Podcasts about off the podium

THE GAMES ARE OVER. SAD! But it does mean we're back to celebrate them properly, wrapping up all the highlights, favourite moments and everything else from Milano Cortina 2026 in our big recap episode! How do these Games stack up against past Olympics, and does being there in person change the perspective? Were we fans of how spread out they were, or would we prefer things closer together? How did Australia and Canada perform compared to expectations? And, most importantly, how did our medal predictions go and who came out on top? It's an epic way to close it all out. Tune in! You won't be disappointed!

It was a massive final day of Milano Cortina 2026, with the Closing Ceremony capping off an epic day of medals and we're here to wrap it all up in style! We give our take on a very unique Closing Ceremony and debate whether hosting it in what was essentially a theatre was a good or bad move. We also try to work out if we actually learnt anything about the French Alps, as well as how we really feel about Kirsty Coventry and her speeches. We also dive into THAT hockey final and reveal whether Ben is sad, happy or somewhere in between after experiencing it in person. Plus, we run through the other medal events from the day and do our best not to talk about Eileen Gu. It's one massive way to close out the Games, don't miss it!

It's a record-breaking day at the Milano Cortina Olympics, featuring a history-making moment from Johannes Klaebo, alongside more medals for Canada, another Team OTP gold, and plenty of standout storylines you won't want to miss! We break down Klaebo's incredible achievement and assess just how far he can go in the conversation around the greatest Olympians of all time. We also unpack a triple-medal day for Canada and analyse what it will take for them to finally break into the top ten of the medal table tomorrow. Plus, we celebrate Team OTP success, debate why more events should be mass start, and preview the flag bearers ahead of tomorrow's closing ceremony. It's another action-packed episode, don't miss it!

Another massive day of Milano Cortina is behind us and another massive episode is ahead as Colin returns to celebrate Canada's hockey escape (and Ben is more than happy to join in) as we recap Day 14 of the Games! We break down a thrilling ice hockey clash that sees Canada reach the men's gold medal game for the first time since 2014. We also celebrate more Canadian medals, including another Team OTP podium as Valerie Maltais once again delivers when it matters most. Elsewhere, we give Germany their flowers after an epic win in the women's freestyle ski cross, show some love once again to our favourite French biathlete, and breathe a collective sigh of relief when it comes to short-track speed skating. It's another episode you simply can't miss!

Another massive day at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics is in the books, which means another huge episode for you to dive into, as we welcome special guest David Deguzman alongside Ben & Patrick to unpack all the big stories! Patrick braved the wintery conditions to bring us a firsthand report from the debut of SkiMo, as we learn what it's all about and whether we'll ever see it again. Ben also battled the elements at Nordic Combined to witness one of the greatest sports nobody talks about, and tells us all about it! Plus, we celebrate double US gold, break down the pointy end of curling and, of course, revel in all things Norway! It's another episode you simply can't miss!

It's a day where every Canadian breathes a sigh of relief as Mitch Marner saves the day in the men's ice hockey to send the country into the semi-finals! Add a gold and bronze medal in the short track and it's safe to say we're unpacking a big Canadian day on the show today. But there's also the small matter of an Australian medal — and a Team OTP medal — as we celebrate Danielle Scott's silver in the women's aerials. And if that doesn't get you excited, we've got a certain Norwegian cross-country skier to keep celebrating, more French biathlon success, all the goss from curling and Cortina, plus why Ben is very angry at a burger vendor at a train station. Click away to be blown away by another epic episode!

We love a day with a Canadian gold medal, particularly when it's a TEAM OTP GOLD MEDAL, and today is one of those days as we celebrate that and more in another action-packed day of Milano Cortina Olympic action! We celebrate Valérie Maltais and Canada's speed skating gold, and discuss how big a deal it is for Canada to claim back-to-back golds in this event. We also highlight some big achievements in both Nordic combined and biathlon, including celebrating our favourite French biathlete and the entire nation of France. On top of that, we talk more curling, hear how Patrick had a ‘Forrest Gump moment', learn more about Innsbruck, explain why you should always carry your passport, and debate whether we're simply getting old when it comes to Olympic commentary. Lock and load yourself into another episode you won't want to miss!

