I have shared a bit of my journey to healthier living and weight loss here on the blog, so the story of Todd Starnes' transformation and his new book naturally grabs my attention. And I imagine many of my readers would benefit to hear from his as well. Todd Starnes is a best-selling author and network news reporter for Fox News Radio, based in New York City. He is also an evangelical Christian and a member of the Journey Church in Manhattan. Todd is an award-winning journalist, earning one of his profession's highest honors, the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Associated Press Mark Twain Award for Storytelling. His work is heard on more than 750 radio stations around the nation. He also hosts a religion podcast called, "FOX on Faith."
He is also a long distance runner, having completed the 2007 NYC Marathon and a number of half-marathons. Todd is currently training for the 2010 Ironman Triathlon in Louisville, KY. So, yeah Todd sounds like an all star: a talented reporter, recognized author and an athlete. But he wasn't always a runner. In fact, at the age of 37 Todd weighed 300 lbs and had a bad heart. In his new book, They Popped My Hood and Found Gravy on the Dipstick, he chronicles his weight loss, and offers advice. I had the chance to ask Todd a few questions for the blog. Read on below and then jump into the comments section with your questions. Todd will be hanging around the blog today to interact with us all.
You've been through a lot of adversity in your life in a very short amount of time.
In 2005 I was 37 years old and having the time of my life as a news reporter in northern California. It all came to a grinding halt when I was diagnosed with what was a nearly fatal heart condition. My aortic valve was failing and I had to undergo open heart surgery. In 2006 my father died at a relatively young age and in 2007 my mother died after an extended illness. Along the way, I made a major career move to Fox News Channel in New York, lost 150 pounds and ran the New York City Marathon. I discovered that God's grace has been more than sufficient to carry me through the difficult days I experienced.
Talk to us about your church community in California.
I was several thousand miles away from my family when I became sick. My church family adopted me as one of their own. I was a member of First Baptist Church Fair Oaks, CA. and I believe it's one of the healthiest churches in the country. They provide various styles of worship while maintaining a strong sense of community among ALL age groups. My illness reminded me that there is more to church than a good worship band. It's about a community of believers looking after each other, going the extra mile, and stepping in to help during hard times.
You write about your struggle with obesity.
I am originally from the South. I grew up with a Bible in one hand and a piece of fried chicken in the other. I believe obesity is a significant problem not only in the nation, but also the church. You can hear the pews creaking under the weight of our congregations. I know pastors admonish us about drinking - but what about overeating? I suspect there are more fat people in our churches than drunks. And according to my interpretation of Scripture - both sins are equally bad. That being said, you can't blame the church for your obesity. I took personal responsibility for my girth. I had no one to blame but myself.
Is there something the church should be doing to help foster health wellness?
Aside from family life centers, I believe Wednesday night fellowship meals should include heart-healthy options. Try grilling the chicken instead of deep frying it. This may be heresy for lovers of the gospel bird, but it's a start to getting our congregations on the road to healthy living. Christian friends need to get into the act, too. I credit my church family with helping me get started on the weight loss journey. Aside from prayer, one church lady actually showed up at my front door - holding me accountable for daily exercise. She actually helped me clean out my refrigerator and refill it with heart-healthy food.
Any lessons on leadership?
My pastor demonstrated servant leadership in a very unique way. I was in the hospital for more than two weeks and I was really in a foul mood. I was particularly upset because I had forgotten to get a hair cut before my surgery. One night there was a knock on the door of my hospital room. It was my pastor and his wife. I was honestly surprised to see him at such a late hour because I know that he's a busy man. The pastor helped me out of bed and put in a chair. He announced that he was there to cut my hair. I was honestly stunned. He took out a pair of scissors, a hair brush and went to work, as his wife grabbed a broom and swept away the clippings. It was one of the most touching moments of my life. I was immediately reminded of the time Jesus washed his disciple's feet. I saw my pastor's heart that night demonstrated through a simple act of kindness. I told that story a month later during a worship service. Afterwards, the pastor explained to the congregation how he learned to cut hair. "My job on the farm," he said with a smile, "Was to shave the pigs."
And what's up with the book title?
I was a huge fan of Lewis Grizzard and Erma Bombeck. The original working title was "Spiritual Life Lessons Gleaned from Cardiovascular Surgery." I suspected that wouldn't get as much attention as "They Popped My Hood and Found Gravy on the Dipstick."
Have questions? Todd will be on the blog today, interacting with us in the comments.
Posted on September 2, 2009 at 8:30 AM ~ 18 Comments
Tagged with: health, starnes, weight loss
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Greetings from New York City! Thanks to Ed for sparking this conversation and I look forward to answering your questions and hanging out today!
Todd (and Ed), thank you for sharing your lives and stories with those of us who have difficulty in this area.
Todd, this is my toughest area--my weight. But it seems like I only have successes (short-lived as they are) when I become singularly focused on what I eat, working out, and getting healthy. In a world where ministry expectations are getting higher and the demand for excellence in organization, leadership, communication, etc. is almost relentless...how do you do it without train wrecking your life?
I have really struggled with my weight as well. I am in that 300 lb club. I have tried multiple diets but I can't seem to last. I also grew up in the south and good home cookin is just what I am use to and eating healthy seems to cost so much more money. I am a YP so budget is tight but I want to do what is right. I do feel like I am dealing with a sin issue but can't seem to break free. Any suggestions?
Thank you for sharing your journey. I've recently lost almost 60 lbs and know it to be definitely a spiritual issue as well as physical.
