Meet Johnny Wise | Runner and Naturalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Johnny Wise and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Johnny, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
“I’m inspired by seeing the connectedness between people. As a runner, I know we all might cover the same ground and never actually meet, yet the idea of sharing similar experiences and seeing the same things is exciting. I’m also drawn to public art and the nature I see around trails—they are all signs of life. Whether it’s vandalism or an art installation, I enjoy seeing these expressions of creativity. Each piece is an anonymous connection, left for others to notice and interpret, not knowing who, if anyone, will see it. It’s a reminder that we all leave marks that might resonate with someone else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my focus on finding connections through everything I do. Whether it’s in my work or hobbies, I’m passionate about learning more about the places and ideas people are passionate about. I’m most proud of how this philosophy has brought me to places I would never have found without someone telling me about why they go to places worth exploring.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Sometimes I struggled with doubt and setbacks, but I overcame them by staying grounded in my values, learning patience, and being open to learning from every experience. One important lesson I’ve learned is that progress often comes from persistence and that creativity comes when facing challenges.

Ultimately, I want people to know that my story is about building connections and celebrating individuality. I don’t like posting pictures of myself because I want the tag to mean a runner, not just me. While I joke that I hand them to people to be accomplices and I can blame any sticker on anyone else who travels through, I’m most proud of the Owl stickers that I have found that didn’t place myself and the new stickers placed near mine meaning they have come through also.

I believe we all have unique ways to inspire and connect with others, and my goal is to create spaces—whether physical or metaphorical—where that can happen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I have to show off some my favorite places in the city, Deep Ellum is one of my favorite spots for drinks and nightlife. Westlake Brewing has a great atmosphere and the vibe of the city as a whole is well-represented – noisy, spontaneous, and slightly dangerous depending on how late the night gets.

For scenery, White Rock Lake has a wonderful trail to walk or just enjoy people-watching while having a conversation. Cultivar Coffee Roasting Co. has a fantastic menu and coffee that’s always perfect after a long morning.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Loop Dallas has been an exciting project and organization whose intent is to connect the different areas of Dallas by way of a trail. Groups such as the Friends of the Katy Trail and other non-profits have helped maintain clean and safe areas for people to enjoy the outdoors. Other Running groups like Ohana Running Group have encouraged others by welcoming runners and actively supporting the community and races.

Instagram: TheWiseRunner

Other: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0z1IhFVjnHWBO7Mqe31LNv?si=5LcXmPRGTxOcO7ze67qBww