THE DROUGHT IS OVER! Canada are finally on the board with a gold medal and what better way to do it than through the icon and GOAT, Mikael Kingsbury? With Colin happy and Canada celebrating, it's time to unpack that and more in a massive recap of Day Nine! We look at what the gold means for Canada, celebrate the achievements of the great man himself, and also toast Matt Graham's bronze: Team OTP's fourth medal of the Games! We also dive into the iconic achievement of Johannes Klaebo, his record-breaking ninth career gold medal, and just how far we think he can go. Added to that, we hear about Ben's day at the ski jumping, get insight into the Australian TV coverage, and try to understand why Tina could take down so many other Olympic mascots. It's a big one, so don't miss a second!

It's another golden day for Canada as the dam wall continues to burst open, as we go over all the big news and results from an exciting Day Ten of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics! We celebrate Megan Oldham's gold in the women's freestyle big air, giving it extra weight over the skier she beat to silver. We also celebrate Courtney Sarault's third medal of the Games, putting her into very rare Canadian air. Plus, we cover the latest in ice hockey as we gear up for another USA v Canada women's gold medal showdown, talk curling's big rule-change drama, celebrate bobsleigh, alpine skiing tantrums, and even wonder if the Canadian Prime Minister knows how to use FaceTime. It's all here and more in one exciting episode! Don't miss it!

A history-making day for Australia on a massive Valentine's Day at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, and we unpack it all in one huge episode! We dive into Jakara Anthony becoming Australia's first dual Winter Olympic gold medallist, as the nation celebrates a third gold medal in another historic first. We also break down curling controversy and why an extra finger on a stone is such a big deal. Plus, what it's really like to see biathlon in the flesh, why German men apparently don't want to take Ben's picture, Brazil's breakthrough Winter Olympic gold, and Colin's feelings about Canada's ongoing gold drought. It's one hell of an episode, don't miss it!

Bay Area Scribe, Marcus Thompson joins Dirty Work live from the Winter Olympics in Milan to break down the Quad God crashing to 8th place in the Free Skate after falling multiple times during his routine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bay Area Scribe, Marcus Thompson joins Dirty Work live from the Winter Olympics in Milan to break down the Quad God crashing to 8th place in the Free Skate after falling multiple times during his routine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send a textFor our next Winter Olympics 2026 movie, Shawn and Colin are thrilled to be welcoming Ben and ANOTHER Colin from 'Off The Podium', the most Olympic of all the podcasts, to discuss the most Olympic of all the movies; 'Cool Runnings'. These first-time guests are well versed on all things Olympics so quite frankly, this is a very Olympics heavy episode. Sure, we discuss the movie at times, but so often just get into the weeds about so many different things. A supersized episode worth listening to. What did we think? Tune in to find out!5 Star reviews help drive us up the charts. Please take a minute and review us.If you would like to contact or donate to us: iusedtolikethisone@gmail.comwww.patreon.com/iusedtolikethisoneWebsite: www.iusedtolikethisone.comInstagram: @iusedtolikethisoneTwitter: @iused2likethis1Facebook: I Used To Like This OneBluesky: @iusedtolikethisone.bsky.socialSpecial Guests: Ben Waterworth and Colin Hilding from 'Off The Podium' podcast. @offthepodiumpodCreated/Produced/Hosted by: Shawn Wells and Colin StewartEdited by: Shawn WellsOriginal Music by: Lindon Carter (look for his band 'Carter & the Capitals' on all music streaming platforms)Website design: David SonSponsorship Corner sponsored by movieposters.com *****With over 100,000 titles to choose from, movieposters.com is the #1 destination for posters from your favorite films + stars. Use LIKETHISONE at checkout for 15% off your purchase. *****Special Thanks To: Tracy Sheremeta, Lindon Carter, Aaron Knowles, Chris Goffredo, Kris Wells and Graham Wells for their contributions to the show.Hear more content from Shawn with his other podcast 'In Front Of The Yellow Line'.Buy friend and sometimes co-host Aaron's Book! 'The Algorithmic Frontier: Exploring the Power of AI in Social Media and Content Creation'   https://a.co/d/1gIpsgQ©️2026 And Sometimes Why? Productions.

