Para Sport Nation

On today’s episode, Alex and Nathan get into a debate about sports and classifications at the Paralympics. Why are some classifications left out of certain sports? What events or sports would they like to see added? Are there any sports that should be removed? The guys get into it all on this episode of PSN!

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On this episode, we share our first interview from the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Milano Cortina 2026 Media Summit. Alex had the chance to sit down with Para Nordic Skier and Three-time Paralympian Brittany Hudak. They discuss everything from how she got into skiing to what the road to the 2026 Games looks like for her. Plus, Alex and Nathan share their own personal experiences with media summits leading up to Paralympic Games.

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In this episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan sit down with Geoff Harris—Athletics Canada’s Coach of the Year and recipient of the prestigious Dr. Doug Clement Award. A former Olympian himself, Geoff made headlines this past summer by coaching wheelchair racers Cody Fournie and Austin Smeenk to Paralympic gold. The trio dives into Geoff’s transition from elite athlete to respected coach, his dedication to para-sport, and the principles behind his coaching success.

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On this special Father’s Day episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan sit down with Nathan’s dad, Dave, for a heartfelt and entertaining conversation. Where did Nathan’s passion for sports come from? (Spoiler: it runs in the family.) What were the challenges of introducing a young Nathan to sports while navigating life with a disability? And—of course—what behind-the-scenes stories can Dave share that Nathan might not want you to hear? Join us for laughs, memories, and some fatherly wisdom on this can't-miss episode!

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On today’s episode, Alex and Nathan are joined by two-time Paralympic gold medalist Greg Stewart for an honest and powerful conversation in honor of Men’s Mental Health Month. They dive into why mental health matters, how to take care of it, and what it really means to prioritize your well-being. Plus, Greg talks about his recent competition in Paris and shares some highlights of the delicious food he enjoyed during his travels.

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On this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with two-time Paralympian and Para Fencer Ryan Roussel. Ryan shares how he first got started in able-bodied fencing and what led him to transition into wheelchair fencing. He also opens up about his experiences at both the Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games—and how unique each of them turned out to be.

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Two-time Paralympian Erica Scarff joins Alex and Nathan to chat about her journey in para canoe, including her recent 5th place finish at the 2025 World Cup. She opens up about how she got started in the sport, the role cross-training plays in her success, and what her preparation looks like as she sets her sights on the LA 2028 Games!

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On this episode, Producer Jeff Ryman drops in with some great interviews he recorded during National AccessAbility Week at the Whitby Abilities Centre. Jeff shares interviews with Abilities Centre President and CEO Michael Cvitkovic, Olympian Mariam Abdul-Rashid, and disability advocate—and Mrs. Personality Canada—Emilee Schevers. Alex and Nathan are along for the ride as we spotlight stories of inclusion, empowerment, and accessibility.

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In this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with Ryan Straz to dive into ‘We Were Broncos’ — the powerful documentary series that gives a personal look into Ryan’s life and journey through para sports. They explore the behind-the-scenes of filming and reflect on what the experience has meant to him. Plus, PSN Producer Jeff Ryman joins the crew for a roundtable discussion covering all things para sports — from football to para ice hockey and everything in between.

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On this episode, Greg Westlake, Assistant Coach for the Canadian National Para Ice Hockey team joins Alex and Nathan to discuss the upcoming 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championship. They discuss how the team prepped for this event, the importance of having a veteran squad, and the extra motivation of trying to repeat as champs. Greg also talks about his transition from being a player to being part of the coaching staff, and how he’s helping the team prep for this tournament and for the 2026 Paralympic Games.

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On this episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan welcome in AMI’s Ramya Amuthan. Ramya is an avid 5-a-side soccer player (also known as blind soccer) and member of the Canadian National Women’s team. She helps break down the sport, how it works, how it differs from traditional soccer, and how it will be showcased with 10 other sports at the Ontario Parasport Games later this month.

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The 2025 Senior Goalball National Championship went down last weekend in Saskatoon, and Alex and Nathan break it all down. In this episode, they dive into highlights from the tournament and bring you exclusive interviews with Peter Parsons of Team Nova Scotia, Paralympian Priscilla Gagné, and friend of the show Jennie Bovard. But it's not all goalball—stick around as the guys discuss their unexpected culinary discovery: Saskatchewan-style pizza, and how it stacks up against the rest.

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Join Alex Smyth for more interviews from Défi Sportif, Canada’s largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. In this episode of Para Sport Nation, Alex sits down with 4-time Paralympian, and legendary wheelchair curler, Ina Forrest. They discuss her recent play at the Mixed Double, her involvement with Défi Sportif, and look ahead to the 2026 Paralympics. Alex also catches up with former Para Ice Hockey star turned wheelchair curler, Billy Bridges. They dive into his transition from the rink to the curling sheet, his passion for the sport, and his love for metal music.