Can you share some thoughts on how to deal with this rampant problem within our churches? No one seems to want to deal with this sin called gluttony.
Todd, Sounds like an interesting book. I was wondering if you had any advice for young parents on ways to help thier children to begin to develop healthy habits from an early age? Also, how have you been able to keep yourself motivated to keep running? This has always been a struggle for me.
Jeff,
I totally understand what you are saying. Take your time and slow it down. It's about changing your lifestyle incrementally. I lost the weight over 3.5 years -- and am still losing. I still eat the same foods I love -- just smaller portions. And don't worry about running marathons -- just trying walking a mile or so every night or morning. That's been hard for me on the campaign trail because my routine is disrupted, but I just committed to disciplining myself to exercise -- no matter what.
Micah,
I'm a budget man, too ($4.00 for a glass of iced tea in NYC and it's not even sweetened!).
I lost every single pound without spending a dime. I explain how I did it in the book, but let me give you some suggestions: First avoid all-you-can-eat buffets like sin. Take away the temptation. Second, eat fresh fruit and veggies and go with grilled meat instead of fried.
And save desserts for the weekends or special events.
Also -- exercise -- walk, walk, walk. You will be surprised at how quickly the weight will drop once you start exercising on a regular basis. Once you start shedding weight, try doing some stadiums -- walking up and down the steps at your local high school football stadium.
Hi Kim!
You are absolutely right! It's hard to tell if someone is an alcoholic; for overeaters -- it's pretty much obvious. I think living a healthy lifestyle needs to start in the home -- moms and dads making sure they are setting good examples for their kids. It spreads from there. I think Wednesday night fellowship meals should be prepared with healthy alternatives to deep fried meals. And I think churches should promote fun runs, bike rides, getting out there and enjoying God's creation.
Approach the issue from a positive standpoint -- and look for creative ways to get people active.
And congrats on the weight loss!! That's awesome!!
Great book Todd! I love how one second you'll need a tissue, then the next you're catching your breath from laughter--all the while, being encouraged. It's a perfectly relevant book for today's tough times. Keep up the good work!
Also, is there a particular story or moment that, looking back, you wish you had put in the book? If so, please share.
Matt,
Great to hear from you.
I recommend keeping your kids away from soft drinks. Cookies and desserts are fine -- but it's all in moderation. One cookie instead of two.
I would also involve them in exercise and encourage them to get involved in a sport -- team or otherwise.
As for running -- I use my five mile run as a quiet time. It's an amazing stress release -- and a wonderful opportunity to listen to God. I also run with music -- and in addition to Toby Keith, I listen to Casting Crowns, Skillet, Lakewood Church worship, etc.
Todd,
Having recently lost a lot of weight, it is always fascinating too me how many share our struggle.
Let me ask a non-weight question (though those are fine to ask).
Can you share with the folks how you ended up in NYC at Fox News?
You are not exactly a city boy. ;-)
Ed
Sorry for the delay (I'm also covering a Homeland Security presser in Times Square right now.)
I was working at KFBK in Sacramento (where Rush Limbaugh and Morton Downey Junior launched their national shows).
We had just become a Fox Radio affiliate when I had heart surgery. One of the vp's heard my work, and four months after my surgery, they invited me to New York for a few days.
I remember being half-dead -- my heart surgeon thought I was crazy for making the trip. I stepped off the plane and it was sweltering! Hot, humid and NYC smells in the summertime. I really wondered if I was willing to give up the dry heat of northern California for the Big Apple.
About two weeks later, I received a call inviting me to join the network.
My funny Southern guy in New York story --- I go to the local deli -- asked for a sausage biscuit. The guy behind the counter said they didn't serve sausage biscuits but they did serve bagels.
I ordered a bagel. He said, "You want me to schmear your bagel?"
In the South, if you schmear another guy's biscuit, you get cut.
Apparently in New York schmearing has something to do with cream cheese.
Sweet mercy!
Even folks who are not overweight may be destined for open heart surgery...it's just not as obvious. Several years ago, my husband went for his regular check-up and came back with incredible HIGH cholesterol numbers. The doctor said that folks with those numbers are the ones he saw in the ER. Randy was about 43, and weighed 190 at 6 feet. Not what you would consider a health risk. He started walking, and we began revising the family meals to include healthier options. At age 50 he goes for regular check-ups, still walks daily, but is on medicine to maintain his cholesterol levels. His family has a history of heart issues, so know your history and visit the doctor! Obesity isn't the only sign that you may need to change your lifestyle.
Carmen,
I wanted to find a good balance between the funny times and the tough times.
After consulting with my family, though, I probably should've left out that chapter about discovering humility through "breaking wind."
Well -- maybe not....
Good point, Kathryn. My obesity had nothing to do with my heart problem. As a matter of fact, my arteries were clear as a bell.
But the symptoms for my heart problem were masked by my largess.
Until the 1980's, babies weren't tested for heart defects so I encourage everyone born before 1980 to visit a cardiologist -- just to be on the safe side!
Happy Birthday Ed! Thanks for all you do for the Kingdom!
Todd, Just wanted to say thanks for a sharing your story. I read your book about a month ago and have since passed it on to others. Found it to be a wonderful blessing.
Norm,
That really means a lot! Thank you. I've been so encouraged to hear from folks who've been blessed by my ramblings. Have a great day! By the way, y'all, I'm blogging from The Algonquin Hotel this afternoon.