Podcasts about paralympian

In the 1990s, businessman Ramm Mylavaganam created a new way to analyse football matches, which would change how managers and coaches saw the game forever. Whilst trying to sell some high-end massage chairs to Derby County, he found their assistant manager Steve McClaren watching hours of footage of opponents, trying to gain an advantage. This gave him an idea – filming every minute of a match and then analysing the footage could be something football clubs want to invest in. His idea would revolutionise the way football clubs looked at data, players and opponents. He's been speaking to Tim O'Callaghan. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: ProZone analysing a game between Reading and Manchester United. Credit: ProZone/Ramm Mylvaganam)

Imagine breaking a world record at the Commonwealth Games. It should be the single greatest moment of your life. But instead of wearing your gold medal, celebrating with your teammates, you are curled up in a hotel bed, alone and unable to move. That was the reality for Katja Dedekind, an Australian Paralympic Swimmer. Katja is visually impaired, but for her, that disability pales in comparison to the chronic condition she has been battling behind the scenes for years: Endometriosis. In this awakening episode of the Well Summer Series, Katja (and her emotional support dog, Duke), joins Claire Murphy to share her story of sheer resilience. From getting her period at age nine, to bleeding through her race suit during a gold-medal swim, Katja reveals the physical toll of elite sport when your body is fighting against you.They discuss the long wait times many Australian women face for a diagnosis, and Katja opens up about the life-altering decision she made to undergo a hysterectomy at 2. Join us for a story in pain, resilience and the tough choices female athletes have to make when their health is on the line. And if you’re looking for more to listen to - every Mamamia podcast is curating your summer listening right across our network from pop culture to beauty to powerful interviews there’s something for everyone, explore here. We’ll be back to regular programming Thursday15th January. GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. For more information on endometriosis, visit Endometriosis Australia. For more information on periods and a pain and symptom diary, Dr Mariam recommends the Jean Hailes website. Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber CREDITS Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam Guest: Katja Dedekind Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario Social Producer: Elly Moore Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A single missing gesture can set the internet alight. We open up about a day when Royal Mail faced a fast-moving backlash over Paralympics stamps and how a quiet policy gap looked like a loud value judgment on social media. From the first surge of tweets to the uncomfortable hours stuck in monitoring mode, we walk through what happens when your team lacks the tools, approvals, and scripts to respond at the speed of the timeline.You'll hear how the narrative formed in real time: honour given to Olympians, absence for Paralympians, and a rush of anger that framed the issue as dignity denied. We unpack why silence isn't neutral, why a clear holding statement can stabilise a story, and how early Twitter's velocity made every minute count. Along the way, we get practical about social listening, crisis playbooks, and the small operational choices, like pre-approved templates and escalation paths that create big advantages when things go sideways.We also talk about brand symbolism and equity. Commemorative stamps seem simple, but they carry cultural weight, and unequal treatment reads as exclusion. That's why policy stress testing matters: diverse eyes, scenario planning, and checks for unintentional bias before a campaign goes live. If you work in comms, marketing, or customer care, you'll find clear takeaways you can implement today: set up the tech stack, define who can speak when, rehearse the response flow, and protect your team with debriefs that turn chaos into learning.If this conversation helps sharpen your crisis plan, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review telling us the one change you'll make this week. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand's growth.

In August 1961, the Soviet Union began building a wall between East and West Berlin. Weeks after construction began, the Scotland international women's hockey team were invited to play against West Germany. They travelled by plane and coach, getting stopped at Checkpoint Charlie, before arriving for the match at the Olympic Hockey Stadium in West Berlin. Although they didn't win, Valerie Crombie has been speaking to Megan Jones about the significance of taking part and about the memento she got to keep. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: The team at Turnhouse Airport, now known as Edinburgh Airport, in 1961. Credit: Scottish Hockey).

The pressure of being great changes when you're carrying more than your own ambition. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Paralympian Ezra Frech to talk about the discipline required to compete at the highest level and the weight that comes with representing more than just yourself. Ezra shares what it actually takes to be a top professional Paralympian, his experience growing up with a disability, the role his parents played in building his confidence, and more. Ezra Frech is an American track and field athlete who competes in high jump, long jump and sprinting events. He is a two-time Paralympian, having competed at the 2020 Summer Paralympics and won two gold medals at the 2024 Summer Paralympics. Ezra co-created and produced a three-part docuseries called Adaptive with NBC Sports + Peacock. Check it out here! Follow Ezra on Instagram and TikTok @EzraFrech and on YouTube @ItsEzraFrechMake 2026 the year where you finally bring yourself closer to living your best life. No more waiting. Demand the best for yourself. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge begins January 1, 2026. Learn more and sign up today at dailystoic.com/challenge.

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about: spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.” ✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most. ✨ Best Moments of Role Modelship — athletes lifting the next generation, mentoring teammates, and carrying entire communities with them to the world stage. ✨ Best Stories of Identity & Joy — how athletes embrace who they are on and off the field, from glitter on the track to pride in their heritage. and many more!You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.In this episode, Joy in Motion, Marta Pen Freitas (Portugal, track and field) shares how running opens doors and why she's building playful movement spaces for underprivileged kids. Chelsea Edghill (Guyana, table tennis) reflects on reconnecting with the freedom she felt as a young athlete, on and off the court. Fran Brown (Great Britain, Paralympic cycling) describes a spinal cord injury, the community that pulls her back into sport, and the surprise moments that make training feel alive again. Kokona Hiraki (Japan, skateboarding) explains why style, creativity, and satisfaction matter more than medals. Kayla Sanchez (Canada and Philippines, swimming) talks about honoring family and finding pride in identity. Together, they show how joy sustains perseverance and helps you keep choosing sport.Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events.For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearersFollow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok - / flame_bearers X - / flame_bearers Our Website - https://flamebearers.com/Leave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video. If you like the content, subscribe to our channel!

From Paralympic Gold to Financial Planning: The Mindset of Charlotte Evans MBE This week, we are joined by history-maker Charlotte Evans MBE. A former elite skier and Paralympian, Charlotte made headlines as the sighted guide for Kelly Gallagher, securing Great Britain's first-ever Winter Paralympic Gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Games. Today, Charlotte has traded the slopes for the world of finance. As a qualified Financial Planner, she explains how the discipline, focus, and resilience of elite sport translate into professional success and long-term career planning. In this episode, you will discover: The Power of Self-Belief: How sport serves as the ultimate tool for building belief & confidence. Mastering Your Mindset: Practical ways to use self-talk to overcome challenges. A Historic Moment: A behind-the-scenes look at winning that iconic Gold Medal in Sochi. The Art of the Pivot: Charlotte's unique career transition from elite skiing to the Police, and finally into Financial Services. Strategic Career Tips: Advice on how to take control of your professional journey and future planning. Connect with Charlotte: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charevans1/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotteevansmbe/  

It's a celebration of Icons, Allies and Game-Changers as we mark the Best of 2025 (Part 1) on The Jack Murley Sports Show It's been a landmark year on The Jack Murley Sports Show — our busiest, boldest and most inspiring year yet. Across 2025, we've spoken to Olympians, Paralympians, world champions, grassroots heroes and groundbreaking LGBTQ+ trailblazers who are reshaping sport from the inside out. In this special two-part end-of-year celebration, we look back at some of the most unforgettable moments and powerful conversations from the past twelve months. For Part 1, we dip into the highlights from the first part of the year, including: National League referee Josh Eyre sharing his story publicly for the first time   Olympic boxing star Cindy Ngamba on winning bronze in Paris Two-time Olympian Dan Jervis on stepping away from swimming Ruaridh Donaldson on allyship in football Australian gymnastics icon Heath Thorpe on inspiring others through authenticity Our live shows at Football Pride in Leicester with Josh Cavallo, Hugo Scheckter, Elle Finneran and Dr Beth Burgess Every conversation this year has centred LGBTQ+ voices, celebrated inclusion, and highlighted the people pushing sport forward — and none of it would have been possible without our listeners. Join us as we celebrate a year of pride, passion and powerful storytelling in sport. WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PODCAST? @jack_murley jack@jackmurley.com #JackMurleySportsShow #LGBTQInSport #QueerAthletes #InclusiveSport #SportsPodcast #LGBTQStories #RepresentationMatters #PrideInSport #VisibilityMatters #LGBTQCommunity #SportsForAll #JoshCavallo #HeathThorpe #DanJervis #FootballPride #LGBTQNews