It's a golden day for Australia and a golden day for Team OTP as we celebrate an epic Day Seven of competition in Milano Cortina! We bring you all the reactions from Josie Baff after her incredible snowboard cross gold, and explain why it's an extra-special Team OTP medal. We also have live reaction to Scotty James' halfpipe heartbreak and what becoming Australia's most successful Winter Olympian means back home. Plus we talk cross-country skiing, biathlon, the condom situation in the village, and what it'll take for Canada to finally crack the gold tally. Hit play and get another epic episode into your ears!

An absolutely massive day six of Olympic action at Milano Cortina as we celebrate gold for Australia, silver and bronze for Canada, and so many big moments we may just burst! We unpack Cooper Woods' historic gold in the men's moguls and what another silver means for Mikael Kingsbury's legacy. We also dive into a historic day for German luge with Raphael joining the pod, soak up the incredible ice hockey atmosphere with strong starts for Team USA and Team Canada, show some love to Swedish cross-country skiing, and feel that extra bit of sadness for queen Ester. It's an epic day you simply can't miss! 

Well, it wasn't quite the Day 5 Australia was hoping for at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, but there's still plenty to unpack and digest as we run through all the news, results and everything in between that you want and need to know! We gauge Australia's reaction to Jakara Anthony missing out on defending her moguls title, while also looking at America's response to winning it. We hear firsthand accounts from both ice hockey and figure skating, and discover why experiencing crowds from countries we aren't used to seeing only adds to the atmosphere. Add in a unique French gold medal story, why Latvia has suddenly become an interesting talking point for tomorrow, and why hockey teams catching trains is oddly funny, and you've got one hell of an episode you won't want to miss.

Day four of Milano Cortina 2026 is in the books as we celebrate another Canadian medal while commiserating over a record-breaking Canadian hockey loss in a day packed with news and drama! We unpack all things short-track speed skating, from the incredible experience of seeing it live to a huge mixed relay result that brought glory to Italy and another medal to Canada. We also dive into Canada's record loss to the USA in women's ice hockey, plus unique Norwegian reactions to biathlon bronze, moguls mania for Colin, and more New Zealand medals that Ben is totally, definitely fine about. Get all this and more down your speakers as the Winter Games keep delivering!

Another epic day of Olympic action is behind us as we recap all things Day 3 from the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics! Colin and Ben break down another medal-winning day for Canada, celebrating Megan Oldham's bronze in the women's freestyle skiing slopestyle. We also do something very rare on this show and actually praise New Zealand, as (Australian-born, cough cough) Zoi Sadowski-Synnott adds another Olympic medal to her collection. Plus, Colin takes over Ben's reign as the podcast's childish king, we ask whether NBC's commentary tone has changed over the past decade, and we definitely don't talk about a certain skier we supposedly never mention. It's fun, entertaining and educational! Everything you need from an Olympic podcast!

A massive Day 2 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics is done and it was so big we needed four nationalities to break it all down! Ben, Colin, Patrick and Alex chat through everything that happened, from the heartbreak of queen Ester missing a three-peat in the women's parallel slalom (and whether Ben might need the world's biggest hug) to Lindsay Vonn's shock exit in the women's downhill and what it could mean for her legacy. We also explain why we're celebrating Bulgaria and Norway today, discuss whether Torino deserves to be more involved in these Games, and share why making friends with older drunk Norwegian men can unexpectedly enhance the Olympic experience. It's been another massive day so tune in! 

The first day of competition is done and it's a medal-winning one for Canada and Team OTP! We're back to unpack it all with insight straight from the ground in Milan plus all the news you need to know! We celebrate Valerie Maltais and her epic bronze in the women's 3000m speed skating, soak up the atmosphere of an unforgettable Italian gold medal, and debate whether the men's downhill really should open the Games. There's also ice hockey chat with on-the-ground stories (including why Ben was literally chasing Tina and somehow ended up around Finnish men with large breasts), plus name corrections, more Opening Ceremony reflections, and continued support for a Team OTP member after some brutal luck. Another huge Olympic day with plenty to talk about! Don't miss it!

