Have you ever wondered, "How did they do that?" Well, I have too! I'm Deirdre Fitzpatrick and Dying To Ask is the podcast that gets me off a TV news set and into candid conversations with authors, entrepreneurs and influencers I've been dying to talk to. So, brace yourself for a verbal gut check abo…
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Listeners of Dying to Ask that love the show mention: deirdre, deidre, dierdre, carmen,The Dying to Ask podcast is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys engaging and informative conversations. Hosted by Deirdre Fitzpatrick, this podcast covers a wide range of topics and features an impressive lineup of guests. Whether you're interested in self-care, personal development, or simply love hearing interesting stories, this podcast has something for everyone.
One of the best aspects of The Dying to Ask podcast is the variety of topics and guests. From authors and experts to everyday people with fascinating stories, each episode offers a unique perspective and valuable insights. Fitzpatrick's interviewing style is relaxed and conversational, making it easy to engage with the content and feel like you're part of the conversation. The episodes are well-researched, with Fitzpatrick asking thoughtful questions that allow guests to delve deeper into their areas of expertise.
Another standout aspect of this podcast is the practical tips and life hacks shared throughout each episode. Whether it's advice on self-care, productivity tips, or recommendations for books and products, there's always something useful to take away from these conversations. The variety of topics covered also ensures that there's always something new and interesting to learn.
While it's challenging to find any major faults with The Dying to Ask podcast, one minor downside is that some episodes can feel slightly repetitive in terms of themes or topics discussed. However, this is a minor issue considering the wealth of valuable content provided in each episode.
In conclusion, The Dying to Ask podcast is a gem among podcasts. With its diverse range of topics, engaging interviews, and practical takeaways, it consistently provides thought-provoking content that leaves listeners feeling inspired and motivated. Whether you're an early riser tuning in on KCRA3 or catching up on episodes during your morning jog, this podcast is sure to brighten your day and enrich your life one episode at a time.
A summer bucket list is like a personal manifesto of fun in the sun. It's a list of ideas, big and small, of things you'd like to do or accomplish over the summer. The goal is to collect your thoughts in one place so you can seize the day when you find free time. Writing down your list improves the likelihood you'll actually follow through on those activities and not just scroll Instagram! And it's a great way to spend time with your family and friends while ditching your screens. On this Dying to Ask: A three step plan to starting your summer bucket list How to make it a summer tradition with your kids And how to create one as an adult that focuses on fun and productivity Where to find pre-done bucket lists for families with little kids
Stop the summer brain drain by getting your kids hooked on reading this summer. This is part two of the 10th annual KCRA summer beach reads series. Last week, we took a look at the best summer beach reads for adults with Tina Ferguson, owner of "Face in a Book" bookstore. This week, we're focusing on books for kids of all ages. Tina says the key to getting a kid to put a screen down is to offer a book that's more compelling than any video. And there are lots to choose from. Have a reluctant reader? Tina says it's helpful to let your child drive the book bus. Let them pick out what interests them. Graphic novels continue to be a huge trend for kids who aren't naturally drawn to reading. Her favorite this year is a book called "The Cartoonists Club." "I chose this one because graphic novels are great for reluctant readers. A lot of parents might think graphical novels aren't what they would choose for their child. But graphic novels actually have great vocabulary," Tina says. Titles mentioned: "The Secret Letters," Margaret Peterson Haddox "Rebellion 1776," by Laurie Halse Anderson "The Cartoonists Club," by Raina Telgemeier & Scott McCloud "El Nino," by Pam Munoz Ryan "A Wolf Called Fire," by Rosanne Parry "Sharks Unhooked," by Patricia Newman Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher CLICK HERE to listen on Spotify See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
It's time for our annual "Summer Beach Reads" episode on Dying to Ask. The 2025 summer titles will not disappoint. Tina Ferguson, owner of Face in a Book bookstore, is back as our guide to all things literary. Tina and I have been doing a beach reads segment or podcast episode for 10 years now. And her pics this summer are a delightful blend of non-fiction and fiction. But our episode starts with a reality check on what the publishing industry looks like these days. Are people reading as much as they were during COVID-19 after they finished Netflix? Are romance sales as steamy as they were last year? Is Mark Twain about to follow in Hamilton's steps and be the next great musical thanks to a hot new offering from Ron Chernow? Don't miss this episode and please be sure to share it with your bookish friends and book clubs! Titles mentioned: "Headshot" "Glorious Exploits" "River of Lies" "We Solve Murders" "Mark Twain" "Tartufo" Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher CLICK HERE to listen on Spotify
Feeling blah? Head outside. Mother Nature may be the ultimate mood booster. Science has long backed the health benefits of the great outdoors. In this re-release, we're looking at how spending time outdoors impacts your physical and emotional health. Going outside can fight depression and lower blood pressure. Feel cranky after a long day indoors at school or work? A 10 minutes walk outside soaking in some sun can radically change how you feel and ultimately perform. Can't think? Go outside. Feeling down? Go outside. Can't sleep? Go outside. You get the idea. On this Dying to Ask: The viral video from Finland prompting more interest in the health benefits of spending time outside. The vitamin you'll increase naturally by soaking up some sun. And the link between your eyes, age, sun and sleep.