It's been a landmark year on The Jack Murley Sports Show — our busiest, boldest and most inspiring year yet. Across 2025, we've spoken to Olympians, Paralympians, world champions, grassroots heroes and groundbreaking LGBTQ+ trailblazers who are reshaping sport from the inside out. In this special two-part end-of-year celebration, we look back at some of the most unforgettable moments and powerful conversations from the past twelve months, including:   Julie Charlton on navigating elite sport as a non-binary athlete, and making their first Commonwealth Games Jackson Harrison on their lived experience in the sporting world as a non-binary individual Olympic figure skater Jason Brown on life at the top, and making it to the elite level of figure skating AFL pioneer Mitch Brown, the league's first openly bisexual male player Paralympic superstar Katie-George Dunleavy on her extraordinary medal haul Our special live episode at St George's Park for GFSN Quarter Finals Day Every conversation this year has centred LGBTQ+ voices, celebrated inclusion, and highlighted the people pushing sport forward — and none of it would have been possible without our listeners. Join us as we celebrate a year of pride, passion and powerful storytelling in sport. WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PODCAST? @jack_murley jack@jackmurley.com #JackMurleySportsShow #LGBTQInSport #QueerAthletes #InclusiveSport #SportsPodcast #LGBTQStories #RepresentationMatters #PrideInSport #VisibilityMatters #LGBTQCommunity #SportsForAll #MitchBrown #JasonBrown #Olympics #Paralympics  

Listen to Mark and Christine discuss VAC, the struggles of being disabled, the lack of support surrounding her disability, mental health and much more!Christine's service related injuries were ignored by VAC, resulting in her being wheelchair bound. VAC refused to install a wheelchair elevator for 6 years andPrivate charities banded together to pay for, and install the elevator. VAC only paid for a part of the elevator.  Christine and Reno's for Heroes paid the rest. MERCH: ⁠https://www.wgy6.ca/Operation-Tango-Romeo.html⁠Sponsored by ShopVeteran.ca by Canadian Legacy Project- Support Veteran owned businesses and register your Veteran owned business for free. All opinions expressed by the guest belong to only the guest and are not always reflected by the host. The OTR podcast: The Trauma Recovery Podcast for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.Creator and Host Mark MeinckeSponsored by ⁠ShopVeteran.ca⁠ by Canadian Legacy ProjectProduced by Jessika DupuisSupport a Hero ⁠HERE⁠Recover Out Loud!Book your Guest Appearance ⁠HERE⁠ Find the OTR podcast onFacebookInstagramSpotifyYoutube#VeteransAffairs #Wheelchairuser#MentalHealth#SuicidePrevention#Veteran#VAC#Paralympics#ChristineGauthier

How an international skiing scene developed in the mountains of Bamiyan province in 2011. Long: In 2011, the rugged mountains of Bamiyan Province in central Afghanistan became the backdrop of something as unlikely as it was uplifting-an international ski scene. As Bamiyan was then relatively safe for tourists, a new travel agency, supported by a development NGO, started offering holidays to skiers seeking a unique adventure. A ski school was also set up for locals who were keen to learn, including Alishah Farhang, who went on to become one of Afghanistan's top skiers. In 2022 he spoke to Viv Jones, about how his hopes of competing in the Winter Olympics were shattered by the return of the Taliban. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: The 2015 Afghan Ski Challenge. Credit: KAMRAN SHEFAYEE/AFP via Getty Images)

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about: spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.”✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most.✨ Best Moments of Role Modelship — athletes lifting the next generation, mentoring teammates, and carrying entire communities with them to the world stage.✨ Best Stories of Identity & Joy — how athletes embrace who they are on and off the field, from glitter on the track to pride in their heritage.and many more!You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.In this episode, Mae, Maé Bérénice Méité of France, a two-time Olympian in figure skating, reflects on how childhood energy became a lifelong pursuit. Marie-Devine Kwame, French track cyclist and 2022 world champion, shares how creativity and business ventures help her stay balanced while preparing for Paris. Alejandra Aybar, Paralympic swimmer from the Dominican Republic, describes discovering the water after injury and finding purpose through global sport development. Farida Osman, Egyptian swimmer aiming for her fourth Olympics, offers her approach to longevity and mental reset. Asma Nyang, Senegalese judoka and two-time Olympian, speaks about sustaining joy in sport and advocating for women's visibility across Africa. Together, their stories show resilience shaped by passion, identity, and community.Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events.For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @‌flamebearersFollow us -Instagram - / flamebearersFacebook - / flamebearerspodcastLinkedin - / flame-bearersTiktok - / flame_bearersX - / flame_bearersOur Website - https://flamebearers.com/Leave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video.If you like the content, subscribe to our channel!

Tonight Jim and Ava talk with Paralympian, LSU All-American Swimmer, and Big Brother Runner-Up Matt Klotz.

This Final Cut Premiere presents the full, uncut conversation between Tom Dutta and Canadian Paralympian and world champion rower Victoria Nolan. This is the first time this conversation is being released as an audio podcast. Victoria's journey began with a diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa at 18. The slow loss of sight reshaped her personal and professional life and created moments of fear, doubt, and isolation. She was told she had no future as a teacher and that blindness would define her possibilities. Instead, she discovered rowing, and everything changed. She rose from fear to world-class competition, breaking a world record, earning eight international medals, and becoming one of Canada's most inspiring voices on courage and belonging. Victoria is now a national leader, speaker, and advocate. Her story blends lived experience, high-performance sport, and a deep commitment to helping others navigate change and adversity. This uncut episode explores • the emotional landscape of losing sight • how adversity became a doorway to possibility • rowing as a place of healing and empowerment • motherhood and identity during vision loss • the culture of elite sport and vulnerable leadership • systemic barriers and invisible societal expectations • the global conversation on blindness and hope • the next chapter Victoria has yet to write This Final Cut is exactly as the conversation occurred, raw, real, and technically mastered only for audio clarity. #QuietWarriorShow #TomDutta #VictoriaNolan #BeyondVision #Resilience #Leadership #Courage #Paralympics #BlindnessAwareness #UncutConversation #HumanSpirit

The Nigerian national women's football team were the first African team to reach the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup Tournament in China in 1991. In 2023 Justice Baidoo spoke to Nkiri Okosieme – who captained the hastily assembled squad – and hears how they overcame opposition to claim their tournament spot. This programme is a Made in Manchester Production for the BBC World Service. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: Nigeria playing Germany in their first game at the tournament. Credit: TOMMY CHENG/AFP via Getty Images)

