Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves
Former professional footballer Ryan Gonsalves dives deep into the unique challenges and triumphs of transitioning from elite sports to fulfilling careers. Through candid conversations with athletes, the Career Clarity Podcast explores their inspiring journeys, uncovering lessons on identity, resilience, and reinvention. Whether you're an athlete or simply seeking inspiration for your next chapter, this podcast will empower you to unleash your second wind. Ryan Gonsalves transitioned from professional football with Huddersfield Town in the English Footbaal League, to a career in financial services by leveraging his adaptability, transferable skills, and willingness to embrace new opportunities. While playing semi-professional football, he pu...
154: Freddie Woodword - The Quiet Identity Crisis of an Olympian
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What do you do when your biggest career milestone happens at 23 and you're not even sure how you got there? For Freddie Woodword, representing Team GB in diving at the Olympics was both the dream and the beginning of a much deeper journey.
In this episode, we dive into Freddie’s fascinating transition from elite athlete to cruise ship performer to entrepreneur in the generative AI space. His story is one of raw honesty, reinvention, and building a meaningful life after sport without following a traditional path.
We ta...
153: Kate Bailey PLY - From Paralympic Medals to the Classroom
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Kate takes us back to her early swimming days, competing in the Sydney and Athens Paralympics, and what it felt like to walk away from the pool after years of intense training. She opens up about facing subtle (and not-so-subtle) discrimination as a para-athlete, the identity crisis that followed retirement, and how she unexpectedly found a second wind through teaching and travel.
Now back in Sydney, Kate is slowly finding her way again—this time by helping young para-athletes feel seen, valued, and included. Her story is a powerful reminder that en...
152: Tom Morton: A Tweet That Ended It All, Redefining Success After Pro Rugby
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What happens when your pro sports career ends with a tweet?
Tom Morton found out the hard way. While playing rugby in New Zealand, he saw on social media that his contract with Sale Sharks wasn’t being renewed. No phone call. No meeting. Just a public post that blindsided him completely.
From training with England’s under-20s to waking up across the world with no contract and no plan, Tom shares how he rebuilt not just his career, but also his mindset.
We talk about what...
151: Josh Katz on Finding Balance: An Olympian’s Quest for Purpose Beyond Sport
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Josh Katz shares his journey as an Olympic judo athlete and the challenges of transitioning between career phases while balancing training, education, and business ventures. He discusses how early family influence and prioritizing education alongside sport created a foundation for success beyond the mat.
In a nutshell, we talk about:
• Growing up in a judo family with an Olympian mother and coach father who emphasized education alongside athletic development
• Qualifying for Rio Olympics at just 18, achieving success earlier than expected
• Financial struggles post-Olympics with having to fun...
150: Matthew Lloyd - From Olympic Cyclist to Recovery Mentor
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Matthew Lloyd, former Australian Olympic cyclist and King of Mountains winner at the Giro d'Italia, shares his powerful journey of transition after career-ending injuries led to addiction and ultimately transformation.
In this episode, we chat about how he:
• Found freedom and joy in cycling from childhood, exploring nature with his brother
• Shifted from triathlon to cycling when coaches noticed his exceptional cycling talent despite poor swimming skills
• Became Australian national champion in 2008 and represented Australia at Beijing Olympics
• Won the prestigious King of Mountain...
149: Danielle Jordan-Taft - The Power of Proving Yourself and Success Redefined
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From hiding handwritten goals under her mattress at age 12 to representing England in netball and later Jamaica in rugby, Danielle shares the defining moments that shaped her unique approach to achievement. She vividly recounts the emotional journey of childhood trials that became her catalyst for success—a painful rejection that transformed into an unwavering determination to prove herself worthy in everything she attempted.
In this epsiode, we talk about:
- Juggling multiple roles including netball at high level, rugby for Jamaica in both sevens and fifteens, and three separate bus...
148: Jimmy Gavin - When the Ball Stops Bouncing: Navigating Life After Seven Years in European Basketball
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Jimmy Gavin’s path took him from crushing self-doubt and a life-changing health diagnosis in high school to seven seasons of pro basketball across Europe, through a humbling tech-sales gig, and now into a leadership role directing sports initiatives. Along the way, he discovered that raw honesty, relentless hustle, and a tight-knit support crew can flip every “end” into the start of something even bigger.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Ego vs. Teammate: Why Jimmy’s drive to build himself up sometimes clashed with coaches and peers...