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The countdown is on for the 2025 Senior Goalball National Championship, happening May 9–11 in Saskatoon! On this episode, Canadian Blind Sports President, and lead event organizer Launel Scott joins the show to preview the tournament. A former elite goalball referee, Launel also shares insights into the unique challenges and demands of officiating the sport. Plus, Alex and Nathan mark a major milestone—50 episodes of PSN—with some favorite memories and reflections!

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Join us on the ground in Montreal for exclusive coverage of Défi Sportif, Canada’s largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. In this episode of Para Sport Nation, host Alex Smyth takes you inside the action—from elite competitions to first-time youth athletes experiencing the thrill of sport and inclusion. We sit down with Maxime Gagnon, President and CEO of Défi Sportif AlterGo, to talk about the event’s evolution, its grassroots to high-performance reach, and his personal journey leading the charge. Paralympian and event ambassador Jonathan Vermette shares his story of inspiration, competition, and why this eve...

The Paris Paralympics shattered every broadcast and digital engagement record. Alex and Nathan dive into the record-breaking global impact of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games — a historic moment not just for sport, but for global media. We explore how 225 Media Rights Holders brought the Games to all corners of the world, how all 22 Para sports received live coverage for the first time, and what these milestones mean for the future of inclusive sport and media accessibility.

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The classification process for para-athletes isn't just a formality—it's a physically and mentally demanding experience that can shape an athlete’s entire career. In this episode, Nathan gets real about the challenges of getting classified, sharing his personal journey through a system that’s often misunderstood. From the emotional toll to the physical demands, he breaks it all down. Plus, Nathan opens up about how he preps for competition, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how he rests, trains, and gears up.

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In this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with Matt Fliss—Strength and Conditioning Coach at UBC, SnC specialist with Cycling Canada, and current PhD candidate. Matt, who also trains Nathan, shares his journey into the world of strength and conditioning, and how he found his path into para sport. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the unique challenges, adaptations, and innovations involved in training para-athletes, giving us a deeper understanding of what it takes to support elite performance in adaptive sport.

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Dr. David Legg joins the show to discuss the history of sports being added and removed from the Paralympic Games. He explains the balance of ensuing the right level of competition and global representation as well as the impact on sports that are removed from Paralympic competition.

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The Para Ice Hockey World Championships are around the corner. Team Canada’s Captain Tyler McGregor talks Canada/US rivalry, the team’s goal to repeat as world champions, and what it means to wear the “C” for Team Canada. In honour of the Masters tournament, Alex and Nathan choose their championship meals.

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Mollie Jepsen made a triumphant return to the slopes after injuries kept her sidelined the past few seasons. She describes her road to recovery and gaining confidence by medaling in her World Cup return. She describes the challenges of being on the road and training year-round in order to be ready to compete.

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Milano Cortina 2026 announced a partnership with Harder Than You Think.  They are the producers of the Emmy-winning Netflix documentary, Rising Phoenix. Their goal is to create an exclusive long-form documentary dedicated to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.  Calum Campbell of Harder Than You Think and Livia Draghi of Milano Cortina 2026 join the show to talk more about this.

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After a three game series between Canada and the US, Canada’s Women’s Para Ice Hockey team is in full preparation for the inaugural Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Championships later this year. Émilie Robitaille, President of Women's Para Hockey of Canada joins the show to talk about the development and growth of the women’s game in Canada and abroad.

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After representing Canada for 25 years and dominating the sport of Wheelchair Basketball, Patrick Anderson has retired. Known as the Michael Jordan of Wheelchair Basketball, Anderson has won three Paralympic golds and a silver playing for Canada. He reflects on his career and the legacy that he leaves behind as he starts a new journey. The PSN update shares the latest from the world of Para Alpine Skiing with Mollie Jepsen returning after a two-year absence from the sport to land on the podium.

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The 2025 Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament took place from March 21st to 23rd with over 190 participants. Alex Smyth, Mike Ross, and Jeff Ryman recap this historic event from the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto, Ontario. They share interviews with key organizers, athletes, and partners regarding the growth and skill of the game. Plus, they provide in-depth analysis of the Bronze and Gold medal games from the Open Division.

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On this episode, Alex and Nathan are joined by CBC Sports Reporter, Devin Heroux to talk more about the 2026 Paralympic Games, which are now less than a year away. They dive into where Devin’s love for sports began, his experience covering 4 consecutive Games, and why he feels so passionate about para sports. Devin also discusses his favourite food destination is while traveling, as well as where he gets all his fashionable hats.