Like the millions of people living with disabilities, Paralympians have a multitude of ways they acquired those disabilities. Some like Ezra Frech were born with disabilities and many others like Lindi Marcusen acquired those disabilities later in life, in her case in a car accident just two weeks after her wedding. Nonetheless, the Paralympic Games have provided an amazing outlet for Ezra, Lindi and others to show everything they are capable of at the highest level of sport. In Ezra’s case, that resulted in two gold medals in Paris in the 100 meters and the high jump in his classification, and in Lindi’s case, it has allowed her to become the fastest woman on the U.S. team. But just because they have had success on the field doesn’t mean their travel experiences are easy. In fact, each of them has faced challenges as they seek to transport both themselves and their equipment to locations around the world, including to the world’s most prestigious sports events. It’s one of many reasons they are both now spokespeople for a new campaign organized by Ottobock, the global medtech company, called “The Invisible Class,” which is aiming to put a spotlight on the organizations that are actually succeeding when it comes to providing a better experience. And with December 3 being International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this conversation will take a look at what some of those travel challenges can be. But we’ll also take a look ahead at the opportunity that the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles will present to engage more people in the types of conversations that turn some of those travel challenges around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about: spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.” ✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most. ✨ Best Moments of Role Modelship — athletes lifting the next generation, mentoring teammates, and carrying entire communities with them to the world stage. ✨ Best Stories of Identity & Joy — how athletes embrace who they are on and off the field, from glitter on the track to pride in their heritage.…and many more!You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.In this episode, Reframing the Impossible, Kimberley Alkemade (Netherlands, para athletics) shares a profound moment of connection with her late mother after winning gold in the same country where she lost her leg. Dana Mathewson (USA, wheelchair tennis) opens up about the deep self-consciousness she faced after acquiring a disability as a child and how sport became her path to freedom and self-acceptance. Ashley Dyce (USA, para powerlifting) recounts the moment she discovered the Paralympics on TV and decided to change her life, eventually choosing powerlifting over track to pursue strength. Angelina Lanza (France, para athletics) advocates for equal visibility, pay, and the freedom for female athletes to wear what makes them feel confident and perform their best. Mansi Joshi (India, para badminton) challenges media narratives, urging for coverage that focuses on athletic achievement rather than disability and inspiration porn.Together, these athletes redefine what is possible, moving beyond limitations and societal expectations to claim their space as fierce competitors and powerful advocates.Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events.For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @‌flamebearersFollow us: Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok - / flame_bearers X - / flame_bearers Our Website - https://flamebearers.com/

What's it like navigating the world as a disabled parent? Datshiane Navanayagam speaks to two women from the US and Italy about the reality of parenting with a disability and about why it's important to reconsider some of the common misconceptions that exist within society around the kind of life that disabled mothers can provide for their children. Jessica Slice is an American disabled author, speaker and essayist who now lives in Toronto with her husband and two children. She was diagnosed with an autonomic nervous system disorder in her twenties after a strenuous hike while on holiday in Greece. The condition changed her life forever – requiring her to use a wheelchair and sometimes experiencing chronic pain - but it also made her consider having children, seriously for the very first time. Her book, Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges An Inaccessible World chronicles some of the obstacles that disabled parents face, and examines the societal beliefs that underpin those barriers.Laura Coccia from Italy is a former Paralympian who is now a representative at the European Disability Forum. She now lives in Brussels and says she faces stigma everyday as a mother with a form of cerebral palsy. She wrote a weekly online diary about her pregnancy as a disabled woman in 2019, giving a candid insight to some of the challenges she faced, but also how she was going through the same things as any other pregnant woman. She has also co-authored a children's book called La Sedia Magica della Mamma, created to show disability not as an obstacle but as a natural part of life.Producer: Emily Naylor and Hannah Dean(Image: Jessica Slice (L). Credit Vanessa Heins. (R) Laura Coccia courtesy Laura Coccia)

In 1986, Magi Haroun began her career in football photography. She would become the first female photographer in the Premier League in the 1990s. She grew up with close connections to Manchester United. Her uncle was the club's chairman from 1965 until 1980, and she had a good relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson during his tenure as manager. She speaks to Tim O'Callaghan and tells him about embarking on a career in a male-dominated field. She also reveals the unlikely story of how she rescued a cat from Manchester United's training ground. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: Magi at Manchester United's 2-0 win against Coventry City in the Premier League in 1995. Credit: BBC)

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about: spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.”✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most.✨ Best Moments of Role Modelship — athletes lifting the next generation, mentoring teammates, and carrying entire communities with them to the world stage.✨ Best Stories of Identity & Joy — how athletes embrace who they are on and off the field, from glitter on the track to pride in their heritage.and many more!You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.In this episode, Breaking The Mold, Alexandria Glaudé of Team USA wrestling shares how she pushes for greater access and support for women in a historically male space. Natoya Goule-Toppin of Jamaica, an 800 meter specialist, calls for equal pay and expanded visibility for women's sports. Nina Ligon, a former Olympic eventer for Thailand, reflects on reconnecting with her heritage and growing opportunity for future riders. Claire Taggart of the United Kingdom explains how boccia's women's classification opens new competitive pathways. Assmaa Niang of France, a decorated judoka, speaks to the need for stronger women-to-women support to build real visibility. Shelly Looney, a two-time Olympic medalist in ice hockey, describes becoming the role model she never had. Asia Hogan-Rochester of Canada's rugby sevens team shares how expanding access can reshape who feels welcome in sport. Catarina Guimarães of Team USA CP soccer recounts breaking barriers and finding her place on the world stage. Together they show what it means to challenge norms and build a more inclusive sports landscape.Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events.For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @‌flamebearersFollow us –Instagram – / flamebearersFacebook – / flamebearerspodcastLinkedin – / flame-bearersTiktok – / flame_bearersX – / flame_bearersOur Website – https://flamebearers.com/Leave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video.If you like the content, subscribe to our channel!

In the 2005 Ashes series in England, substitute fielder Gary Pratt grabbed the headlines when he ran out Australian captain Ricky Ponting in the fourth test. Ponting questioned England's use of a substitute fielder. It was a pivotal moment which turned the game in England's favour and they went on to lead the series 2-1. Gary Pratt tells Uma Doraiswamy how it all played out.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: Gary Pratt celebrates with the England team after running out Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Credit: Jon Buckle/PA Images/Alamy)

Matt Formston on Facing Fear, Redefining Limits, & Riding GiantsEpisode IntroductionWhat does it feel like to stare down a five-story wave you cannot see? How do you quiet the noise of global doubt telling you "the blind guy is going to die"? In this powerful and condensed episode, Steve delves into the mindset of Matt Formston—world champion adaptive surfer, Paralympian, and Guinness World Record holder.Matt opens up about the two distinct fights of his life: first, the desperate struggle to prove he wasn't disabled, and second, the purposeful fight to become the best version of himself. He shares profound insights on overcoming self-doubt, the practical process for tackling any fear, and why becoming a father changed his relationship with risk forever. This is a masterclass in resilience, presence, and turning perceived limitations into unparalleled strength.--About Our GuestMatt Formston is an Order of Australia member, a multiple-time world champion in surfing and cycling, and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed by a vision-impaired athlete. His incredible journey is documented in the film The Blind Side.--Follow Our GuestWebsite: https://www.mattformston.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattformston/Follow Us OnHost Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/--Episode Highlights00:00 - The daunting global noise: "They're going to kill the blind guy."00:16 - The two types of fear: physical recklessness vs. the fear of being seen as "different."01:01 - The two fights of Matt's life: Proving he wasn't disabled vs. fighting for his best self.01:20 - Refusing to learn Braille and tackling the biggest kid to prove he was "normal."02:34 - The shift: Accepting his disability and starting the internal fight for self-mastery.03:59 - Steve's reflection: If a blind man can surf giants, what's stopping me?04:13 - The household rule: You were not allowed to use the word "can't."05:36 - Learning to surf blind, starting on a bodyboard to "feel" the wave at age five.07:41 - The documentary The Blind Side and surfing a record 51ft wave at Nazaré.08:15 - How you train for the "non-surfing" part of a giant wave: strength and breath capacity.09:48 - The crucial role of his support team and family.11:18 - The moment after a brutal wipeout when the safety team said, "No more."12:29 - Matt's 3-column framework for anyone scared to attempt something big.13:32 - How becoming a father introduced a new kind of fear and responsibility.15:02 - Battling the global media narrative and the doubt it creates.