Can you fidget your way to fitness? You can if you're a NEAT person. We're not talking about the organized type of neat. NEAT stands for non-exercise activity thermogenesis. It's the energy you burn when you're moving about the day and *not when you're in a purposeful workout at the gym. It's things like walking to your car, folding the laundry, pacing on a phone call, taking the garbage cans out, and yes even fidgeting. Those are the calories a lot of us aren't burning enough and they are crucial to weight management and longevity. A Mayo Clinic study found people who sit at a job for six or more hours a day have a 35-40% increased risk of shorter lifespan. You can offset that by moving more. The key is being active in small spurts all day longer and not just an hour in a workout class. On this Dying to Ask How to figure out if you're not moving enough And easy ways to burn more calories by simply living your life
Move over, hustle culture. An Ivy League school says we're not lazy enough. Yale University researchers studied stressed-out students. They discovered that a scheduled day of doing nothing had powerful health benefits. Read more about the study here. Students reported improvements in mood, sleep, and anxiety almost immediately. Love being productive? That's great. But scheduling some downtime might make you happier, healthier and ultimately more motivated to get things done. On this Dying to Ask: Why laziness (in scheduled doses) could be a superpower And a 4-step plan to doing nothing
Say this, not that. Knowing what to say in the heat of the moment is key to defusing workplace drama. Karin Hurt and David Dye should know. They wrote the book on it. Karin and David are leadership experts and the founders of Let's Grow Leaders. They surveyed 5,000 people in 45 countries to gauge the most common forms of workplace conflict. The results aren't good. Workplace conflict is more complicated than ever before, thanks to an uncertain economy, remote work and a changing workforce. "And so that is all of that really combines to make complex conflict cocktails," says David. Karin Hurt and David Dye are the authors of "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." It offers 300 phrases to diffuse everything from micromanagers to bullies to passive-aggressive types. "Well, the first thing you do is don't call them passive-aggressive," says Karin. "One of the most important things that you can do there is to start with a connection, you know. So start, you know, making the human connection. 'You know, hey? I know we both want the same thing here.' And then you give the thing." It's like having a script for difficult people. The advice works for a workplace and your personal life, too. David says, "sometimes people will say, well, you can't script a whole conversation, can you? And no, you can't, because we're human beings and we're messy. But if we can open the door with connection by introducing clarity and getting curious about the other person's perspective, then we can land on a firm commitment that opens the door to a meaningful conversation." On this Dying to Ask: Why workplace conflict is up What to say to bullies, micromanagers, and passive-aggressive types Why these phrases work so well How to avoid what Karin and David call a "conversation cocktail." How to tell a boss you're not happy with something without coming off as lazy or a whiner And how Karin and David found the perfect partnership in work and in real life
Say this, not that. Knowing what to say in the heat of the moment is key to defusing workplace drama. Karin Hurt and David Dye should know. They wrote the book on it. Karin and David are leadership experts and the founders of Let's Grow Leaders. They surveyed 5,000 people in 45 countries to gauge the most common forms of workplace conflict. The results aren't good. Workplace conflict is more complicated than ever before, thanks to an uncertain economy, remote work and a changing workforce. "And so that is all of that really combines to make complex conflict cocktails," says David. Karin Hurt and David Dye are the authors of "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." It offers 300 phrases to diffuse everything from micromanagers to bullies to passive-aggressive types. "Well, the first thing you do is don't call them passive-aggressive," says Karin. "One of the most important things that you can do there is to start with a connection, you know. So start, you know, making the human connection. 'You know, hey? I know we both want the same thing here.' And then you give the thing." It's like having a script for difficult people. The advice works for a workplace and your personal life, too. David says, "sometimes people will say, well, you can't script a whole conversation, can you? And no, you can't, because we're human beings and we're messy. But if we can open the door with connection by introducing clarity and getting curious about the other person's perspective, then we can land on a firm commitment that opens the door to a meaningful conversation." On this Dying to Ask: Why workplace conflict is up What to say to bullies, micromanagers, and passive-aggressive types Why these phrases work so well How to avoid what Karin and David call a "conversation cocktail." How to tell a boss you're not happy with something without coming off as lazy or a whiner And how Karin and David found the perfect partnership in work and in real life
Have you ever kept up a streak? A mini streak is a great way to start a new habit. A mini streak is a short period of time of intense focus on a behavior you hope to make a long-term habit. It's a bite sized commitment that can be easily attainable and perhaps inspire bigger, more meaningful change at a later date. In this re-release of a "5 with Fitz," episode, we're looking at three ways to try out a habit mini streak.
Grab a timer and get ready to say goodbye to procrastination. The Pomodoro Method is a data-backed way of getting stuff done. The time management technique is named after Francesco Cirillo. He was an Italian student in the 1980s who struggled with procrastination. Francisco had a tomato-shaped kitchen timer on his desk. Pomodoro is the Italian word for tomato. He set it for 25 minutes and committed to focusing on his work until the timer went off. Then he took a five-minute break. Timing work and break intervals had a remarkable effect on his productivity and mood. And the Pomodoro Technique was born. It's easy to try and very effective with getting work, homework and even household chores done. It's easy to try and very effective with getting work, homework and even household chores done. On this Dying to Ask: How pomodoro intervals work Why this procrastination technique is effective What happened to Francisco Cirillo after he developed this time management method Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher CLICK HERE to listen on Spotify
All I need is three more hours in the day and life would be great. I've told myself that a million times. But Laura Vanderkam says it's not the number of hours in a day that's the problem. It's how you use them. This episode is a re-release of one of my favorite author experts to follow on social media. Vanderkam is a time and productivity expert. Vanderkam is the New York Times best-selling author of eight books on time management and host of the daily productivity podcast Before Breakfast. Her books include "What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast" and "168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think." "We all have 24 hours in a day," she said. "And many of the things we think are happening in our lives are based mostly on impressions." Vanderkam says the easiest way to unlock free time is to keep a time log of what you actually do in a day. Often, we think we're busier than we are and can change our relationship with the clock. Vanderkam has tracked every minute of her day for years. "People track their time, and they tend to realize well, maybe I do have some free time. It's probably not as much as I want, but it's some. And then once you realize that you're like well, let's figure out ways to work with this," says Vanderkam. In this Dying to Ask: Where we tend to waste the most time How to keep a time log Why Fridays are the best day to plan your next week What is "effortful fun" and why it's worth planning some Mentioned in the episode: Want to see our documentary 'Always Remember Your Name?' Watch in 4k on YouTube here. Watch on KCRA.com and see lots of web extras about the Bucci family here.
Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley's workout secret? ChatGPT. "You can be like hey, give me a give me a six week routine for getting ready for skiing that Olympic champion Hannah Kearney would do. And it just like spits out stuff that they used to have whole departments for at the U.S. Ski Team," says Moseley. Moseley is a two-time Olympic freestyle skier who won gold in moguls at the 1998 Nagano Games. He transitioned easily into a TV career. Decades later, he's still active in his sport and mentors the current team of mogulists hoping to podium at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. Decades after winning gold, Jonny approaches health and fitness in a totally different way than he did as a pro athlete. "I do like high-intensity stuff. But now I have to prioritize a lot of stuff. Like the yoga comes first. Otherwise, I pay for it!" Moseley said. On this Dying to Ask: How the Olympic mindset still shapes Moseley's health and fitness views Why restorative and mobility exercises are critical as you age A funny, not funny story about an injury Jonny got shooting a promo for the U.S. Freestyle Championships And how to use ChatGPT to hack your health like an Olympian
From burned out to fired up. Maryam Farizadeh takes the woo out of corporate wellness. Maryam is a corporate wellness consultant. Companies hire her to create and implement wellness strategies to improve employee mental and physical health. Healthy employees tend to be happier employees. Happier employees tend to clock in and be productive. "There's a lot of good research coming out that when we feel good we do better. Our work is better. We're more productive. The research is out there," says Maryam. Maryam founded a company called Office Yoga 10 years ago. That program went global and was used in more than 475 companies around the world including Amazon, Oracle and Twitter. The pandemic changed everything. Employers are turning to wellness programs to reinvigorate staffers and build engagement. But, it goes both ways. Taking advantage of wellness programs can energize an employee to better manage and enjoy their personal life too. Maryam's latest company is ZaaS. It stands for Zen-as-a-Service. And she's sharing some simple work wellness hacks that can make a day at the office feel like a day at the spa. Kidding. But, you will feel a mood and energy boost with just a few minutes of conscious stretching or focusing. 85% of American companies offer some kind of a wellness program. If you're not taking part, you're missing out. Maryam is an entrepreneur and endurance athlete. She's the first woman and only the second person to swim around San Francisco. And she even swam across the English Channel. She's done big things by focusing on little things that matter. And you can too. On this Dying to Ask: The true cost of burnout The link between mental health and the bottom line The number one reason corporate wellness programs fail (heads-up bosses!) The two minute break you can take at work that will give you energy and improve your mood
Springing forward got you down, or up? Check out this re-release of our episode with U.S. News & World Report sleep expert Julia Forbes. Can't sleep? You're not alone but getting some good ZZZ's could be one hack away. The U.S. News & World Report annual survey on sleep is out. Survey says: 75% of us are too stressed out to get a good night's sleep. Julia Forbes is the magazine's sleep editor. She says there's a lot keeping us up. "Life stressors. You have work. You have kids. There are big world events that are top of mind that we also cover in our sleep survey," says Julia. Julia's journey to becoming an expert on all things sleep is fascinating. And, she reports getting nine hours of sleep a night so she practices what she preaches. Bad sleep is linked to everything from health issues to mood problems. That phrase "everything is better after a good night's sleep?" It's legit. Want to increase productivity? You need to sleep. Want to be in a better mood? You need to sleep. Having issues with your partner? Try sleeping with or without that partner. Sleep divorces are on the rise for the third year in a row and Julia says some sleep honesty can be great for relationships and she makes a great pitch for a sleep split. "I'm not sleeping well, I don't think you are either. So here is something. We can try to fix that," says Julia. On this Dying to Ask: [iframe title="How Julia Forbes Gets Nine Hours Of Sleep A Night" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jwc6x-175b11a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"][/iframe] How Julia became a sleep expert A simple hack to get better sleep tonight Why mattresses matter and how to pick a good one A deep dive into the sleep divorce trend And advice for people like me who work non-traditional hours on how to feel better when nine hours isn't an option
Go to bed. Saying night-night to your devices at the same time every night could do wonders for your sleep and overall happiness. It's called a digital sunset and the new trend is easy to try. Start by setting an alert on your phone or iPad to remind you to wind down. That's your cue to put the phone or any other device away for the night. The goal is to set it at the same time every night at least 30 minutes before you want to be in bed. Next, start whatever bedtime ritual you need to relax and nod off. Yes, it's just like putting a kid to bed. And double yes, going through your *own routine can make a big impact in your life. On this Dying to Ask: 5 reasons you should embrace a digital sunset and a plan to pull it off
How much attention do you give to your financial wellness. The answer is likely "not enough." Jean Chatzky wants to change that. Jean is the CEO and creator of Her Money, a personal finance brand that teaches money through media. It's a website, newsletter, podcast and more designed primarily for women, by women. You likely know Jean from her more than 20 years as the financial editor of the "Today" show. She went out on her own a few years ago to help women embrace taking control of their finances. Jean has a knack for breaking down complex economic ideas into simple, digestible facts. And, she has empathy and insight for some of the curves life can throw your financial situation. In this Dying to Ask: How Jean became a financial expert on TV What it was like leaving the Today Show and launching her own media brand How to build wealth at any age Why female wealth is growing faster than ever
Is it just me or is making new friends as an adult harder than when you were a kid? There are entire Reddit boards dedicated to helping people in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond make new friendships. The reality is we form new connections differently as we age. Some of it is location based. College students have built in opportunities to meet new people through classes and shared living arrangements. But, things change when you graduate and move into the real world. Get married or become a parent and they change again. You find yourself in new environments and those opportunities to form new connections shrinks based on your responsibilities. But having good friends is key to managing stress and happiness. But it's definitely harder to meet new friends as an adult. I met Cindy Muchnick, an educational consultant and co-author of The Parent Compass, during the pandemic when I interviewed her on Zoom. We found ourselves chatting about all kinds of things after the interview. Years later, we've only seen each other in person one time. But, we now exchange Christmas cards! Cindy recently moved and has gone all-in on cementing her friend circle. In one case, that meant trying to re-establish a friendship with a college classmate turned Facebook friend she hadn't talked to in 30 years! "One day I just sent her a private message, and I said, hey, do you want to Zoom? I haven't talked to you in like 30 years. I'm super embarrassed, but I'd love to hear what your life has been since college, and she said, yes," said Cindy. On this Dying to Ask: How your age impacts your friend circle How to reconnect with an old friend Where to find new friends And the 'Real Housewife' Cindy reconnected with through an email
It's easy to leave a job when you're miserable. It's way harder when you're happy. And David Wise loves his day job. And that's why the 34-year-old freeskier has decided to push to make his fourth Olympic Team despite being one of the older competitors in freeskiing. "I still love going out there and grinding and doing this day in and day out, and so I don't want to stop before I feel like I'm done," David said. David is a three-time Olympian who has won two gold medals and a silver in ski halfpipe. His trophy case is full of titles and awards he's won since he was a teenager. At 34, he's a veteran of his sport. But that's not the only thing that makes him stand out. David is also married and a father of two. That's unusual in his sport and he's always said having a family has given him a balance many athletes lack. His daughter homeschools and sometimes travels with him to training and competitions. "Now, my daughter's 13 years old," Wise said. "She has teenager problems." On this Dying to Ask: How to know if you're really happy at work The question David asked himself and his family when deciding to go for a 4th Olympic Team. What David is not willing to do to stay in his job And advice on how to achieve work-life balance from an Olympic dad Check out my TV story on David Wise here: Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher CLICK HERE to listen on Spotify
Where's your battery level? It might be the best question you can ask to gauge your mental health. That's the advice from David Ko. His new book, Recharge, challenges readers to give their mental health the same attention they give their cellphone battery. "Everyone looks at their phone battery. Some people want to keep it charged all the time at like 90%. Some people will take it all the way down or put it in the yellow. And so we wanted to give you some tips and techniques in terms of making some of those parallels," says David. David is the CEO of the Calm meditation and wellness app. You'd think he'd be the master of all things Zen. He's not. He's a guy with a big tech job, a family and all the stressors of normal life. He overheard a friend ask her kid "how's your battery" rather than saying "how are you" and the power of the analogy struck him. David says, "People look at their phone over a 150 times a day at a minimum. They're constantly looking at it. And so every once in a while, check on yourself when you pick up that phone, and if you need to take a break, take a break." David's book features interviews with everyone from rapper Macklemore to former Apple CEO John Sculley to to former NFL player Carl Nassib. You'll learn practical strategies to top off a low mental battery and develop mental resilience. On this Dying to Ask: How the concept of a mental battery works How to recharge your mental battery Why stress isn't always a bad thing Advice for talking to your friends and family about mental health How being transparent about low mental battery days has transformed David as a leader and a dad.