147: Lexi Chambers - Defying Limits: From Amputee to World Record Holder
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In this episode Ryan sits down with Lexi Chambers, an adaptive athlete who has shattered expectations and set multiple world records—all while using a standard NHS wheelchair. After a below-the-knee amputation due to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Lexi refused to let disability define her. Instead, she turned to endurance sports, becoming the first person to wheel from John O’Groats to Land’s End (1,500km) in an everyday wheelchair. Now, she’s preparing for 10 ultramarathons in 10 days (50km/day) and an even bigger challenge: wheeling coast-to-coast across t...
146: Jess Borg - How the Olympic dream led to unexpected career paths and a mission to help other athletes
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What happens when an 8-year-old’s Olympic dream doesn’t pan out? For Jess, a former elite taekwondo and boxing athlete, it meant reinventing herself—twice—while battling concussions, identity crises, and the harsh realities of transitioning out of sports.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- How a diagnosis of low muscle tone led her to taekwondo, and why she became the kid opponents feared
- The brutal truth about combat sports: why concussions in taekwondo went unchecked for years
- Her shocking career pivot: from taekwondo...
145: Gavin Freeman: How Elite Athletes (and You) Can Master Decision-Making and Career Transition
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In today's episode, we dive deep into the real psychology behind career transitions, decision-making, and finding your true path after sport — and why it’s way less logical and way more emotional than you think.
We are joined by Gavin Freeman, a sports psychologist, MBA lecturer, and corporate strategist who shares fascinating stories from working with elite athletes, Olympic teams, and CEOs leading thousands. Together, we uncover why so many people struggle with change — and the surprising skills you already have to make smoother, smarter career moves.
Inside this c...
144: Greg Philips - Your Attitude Decides Your Altitude – The Relentless Mindset of a Champion Swimmer
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Greg's journey isn't your typical athlete-to-executive story. This is about what happens when you walk away from elite sport cold turkey (for 10 years), then suddenly find yourself pulled back in – while building a career, starting a family, and even stepping into a boxing ring.
In this episode, we get raw about:
That moment a 24-hour bus ride revealed his untapped swimming potentialWhy he took a demolition job after retiring from international competitionThe $35,000 mindset shift he wished he'd had earlierHow getting knocked out in business (figuratively) prepared him for getting in th...143: Aleisha McCall: Building a Business - Lessons from an Athlete Entrepreneur
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Aleisha’s journey from elite synchronized figure skating to founding a rockstar media company is inspiring, and a masterclass in translating athletic discipline into business success. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we dive into the gritty reality of career transition: the identity crises, the $35,000 gamble that changed everything, and why "trust the process" isn't just a sports cliché, it's the secret to outlasting 98% of startups. If you've ever felt lost after a major life pivot, or wondered how to turn your competitive edge into career fuel, this episode is your playbook.
<...
142: Rachel Lewis: "Why Can’t We Dream Bigger?" – Olympic Sacrifice, Identity, and Life After Sport
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What happens when the roar of the crowd fades and the Olympic dream becomes a memory? For Rachel Lewis, the transition from elite athlete to "what’s next?" wasn’t just a career shift—it was an identity crisis, a financial struggle, and ultimately, a mission to change the game for future athletes.
In this raw and inspiring conversation, Rachel opens up about:
Writing "Olympic volleyball player" in her yearbook at 15—before she even knew how to play the sport.Training with boys, living in fire stations, and ridi...141: Marnie Wills: Sport, Business, and AI: You Never Lose, You Only Learn
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In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Marnie—a former dual international athlete (representing England in both netball and touch rugby), mum of two, and entrepreneur who’s revolutionizing early-years sports education and AI adoption in business.
Marnie’s story is one of relentless determination, adaptability, and learning to thrive in multiple arenas—whether on the pitch, in the boardroom, or at home with her young family. From her early days as a self-described "B-team player" in Australia to captaining England teams and launching her own business, Marnie shares how she’s navigate...
140: Kuhoo Garg: Blinded By Sporting Excellence - From World #34 to Indian Police Service
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When Kuhoo Garg tore her ACL during her comeback tournament after COVID, little did she know this injury would redirect her life's purpose. As a former world #34 badminton player representing India, Kuhoo had dedicated everything to her sport—sacrificing normal college experiences, social connections, and career exploration in pursuit of Olympic dreams.
The forced pause from competition created space for a profound realization. Despite reaching elite levels in her sport, Kuhoo began questioning whether the singular focus had been worth it. "I had a lot of resentment towards the sport," she co...