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about: spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.”✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most.✨ Best Moments of Role Modelship — athletes lifting the next generation, mentoring teammates, and carrying entire communities with them to the world stage.✨ Best Stories of Identity & Joy — how athletes embrace who they are on and off the field, from glitter on the track to pride in their heritage.…and many more!You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.In this episode, Greatness in Motion, Kimberly Alkemade (Netherlands, para-athletics) explains how shifting between prosthetic blade sponsors—from Ottobock to Xiborg to Össur—mirrors her growth as an athlete and her fight against the financial barriers facing para-sport. Fran Brown (Great Britain, paracycling) shares how defining her own path turned “can't” into world titles and Paralympic medals. Caryn Davies (USA, rowing) reflects on embodying Olympic values—excellence, friendship, respect—and how she applies them beyond sport in her law career. Marzieh Hamidi (Afghanistan, taekwondo), now training in France for the Refugee Olympic Team, speaks about resilience, displacement, and representing Afghan women denied that freedom. Each story redefines greatness not as perfection or power, but as persistence, adaptation, and motion toward something bigger than self.Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events.For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @‌flamebearersFollow us:Instagram - / flamebearersFacebook - / flamebearerspodcastLinkedIn - / flame-bearersTikTok - / flame_bearersX - / flame_bearersOur Website - https://flamebearers.com/Leave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video.If you like the content, subscribe to our channel!

Katie sits down with Oksana Masters at Team USA's 100 Days Out Summit in New York City for one of the most powerful conversations Unfiltered Waters has ever had. Oksana opens up about her journey from Ukrainian orphanages to becoming a seven-time Paralympian, the role rowing played in teaching her she could be an athlete, and how she's balanced drive, identity, and belonging across four different sports.-----Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media (https://linktr.ee/unfilteredwaters) for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week.-----FOLLOW KATIE ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kthoff7/-----FOLLOW MISSY ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missyfranklin88/-----SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSIM8health.com/discount/unfiltered for 10% offendlesspools.com/unfiltered to unlock $1,000 off-----#UnfilteredWaters #OksanaMasters