Willpower is great until it isn't. You need to plan to make habit changes and goals stick. And Michael J. Lopez is the man with the plan. He's a transformational expert who helps companies and individuals develop strategies to follow through on goals. Lopez has worked with everyone from DoorDash to Chlorox to Meta. The former football player-turned-coach says everyone needs a set of systems to pull off productivity and self-growth. "The first thing I tell people is the same brain that got you into the habits that maybe you want to break isn't the same brain that's going to get you out of it," Lopez said. Lopez's new book is called "Change: Six Science-Backed Strategies to Transform Your Brain, Body and Behavior." Michael offers practical and actionable ideas to make transformation stick. Understanding why your brain doesn't want to do the hard work is critical. It can be as simple as re-framing how you look at an effort vs an outcome. "We know that the brain is at its best when it's striving," Lopez said. "And so if I'm pursuing an effort as the goal instead of an outcome, I actually will keep my motivation a lot higher." Want a promotion at work? Listen to this. Need to lose weight or change your health? Listen to this. Want to simplify how you approach big tasks? Listen to this. On this Dying to Ask: How Michael became a transformational expert Why willpower is not a plan How to change your relationship with stress and use it to your advantage How to reset after setbacks and why failure is your friend Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher CLICK HERE to listen on Spotify
Do you hear that? If your answer is "no, I hear nothing," your mental health may be better than most. There are a lot of brain benefits to the sound of silence. Science backs improvements to health and creativity. The easiest way to find some peace and quiet? Drive in silence. That's just one of the hacks we're exploring in this week's episode. Have high blood pressure? Take a minute and sit in silence. Can't figure out a solution to a problem? Give yourself the gift of being still and quiet and see if those ideas get flowing. The challenge is we live in a very loud world. There's noise and stimulation everywhere from AirPods to constant steaming to endless Zoom calls. But finding ways to sneak in some silence can impact how you feel and perform. On this Dying to Ask: The scientific benefits of silence How silence helps mental blocks and improves focus Four ways to sneak more silence into your day
Two words. Don't quit. Easier said than done, especially on Quitter's Day. The second Friday of January is known as
Have you ever kept up a streak? A mini streak is a great way to start a new habit. A mini streak is a short period of time of intense focus on a behavior you hope to make a long-term habit. It's a bite-sized commitment that can be easily attainable and perhaps inspire bigger, more meaningful change at a later date. In this 5 with Fitz, learn three ways to try out a habit mini streak. Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher CLICK HERE to listen on Spotify
Jill Martin is coming off one of those "what's next" kind of years. And, she says she's kinder and more grateful because of it. "I mean this year. First it's breast cancer, and you know, through the kitchen sink then a divorce. A new company. But it's it's turning around," says Jill. For 18 years, lifestyle host Jill Martin has dazzled Today Show fans with her style and energy. Her trademark 'Steals and Deals' segments carved a niche in morning television that's been replicated all over. But Jill's uncanny ability to tap into trendy products she believes in have set her apart. Life was going great until it wasn't. Last year she dealt with breast cancer and a divorce while launching a new company. "I would go and do Steals and Deals and then go for chemo, and then lay in bed for the rest of the time," says Jill. A product from that new company was just named to Oprah's Favorite Things. Her health and personal life are back on track. And Jill is sharing her journey about how kindness and gratitude have helped her emerge stronger than ever with a new purpose. She's using her platform to encourage women to test for the breast cancer gene. Jill says, "I am so grateful that I told it because I've saved so many lives, and like that is what I feel. God has put me on this earth to do. I really do feel like that. And I wasn't. I didn't speak like that prior to this, but that's what I believe. On this Dying to Ask: How Jill balanced chemo and her Today Show duties Why launching a company *while going through the worst year of her life ended up being a great thing The role kindness and gratitude played in her physical and emotional recovery And Jill takes us behind the scenes of "Steals and Deals"
Is a phone call an act of aggression? The answer is it depends. The latest digital trend recommends texting before calling someone and it's a dividing people based on their communication preferences. Diane Gottsman is the founder of the Protocol School of Texas. She coaches professionals across the county on modern etiquette which often comes down to communication styles. "My best advice is to read the room," Diane says. Not sure how your boss wants to communicate with you? Ask. But what about the rest of us? Is it really bad to call a friend who crossed your mind? What about a friend who rapid-fires text missives like they're wiffle balls? It's a digital minefield out there! On this Dying to Ask: How phone calls became so polarizing. How to end an endless text exchange. Why you should never leave a voicemail. What to do when your teens ghost you for hours but expects you to answer immediately.
Can't sleep? You're not alone but getting some good ZZZ's could be one hack away. The U.S. News & World Report annual survey on sleep is out. Survey says: 75% of us are too stressed out to get a good night's sleep. Julia Forbes is the magazine's sleep editor. She says there's a lot keeping us up. "Life stressors. You have work. You have kids. There are big world events that are top of mind that we also cover in our sleep survey," says Julia. Julia's journey to becoming an expert on all things sleep is fascinating. And, she reports getting nine hours of sleep a night so she practices what she preaches. Bad sleep is linked to everything from health issues to mood problems. That phrase "everything is better after a good night's sleep?" It's legit. Want to increase productivity? You need to sleep. Want to be in a better mood? You need to sleep. Having issues with your partner? Try sleeping with or without that partner. Sleep divorces are on the rise for the third year in a row and Julia says some sleep honesty can be great for relationships and she makes a great pitch for a sleep split. "I'm not sleeping well, I don't think you are either. So here is something. We can try to fix that," says Julia. On this Dying to Ask: How Julia became a sleep expert A simple hack to get better sleep tonight Why mattresses matter and how to pick a good one A deep dive into the sleep divorce trend And advice for people like me who work non-traditional hours on how to feel better when nine hours isn't an option
Planning on making a goal for 2025? Don't set it until you road test it. The start of a new calendar year seems like a great time to start a new challenge or resolution. But is it? In this Five with Fitz, we're making the case for road testing a personal challenge in December. Listen to this short episode for hacks on how to make sure that resolution is worth setting.