139: Tarek Moustafa - Who Are You When the Game Ends?
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In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Tarek Moustafa, a passionate advocate for personal development and athlete well-being. Tarek shares his unique journey from being a young boy diagnosed with autism to becoming a mentor, educator, and podcast host. Through his work in schools and his podcast Life in Sport, Tarek is dedicated to helping young people—especially athletes—discover their multifaceted identities and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Tarek opens up about his own struggles with self-doubt, his obsession with learning, and how his passion for sport and personal growth...
138: Andrew Farley - How Chance Conversations Lead To Great Things: From Rugby to Corporate
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In this episode, Ryan sits down with Andrew, a former elite rugby player who carved out a 15-year career across Australia, Wales, Ireland, and France.
From captaining teams in Europe to managing operations for a global engineering company, Andrew shares how the lessons learned in rugby—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—translated seamlessly into his post-sport career. He opens up about the challenges of letting go of the athlete’s dream, the importance of loyalty, and how curiosity and vulnerability became his superpowers in the corporate world.
Key Takeaways:
<...137: Mikel Thomas: How I Overcame Injuries and Adversity to Find Purpose
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In today's episode, we sit down with Mikel Thomas, a three-time Olympian whose journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From his humble beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago to the global stage of the Olympics, Mikel's story is one of triumph over adversity, both on and off the track. He opens up about the pressures of living up to expectations, the physical and emotional toll of injuries, and how he found the strength to keep pushing forward. But this isn’t just a story about sports—it’s abou...
136: Christine Ngeve - From College Athlete to Mental Health Advocate and Career Coach
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In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Christine Ngeve, a former multi-sport college athlete turned mental health advocate and career coach for athletes. Christine’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of preparing for life beyond sport. From her days as a three-sport athlete at university to her current work helping student-athletes navigate their identities and career transitions, Christine shares invaluable insights on how athletes can leverage their unique experiences to thrive in the next chapter of their lives.
Christine opens up about the ch...
135: Mithula Umakanth - From International Badminton Star to Finance Scholar
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Transitioning out of a professional sports career is never easy, and for former international badminton player Mithula Umakanth, it was a journey of loss, self-discovery, and reinvention. In this episode, Mithula shares her raw and inspiring story - moving from the highs of elite sports to the uncertainty of finding a new career path.
Now a Master’s student in Finance at UC Irvine, Mithula opens up about navigating identity loss, learning to embrace change, and using the athlete mindset to adapt to new challenges. Her story is one of resilience, le...
134: Mack Horton - Creative Advertising and Embracing Life Beyond Swimming Gold
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What happens when an Olympic gold medalist swaps the pool for the office? On this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of former world-class swimmer Mack Horton as he transitions from elite athlete to corporate professional.
Mack opens up about the surreal experience of announcing his retirement from professional swimming and starting his first job at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne the very next day. He shares how he’s adjusted to the challenges of a 9-to-5 routine, all while staying grounded in the discipline that made him a champion.
He...
133: Rachel Howard - What is a Dual Career: International Goalkeeper and Adidas Leader
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What do you do when life throws 25 shots your way? If you’re Rachel Howard, you save them, earn MVP, and rewrite the playbook for success on and off the pitch. From New Zealand’s national goalkeeper to General Manager of the Pacific Region at Adidas, Rachel has mastered the art of rising to the challenge and leaving a lasting impact wherever she goes.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
Balancing dual careers: Discover how Rachel managed a professional football career while working full-time at Adidas...132: Evan Bush and Julian Gonzalez on Reinventing Careers After Sports
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What happens when your career in sports—or any field you’ve poured your soul into—comes to an end? How do you prepare for life after the spotlight? In this episode, we’re exploring these pivotal questions with Evan Bush, a 16-year Major League Soccer veteran and one of the league’s oldest active players, and Julian Gonzalez, a former rising star in Colombian football turned sports psychologist. Together, they share real-life stories, valuable insights, and practical advice for navigating life’s big transitions.
💡 What You’ll Learn:<...