In this episode, Chuck Todd breaks down an extraordinary week in politics marked by a near-unanimous House vote to release the Epstein files and growing signs that Donald Trump’s decade-long grip on American politics may finally be loosening. He examines the cracks emerging in Trump’s coalition, the administration’s tariff pullbacks amid rising food costs, and the mounting Trump fatigue driving Republicans to quietly distance themselves. Chuck also tackles Trump’s escalating attacks on female reporters, his contradictory dealings with Gulf states, and the likelihood that the DOJ may cite an “open investigation” to keep the Epstein files sealed. Beyond the Trump saga, Chuck dissects the troubling implications of the Olivia Nuzzi scandal, the shameful rhetoric surrounding Epstein’s victims, and the broader damage to journalism. He wraps with a preview of the TN-07 special election, the legal upheaval over Texas’s redistricting maps, and why today’s partisan map fights echo battles not seen since the 1840s. Then, Chuck sits down with Iowa Democratic senate candidate and four-time Paralympian and gold medalist Josh Turek for a deeply personal and politically sharp conversation. Josh shares his remarkable journey—from being born with spina bifida caused by his father’s exposure to Agent Orange, to discovering wheelchair basketball as a pathway to college, to becoming one of the winningest athletes in Paralympic history. He opens up about the emotional challenge of leaving the sport he loved and what ultimately pushed him toward public service. Together, Chuck and Josh explore how the ADA reshaped life for disabled Americans, why adaptive and women’s sports remain undervalued, and how equal access—not guaranteed equal outcomes—remains the core civil rights debate for the disability community. The conversation widens into an unvarnished look at rural politics, Iowa’s sharp rightward turn, and the policies reshaping life in small towns. Josh breaks down why Medicaid denials have exploded, how school choice is quietly devastating rural school districts, and why tariffs—when used chaotically—are crushing family farms. He tackles complex cultural issues such as religion’s decline, the trans sports debate, and why Democrats shouldn’t cede Christianity or populism to the right. They also cover climate messaging, the stakes for U.S. policy in Israel and Ukraine, and whether Congress should step in to regulate collegiate athletics. With insights on Iowa’s political future, the 2026 Democratic opportunity, and even some NBA talk (yes—Jokić and Jordan both make an appearance), Josh Turek offers one of the most candid, wide-ranging conversations you’ll hear about the Midwest, disability rights, and the future of American politics. Finally, Chuck gives his updated ToddCast Top 5 governor’s seats most likely to flip in 2026 and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 00:30 Near unanimous decision in the house vote to release Epstein files 01:15 It feels like Trump’s lame duck period has begun, but impossible to know 02:15 Trump’s coalition is starting to crack 04:00 Trump’s ten year run of dominating politics is starting to end 05:00 Administration is pulling back tariffs to lower costs of food 06:45 Republicans will distance themselves as Trump fatigue sets in 07:45 Trump’s attacks on female reporters are shameful 09:15 Trump’s deals with gulf states undermines his America First agenda 11:00 DOJ might withhold files under guise of “open investigation” 12:30 Neither Biden or Trump leaned on Saudis over Khashoggi’s murder 13:30 Middle east monarchies are dictatorships with different titles 15:00 We’re past the point of holding Saudis accountable for Khashoggi 16:30 Presidents have to deal with less than ideal allies 17:30 Trump’s attacks on the press are abhorrent & dictatorlike 19:00 Olivia Nuzzi sleeping with a source compromises her journalism 21:15 The Nuzzi scandal feels like watching a car wreck 22:00 The scandal brings shame upon the journalism world 23:30 Megyn Kelly trying to differentiate Epstein’s victims is shameful 25:00 Hiring a reporter that sleeps with sources is beyond the pale 25:30 Preview of special election in TN-07 26:45 If TN-07 is within 5 points, it’s a very favorable environment for Dems 28:00 Texas’s new redistricting maps have been thrown out in court 28:45 If CA maps stay but TX is thrown out, it’s a karma moment for Trump 30:45 Last time partisan redistricting happened like this… was the 1840’s 38:00 Josh Turek joins the Chuck ToddCast 39:30 Josh’s journey as a gold medal winning paralympian 40:45 Josh’s fathers exposure to agent orange caused his spina bifida 42:30 Wheelchair basketball was his pathway to college 43:45 What do we not value adaptive & female sports in America? 46:00 How hard was it to walk away from basketball? 47:45 What inspired the decision to go into politics? 49:00 There was a 1000% increase in medicaid denials in Iowa 50:30 The ADA made things better, still a long ways to go 51:45 The ADA gave disabled Americans an onramp to society 54:30 The debate over equal access vs. equal outcome 55:15 Who is the Turek/Trump voter? 57:45 The difficulty of breaking through as a Democrat in rural America 59:45 Iowa has shifted rightward, but could shift back to swing state status 01:03:00 The right candidate with the right message can win red Iowa counties 01:05:15 School choice sounds great, but is a huge problem for rural America 01:06:45 Rural schools are struggling and closing under school choice policies 01:08:15 There are no standards for private schools spending tax dollars 01:11:00 Not all tariffs are bad, but Trump’s tariff regime is chaotic 01:12:00 Tariffs are crushing family farms 01:13:00 What’s the plan to keep people in Iowa and reverse brain drain? 01:15:45 How has the decline in religious participation affected Iowa? 01:17:00 Pushing back against the narrative that Democrats can’t be christian 01:17:30 What’s fair to the trans community when it comes to organized sports? 01:18:45 Politicians shouldn’t be involved in the trans sports conversation 01:19:30 Why have many Democrats turned to socialism over capitalism? 01:20:30 We need regulated capitalism and a progressive tax structure 01:21:15 We are living in a country of have’s and have nots 01:22:45 Addressing climate change without scaring voters about the economy 01:24:15 What’s your position on Israel? 01:25:15 The U.S. should stand in solidarity with Ukraine & aid them 01:26:15 Does Congress need to get involved in regulating collegiate sports? 01:29:30 We need more genuine populists in congress to push back against oligarchs 01:31:15 Nikola Jokic is Josh’s favorite basketball player to watch 01:32:45 Michael Jordan is the GOAT 01:33:45 Historic opportunity for Democrats in Iowa in ‘26 01:35:00 Democrats focused too much on identity in Iowa 01:37:30 Public schools will be a huge issue for Iowa voters 01:39:15 If Democrats can’t win Iowa in this environment, it could take a generation 01:43:30 There are three great candidates for the Iowa Democratic senate seat 01:44:30 Primaries sharpen candidates and improve party registration 01:45:00 Toddcast Top 5 - Governor seats most likely to flip parties 01:46:45 Katie Hobbs is the most vulnerable incumbent governor 01:48:00 #1 Kansas 01:49:30 #2 Michigan 01:51:15 #3 Georgia 01:53:30 #4 Wisconsin 01:54:30 #5 Iowa 01:56:30 Honorable mentions 01:57:30 Ask Chuck 01:58:30 Can we trust the Epstein files will be complete if they’re released? 02:00:15 Are you aware of the Montana vs Montana State football rivalry? 02:03:15 Has your view on CA redistricting changed after the election result? 02:05:30 How can you reach people stuck in the Fox News bubble? 02:11:30 Does Amy Acton or Tim Ryan have a better shot at winning OH governor? 02:13:30 Suggestion to make a conspiracy theory documentarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview Only w/ Josh Turek - Why Democrats Struggle…And Can Still Win In Iowa In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck sits down with Iowa Democratic senate candidate and four-time Paralympian and gold medalist Josh Turek for a deeply personal and politically sharp conversation. Josh shares his remarkable journey—from being born with spina bifida caused by his father’s exposure to Agent Orange, to discovering wheelchair basketball as a pathway to college, to becoming one of the winningest athletes in Paralympic history. He opens up about the emotional challenge of leaving the sport he loved and what ultimately pushed him toward public service. Together, Chuck and Josh explore how the ADA reshaped life for disabled Americans, why adaptive and women’s sports remain undervalued, and how equal access—not guaranteed equal outcomes—remains the core civil rights debate for the disability community. The conversation widens into an unvarnished look at rural politics, Iowa’s sharp rightward turn, and the policies reshaping life in small towns. Josh breaks down why Medicaid denials have exploded, how school choice is quietly devastating rural school districts, and why tariffs—when used chaotically—are crushing family farms. He tackles complex cultural issues such as religion’s decline, the trans sports debate, and why Democrats shouldn’t cede Christianity or populism to the right. They also cover climate messaging, the stakes for U.S. policy in Israel and Ukraine, and whether Congress should step in to regulate collegiate athletics. With insights on Iowa’s political future, the 2026 Democratic opportunity, and even some NBA talk (yes—Jokić and Jordan both make an appearance), Josh Turek offers one of the most candid, wide-ranging conversations you’ll hear about the Midwest, disability rights, and the future of American politics. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Josh Turek joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:30 Josh’s journey as a gold medal winning Paralympian 02:45 Josh’s fathers exposure to agent orange caused his spina bifida 04:30 Wheelchair basketball was his pathway to college 05:45 What do we not value adaptive & female sports in America? 08:00 How hard was it to walk away from basketball? 09:45 What inspired the decision to go into politics? 11:00 There was a 1000% increase in Medicaid denials in Iowa 12:30 The ADA made things better, still a long ways to go 13:45 The ADA gave disabled Americans an onramp to society 16:30 The debate over equal access vs. equal outcome 17:15 Who is the Turek/Trump voter? 19:45 The difficulty of breaking through as a Democrat in rural America 21:45 Iowa has shifted rightward, but could shift back to swing state status 25:00 The right candidate with the right message can win red Iowa counties 27:15 School choice sounds great, but is a huge problem for rural America 28:45 Rural schools are struggling and closing under school choice policies 30:15 There are no standards for private schools spending tax dollars 33:00 Not all tariffs are bad, but Trump’s tariff regime is chaotic 34:00 Tariffs are crushing family farms 35:00 What’s the plan to keep people in Iowa and reverse brain drain? 37:45 How has the decline in religious participation affected Iowa? 39:00 Pushing back against the narrative that Democrats can’t be Christian 39:30 What’s fair to the trans community when it comes to organized sports? 40:45 Politicians shouldn’t be involved in the trans sports conversation 41:30 Why have many Democrats turned to socialism over capitalism? 42:30 We need regulated capitalism and a progressive tax structure 43:15 We are living in a country of have’s and have nots 44:45 Addressing climate change without scaring voters about the economy 46:15 What’s your position on Israel? 47:15 The U.S. should stand in solidarity with Ukraine & aid them 48:15 Does Congress need to get involved in regulating collegiate sports? 51:30 We need more genuine populists in congress to push back against oligarchs 53:15 Nikola Jokic is Josh’s favorite basketball player to watch 54:45 Michael Jordan is the GOAT 55:45 Historic opportunity for Democrats in Iowa in ‘26 57:00 Democrats focused too much on identity in Iowa 59:30 Public schools will be a huge issue for Iowa voters 01:01:15 If Democrats can’t win Iowa in this environment, it could take a generation 01:05:30 There are three great candidates for the Iowa Democratic senate seat 01:06:30 Primaries sharpen candidates and improve party registrationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the podcast intro we sit down with Mitch Joynt, a New Zealand Paralympian with Medals and records all over the show, as he helps Mulls out with his attempt at a new segment, Woodchipper Wednesday. Mitch tells us how he thinks losing his leg is the best thing that has ever happened to him and how his injury changed his perspective and attitude on life.

On November 19, 2004, a heated NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons spiralled into one of the most infamous brawls in sport's history. What began as a hard foul escalated into chaos as players clashed with fans in the stands, leaving a lasting mark on the league's image. Mark Boyle, a veteran radio broadcaster known as "the voice of the pacers'"was there that night. Speaking to Hunter Charlton, he recalls a lucky escape which almost left him with life changing injuries. An Ember Production.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: Ben Wallace of the Detroit Pistons is kept apart from Ron Artest of the Indiana Pacers by Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle and official Tommy Nunez Jr. Credit: Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Greta Streimikyte, a blind para-athletic running champion from Ireland, talks to host Ben Shaberman about growing up with substantial vision loss from retinopathy of prematurity and her competitive running career. Greta has won gold in the women's 1500 meters at the 2018 and 2021 European Para Athletic Championships and is a three-time Paralympian.

In this episode of the Rox Lyfe podcast, we chat with David Wetherill (@wetherill.para.fit) - a three-time Paralympian in table tennis, marathon world record holder on crutches, and now a regular face in HYROX.Born with a rare bone development disorder and a heart condition, David's story is one of resilience, perspective, and purpose. We dive into:✔️ Stoicism, pain, and the mindset behind pushing limits✔️ The story behind his viral table tennis moment✔️ Lessons from competing at three Paralympic Games✔️ Running a sub-6-hour marathon on crutches✔️ His mission to complete an IronmanIt's an open and thought-provoking conversation packed with honesty, perspective, and lessons that go far beyond sport.