THE OLYMPICS ARE HERE! After all the anticipation, the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games are officially underway, kicking off with an epic Opening Ceremony. But what did we make of it? What was it like witnessing it in person? And how are we VIBING (sorry not sorry) after seeing K Cov take the stage for the first time? Ben and Patrick break it all down, from the Mariah Carey secrets only the stadium crowd saw, to the surprisingly empty Parade of Nations, our unexpected love of giant paint bottles, and why we're okay with the San Siro demolition. It's one hell of an episode from one unforgettable Opening Ceremony you won't want to miss!

THE OLYMPICS ARE HERE! Yes, that's right — your favourite time every two years is finally upon us as we get ready to embrace the cold and snow and preview the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina with our full preview episode! The OG gang are back together as Ben, Jarrod and Colin dive into everything Milano Cortina, including where they think Australia and Canada's medals will come from, their thoughts on the brand-new events we're about to see, and bold predictions on everything from medal tables and cauldron lighters to just how obsessed we'll all be with Tina by the end of the Games. We also get the get-go from Ben direct from the ground in Milan, finding out what's happening in the Olympic city, what the mood is like, and the biggest talking points right now. Plus, two special guests return to the show — Murray Shaw from Channel Nine and Devin Heroux from CBC — to break down what Australian and Canadian viewers can expect from their Olympic coverage, and the massive efforts behind bringing the Games to life on TV. So strap yourselves in for one EPIC episode as we kick off the Milano Cortina Olympics in true Off The Podium style!

The Milano Cortina Olympics are just days away (hell, even hours away if you want to be technical) so what better way to get you in the mood before we bring you daily, on-the-ground coverage from the 2026 Games than with our now-traditional retrospective celebration episode?! Yes, we're back with our ATHLETES TO WATCH special, celebrating all 44 members of TEAM OTP heading into the Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games. You'll hear a snippet from every guest set to compete, as they share what they're hoping to achieve, reflect on career highlights, and reveal some incredible stories they've told us over the years. It's a fun, feel-good episode designed to get you fully locked in for the Games and to add 44 amazing human beings to your watch list alongside your own country's athletes! Lock yourself in, get yourself pumped, and join us as we celebrate our most stacked Winter TEAM OTP ever!

Only six people in the history of the Winter Olympics have won gold for Australia, and one of them is Alisa Camplin. The 2002 Olympic champion in aerial skiing backed up her gold four years later with a bronze, making history as the first Australian woman to win multiple Winter Olympic medals. Since hanging up the skis after the 2006 Games, Camplin has gone on to forge an impressive career in leadership and is now set to attend her second Olympics as Chef de Mission of the Australian Winter Olympic Team. In this wide-ranging chat, Alisa explains why Australians should be excited about the team heading to Milano Cortina, how she's planning to get to as many events as possible, and just how difficult the process is when it comes to selecting Australia's flag bearers, with no shortage of outstanding candidates in the mix. She also reflects on unforgettable moments from her own Olympic journey and shares fascinating stories from her time alongside the iconic Dale Begg-Smith. It's a brilliant conversation with one of Australia's great Olympians that you won't want to miss!

Twenty years ago, on a cold night in Turin, Dale Begg-Smith became the first Australian to win Olympic gold in skiing — a moment that forever changed the landscape of Australian winter sport. Four years later, he added a silver in Vancouver, cementing his place as the country's most decorated Winter Olympian. Yet, for all his success, Dale remains one of Australia's most mysterious champions. Quiet, media-shy, and sometimes misunderstood, he has long been a figure shrouded in intrigue. In this episode, we explore the man behind the medals — from his early days in Canada to his meteoric rise in Australia, the highs of Turin and Vancouver, and the hidden influence he's had on a generation of Australian moguls skiers. We hear from those who knew him best, including Matt Graham, Steve Desovich, and Britt Cox, and revisit the moments that defined his career — the triumph, the controversy, and the moments the cameras never captured. Join us as we peel back the layers on Dale Begg-Smith: the Olympian, the mentor, the enigmatic legend. Twenty years on, his story is still shaping Australian winter sport — and still quietly commanding respect.

