5 Questions with Greg James & the GJBeat Podcast
The GJBeat Podcast is local media created to build on the already impressive outdoor community in Roanoke. The idea was born at least a year before the first steps were taken.
Creator Greg James — you may know him as a mainstay with the Roanoke Valley Trail Runners — says it was a random comment presented to trail friends to see their reaction. “The reaction was far more positive than I predicted, and it never faded. In fact, they continued to pester me until, in Spring 2020, I asked Kristen Eccleton to be the first guest. Her reaction was so strong that it became real.”
Episode 1 was released May 20 with Kristen describing her creative design of the virtual Blue Ridge Double Marathon starting at the Peaks of Otter and ending in Roanoke. From there, it has taken off.
The GJBeat isn’t limited to a particular genre other than attracting amazing people to talk about the adventures of life. It’s no surprise that the local outdoor adventure community has provided an endless list of possibilities.
Listeners can expect to hear lots more stories of adventure and life histories of Roanoke locals. But don’t be surprised if there are some musicians, entrepreneurs, etc. thrown into the equation. Worthy
conversations are always welcome no matter the background. The latest espisode features runner Tim Lewis, who practically “owns” McAfee Knob with nearly 300 trips up the mountain.
You can find the podcast here (or whereever you listen) and on Facebook.
5 Questions with Greg James of the GJBeat Podcast
1. Why did you start the GJBeat Podcast?
Immersing yourself in the outdoor community is like hitting reset and immediately getting all new friends. But what I realized after several years is that each of us knows so little about one another. The podcast creates an opportunity for each person to talk about their life in a way that most people have never done. Initially, I really only anticipated that it would help us learn more about one another. But it has grown into so much more than that. It is humorous and inspiring. Everyone has a story to tell, and I love being the vehicle for our local community to share theirs. Not to mention creating future history for every single guest.
2. What’s your favorite part of the podcast?
My favorite part of the production process is witnessing authentic emotions flow out of our guests when talking about life experiences. Their stories are real and relatable, and there have been quite a few positive tears during and after recordings.
The production process itself has a few more details than I realized early on. So far, I’ve made adjustments to the process and equipment after each episode to improve the final product. My friends have jumped on board and helped tremendously with content and recruiting. Kind words to Sunshine Richards and Ed McKeown (pictured with James above) who have given much of their time to this project.
3. How do you pick outdoor adventures to feature?
Oh … there are so many. It’s not always about the fastest person with the longest resume. Some of the best content is related to life changes and impossible situations that guests have overcome. Most of us look at other athletes and assume they are fitted naturally to their activity. The assumption is rarely the case, and there are far more reasons to do nothing at all. We so rarely have the opportunity to learn about their process and the struggles they worked through to get where they are today. But those stories are important, not just to those looking for entertainment and insights, but especially to those seeking inspiration to work through their own challenges.
4. What’s next for the podcast?
The schedule is booked for the next few weeks with some phenomenal people. The response has been unbelievable, and the next step is to upgrade the equipment to professional standards which will likely be done with sponsor funding. I’ve intentionally taken it slow to learn the process and a good foundation is in place. Lots of famous names travel through the area as well. So you just never know what can happen.
5. What are your favorite outdoor places or activities in the Roanoke Region?
My love of ultra running is where it all started, and now I share that with my newest fling of road biking to ease the pains. It’s hard to narrow my favorite spots, but big mountains are easily on top. Any and all Appalachian Trail, North Mountain, McAfee Knob, Apple Orchard Mountain … and the list goes on forever.
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