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about: spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.”✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most.✨ Best Moments of Role Modelship — athletes lifting the next generation, mentoring teammates, and carrying entire communities with them to the world stage.✨ Best Stories of Identity & Joy — how athletes embrace who they are on and off the field, from glitter on the track to pride in their heritage.…and many more!You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.In this episode, Role Models V1, Ariana Ramsey (United States, rugby) shares how she uses social media to bring visibility to women's rugby and redefine what “rough” looks like for girls in sport. Jackie Dubrovich (United States, fencing) reflects on being a role model even through losses and helping younger teammates grow. Manasi Joshi (India, para badminton) talks about transforming personal struggle into inspiration for others with disabilities. Shelly Looney (United States, ice hockey) describes building a stronger pipeline for girls to see themselves in the game. Asma Nyang (Senegal, judo) urges women to become the fan base women's sports need. Marzia Hamidi (Afghanistan, taekwondo) tells her story of escaping Taliban rule to keep her Olympic dream alive. Marta Pen Freitas (Portugal, track and field) calls for women to take leadership roles in sport governance.Together, these athletes redefine what it means to be a role model — through resilience, visibility, and purpose.Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events.For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearersFollow usInstagram - / flamebearersFacebook - / flamebearerspodcastLinkedin - / flame-bearersTiktok - / flame_bearersX - / flame_bearersOur Website - https://flamebearers.com/Leave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video.If you like the content, subscribe to our channel!

In this inspiring episode, Jesse chats to world champion surfer, Paralympian, and business leader Matt Formston. Matt Formston stands as a powerful example of how resilience and determination can shatter boundaries and redefine what's possible. Despite having less than 3% vision, he has excelled in the athletic, corporate, and community worlds, inspiring others with his story of courage and grit.A Member of the Order of Australia (AM), Matt's achievements are legendary. He holds a Guinness World Record for surfing the largest wave (51ft) conquered by a blind or para-athlete. He is a 4x Para Surfing World Champion, a Track Cycling World Champion, a 12x Australian Cycling Champion, and competed in the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Each accomplishment reflects his unwavering mission—to prove that any limit can be redefined through possibility and perseverance.He shares his journey of defying expectations, the power of mindset, and how building the right team has helped him break records and lead global organisations. This is a conversation about resilience, trust, and redefining what's possible.In this episode:[00:00] Introduction to Matt Formston and his early diagnosis with vision loss[02:20] How Matt's parents helped shift his mindset from limitation to possibility[05:15] Competing against sighted athletes and discovering his unique advantage[08:45] The pivotal moment that led Matt to professional cycling[13:30] Transitioning from elite sport to business and bringing a high-performance mindset[17:25] Why Matt refuses to let external voices dictate his potential[19:40] How adaptability and grit helped him lead through change[23:10] Building strong teams and empowering others to succeed[26:45] The role of preparation and consistency in world-class performance.Resources and Links:Matt Formston's websiteMatt Formston InstagramJoin the free Savvy Dentist Facebook GroupFollow Dr Jesse Green on LinkedInVisit Savvy Dentist websiteMentioned in this episode:Transformational Training for Dental Practice TeamsIf you want to grow your practice, you need a high-performing team - but training takes time, effort, and resources you often don't have. That's why we created the Savvy Dentist Team Training Bundle - a 12-month program packed with five powerful courses, including our Practice Manager Masterclass, Front Desk All Stars, Hygiene & Therapy Heroes, Treatment Coordinator Training, and the Million Dollar Dentist course. Each course is delivered live via Zoom, and you'll also get access to past recordings, so you can onboard new team members anytime without starting from scratch. Want to scale your practice and build a winning team? Click on the link and join the waitlist. Team Training Bundle Sept 25

In this episode, Paralympian, author, and advocate Don Elgin joins Peta to explore what true connection means within the NDIS and beyond. After representing Australia at three Paralympic Games and winning four medals, Don turned his focus to advocacy. As Head of Events at One Community, he now leads more than 120 networking events each year, connecting participants, carers, and providers to improve outcomes across the sector. Peta and Don discuss how tools like Kismet’s Care Index are exposing service gaps, why transparency matters for a fairer NDIS, and how regional communities can become more inclusive. They also look ahead to the Australian Disability Service Awards, presented by One Community and Kismet, held on Thursday 13 November at The Pullman Albert Park in Melbourne. Connect: One Community:Website: onecommunity.net.auInstagram: @onecommunityaus Kismet Care Index:Explore the data: kismet.healthcare/care-index Australian Disability Service Awards:Website: onecommunity.net.au/adsa Peta Hooke:Instagram: @petahookeWebsite: www.icantstandpodcast.comEmail: icantstandpodcast@gmail.com Episode Transcript:www.icantstandpodcast.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2003, Italian top-flight side Perugia made an unusual signing: Al-Saadi Gaddafi, the son of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. It was seen as a publicity stunt by headline-hungry Perugia owner Luciano Gaucci, with Gaddafi making just one Serie A appearance, as a substitute in a win against Juventus in 2004. But Gaddafi made a big impression off the field and was renowned for his playboy lifestyle and outrageous spending habits. Former Perugia teammates Jay Bothroyd and Zeljko Kalac spoke to Robert Nicholson in 2021 about one of modern football's most surreal episodes. The programme is a Whistledown Production. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: Al-Saadi Gaddafi playing against Juventus. Credit:REUTERS/Max Rossi MR/RCB)

We want your feedback and questions. Text us here.What does it take to turn tragedy into triumph? In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher, we sit down with Eric McElvenney—Marine veteran, Ironman athlete, Paralympian, and international speaker—who shares his incredible story of resilience, faith, and purpose. After losing his leg to an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan, Eric faced a life-altering choice: let that moment define him, or define what came next.Eric chose to lead forward. From fighting for his life on the battlefield to crossing the finish line of the Ironman World Championship, his journey is a powerful lesson in mental toughness, perseverance, and leadership under pressure. In this conversation, Jeff and Eric dive into topics every leader can relate to: overcoming adversity, finding purpose in pain, and staying accountable when no one is watching.If you've ever faced a challenge that felt impossible to overcome, this episode will remind you that your finish line is closer than you think—and that with the right mindset, every obstacle can become your greatest opportunity.

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about: spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.”✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most.✨ Best Moments of Role Modelship — athletes lifting the next generation, mentoring teammates, and carrying entire communities with them to the world stage.✨ Best Stories of Identity & Joy — how athletes embrace who they are on and off the field, from glitter on the track to pride in their heritage.and many more!You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.In this episode, With a Little Help, Cynthia Appiah (Canada, bobsleigh pilot) shares how her coaches guided her through her toughest season back to the podium. Asia Hogan Rochester (Canada, rugby sevens) reflects on rebuilding team culture, healing from injuries, and rising to Olympic silver. Natoya Ghoul Toppin (Jamaica, 800m) draws strength from her faith to overcome fear and rebuild confidence. Marine Fatoumatta Camara (Mali, boxing) tells of choosing to represent Mali and becoming the country's first female boxing medalist. Husnah Kukundakwe (Uganda, paraswimming) recalls qualifying through lockdown determination with her mom and coach. Giancarla Trevisan (Italy, 400m) shares how training partners and patience led her from injury to a personal best. Fran Brown (Great Britain, para cycling) describes how friendship and opportunity reignited her path to elite sport. Together, their stories show how belief, mentorship, and community transform self-doubt into collective strength.Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events.For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @‌flamebearersFollow us -Instagram - / flamebearersFacebook - / flamebearerspodcastLinkedin - / flame-bearersTiktok - / flame_bearersX - / flame_bearersOur Website - https://flamebearers.com/Leave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video.If you like the content, subscribe to our channel!