Can you believe we're at our FINAL Newscast before the Milano Cortina Olympics?! We can't either. With the Opening Ceremony just around the corner, Ben and Jamie break down all the biggest stories ahead of the Games. We dive into the final team selections for Australia, Canada and the United States, spotlight athletes who deserve more attention, and give our take on Canada's flag bearers. We also unpack a controversial US group who are making headlines on their way to Italy and how US Vice President JD Vance is somehow involved in an Olympic issue. There's also more from the torch relay, including some late additions to carrying the flame, before we wrap things up with one final sport preview, taking a deep dive into bobsleigh, one of the most thrilling events at the Winter Games. It's a must-listen Newscast as we count down to Milano Cortina!

An amazing conversation coming down your speakers today as we're joined by two-time Paralympic gold medallist and U.S. sled hockey star Noah Grove! Noah takes us through his remarkable journey, from discovering adaptive sport to rising through the ranks and becoming a mainstay of Team USA. We dive into his introduction to sled hockey, his rapid progression through the sport, and what it was like making his Paralympic debut at just 18 years old in PyeongChang. We also chat about what a third Paralympics means to him following his selection for Milano Cortina 2026, how the USA has become such a dominant force in sled hockey, and get to the bottom of his name and why Ben owes him an apology. It's an incredible interview you won't want to miss!

As we close in on the Milano Cortina Olympics, we bring you another epic interview as we chat with history-making American biathlete Deedra Irwin, who is set to appear at her second Olympic Games in just a matter of days! Deedra takes us through her unique journey into the sport, having switched late from her original Olympic dreams in athletics, with cross-country skiing playing a key role along the way. She also reflects on her experiences at the Beijing 2022 Games and what it meant to create American Olympic history on that stage. We then look ahead to Milano Cortina, as Deedra explains what she's expecting from the Games and why fans who may not know biathlon as well should be especially excited for the 2026 Olympics! It's an incredible chat with an incredible individual you won't want to miss!

A real treat coming down your speakers today as we welcome our first-ever German athletes to the show in the outstanding ice dance duo Benjamin Steffan and Jennifer Janse van Rensburg! The pair join us to reflect on their remarkable careers so far and to share their ambitions as the Milano Cortina Olympic Games draw ever closer. We dive into their individual journeys in the sport, how their paths eventually aligned to form a partnership, and what it truly takes to chase an Olympic dream in ice dance. Along the way, they break down the intricacies of ice dance as a discipline, what sets it apart on the Olympic stage, and offer insight into the current state of the sport in Germany. It's an engaging, insightful conversation with a fascinating pair of athletes in an interview you won't want to miss!

When you think of iconic coaches in freestyle skiing, one name stands above the rest: Steve Desovich. The American enjoyed a successful moguls career of his own in the 1980s, highlighted by a fifth-place finish at the Calgary 1988 Olympic Games, when the event was still a demonstration sport. He later transitioned into coaching — a move that saw him shape generations of champions and lead both Canada and Australia to sustained success through the 1990s and 2000s. Desovich played a pivotal role in the rise of moguls legend Dale Begg-Smith, culminating in that unforgettable Olympic gold in Turin in 2006. In this special chat, Steve reflects on his time coaching Dale, from their very first connection through to that historic February day in Italy. It's an insightful and revealing conversation about one of the most influential figures in Olympic freestyle skiing, and a moment that changed Australian winter sports history forever.