A recent poll finds Americans are getting more comfortable with AI. But, they're still worried about it. The survey was done by Bentley University and Gallup. You can check it out here. 56% of people polled say AI's influence is equally good and bad in society. Two out of three of us say we're learning more about it. But only one in 10 describes themselves as knowing a lot about artificial intelligence. David Pogue has forgotten more about AI than most of us will ever know. He's one of the top science and tech reporters in the country and a popular keynote speaker on everything from climate change to crypto. "All people want me to talk about these days is AI," David told me when I moderated his appearance at the Sacramento Speakers Series. David's main message? New technology is scary to humans. Always has been. Always will be. But resisting change is pointless. And you might be surprised at some of the upsides of artificial intelligence. On this Dying to Ask: Why you need to understand and embrace AI How historically we tend to react to major tech advancements from the steam engine to elevators The impact AI is having on everything from how we learn to how we cure disease And David is known for his optimism and positivity. Where does that come from and how we can all share his spirit?
Think you're busy? Try telling that to time and productivity expert Laura Vanderkam. Vanderkam is the New York Times best-selling author of eight books on time management and host of the daily productivity podcast Before Breakfast. Her books include "What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast" and "168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think." "We all have 24 hours in a day," she said. "And many of the things we think are happening in our lives are based mostly on impressions." Vanderkam says the easiest way to unlock free time is to keep a time log of what you actually do in a day. Often, we think we're busier than we are and can change our relationship with the clock. "People track their time, and they tend to realize well, maybe I do have some free time. It's probably not as much as I want, but it's some. And then once you realize that you're like well, let's figure out ways to work with this," says Vanderkam. In this Dying to Ask: Where we tend to waste the most time How to keep a time log Why Fridays are the best day to plan your next week What is "effortful fun" and why it's worth planning some Mentioned in the episode: Want to see our documentary 'Always Remember Your Name?' Watch in 4k on YouTube here. Watch on KCRA.com and see lots of web extras about the Bucci family here.
Being bored at the Olympics is a good thing if you're Dr. Marcy Faustin. Faustin is a co-head team physician for USA women's gymnastics. Paris will be her second Olympics. The delayed Tokyo Games were her first Olympic experience. She thought protecting her athletes from COVID-19 and injury would be her main challenge. Instead, she found herself thrust into one of the most seismic moments in sports when superstar Simone Biles had to withdraw from competition to take care of her mental health. "What Simone was able to do is show that you need to take care of yourself first even if she feels the external pressure of the gymnastics community, the Olympics and the world needing her to be the face of the Games. It allowed other people to say, 'I'm not doing OK right now and I'm having a hard time,'" Faustin said. "The Simone effect" rippled through the Games and the world, giving other athletes the freedom to admit the mental toll training and competing takes. Protecting the mind is as important as protecting the body, according to Faustin. Athletes work with sports psychologists. The USOPC provides additional mental health help during the Games. At USA Gymnastics, Faustin and Dr. Ellen Casey share the responsibility of taking care of the athletes and supporting personnel and their families. It's a holistic approach centered on making individuals feel safe, comforted and supported. Faustin said, "Everyone who is a part of the team knows we have to do that physical aspect, but we also have to do that mental aspect. Whatever that is for that individual person." Faustin is a former college athlete. Her primary job is working for UC Davis Sports Medicine in Sacramento taking care of non-Olympic patients and giving sports medicine lectures. Her love of sports and competitive nature make her a perfect medical ally and personal hype woman for Team USA. On this Dying to Ask: How do you become an Olympic Team Doctor? How Simone Biles destigmatized mental health for athletes and everyday people What will a day in Paris look like for the medical team? Why female gymnasts are older and stronger than ever in 2024 Dr. Faustin's phone-free hack to relieve athletes' stress during the games
Experience matters. And, it may be the U.S. men's water polo team's greatest asset heading into Paris. Ten of the 13 guys on the roster competed on the Tokyo Olympic team, including three-time Olympian Alex Obert. "There is a huge difference between your first Olympics and your second Olympics, the kind of nerves just knowing what you're going to go through every single day," Obert said. Obert grew up in Loomis, California. He played for the University of the Pacific, the U.S. National Team, played overseas, and competed in two Olympics. He retired after the Tokyo Olympics and took a finance job. Then came the call asking him if he'd come out of retirement for one more go at gold. His wife and employer said go for it. And, Obert made the cut, joining his third Olympic water polo team. Obert says, "Even in retirement, I still had that itch to compete at the highest level. I didn't know if I was going to be able to make the comeback. But obviously I was able to make it enough to come back and help the team, and that's all I want to do is help the team compete and win." On this Dying to Ask: How hard it is physically to come out of retirement How being a dad changed Alex as an athlete Advice for parents on how to best support your teen athletes The advantages of having 10 guys with Olympic experience on a roster of 13
Robyn Stevens walks faster than most people run and is on track to make her second Olympic Team. Stevens is the fastest female race walker in the country. Growing up in Vacaville, she said a high school track coach suggested she try race walking. Stevens did and instantly fell in love with the sport. "It's super technical it's what drew me to it," Stevens said. Women compete in the 20-kilometer distance in the Olympics. The sport relies on precision and power. "With race walking, you have to land with one foot on the ground at all times. You have to land with [a] straight leg that stays straight until it passes beneath the hip," Stevens said. Judges line the course watching for foot infractions and rely purely on what they see. There is no video review. Athletes walk faster than most of us can run. "In a 20k race, I'll average anywhere from a 7-minute to 7:15 a mile," Stevens said. She contemplated retiring after the delayed Tokyo Games where she finished 33rd out of 58 competitors. Two things kept her in the sport: One, she'd like her mom to see her compete at an Olympics in person. Fans weren't allowed at the Tokyo Olympics because of pandemic restrictions. The second is that at age 41, she's still the fastest American race walker. And that's despite having her 2023 training year disrupted severely by long-haul COVID-19 symptoms. On this Dying to Ask: Why Robyn wants an Olympic do-over The impact long haul Covid has on endurance athletes How she's changed her Olympic mindset to balance her personal and professional life What it's like to train for hours a day on your own And we break down the mechanics of race walking Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher
From grit to glam. Women's Health is celebrating female athletes with it's first-ever Olympics issue. Liz Plosser is the Editor-in-Chief of Women's Health magazine. The July-August issue is a global celebration of women's sports and athletes and spans 10 editions of the magazine across the world. "We really wanted to focus on women who would share their stories vulnerably, and let us into who they are as human beings, as advocates in their community, as moms as role models. In addition, they're sharing how they train and compete and perform at the top of their game," says Liz. Women's Health drew on the colors of the Olympics rings for inspiration and then took the women out of the gym and into iconic setting for their photo shoots. Liz says, "We put them in a really epic like superhero environment, because they are super heroes to us. We also wanted to show them an action and reflect." Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin- Levrone (track & field) is on the cover. Six other athletes are featured in the issue including boxer Jajaira Gonzalez, breaker Sunny Choi, para-triathlete Hailey Danz. water polo goalie Ashleigh Johnson, pentathlete Jess Savner and rugby star Llona Maher. All the women shared what they're doing to get their bodies and minds ready for the Paris Games. Several expressed the role mental health takes on an athlete's journey and share what makes them mentally tough. On this Dying to Ask: How you get top Olympians runway-ready What inspired the photo shoot locations and wardrobe What were the athletes like on set Olympic mental health hacks Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher
Keana Hunter spends most of her day upside down, trying to avoid getting kicked in the head while hiding from the sun. And she wouldn't have it any other way. The 20-year-old first-time Olympian will represent Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer. Team USA hasn't qualified in the Olympic artistic team event since 2008. It last medaled in the sport formerly known as synchronized swimming with a bronze at the 2004 Athens Games. Head coach Andrea Fuentes is getting a lot of credit for turning the team around. Fuentes is the most decorated artistic swimmer ever for Spain and won four Olympic medals. Keana and her teammates relocated to Los Angeles for a year, putting their lives on hold to train for 10 hours a day, six days a week. Eight of those hours are in the water. Artistic swimming is considered one of the toughest sports in the Olympics because of its blend of physical strength, flexibility, and performance. "You're upside down in the water looking at your pattern and making sure you're in the right spot. But you're also traveling. So everything has to come together to make it like this beautiful routine. But there are so many pieces that like take hours and hours to fix," Keana said. Coach Fuentes recently announced her Olympic roster of eight athletes. A squad of 12 swimmers qualified the U.S. for one of 10 Olympic spots but only eight athletes can compete in Paris. Only one swimmer in the final eight has Olympic experience. The rest are first-time Olympians like Keana. On this Dying to Ask: An update on Bill May, the 45-year-old artistic swimmer who'd hoped to become the first man to represent Team USA in the Olympics Keana breaks down what it's actually like underwater for an artistic swimmer Find out how swimmers protect themselves from the sun when they're in a pool for 8 hours a day How do you maintain passion for a goal despite that much training and sacrifice
Katrina Young has unfinished business and she wants to get it done in Paris. The two-time Olympic diver will compete in the U.S. Olympic Diving Trials in Knoxville, Tennessee, from June 17-23. She'll compete in both solo and synchronized events. Katrina grew up in the Pacific Northwest, graduated from the University of Florida with a music degree in 2015 and competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Games. She didn't medal in either. Her third Olympic push has focused heavily on mindset. "You do have to go through this series of moments where the pressure feels very heavy. And I don't think that I've ever gotten into the zone at the Olympics where I've gotten through the pressure," says Katrina. Going for a third Olympic team meant doing things differently. The 32-year-old is a newlywed. She and her husband relocated to the West Coast. Katrina moved to Los Angeles last year to train at the USC pool and pursue her other passion as a singer-songwriter. The change in scenery and shakeup in training are paying off. Katrina says, "Shaking up where I live and my day-to-day routine has really opened my eyes to different sides of myself." And, it's provided the elusive balance so many Olympians and the rest of us crave. On this Dying to Ask: Athletes thrive on routine. How did Katrina decide to flip her life upside down in her push for Paris? Advice on defining what balance means to you The unexpected value in pursuing two passions at the same time
They say good things come in threes. Maggie Steffens hopes they come in fours. Steffens is the team captain for the U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team. The team has won three straight Olympic gold medals. Winning a fourth would make history as no team, men's or women's, has won four straight gold medals. We caught up with Steffens and her team at a sold-out exhibition game at Long Beach City College. The crowd was packed with female teenage club players. "I was once that little girl on a pool deck looking up and seeing role models and saying, that's something I want to do," Steffens said. Steffens' team is a team is a mix of veterans and first-time Olympians. She leads with an Olympic mindset grounded in gratitude with an eye on mentorship for the next generation of players. Steffens says, "Going into this Olympics gratitude is one of my biggest things. How cool is it I get this opportunity and how can I make this torch a little brighter for the future of our sport?" Coach Adam Krikorian says his team tries not to focus exclusively on winning gold again. "The reality is this team has never won a gold medal. And we have people that have never been Olympians before. So this is their first experience," Krikorian says. Bottom line: leadership and experience will matter greatly this summer in Paris. On this Dying to Ask: Why leading with gratitude works How a spirit of gratitude fosters mentorship Advice on how to get different generations to work together toward a goal
35 years is a long time to wait for a dream. But Bill May says it's worth it. Bill was 10 years old when he started artistic swimming. He fell in love with the sport and dreamed of going to the Olympics. "Every time someone would tell me no, I'd say watch me. You're going to see me at the Olympic Games. You're going to tell me no and I'm going to say yes. They're going to say that person followed his dreams and there he is at the Olympic Games," says Bill. The problem? Artistic swimming (formerly synchronized swimming) didn't allow men in Olympic competition. Bill quit competitive swimming after watching his teammates win the 2004 Olympic bronze in Athens and put his aquatic talents to work in other ways. He joined the cast of Cirque Du Soleil's "O" and spent 18 years touring with the production. But he never gave up advocating for men to be allowed to compete in his sport at the Olympics. In 2022, the International Olympic Committee announced a rule change that allows up to two men per team in the artistic team competition starting this summer in Paris. Bill says, "I think now that men are allowed, it's only going to open the doors for men to be in the sport and just from our families and people around the world to say, okay, this sport is inclusive." This year, Bill was one of 12 Team USA swimmers to qualify for the Olympic team competition for the first time in 18 years. But only 8 swimmers can compete in Paris. Head Coach Andrea Fuentes calls upcoming team cuts "heartbreaking." In this episode, you'll hear from Bill May and then Coach Fuentes on how committed she is to bringing a mixed team to the 2024 Summer Games. On this Dying to Ask: How Bill stays in peak mental and physical shape to compete at 45 with teammates half his age Why gender equity matters in artistic swimming How Bill is using his platform to inspire the next generation What was it like being in Cirque Du Soleil for almost 20 years How to stay true to a dream for decades The tough choice Coach Andrea Fuentes has to make by June 8