04 Nov 2025. We speak to Paralympian and entrepreneur Jessica Smith, the woman behind the Purple Dirham - an initiative championing accessibility and inclusion across the UAE. Plus, it’s Eye on Abu Dhabi: Borouge posts a 52% jump in profits, CFO Jan-Martin Nufer explains what’s driving the petrochemicals giant’s record quarter and how it ties into Abu Dhabi’s industrial ambitions.And as Day 2 of ADIPEC gets underway, The Business Breakfast’s Fiona Nicole Mee speaks to AIQ CEO Dennis Jol about how homegrown AI is transforming the UAE’s energy sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Formston on Resilience, Trust, & Surfing Life's Biggest WavesEpisode IntroductionWhat does it take to ride a four-story wave you can't see? How do you turn a diagnosis of blindness into a world championship mindset? In this profoundly powerful episode, Steve sits down with Matt Formston, a world champion adaptive surfer, Paralympian cyclist, and Guinness World Record holder.Blind since the age of five, Matt shares his journey from facing extreme bullying and violence in his youth to finding his strength in adversity. He opens up about the pivotal role his parents played in shielding him from limiting beliefs, his struggle to prove he "wasn't disabled," and his ultimate breakthrough to accepting and maximizing his true self.This is a raw conversation about the power of family, the non-negotiable nature of trust, and the relentless pursuit of becoming the best version of yourself.--About Our GuestMatt Formston is an Order of Australia member, multiple-time world champion in both surfing and cycling, and the Guinness World Record holder for surfing the largest wave ever ridden by a vision-impaired athlete at Nazaré, Portugal.Beyond his athletic accolades, Matt is a businessman, a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, and a father dedicated to instilling core values in his children. His story is captured in the acclaimed documentary, The Blind Side.--Follow Our GuestWebsite: https://www.mattformston.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattformston/Follow Us OnHost Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/--Episode Highlights00:00 - The "Blind Surfer" is introduced: "They're going to kill the blind guy."01:44 - Steve welcomes world champion and Paralympian, Matt Formston.02:43 - How Matt defines the "noise" of life.03:40 - Matt's story: From blindness and bullying to world titles.07:12 - The extreme bullying that led to a cycle of violence.09:25 - The pivotal moment his parents hid a grim diagnosis from him.13:59 - The shift from fighting to prove himself to fighting for his best self.17:45 - The household rule: The word "can't" was banned.21:13 - Preparing to surf a 51ft wave at Nazaré you can't see.25:27 - Matt's 3-step framework for attempting anything you're scared of.26:30 - Facing fear and self-doubt as a father.30:46 - The powerful values mantra Matt teaches his kids every night.32:47 - The unexpected advantage of blindness: Radical presence.35:39 - Why his disability is not a "superpower."39:24 - Simple fixes for inclusion that make people feel seen.46:05 - Matt's #1 non-negotiable in life and business: Trust.51:23 - The one piece of advice for anyone feeling limited.55:07 - What's next: Boards, a book, a new film, and freediving.57:50 - How to connect with Matt.

Ahead of Australia's most famous horse race, the Melbourne Cup, we go back 10 years to when Michelle Payne was the first, and so far only, female jockey to win the title.Michelle, the youngest of 10 children, came from a racing family with seven of her siblings becoming jockeys. Throughout her career, she suffered a series of serious injuries that nearly forced her to retire, but her perseverance paid off when she won the race in 2015 on Prince of Penzance at 100-1 odds.She tells Uma Doraiswamy about her part in racing history.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: Michelle Payne winning the Melbourne Cup in 2015. Credit: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Very few people make it to five Olympic games. Even fewer make it to six. But that's a feat that para-alpine skier Adam Hall is set to achieve next year, when he competes at the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter games. Whilst he's there he'll be looking to add to his tally of two Paralympic golds and three bronze. He joins Jesse for Sporting History.

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about: spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.”✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most.You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.

In this episode of the ListenABLE with Karni Liddell she opens up about her incredible journey from being diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition at birth to becoming a world class Paralympian, advocate, and mother. Karni reflects on her experiences in elite sport, the evolution of disability representation, and the personal challenges that shaped her strength and perspective. She speaks candidly about the realities of motherhood with a disability, the significance of the Paralympics in shifting public perception, and the ongoing fight to ensure people with disabilities are supported and seen. Follow Karni: https://www.instagram.com/karniliddell/ https://au.linkedin.com/in/karniliddell Key Takeaways• Karni was diagnosed at birth with a neuromuscular wasting disease and was told she wouldn't live a long life.• Sport became a powerful avenue for confidence, independence, and connection.• The Paralympic movement has transformed dramatically over the past 25 years.• Motherhood brought new purpose along with new challenges.• Visibility and media representation play a critical role in changing perceptions. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest05:37 Karni Liddell’s Journey with Disability18:38 Motherhood and Disability24:39 Celebrating 25 Years of the Paralympics25:39 Reflections on the 1996 Paralympics28:11 The Impact of Sydney 200030:00 The Evolution of Disability Representation32:54 The Future of Paralympic Sports35:39 Challenges and Triumphs in Swimming37:30 The New Generation of Paralympians40:10 Representation in Media and Personal Identity Karni Liddell, Paralympian, disability advocacy, motherhood, neuromuscular disease, Paralympic movement, representation, inclusion, athlete stories, resilienceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With both her parents and brothers surfing, it was natural that Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich got into the sport at the age of three. As a teenager she competed in the US Open surfing competition, where she made the quarter-finals. But it was in 2004 when she made history by becoming the first South American woman to win the World Surfing Championship. She tells Rachael Devine about the waves she had to ride to get the world title, and later to be inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame. A Tbone production for BBC World Service.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: Sofia Mulanovich in 2004. Credit: Pierre Tostee/AFP via Getty Images)

In 2024, the athlete Dame Sarah Storey was cast away by Lauren Laverne.Sarah Storey is Great Britain's most successful Paralympian. She was just 14 when she took two weeks off school to compete as a swimmer in the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics where she won her first two gold medals.She spoke to Lauren about the first time she watched the Olympics on TV.You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about: spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.”✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most.✨ Best Moments of Role Modelship — athletes lifting the next generation, mentoring teammates, and carrying entire communities with them to the world stage.✨ Best Stories of Identity & Joy — how athletes embrace who they are on and off the field, from glitter on the track to pride in their heritage.and many more!You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.In this episode, Going the Distance, Natoya Goule-Toppin (Jamaica, 800m) shares her relentless fight through illness and injury to return stronger on the track. Caster Semenya (South Africa, 800m) reflects on reclaiming power and self-love after years of scrutiny and legal battles. Anna Jurt (Switzerland, modern pentathlon) finds joy in the process, learning resilience through failure and persistence. Husnah Kukundakwa (Uganda, paraswimming) opens up about how swimming helped her embrace her identity and confidence despite discrimination. Shannon Rowbury (USA, 1500m) explains how lessons from Olympic competition fuel her work mentoring others in performance and mindset. Together, these women redefine endurance—not just as physical stamina, but as faith, identity, and the will to keep showing up.Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events.For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @‌flamebearersFollow us -Instagram - / flamebearersFacebook - / flamebearerspodcastLinkedin - / flame-bearersTiktok - / flame_bearersX - / flame_bearersOur Website - https://flamebearers.comLeave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video.If you like the content, subscribe to our channel!Flame Bearers: Pathways to Paris is a finalist for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards! We're in the running in three categories: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Human and Civil Rights, AND the Anthem Community Voice Award. That last one is where you come in. This award is determined entirely by public support. Voting ends October 30, so please vote today and share with your networks!