An exciting chat coming down your speakers today as we speak with one of the world's leading short-track speed skaters, Corinne Stoddard, about her epic rise through the sport and her hopes and prospects for the Milano Cortina Olympics. Corinne opens up about her transition from inline skating to the ice — a move that proved more challenging than many might expect — and what ultimately drove her to pursue her Olympic dream. We also dive into her experiences at the Beijing Olympics, including how a crash in practice led to an unusual injury, and how those lessons from 2022 are shaping her approach heading into next month's competitions in Italy. Add in stories about her beloved dog, Team USA's determination to bounce back in short track, and what an Olympic medal would truly mean to her at the 2026 Games, and this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Ale Loutitt needs no introduction on this show, with the Canadian ski jumping superstar becoming one of our favourite guests through her many appearances over the years. However, a lot has changed since our last chat a year ago. At a Milano Cortina Olympic test event in September, Loutitt tore her ACL, cruelly sidelining her for at least 12 months and bringing her dream of a second Olympic Games in Italy to an abrupt halt. Never one to go down without a fight, Ale is now more determined than ever to bounce back and continue chasing her ultimate goal — becoming Canada's first Olympic gold medallist in ski jumping. In this inspiring and honest conversation, Ale reflects on everything that's happened and what continues to drive her as she pursues her Olympic dream.

Our penultimate Newscast ahead of the Milano Cortina Olympics is here, as Ben is joined by Patrick to unpack another huge week of Olympic news and to deliver our second-last sport preview before the Games! We dive into the newly revealed Milano Cortina cauldron and debate whether this new trend of revealing key Olympic elements early is a good thing. There's also major team news from Australia and Canada, alongside some big updates from Team OTP during the week. On top of that, we turn our attention to one of the most traditional events on the Winter Olympic program, cross-country skiing, previewing what shapes as another must-watch competition at the upcoming Games! Sound exciting? We know it does! Make sure you tune in for another epic episode!

In the 102-year history of the Winter Olympics, only 16 Australians have won an Olympic medal — and Matt Graham is one of them. At PyeongChang 2018, the moguls superstar pushed the legendary Mikael Kingsbury to the limit, finishing second to claim a historic silver and join his idol and former teammate Dale Begg-Smith as an Olympic medallist in men's moguls. As he now looks ahead to Milano Cortina in what will be his fourth Olympic Games, Matt reflects on how that magical February day still sits with him, how he continues to challenge the very best in the world, just how influential Begg-Smith was on his career, and how he plans to mark the 20th anniversary of one of the greatest days in Australian Olympic history. Fun, informative and insightful, it's a chat you won't want to miss!

On a winter February day in Italy in 2006, Duff Gibson made history — becoming the first Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal in skeleton, and the oldest individual gold medallist in Winter Olympic history. The Calgary firefighter did it in spectacular fashion, narrowly edging out teammate Jeff Pain to claim gold and deliver one of Canada's most unforgettable Olympic moments. In this incredible interview, Duff reflects on his remarkable rise in the sport — from how he first got involved, to how his Olympic debut in 2002 fuelled his push for that famous gold. He also opens up about the unlikely inspiration of Zach Braff and reveals his surprising connection to Cool Runnings. Packed with unforgettable stories, this is a chat you won't want to miss.

Biathlon isn't exactly the most talked-about sport in Australia, but for Darcie Morton it's not just a career path — it's a passion. From her beginnings in the Nordic disciplines to carrying on a family legacy in biathlon, Darcie's journey through the sport is one that deserves to be heard. We dive into her rise through the ranks, what it's like competing on the world stage in front of crowds Australian ski fans can only dream of, and just what an Olympic appearance in 2026 would mean to her. It's another incredible chat with an athlete you won't want to miss!

An incredible interview drops today as we speak with a true icon of freestyle skiing, Peter Judge. A Canadian trailblazer in the sport, Judge not only helped lay the foundations for freestyle skiing as we know it today, but also played a pivotal role in shaping some of its greatest athletes – including having a hand in the rise of Dale Begg-Smith. We dive into Peter's remarkable journey through the sport, from its formative years in the 1970s and 80s through to his influence on the expansion of freestyle events at the Olympic Games in the 2010s. He reflects on his own competitive success, how he believes he would have fared had freestyle skiing been Olympic during his era, and shares fascinating insights into working with Begg-Smith. Along the way, he also recounts his involvement in a famous ski movie and even offers the unique Freestyle Skiing origins of the humble Walkman. It's a wide-ranging and memorable conversation you won't want to miss!