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On this episode, we’re joined by Program Director Luca DeMontis to preview the 2025 Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament, happening in Toronto from March 21st to 23rd. Luca shares what fans and players can expect from this record-breaking event, which promises to be the largest blind hockey tournament of all time. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming 2025 Canadian National Team roster announcement and what goes into selecting the team. Plus, Alex and Nathan have some fun with Luca, asking him a few rapid-fire hockey questions!

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On this episode, Alex and Nathan chat with legendary wheelchair rugby player Mike Whitehead, who recently announced his retirement after nearly 25 years in the sport. Mike reflects on his incredible career, sharing the emotions and memories that have come flooding back as he steps away from the game. He opens up about the reasons behind his decision to retire and what lies ahead for him in the next chapter of his life. He also discusses how wheelchair rugby has evolved over the years, offering unique insights into the sport's growth and the changes he's witnessed throughout his remarkable journey.<...

On this episode, we chat with Chrissy Molnar, a member of the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Team, who helped secure a bronze medal at the 2025 World Wheelchair Curling Championship. Chrissy shares her journey into wheelchair curling, the strong team chemistry within the national squad, and gives us an inside look at her training leading up to the 2026 Paralympic Games. Alex and Nathan also share some bold Milano-Cortina hot takes.

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On this episode, Will Stephens of Trailer Park Sports Network (TPSN) joins the show to discuss his mission to shine a spotlight on some of the more under covered sports. How does he choose the sports he covers? Where did his desire to cover para sports come from? What type of feedback has he received with his fun and informative coverage? Will shares all this and more!

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On this episode, two-time Paralympic snowboarder Sandrine Hemel joins the show to share insights into the ongoing season. She also touches on the last major event of the year happening at Big White in B.C., the importance of competitions one year out from the 2026 Paralympic Games, and the comradery amongst the Canadian Para Snowboard team.

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On this episode, we dive into the first-ever College/University Sitting Volleyball Invitational, hosted by Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario. Scott Dennis, the Director of Athletics & Recreation, joins us to share the story behind this groundbreaking event. He discusses the inspiration for creating the tournament, the community's enthusiastic response, and Durham College’s commitment to expanding their adaptive sport offerings.

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On this episode, Co-Founder Antyush Bollini and Program Manager Bree Fraser of OneCourt join the show to discuss their groundbreaking assistive technology that’s making live sports more accessible to fans who are Blind or Low Vision. Described as “braille for sports,” their device is revolutionizing the way Blind fans experience games. Antyush and Bree share insights into how the technology works, their exciting partnership with the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA, and what’s next for OneCourt.

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On this episode, Alex and Nathan recap the 2025 Invictus Games which took place in Vancouver. Nathan was on the ground covering the event and gathered a few interviews of athletes and organizers. Nathan also shares his own personal experiences of being at the games, including being at the Closing Ceremony.

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Paralympian and sports nutritionist Keely Shaw joins the show to discuss her career in cycling, as well as her expertise in sports nutrition. More specifically, sports nutrition for para-athletes. What type of research has been done for para sport nutrition? How does nutrition differ for para-athletes? Keely shares her insights!

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AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to est...

Danielle Ellis, a three-time Paralympian and captain of the Canadian Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team joins the show to discuss her recently announced retirement. They discuss how she got her start in sitting volleyball, the incredible accomplishments over her 12 year career, and what's next for her in life.

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In this episode of Para Sport Nation, hosts Alex and Nathan sit down with Para swimmer Shelby Newkirk from Saskatoon, recently named Saskatchewan’s Female Athlete of the Year for 2024. 

Shelby reflects on her remarkable career year, including breaking a world record and earning a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics. She also shares her journey into swimming and the significance of joining a club with other disabled swimmers.

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On this episode of Para Sport Nation, eleven-time Paralympic medalist Mark Arendz joins Alex and Nathan to discuss his recent triumphs at the World Cup and World Championships. Mark shares his thoughts on the significance of competitions one year out from the 2026 Paralympic Games and reflects on his experience competing in Val di Fiemme, Italy, the 2026 Games venue for Para Biathlon.

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In this episode, Alex and Nathan are joined by Paralympic kayaker turned alpine skier, Andrea Nelson. They dive into Andrea's recent success on the slopes, explore the challenges and rewards of being an elite two-sport athlete, and hear about her decision to retire from kayaking and transition into skiing. Andrea also shares her experience at the 2024 Paralympics, where she worked as a media member, offering behind-the-scenes stories and reflecting on some of the most memorable moments from the Games.Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities...

In this episode, Karalyn Stott, Commissioner of the USA Wheelchair Football League, joins Alex and Nathan to explore the incredible rise of wheelchair football. They dive into the key factors driving its rapid growth, the crucial partnership and support from the NFL, and the upcoming Veteran Wheelchair Football All-Star Game. Plus, they discuss the powerful impact the sport is having on players and the community.Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and st...