In 2015 Mira Rai took the international sky running scene by storm, winning gold medals in ultra-endurance running events ranging from 50-150 kilometres.At first, little was known about this young competitor whose grit and determination were unparalleled. But behind her calm demeanour was a personal story which would shock the ultra-running world. She tells Hunter Charlton how she began life in a poor farming village before being recruited by Nepal's Maoist insurgents and served in the civil war as a teenager. An Ember Audio production.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: Mira Rai on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Credit: Prakash Mathema/via Getty Images)

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about: spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.” ✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most. ✨ Best Moments of Role Modelship — athletes lifting the next generation, mentoring teammates, and carrying entire communities with them to the world stage. ✨ Best Stories of Identity & Joy — how athletes embrace who they are on and off the field, from glitter on the track to pride in their heritage. and many more!You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.In this episode, UE Hispanic Edition, we celebrate Latina pride, identity, and heritage through the voices of three extraordinary athletes. Julimar Ávila (Honduras, swimming) shares how family roots and long hours at the pool shaped her love for the water and her pride in representing Honduras on the Olympic stage. Lavonne Idlette (Dominican Republic, track and field) reflects on her journey from Hampton University to the 2012 Olympics and the unbreakable bond she found with her mother's homeland. Alejandra Aybar (Dominican Republic, Paralympic swimming) speaks about resilience, respect, and breaking misconceptions around Paralympic athletes. As we close out Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the athletes who proudly represent their heritage — honoring their voices, their journeys, and the cultures that shaped them.Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events.For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearersFollow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok - / flame_bearers X - / flame_bearers Our Website - https://flamebearers.com/Leave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video. If you like the content, subscribe to our channel!

Welcome to Season 14 Episode 38 of the ParentingAces Podcast! In this week's episode, Lisa is joined by Sam Parfitt, former top junior and collegiate player and the founder/CEO of The True Athlete Project (TAP).TAP has pioneered a holistic mindfulness-based approach that unleashes sport's potential to change lives across diverse contexts. They believe sport can play a powerful role in building a happier, healthier, more compassionate world. But too often, sport fails to live up to its potential, driven by a win-at-all-costs culture that dehumanizes people and leads to dropout, burnout, bullying, and disastrous mental health outcomes. TAP wants sport to be joyful and freeing, and to bring people together. They have become leaders in how to change the culture of sport, working with national and international governing bodies, community sports centers, schools, colleges, coaches, athletes, referees, and parents.Sam Parfitt holds an MSc in Sport Policy, Management and International Development from the University of Edinburgh, where he then became an associate tutor. His dissertation focused on the role of sport coaches as social change-makers. He is a certified mindfulness teacher and a USPTA professional tennis coach with experience coaching all ages and standards - from total beginners to internationally-ranked juniors.​While Sam suffered with poor health during his time in the US, Sam endeavored to use his experiences in sport - both positive and negative - to help others. His academic work centered around sport and identity, and he became intimately involved in establishing projects which used sport as an agent for social change. He worked extensively within the context of sport for at-risk Hispanic youths and won multiple awards for his efforts, including the 2012 UTC and City of Chattanooga public service award and the Coleman Lew & Associates Leadership Award.After working within an NCAA Division I athletics department, he was appointed director of athletics at Saint Peter's School - an independent K through 5th school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There, he had the chance to create his own athletics program around a set of ideals that would help the children enjoy a positive start to their sporting careers. The program included a novel parkour program, sports poetry, mindfulness, and brought the school into the news for his inclusive and innovative approach to the holistic training of young athletes.During his time at St.Peter's School, Sam was also an NCAA Division I women's tennis coach, helping to take the Mocs to their best record for over twenty years.Sam has also worked with the Mastercard Scholars Foundation and advises several NGOs. He has delivered mindfulness to Olympians and Paralympians across over thirty sports.If you're interested in learning more about The True Athlete Project, visit their website at https://www.thetrueathleteproject.org. You can reach Sam directly via email at sam@thetrueathleteproject.org.As always, I am available for one-to-one consults to work with you as you find your way through the college recruiting process. You can purchase and book online through our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parentingaces.com/shop/category/consult-with-lisa-stone/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you're so inclined, please share this – and all our episodes! – with your fellow tennis players, parents, and coaches. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or via your favorite podcast app. Please be sure to check out our logo'd merch as well as our a la carte personal consultations in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.CREDITSIntro & Outro Music: Morgan Stone aka STØNEAudio & Video Editing: Lisa Stone

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about—spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.” ✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most. ✨ Best Moments of Role Modelship — athletes lifting the next generation, mentoring teammates, and carrying entire communities with them to the world stage. ✨ Best Stories of Identity & Joy — how athletes embrace who they are on and off the field, from glitter on the track to pride in their heritage. and many more!You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.In this episode, Resilience and Perserverence, athletes open up about what it costs to keep going and how they rebuild when everything says stop. Canadian bobsleigh pilot Cynthia Appiah shares how the sport helped her find her voice and the confidence to stand up for herself. U.S. wheelchair tennis star Dana Mathewson describes a childhood diagnosis, initial resistance to adaptive sport, and the moment tennis finally clicked. Olympic trampolinist Bryony Page talks about fear, losing confidence, and the practical tools that brought her back to big skills. Chelsea Edghill, table tennis Olympian from Guyana, pushes back on the “it looks easy” myth and explains how mindfulness keeps her centered. Jamaican middle-distance runner Natoya Goule-Toppin recounts a car accident, a lingering nerve issue, and racing her way back to 1:55 form. Malian-French boxer Marine Fatoumata revisits burnout and abuse, then finding a coach and team that respected her and saved her career. And French figure skater Maé-Bérénice Méité remembers an Achilles rupture that ended an Olympic qualifier and how she rediscovered joy by making skating a game again. Together, these stories show resilience as a practice: setting boundaries, seeking support, and choosing to try again.Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events.For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearersFollow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok - / flame_bearers X - / flame_bearers Our Website - https://flamebearers.com/Leave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video. If you like the content, subscribe to our channel!

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you've never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again.That's what this new Best Of series is all about—spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We've pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including:✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don't dim your light for anyone.” ✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most. ✨ Best Moments of Role Modelship — athletes lifting the next generation, mentoring teammates, and carrying entire communities with them to the world stage. ✨ Best Stories of Identity & Joy — how athletes embrace who they are on and off the field, from glitter on the track to pride in their heritage. and many more!You'll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn't just one story. It's hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning.In this episode we explore how elite women athletes define who they are in the face of pressure, expectation, and change. You'll hear Afghan taekwondo champion Marzia Hamidi confront what it meant to lose, and reclaim, her identity when the Taliban banned women from sport. Fran Brown, British Paralympic cyclist, pushes back on “inspiration porn” to assert her professionalism and agency. Asia Hogan-Rochester, Olympic silver medalist with Canada Rugby Sevens, celebrates individuality, glitter, mismatched cleats and all, as fuel for confidence. And Catarina Guimarães (Team USA) shows that power and femininity aren't opposites, reminding young girls they can love bows and sparkle and still be absolute beasts on the field. Together, these stories reveal identity as both a fight and a freedom, something you own, protect, and proudly bring to the world.Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events.For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearersFollow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok- / flame_bearers X- / flame_bearers Our Website - https://flamebearers.com/Leave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video. If you like the content, subscribe to our channel!