a pretty good list of people to be included wi…

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Episode 120- Frank and Mere 1:06:16

7M ago1:06:16

1:06:16

After a week off in which Mere drove from Oklahoma to Canada with two dogs and a 15 year old, and Frank learned to put his sandals up out of Nellie's reach...we're back! We get caught up, talk pupdates, Echelon news, and Karate Kid: Legends! Frank has masterminded a brilliant Echelon Leaderboard Alignment Chart, so settle in and let us know where y…

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Episode 119- Frank & Mere's Excellent Roadtrip Adventure 1:15:30

7M ago1:15:30

1:15:30

In this episode Frank and Mere explore the possibilities of taking the podcast on the road. Would it be an epic adventure or an epic fail? Who would drive? Who controls the radio? Can Mere visit all the roadside attractions or is Frank a meanie? We (Mere) had many technical difficulties which Frank has handled masterfully to bring you this fun-fill…

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Episode 118- Sarah Moheb-Ahanchi UK Instructor 1:45:47

8M ago1:45:47

1:45:47

Be prepared to smile until your cheeks hurt! Frank and Mere sit down for a chinwag with UK instructor Sarah Moheb-Ahanchi. We cover a wide range of topics from ballet, to singing, mass transit, candy, and of course, Pupdates! We get an exclusive scoop on Susanna Barrett and their friendship of many years. We laughed so hard, but also gained wisdom …

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Episode 117-Frank and Mere: Nellie Edition 1:11:10

8M ago1:11:10

1:11:10

Frank and Mere get a new podcast co-host and Remy gets a new bestie. We catch up on the latest Echelon news the good, the bad, and the ugly. Mere is moving…still. There is much to discuss!

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Episode 116- Marilena Schnorrenberg Echelon London Instructor 1:17:53

8M ago1:17:53

1:17:53

Frank and Mere hop across the pond for an interview with Echelon Instructor, Marilena Schnorrenberg, of the London Studio! Delightful banter and deep discussion of cakes ensues! We learn some ways to reframe our thinking to reach our goals and feel better while we sweat together. There is a lot of travel talk for a show about a Bike That Goes Nowhe…

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Episode 111- Frank & Mere 55:47

8M ago55:47

55:47

Join Frank and Mere as they catch up Echelon news, pupdates, past episodes, and what to watch. Get answers to age old questions like, "Would Mere move to Arizona just to get out of Daylight Savings Time?" and "Does Remy like potato chips?" Plus, learn a couple of interesting tidbits about the hosts as they go off script with reckless abandon. It's …

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Episode 115- Frank & Mere 1:29:31

8M ago1:29:31

1:29:31

Bloopers, Barre, and Big Babies-Oh my! This episode has a little something for everyone. We catch up on moving news, discuss new class types and programs available on Echelon, provide Pupdates and review several of our favorite TV shows and podcasts. Enjoy!

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Episode 114- Lindsay Kaplan- Miami Instructor 1:04:32

9M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Frank and Mere talk to the reigning queen of high energy dance fun, Lindsay Kaplan. She is not only a Miami Instructor, but Head of Talent for Echelon. We talk about all things Echelon, volunteering for dog rescues, photography, a possible new career as a DJ, and running in costumes. You won't want to miss this one!…

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Where Have You Gone, George Plimpton, Vin Scully and the Ambassador Hotel? 37:17

9M ago37:17

37:17

In 1951, Bobby Thomson was 28 years old, the Ambassador Hotel was 30 years old, George Plimpton and Vin Scully were 24 years old. Plimpton was still years away from writing his classic books Out of My League and Paper Lion. Scully was the third man on the Brooklyn Dodgers broadcasting team that included Red Barber and Connie Desmond. He was years a…

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Episode 113- Frank & Mere 1:07:09

9M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

Frank and Mere catch up on their latest adventures, favorite shows, and basketball. Frank can't believe Meredith has never seen A Few Good Men, but Mere finds it equally shameful that Frank has not watched a single Sharknado film. Pupdates and fun leaderboard names are shared as well.

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Where Have You Gone, Welton Becket, Museum Row, Sport Magazine, and John Steinbeck? 35:52

9M ago35:52

35:52

So much of 1951 is gone, but not forgotten, including publications, ballparks, and other buildings. Gone or not, the work of many writers and architects in 1951 impacted the future. Welton Becket, 49-year-old architect, Robert E. Petersen, 25-year-old publisher, and John Steinbeck, 49-year-old writer, were all doing work that would impact people fo…

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Episode 112- Audrey Johnson 50:22

9M ago50:22

50:22

Frank and Mere get the scoop from Audrey Johnson on how she stays sane, which piece of Echelon equipment is her favorite, what is was like visitng Chattanooga, and winning a Run Disney race entry as well as a stay at Animal Kingdom! How did she end up in the front at the starting line? How much does her family love her for winning that prize? We al…

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Where Have You Gone: The Shot Heard ‘Round the World 31:35

9M ago31:35

31:35

This installment of Where Have You Gone looks at Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”. It put the New York Giants into the 1951 World Series against Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, and the New York Yankees. Ever since October 3, 1951, the date and Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” have been linked. Since then, Thomson’s name has b…

