Walking Tall Podcast

The Walking Tall Podcast was created by two separate mass shooting survivors and heroes from their events, and a respected mental health doctor who all joined forces to share their own stories of adversity and strength, and then how they learned how to Walk Tall after being knocked down. Their guests will share their struggles and how they defied the odds to learn how to Walk Tall again in various categories of mental health. This podcast will spread a message of strength, togetherness, love, and support. In a time of despair, there is hope and a community of people that will help lift you up and Walk Tall for you until you can Walk Tall on your own. The "Walking Tall Movement" is here, and we are ready to Walk Tall for you and then with you. Hosts: Chris Maliszewski, Dr. Vanetta LaRosa, and Todd Blyleven

Host

Chris Maliszewski

Chris served as the Co-Chair of the July 4, 2022, Highland Park, IL Independence Day Parade when a mass shooting occurred. Seven lives were lost and over forty people were injured.

Chris's selfless acts during the shooting, working with law enforcement for over seven hours to rescue staff and vacate public areas immediately after the event, and his continued community recovery efforts have made him a "hero" since that day. Chris is learning how to Walk Tall again from his experience and has begun EMDR therapy which will help him process his experience and learn to live with his PTSD.

Chris is a former NCAA Division I baseball coach having coached at The University of Iowa and Valparaiso University. He currently serves as a Director of Recreation for the Park District of Highland Park. He is a husband and father to two beautiful children. Chris's life experiences will allow for captivating stories while providing an example of Walking Tall.