A trip to Paris would be the ultimate revenge after getting dumped for Theo Brunner and Trevor Crabb. Both are veteran beach volleyball players and both got dumped last year by their prior partners. The timing couldn't have been worse. Crabb says it often takes three to four years of playing with a partner to create the kind of chemistry it takes to qualify for the Olympics. "We're one of the older teams on tour. I'm 34 he's 38 . We've been through the partner changes and stuff before," says Crabb. That experience let them get to work while getting to know each other. "As an elder statesman in the sport, I've seen good teams win tournaments who hate each other's guts and don't talk and teams that love each other that can't get it done. All that matters is scoring points," says Brunner. The Paris Olympics will feature 24 teams, of each gender, playing under the Eifel Tower. Team USA has already qualified two women's teams. Countries can qualify a maximum of two pairings per gender and so far no U.S. men's teams have met the qualification. The main qualification period ends on June 10. On this Dying to Ask: Why Trevor wasn't an obvious partner choice for Theo How far down the list of potential partners Trevor was for Theo The advantage of being an older, experienced player in a new partners Advice on how to get along with anyone
The girls in the boat are heading to Paris and Folsom's Michelle Sechser has Lake Natoma to thank. Sechser is a two-time Olympic rower in lightweight double sculls. She fell in love with the sport at age 14 after following her older sister to Capital Crew. That rowing club is based at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma and has produced multiple Olympic champions. "When I started at Capital Crew, never in a million years that I think I will be a two-time Olympian," Sechser said. She started seriously pursuing the National Rowing Team after grad school and came in 5th at the Tokyo Olympics. Lightweight sculls feature athletes much smaller than those found on the eight-person boats. That leads to races being won (or lost) in the blink of an eye. At 37, Sechser is older than a lot of rowers. She'd already planned on Paris being her last Olympics. Then the International Olympic Committee announced her event would be dropped from the Olympic lineup after 2024. Sechser predicts an epic final saying, "I know every girl on that starting line will be having the exact same thought, which is I've got nothing to lose, cause this is it. It's all or nothing." On this Dying to Ask: The Zen of rowing How rowing with a partner is like being in a marriage How to build physical and mental endurance and push through boredom
Sagen Maddalena has a literal shot at gold this summer at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Maddalena is a two-time Olympic shooter and will compete in two air rifle events at the summer games. She grew up in Groveland, California. She was homeschooled in the small mountain town and was introduced to her sport through a 4-H gun safety class. She got hooked and went on to become an eight-time All-American collegiate shooter at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. That led to a career as a sharpshooter in the U.S. Army and these days, Sgt. Sagen Maddalena is a member of the elite World Class Athlete Program, which allows members to train and compete in sports on an international level while representing their country. You might think shooting is a sport of perfectionists. Maddalena says perfectionism actually works against her as an athlete. "I think that's one of the things that makes me so good at it is is that I've put in a lot of hours of work and discipline. I've been stubborn to make sure I follow that discipline and that work ethic to be as I can be without being perfect. Having that mentality that would be overwhelming," Maddalena says. On this 'Dying to Ask': Few people guess Maddalena's sport correctly. The sport they think she does. How to achieve mental clarity and avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism. How Maddalena is inspiring kids in small towns to dream big.
The American dream and the Olympic dream collide in Johanna Garton's new book, "All in Stride." All in Stride: A Journey in Running, Courage and the Search for the American Dream is about Olympian Shadrack Kipchirchir and his wife, Sgt. Elvin Kibet, two American professional runners. Both competed in February's U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Shadrack competed for Team USA in the 10,000m at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics. Johanna Garton is a longtime Colorado-based endurance sports writer who met the married couple in Denver. All in Stride tells the story of how the runners independently made their way from Kenyan villages to American colleges, the military and professional running. Their American dream turns into an Olympic dream as each pushes to represent their new country. Their adjustment to American culture isn't easy and includes brushes with bigotry and intolerance. "I heard about this program that was part of the U.S. Army based in Colorado Springs. It was soldiers in the U.S. Army who also were training to become world class athletes. I went down and spent time at one of their workouts, and I happened to meet Shadrack, who's kind of the main character in this book," says Johanna. Johanna Garton started her career as an immigration lawyer. But her love of distance running won out career-wise. She transitioned to sports writing and writes mainly about endurance sports. Johanna ran for Syracuse University as a walk-on. She's run more than 20 marathons including five Boston Marathons . And, she even made it to Everest Base Camp in 2022. On this Dying to Ask: What it's like when the American dream and the Olympic dream collide The role the US Army plays in helping athletes get to the Olympics The special role Team USA's immigrant athletes play in the Olympic experience
Kali Wilding and Shelley Oates-Wilding are on the ultimate Olympic mother-daughter road trip that hopefully ends in Paris. Kali is one of Team USA's top sprint kayakers. Shelley is a two-time Olympian for Team Australia and the current U.S. National Coach in canoe-kayak. Kali grew up in Hawaii surrounded by water and her mother's Olympic legacy. But Shelley says she was careful to not push her sport on her kids. Kali started out as a gymnast but couldn't resist the water. She recently won the K-2 sprint kayak event at the U.S. Olympic Canoe Kayak Team Trials at the CSUS Aquatic Center at Lake Natoma, California. The next and final step in becoming an Olympian is competing in the Continental Olympic qualifier in Sarasota, Florida, in April. An Olympian being coached by a parent who is also an Olympian is rare. And, Kali and Shelley hope to make that dream happen this summer at the Paris Games. "We get to travel so much together. It's crazy fun having a mother as a coach, best friend, travel buddy. It's a dream come true," says Kali Wilding. Shelley Oates-Wilding says, "Representing your country at the Olympics is one of those things. You're being the best you can be in your chosen profession. It's the journey going toward what your Olympics is." On this Dying to Ask: The growing sport of sprint kayaking What it's like growing up with an Olympian for a parent What Shelley did to not force her sport on her kids What it takes to pursue an Olympic dream while going to a school like USC
Get to know Olympic hopeful gymnast Riley Loos as he tumbles with Fitz through a round of FIVE WITH FITZ. Five rapid fire questions with a bonus question.