USA bobsleigh has a rich legacy of success, and an exciting new wave of athletes ready to carry it forward. Today, we bring you a blend of both past and future in one epic conversation. We're joined by triple Olympian and Olympic silver medallist Chris Fogt, along with current Team USA athlete Azaria Hill, to dive into their careers and the mentorship shaping the next generation. From how their roles in the US Army influence both coaching and competition, to why Azaria's Olympic dreams are practically the family business, and even how Flavor Flav is lifting team morale, this chat has it all. Two incredible athletes. One incredible sport. Get your sleds ready, this is a conversation you won't forget!

South Africa isn't a nation you'd expect to produce many Winter Olympians—especially athletes with no background in winter sports. But Matt Smith is no ordinary competitor. Known as the “Snowbok,” he only picked up skis three years ago and set himself an audacious goal: qualify for the Olympics in Cross-Country Skiing and fulfil his childhood dream of representing his country on the world stage. Amazingly, Matt did exactly that, achieving his dream by qualifying for Milano Cortina next month. Through perseverance, determination and a relentless never-say-die attitude, he has pushed himself to the brink of a moment few would have believed possible. In this extraordinary chat, Matt shares his lifelong drive to wear South Africa's flag at the highest level, the obstacles he's had to overcome, and why he hopes his Olympic journey can inspire more non-traditional nations to embrace winter sport. It's an epic conversation you won't want to miss!

With the Milano Cortina Olympics fast approaching, we're back with all the latest news as the countdown continues! Ben is joined by Raphael to break down everything that's happened over the past week, including our latest sport preview. We dive into how last weekend's Olympic ice hockey test event played out, with a special report from the ground by correspondent Brian Pinelli, who was there to witness it firsthand. There's also discussion on a major star announced for the Opening Ceremony, our thoughts on the official theme for the 2026 Olympics, and a big update on a huge week for Team OTP. Plus, we give a full preview of one of the Olympics' most underrated disciplines: Nordic Combined. Strap yourselves in for another packed episode you won't want to miss!

At the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Chris Lillis made history, winning gold in the debut of the Mixed Team Aerials event in Freestyle Skiing. It was the USA's first Aerials medal in 12 years and a defining moment in a family legacy that's been building for over a decade. In this epic chat, Chris takes us through his journey in the high-flying world of Aerials — from his beginnings in upstate New York to training down under for his second Olympics. He reflects on his hunger for more success at Milano Cortina 2026, including the individual medal he believes was within reach in 2022. We also dive into how Team USA became the powerhouse of Mixed Team Aerials, which two former guests Chris shares close ties with, and which famous athlete he proudly calls a friend. It's an inspiring and unmissable conversation with one of Freestyle Skiing's biggest stars.

In 2024 and 2025, Canadian Skeleton racer Hallie Clarke made history by becoming the first-ever Skeleton athlete to win both the Junior and World Championships in the same year. Her stunning World Championship performance also saw her crowned the youngest World Champion in the sport's history. In this episode, we chat to Hallie about her remarkable rise through the ranks of one of the fastest and most dangerous sports on ice. She shares how she found her way into Skeleton, what it's been like competing for both the United States and her home country of Canada, and why sometimes, crossing the line in a crash can still count as a win. It's an inspiring and fearless conversation with one of skeleton's brightest young stars you won't want to miss!

It's that time of the week once again for your Olympic NEWSCAST, as we welcome back everyone's favourite British expert, Alex, to break down all the biggest stories from the week and deliver our latest sports preview! We discuss the newly revealed designs for the Brisbane 2032 stadium and debate whether they hit the mark, while also exploring why the firm behind them brings some serious Olympic credentials. We also run through the latest updates from several Milano Cortina venues and unpack exactly what on earth ‘penis-gate' is and why it's become one of the most talked-about topics for a certain Olympic sport. Plus, we dive head-first into our newest sports preview, taking a closer look at curling and why it's always a must-watch at the Winter Games! It's another action-packed episode you won't want to miss!

Michael Milton is Australia's most decorated Winter Paralympian, winning half of the country's gold medals in Winter Paralympic history across five Games from 1988 to 2006, and even competing in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in cycling. Nearly two decades after retiring, Michael announced in late 2025 that, at the age of 52, he's making an extraordinary comeback to the sport that made him a household name. In this episode, we chat with Michael about his remarkable return, the incredible life challenges he's overcome, his extraordinary achievements, and why the world should watch out for him in Milano Cortina. It's an unforgettable conversation with one of the most inspiring people you'll ever hear.