131: Lewis Paris - How to Build a Fitness Brand From the Ground Up: Community, Exploration and Leadership
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What if you let life’s twists guide you instead of forcing the next step? For Lewis Paris, this mindset turned an ACL injury into the foundation of a thriving fitness empire. From dreams of a football career to spinning records as a DJ in Greece, Lewis’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of following life’s unexpected opportunities.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
From football to fitness: Lewis shares how an ACL injury derailed his football dreams but set him on a pa...130: Shreya Saksena - Rifle Shooting and Sports Psych: finding dual career balance
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Imagine standing perfectly still, focusing on a target 50 meters away as your heartbeat slows to match the rhythm of your breath. Now, picture doing this while navigating the chaos of moving continents, mastering a new language, and building a life with your partner—all while staying true to your identity as an elite athlete. What does it take to stay calm and grounded while pursuing greatness amidst life’s biggest changes? Shreya Saksena knows, and her story is nothing short of captivating.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
Balanci...129: Karen Brown - Revolutionising Athlete Safety and Sports Pharmacy
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What happens when elite sports and cutting-edge medicine intersect? Ryan invites Karen Brown, to the show.
Karen Brown is an award-winning pharmacist and former Queensland Firebirds netball star transforming how athletes approach health, performance, and safety. Through Batch Tested, Australia’s leading platform for rigorously tested supplements, Karen ensures that athletes worldwide safeguard their careers and health. Her unique perspective as both an elite athlete and a clinical expert has positioned her as a champion for innovation in sports and pharmacy.
Karen’s influence doesn’t stop at...
128: Anne-Marie Martin - From Professional Dancer to Franchise Owner, Diddi Dance
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What does it take to turn a lifelong passion into a movement that’s redefining dance for young children across the UK and beyond? Meet Anne-Marie Martin, the founder of Diddi Dance, a pioneering dance program that’s bringing rhythm, fun, and early childhood development into one dynamic package for kids under five. Once a professional dancer gracing global stages, Anne-Marie traded in her spotlight for a new mission: to build children’s confidence, creativity, and coordination through dance. And she’s not just making it happen; today, her impact is felt far and wide...
127: Channing Chasten - From Pro Soccer to Author and Motivational Speaker
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Channing Chaston, famously known as the 1% Kid, shares the secrets behind his extraordinary journey from dreaming of playing college soccer to becoming a pro athlete with Phoenix Rising. Discover how Channing's mantra of "1% better every day" drove him to overcome the challenges of a rigorous recruitment process and unexpected coaching changes to secure his place at Ohio State. Through his story, we promise you'll gain insights into resilience and the power of persistence, whether you're an athlete or just chasing your own dreams.
Reflecting on his remarkable career, Channing discusses his...
126: Erin Cafaro - From Olympic Rowing to Psychology
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Erin Cafaro, a former elite athlete turned neuropsychologist, joins us to share the incredible journey sparked by her father's diagnosis with vascular dementia. She opens up about the powerful influence of personal experiences on career transitions, illustrating how curiosity and passion can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths. Listeners will learn how Erin's early life in a small California town and the male-focused sports culture set the stage for her career in rowing, ultimately leading her to national and Olympic teams.
From the significance of Title IX in her rowing journey...
125: Josh Perry - From BMX Pro to Embracing New Challenges
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What happens when a BMX champion swaps the adrenaline rush of biking for the tranquil greens of golf? Join us as Josh, a former professional BMX athlete, narrates this unlikely transformation. After a brain tumor diagnosis, Josh reevaluated his life priorities and took the bold step to transition into a sport where every swing is both a challenge and a chance for growth. Discover how BMX's demand for adaptability and mental focus parallels the world of golf, providing new avenues for fulfillment and self-expression.
Tune in to learn more about:<...
124: Andrew Mewing - From Elite Swimmer to Thriving Construction Law Entrepreneur
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Imagine balancing rigorous training with law school, missing out on the Olympics by just one spot, and still building a legal career that has taken Australia by storm. Today, Ryan is joined by Andrew Mewing, a former Australian swimmer turned co-founder and partner of a leading law firm Batch Mewing Lawyers specializing in construction and employment law, who shares a riveting tale of reinvention.
Andrew takes us back to his early athletic days, starting as a promising rugby player in Southeast Queensland. An unexpected detour due to injuries led him to...
123: James Hilovsky - Franchising 101 for Athletes
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How do athletes' skills on the field translate into successful franchise ownership? In this episode, we sit down with franchisee broker James Hilovsky from California. James shares his unique insights on the natural fit between athletes and franchising, explaining how the structure, teamwork, and coaching inherent in sports prepare athletes for franchise entrepreneurship. You'll learn why athletes' self-confidence and risk-taking abilities often lead them to outperform their corporate peers in the entrepreneurial world.