Stanford alum Riley Loos hopes to put some Cardinal red into the red, white and blue for Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer. Loos graduated from Stanford in 2023 and has stayed on in Palo Alto to train with his former college team and Stanford head men's gymnastics coach Thom Glielmi. Nearly half the U.S. Men's National Gymnastics Team has a Stanford connection. The school is known as an unofficial feeder to the National Team. The school has won the last four NCAA Championships. And Coach Glielmi served as the 2020/1 U.S. Men's Gymnastics coach at the delayed Tokyo Olympics. Riley was ranked number three on the team after the recent Winter Cup competition. He grew up in El Dorado Hills, California, and has dreamed of being an Olympian since he was a kid. He credits Stanford for supporting his quest. "Stanford is basically the feeder system to Team USA Men's Gymnastics . We've created this team atmosphere and culture. It's intense but super friendly and brotherly. So we basically have created a culture through the head coach where nothing goes undone and nobody gets away with not doing what has to be done and we lift each other up all the time," says Riley Loos. On this Dying to Ask: A deep dive into Stanford Gymnastics' culture of tiered accountability and how you can incorporate the concepts into your team Learn how to make people feel comfortable and safe enough that you can call them out when they're not giving their best. How male gymnasts feel about the attention and sponsorship opportunities female gymnasts enjoy How a viral video made Riley a big deal on TikTok and how he's monetizing his celebrity to fund his Olympic dream
Jason Newton may be a newbie to Olympic coverage. But his hometown already knows how to support someone at the Olympics. Jason is an evening news anchor at WBAL-TV in Baltimore, hometown of Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps. Jason is also a native of Baltimore. And while his wingspan isn't as broad as Phelps, his knowledge of all things Olympic will be by this summer's games. This is the third in our MEET THE TEAM episodes as we get to know members of the Hearst Olympics Team ahead of this summer's coverage at the Paris Olympics. On this Dying to Ask: What Jason thought he wanted to be when he went to college (spoiler: it wasn't working as an Olympic reporter) The new Olympic sport Jason is especially excited to cover How Jason's hobby is likely to benefit Fitz' Instagram feed during the Olympics
Imagine having a stunt double at work. Fletcher Mackel basically does in his role as a sports anchor at WDSU-TV. That's because the guy often sitting next to him on the anchoring desk doing the news is his identical twin brother Travers. The Brothers Mackel have share a lot of experiences together. They grew up playing baseball in New Orleans. Both attended college and played baseball at Loyola University. And they both signed on at WDSU more than 20 years ago where Fletcher jokes "we're now a package deal and you're stuck with both of us." Soon, the guys will have something else in common as both will have worked on the Hearst Olympic Team. Fletcher is looking forward to adding Olympic experience to a resume that already includes Super Bowls and college championships. Fletcher's family has been in New Orleans for generations and civic pride fuels both his work ethic and passion. His energy is off the charts and if you like an inspirational quote, grab a pen because he drops them like crazy! On this Dying to Ask: What it's like to work with an identical twin (should probably ask the staff of WDSU about that) How his hometown fuels his work ethic and passion And the sports guy makes a prediction on who's going to own Beach Volleyball in Paris
Team USA will rely on an Olympic Trials process to pick most of its 2024 Summer Olympic Team. But for how much longer? Some worry it's not sustainable to stage "mini-Olympics" in host cities to select athletes due to rising costs and expectations. Freelance writer Erin Strout raises the issue in her most recent article for Outside Online where she investigated whether the popular US Olympic Marathon Trials needs a reboot. You can read the article here. Americans love Olympic Trials. They're exciting and showcase the depth of underdog talent like marathon record breaker Fiona O'Keeffe. It's like a mini-Olympics with only Americans taking part to determine who will represent Team USA at an Olympics. But the downside of the Trials process is that they're money losers for a lot of cities. Most countries rely on selection committees to pick Olympic teams. Would a selection committee have picked Fiona O'Keeffe to represent her country in marathon? Probably not. On this Dying to Ask: Arguments for and against the Olympic Trials process What a recent US Olympic Marathon race organizer told Erin about the cost of hosting a Trials and why he says his city couldn't do it again Who pays for what at an Olympic Trials? The answer may surprise you
Check out FIVE WITH FITZ with Olympic marathoner Fiona O'Keeffe. Five rapid fire questions with Team USA's speediest female marathoner.
If the Olympics gave out a medal for fan geekdom, Mike "Domi" Domalaog would get gold every time. Domi, as he's known around KCRA 3 and the Hearst Olympic Team, is an encyclopedia of all things Citius, Altius, Fortius, Communiter. (That's the Olympic motto: Faster, Higher, Stronger-Together if you were not blessed with FOUR YEARS of high school Latin as I was.) In our first MEET THE TEAM episode, I'll explain how the Hearst Olympic Team works and the long history Domi and I have of traipsing the world chasing athletes, telling stories, and testing the limits of sleep deprivation. Paris will be Domi's 11th Olympic trip. His work history goes back to the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games. But, his love of the Olympics started decades ago as a kid growing up in Salinas, CA. Domi is one of the smartest people I know and his recall for athletes and their achievements is equal parts impressive and frightening. He's a member of the prestigious Emmy Awards "Silver Circle," awarded for 25+ years in television news. And, he's been a photographer at KCRA for 38 years. In this Dying to Ask: How Domi became an Olympic reporter The responsibility he feels telling young athletes' stories What he's looking forward to the most in Paris
It will be tough for Fiona O'Keeffe to top her first marathon. But, she'll try to do it at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Fiona broke running records virtually every step of the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials in February in Orlando. She's the first woman to win the Trials in a marathon debut. And, she broke the previous Trials record by three minutes! Fiona grew up in the Sacramento area. Her dream of being an Olympic runner started in middle school where she dominated in the mile and 800. She graduated from Davis High School and went on to Stanford University and became a 6-time All American. After graduating from Stanford with a degree in Earth Systems, Fiona's pro running career took off. She's a member of the Puma Elite Team and is training in North Carolina with her teammates. She qualified for the US Olympic Marathon Trials with a blazing half marathon time. But, she had never raced a marathon until the Marathon Trials and admits she learned by watching experienced runners during the race. On this Dying to Ask: The strategic advantage underdogs have in big races What happened on Instagram that let Fiona know her world was forever changed How she's managing the attention How some of the big names who didn't have their best day at the trials reacted to her win And what do the next few months look like before she heads to France for her second marathon
Season 11 of the Dying to Ask podcast is here and it's giving us Emily in Paris vibes. We're heading to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics! In our Season 11 trailer, Deirdre Fitzpatrick has a look at what to expect over the next few months as we highlight athletes, coaches and all those behind the scenes who support Team USA.