Episode 22

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Published on:

4th Jun 2021

The Daily Mile: Interview with Bill Russell

Scott Bryant-Comstock interviews Bill Russell, who shares the story behind The Daily Mile and its impact on children and families worldwide.

Bill Russell is the Director of The Daily Mile USA Program. Bill has over 20 years of experience as a public educator and has been an administrator, a teacher, and a coach. Bill has genuine love and passion for helping young people become the best they can be. Bill also enjoys being active with family and friends.

The goal of The Daily Mile is to improve the physical, social, emotional, and mental health and wellbeing of our children – regardless of age, ability, or personal circumstances. The Daily Mile is a social and physical activity, with children running or jogging – at their own pace – in the fresh air with friends.

The Daily Mile is in 78 countries and has more than 3 million participating children. The goal is for every student in every elementary school to have 15 minutes per day to take care of their mind and their body through The Daily Mile. 


In this episode, Bill Russell talks about the story behind the phenomenal program, The Daily Mile. Bill passionately discusses the mission of The Daily Mile which is to improve the physical, social, emotional, mental health, and well-being of our children around the world. And to make this happen, Bill encourages everyone to become a Daily Mile Champion. You can create a difference in the world and change lives, especially the younger generations. You can do all that by joining The Daily Mile in its mission and become part of a caring and committed team.


What You'll Learn


  • What The Daily Mile Program is all about.
  • The positive effects of The Daily Mile on the physical, social, emotional, and mental health and well-being of our children. 
  • How to become a Daily Mile Champion and join The Daily Mile in making a difference in the world.
  • And much more!


Favorite Quote 


“I've always wanted all children to have the ability to be the best that they can be. That's been me as a coach, me as a teacher, and me as a dad." - Bill Russell 


For More Information: 


The Daily Mile


Become A Daily Mile Champion

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About the Podcast

The Optimistic Advocate
Making a difference in advocating for better mental health services for children and families
Hello, and welcome to the Optimistic Advocate! The Podcast that brings you just a bit closer to recognizing your full potential as an advocate for change – yours, mine, and everyone's! I’m your host, Scott, Bryant-Comstock, and I’m CEO and founder of the Children’s Mental Health Network. For the past 40 years, my journey as a mental health advocate has traveled from volunteering at a suicide and crisis center, professional roles as a therapist in an outpatient clinic, in-home family therapist, state mental health official, Board Chair for a county mental health program, and national reviewer of children’s mental health systems reform efforts. As the founder of the Children’s Mental Health Network (2009), I lead the Network’s efforts to grow a national online forum for the exchange of ideas on how to continually improve children’s mental health research, policy, and practice.

This podcast features conversations with inspiring advocates who help individuals and families make positive changes in their lives and communities across the globe. The episodes typically run from 45 – 60 minutes in length, so give yourself some room to breathe and get inspired when you listen to these. Who knows this could be the gamechanger that will unleash the advocate in you. You won’t regret it!

I can’t wait for you to join me here on the Optimistic Advocate. Remember to tell all your podcasting friends that the show is available for free in any application that supports podcasts.

Go to theoptimisticadvocate.com/listen and choose the podcast player of your choice. Remember, as you dive into the episodes, never forget to stay optimistic, listen attentively, have a plan, and follow through.

See you on the Podcast!

About your host

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Scott Bryant-Comstock

For the past 49 years, my journey as a mental health advocate has spanned working at a suicide and crisis center, as a therapist in an outpatient clinic, an in-home family therapist, a state mental health official, Board Chair for a county mental health program, and a national reviewer of children's mental health systems reform efforts. As the founder of the Children's Mental Health Network (2009), I led the Network's efforts to grow a national online forum for the exchange of ideas on how to continually improve children's mental health research, policy, and practice. The Network ceased operation in 2024 and I am now devoting my efforts to assisting those nearing transition as an end of life doula. The advocacy gene remains as strong as ever!

Enjoy this archive of the Optimistic Advocate podcast and be inspired by the amazing group of individuals I had to honor of speaking with.