Episode Details

A third grader who “hates running” signs up anyway, finds her people, and suddenly has a place to belong after school. That’s the quiet magic behind Girls on the Run, and it’s why we invited Cindy Bradley and Kate Wright to share what’s happening across Wyoming right now.

We talk about how Girls on the Run Wyoming grows from the ground up, why local “boots on the ground” matter, and what the program actually looks like for families: an eight-week season, meeting twice a week for 90 minutes, with a curriculum that changes so girls can come back year after year. Cindy and Kate break down why running is used as the tool (simple, affordable, flexible), while the real focus is youth development, mentorship, confidence, goal setting, and learning to use your voice.

We also get specific about the lessons girls carry with them: self-acceptance, navigating friendships, reading body language, breathing techniques, and a powerful reminder to be intentional with words (the toothpaste lesson is unforgettable). Then there’s the community impact project, where teams practice compromise and leadership by choosing how they want to serve. Finally, we paint the full picture of race day: bib bling, happy hair, face paint, warmups, big emotions at the finish line, and alumni who come back as junior coaches and mentors.

If you’ve wondered how to support girls’ mental health, social emotional learning, and healthy movement in one practical after-school program, this conversation makes it real. Subscribe, share this with a parent or teacher, and leave a review so more people can find the show.