At the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Alex Bilodeau made history as the first Canadian to win Olympic gold on home soil. His breakthrough sparked an avalanche of medals that saw Canada top the gold-medal table at those iconic Games. Bilodeau wasn't finished either, and in 2014 he became the first Olympic freestyle skier to successfully defend an Olympic title. Combined with his outstanding World Championship and World Cup success, he has cemented himself as one of the greatest moguls skiers in history. Today on Off The Podium, we dive into his extraordinary career and journey, his fierce rivalries with fellow Canadian Mikael Kingsbury and Australia's moguls GOAT Dale Begg-Smith, how he might have fared in the NHL, and where he believes Canada stands heading into Milano Cortina. It's an epic chat with an epic athlete you won't want to miss!

It's a new year and a new week, which means another NEWSCAST is hitting your speakers today! Ben is joined by Colin and Jamie for a full-house episode covering the latest Olympic news and another sports preview as we inch ever closer to the Milano Cortina Olympics. We break down the newly named USA and Canada teams for the men's Ice Hockey tournament in Milan and debate who has the stronger lineup ahead of the long-awaited return of NHL players to the Olympics. There's also a touch of politics as we discuss recent developments involving Russia and Israel, plus some exciting Team OTP news from the past week. To wrap it up, we dive deep into our Ice Hockey sports preview, fully unpacking the USA–Canada rivalry ahead of one of the most anticipated events of the Games! Tune in and get pumped for another episode you won't want to miss!

When it comes to the debate over New Zealand's greatest Olympian, one name rises above the rest: Lisa Carrington. The kayak sprint superstar has rewritten the record books with eight Olympic gold medals and one bronze, showcasing unmatched skill, power, and longevity on the world stage. In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down with the Kiwi icon herself to dive into her incredible journey — from her breakthrough at her very first Games in London, to the life-changing highs of Paris, and now her sights firmly set on a fifth Olympic appearance in Los Angeles 2028. Lisa shares how her training is evolving, where she actually keeps all those medals, and why she and Usain Bolt are basically the same person. We also chat about the perks of having a street named after you, being made a Dame, and, of course, the very special “Colin” in her life (spoiler: he might just be cuter than ours). It's an inspiring, funny, and unmissable conversation with one of the greatest athletes of all time.

What a year 2025 has been! From some of the most amazing guests we've ever had to a run of entertaining and informative episodes, it's been a bumper year of content for Off The Podium. To celebrate an incredible 2025, we're closing out the year with our latest BEST OF episode — a full-year rewind featuring a snippet from every new episode that came through your speakers over the past 12 months! It's your chance to go down memory lane and relive some truly standout moments from another award-winning year for the show! So get ready to close out 2025 in style as we bring you the BEST OF Off The Podium 2025!

Our final Newscast of 2025 is here, and we welcome Connor back to the show to break down all the latest Olympic news and deliver our newest Olympic sports preview ahead of Milano Cortina. We discuss whether the lack of snow in Italy could become an issue less than two months out from the Games, and share our thoughts on the idea of rotating Winter Olympic hosts between permanent zones in the future. We also dive into new laws in Australia that could impact an Olympic sport, reveal which Hollywood star carried the torch this week (and why he's something of a veteran when it comes to carrying it) and round things out with our latest Milano Cortina sport preview, taking a deep dive into the epic world of ski jumping! It's an action-packed episode you won't want to miss!

You know our show's obsession with a certain 2006 Olympic moguls champion, but what about the other medallists from Torino? Today we chat with silver medallist Mikko Ronkainen about THAT final, his incredible career, and of course, Dale Begg-Smith. Mikko takes us through how he first got into the sport, what freestyle skiing was like in Finland in the late '80s and early '90s, and how his international career actually began in Australia. He reflects on his three Olympic appearances, including how he turned the heartbreak of Salt Lake City into success in Torino, and shares the story of celebrating his medal that night with Dale. It's a fascinating, funny, and unmissable chat with one of moguls skiing's greats.