James takes us through his comprehensive process as a franchise consultant, walking us through each step he takes...
122: Damon Mclean, From Jamaican Triple Jump Star to Sales Leader
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From Triple Jumping in Jamaica to sprinting up the ranks in the tech industry, today’s guest has mastered the art of reinvention. As a former Jamaican World and Commonwealth Games track and field star, Damon McLean competed alongside some of the best, pushing his limits on the global stage. He is no stranger to high stakes and high performance; he has faced some of the toughest competition worldwide.
But when his spikes came off, his story was far from over. Damon has seamlessly transitioned into the fast-paced wo...
121: Skye Eddy - From Professional Soccer to Empowering Parents in Youth Sports and Real Estate Success
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Ever feel like the sidelines of youth sports are more of a battlefield than a fun space? Between stressed-out coaches, over-involved parents, and young athletes caught in the middle, finding a balance can seem impossible. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Skye Eddy, a former elite goalkeeper and the visionary behind Soccer Parenting, to unravel the unspoken struggles of youth sports. Skye has transformed her challenges into a mission, pulling back the curtain on the complex dynamics between parents, coaches, and young players.
What began as a...
120: Malvin Kamara - When your First Dream Dies, What’s your Next Move?
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What happens when a promising football career is suddenly cut short and the real world comes calling? In this episode, Malvin Kamara reveals the untold story of his rise and fall in professional football, and how the same drive that once fueled him on the field helped him reinvent himself as a successful entrepreneur. From playing for top clubs like Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town to facing the harsh realization that his football career wasn’t forever, Malvin takes us on a rollercoaster of ambition, failure, and ultimate redemption.
...
119: Myriam Robitaille - From Professional Indoor Volleyball in Europe to Beach Volleyball and Tech Startup Success
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In today’s episode, we dive into the mind of Myriam Robitaille, a Canadian professional beach volleyball player who is redefining what it means to be an athlete. For Myriam, sport is more than just physical prowess; it’s a mental battlefield that pushes the limits of the human spirit. From being scouted at 14 to dominating the indoor volleyball scene, Myriam’s journey has been one of intense physical and mental challenges. The routine of the sport, relentless training, and emotional isolation in Europe left her craving something more.
Her bold pivot...
118: David Watters - From Tech Innovator to Transforming Inclusive Gay Rugby Globally
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In honor of LGBTQ History Month, Ryan is excited to speak with David Watters, an LGBTQ+ rugby player, innovation consultant, and business coach based in the UK. While many of our guests transition from sports to other fields, David's story is unique: he transitioned from the boardroom to the rugby pitch. Now playing for the Airmill Warriors, David is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. As an innovator and startup accelerator, he specializes in integrating new technologies into transportation and city infrastructure.
David’s journey marks a significant shift si...
117: Marilyn Okoro: Olympian to Shaping Inclusive Leadership - Navigating Cultural Expectations and Systemic Change
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What if the toughest streets of Stonebridge, Northwest London, were the unlikely training ground for a future Olympian and corporate leader? In this episode, Ryan dives deep into the life and career of Marilyn Okoro, a British track & field athlete, 800m specialist, and Athlete Welfare Change Maker. She represented Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she was part of the 4x400m relay team that won a bronze medal (upgraded to silver in 2016).
From a young girl with a passion for running to becoming one of the...
116: Hannah Campbell-Pegg - From Olympian Luge to Leading Climate Change Research
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What happens when an Olympian transitions from competing on the world stage to tackling global challenges like climate change? Join us as we welcome Hannah Campbell-Pegg, a former Australian Olympian in Luge, who shares her riveting journey from competing in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games to her current life balancing a PhD, motherhood, and a career in sustainability. Hannah opens up about her unexpected foray into winter sports, which began with a friend's suggestion and led her from the beaches of Australia to icy luge tracks worldwide.
Hannah was known not o...
115: Anna Pixner - Speed Skateboarder to Championing Gender Equality in Extreme Sports
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What does it take to skateboard at 100 kilometers per hour down treacherous terrains while breaking gender barriers? Join Ryan today as he sits down with Anna Pixner, Austria’s fastest woman on skateboards. Anna is a two-time world champion in downhill speed skateboarder, coach, writer, and advocate for greater recognition and equality for women in extreme sports. Known for her technical prowess and fearless approach to some of the most challenging mountain roads, Anna has mastered the art of navigating hairpin turns at breakneck speeds - all while advocating for greater recognition and eq...