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Where Have You Gone, Gordon McLendon, Lawrence & Lee, Rube Walker, and Broadway? 27:27

9M ago27:27

27:27

One of the champions of radio in 1951 was Gordon McLendon, creator of the Liberty Broadcasting System. Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee were part of the creation of the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS). Lawrence and Lee became one of America’s great writing duos. Their work stands the test of time. If Gordon McLendon’s work has not lasted in the …

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Episode 110- Dani Dellarco 1:29:31

9M ago1:29:31

1:29:31

Frank and Mere sit down for a gloriously long chat with the one and only Dani Dellarco! We appreciate her taking the time from her busy schedule as an Echelon Miami Instructor to give us some insight into her philosophy on life, liberty, and the pursuit of a personal best.

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Where Have You Gone, Willie Mays and Meredith Willson? 25:38

10M ago25:38

25:38

The New York Giants had 17 wins and 19 losses when Willie Mays made his Major League Baseball debut on May 25, 1951. By the end of September, he was a fixture in the Giants’ lineup and helped put his team in a pennant race for the ages with the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was a high point in the history of Major League Baseball. In 1951, the Lux Radio The…

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Episode 109-Justin Kees 51:35

10M ago51:35

51:35

Frank and Mere talk with Echelon community member and human extraordinare, Justin Kees. Are his legs insured? How many baseball cards does he have? Why is he turning the tables and questioning the hosts? So much fun talking about baseball, spreading positivity through Jamming with Justin, riding to the moon, and working toward goals.…

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Where Have You Gone, Ford Frick, Michael Wilson, and Carl Reiner? 33:31

10M ago33:31

33:31

On September 20, 1951, Ford Frick was elected Commissioner of Baseball. The next day, A Place in the Sun opened at the Loew’s State in downtown Cleveland. Also on the 20th, screenwriter Michael Wilson “appeared before the House Committee on Un-American Activities as an ‘un-friendly’ witness” and took the fifth. In the fall of 1951, Saturdays were s…

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Episode 108- Frank and Mere 50:08

10M ago50:08

50:08

Frank and Mere discuss all things under the sun including, running, Las Vegas buffets, pupdates, Echelon News, a little accidental wearing of women's clothing, and a return of fun leaderboard names!

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Where Have You Gone, Route 66 and the 1951 Voices of Major League Baseball? 34:11

10M ago34:11

34:11

We look at the 25th birthday of Route 66 and some of baseball’s all-time great broadcasters at the middle of the 20th century. Route 66 turned 25 years old in 1951. In his book 1939 book The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck called it “The Mother Road” and the moniker stuck. It ran through baseball cities large and small. It was immortalized in the s…

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Episode 107- Kami Young 1:19:16

10M ago1:19:16

1:19:16

Join Frank and Mere for a delightful conversation with Echelon Rider, Strider, Rower, and Fitpasser, Kami Young! Learn valuable tips for outdoor riding and bike commuting, hear how Kami and her family made history in the best way, and find out Buddy's origin story. We delve into a major health issue that Kami faced and her experiences with all that…

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Where Have You Gone, Eric Simonson? 38:58

10M ago38:58

38:58

In his extraordinary career, Oscar-winning writer-director Eric Simonson has bridged a unique cross-section of American drama from Norman Corwin to Mark Harris. His documentary, A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin, won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Documentary, Short Subjects.By whygpodcast

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Episode 106 We're Back! 43:33

10M ago43:33

43:33

Frank Truong and Meredith Willis head up this new season of the podcast. We're bringing new segments including pupdates and have a list of Echelon community, instructors, and team members a mile long to interview. This episode reminds you a little bit about who we are (Frank & Mere) and why we're doing this (we're mad for all things Echelon). Many …

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Where Have You Gone, Norman Corwin, Paul Douglas, and Jan Sterling? 30:45

11M ago30:45

30:45

We take yet another look at the legendary poet laureate of radio, Norman Corwin, and the husband-wife acting team of Paul Douglas and Jan Sterling. On September 2, 1951 Norman Corwin “intermittently watched [the] Giants-Dodgers game” in New York City. He was in New York for a trade screening of The Blue Veil on September 5. The film careers of Paul…

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Where Have You Gone, Paddy Chayefsky, Joe Mantell, Art Gilmore, and Supporting Players? 40:01

11M ago40:01

40:01

Another great playwright, Paddy Chayefsky, supporting players like actors Joe Mantell and Art Gilmore, and many of the Dodgers and Giants on October 3, 1951 are featured. In 1951, Chayefsky turned 28 years old, and Mantell was 36 years old. By 1955, Mantell and Chayefsky were both Oscar nominees for the film Marty. Mantell was nominated for the Osc…

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Where Have You Gone, Rod Dedeaux and Alfred Hitchcock? 37:21

11M ago37:21

37:21

We feature a look at two more legends, college baseball coach Rod Dedeaux and filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. On June 16, 1951, the 37-year-old Dedeaux and the University of Southern California Trojans baseball team was in Omaha, Nebraska playing the Tennessee Volunteers in the College World Series. It was USC’s first trip to Omaha for the College Worl…