The Mettleset Podcast

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟

Happy Eid Al Etihad! 🇦🇪

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast takes us trackside with Maryam Al Farsi, one of the UAE’s youngest Olympians. From picking up sprinting just five years ago to running the 100m at Paris 2024, Maryam’s journey is full of grit, laughs, and a few moments that will make you feel like you’re right there on the starting blocks. She opens up about the ups and downs of training, balancing school and elite sport, breaking personal records, a...

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟

Today, we roll into a story about community, connection, and a love of the game. 🎳

In collaboration with Zayed Sports City, we spotlight the athletes and grassroots groups shaping Abu Dhabi’s women’s and community sports scene. And there’s no better example than the Abu Dhabi Filipino Bowling Club, more than a league for nearly four decades, it’s a second family for generations of Filipinos in the UAE.

Recorded at the Khalifa International Bowling Center at Zayed Sports Cit...

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟

One of the biggest myths in sport?

That women experience stress more intensely than men, and cope less effectively.

In this episode recorded live at the Emirates Sports Medicine Conference, sports psychologist and researcher Dr. Mariana Kessler breaks down why that long-held belief simply isn’t true. 

Drawing from years of research into stress, coping, wellbeing, and gender differences in athletes, Dr. Mariana explains what the science actually shows, and why women’s experiences in sport often feel more...

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Margo Mountjoy, sports physician, clinical professor at McMaster University, and one of the world’s leading experts on RED‑S - Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.

Recorded live at the Emirates Sports Medicine Conference, Dr. Mountjoy breaks down what RED‑S really means, how it affects both women and men, and why it often hides in plain sight behind fatigue, injury, or performance dips.

She explains how low energy availability impacts the body, from bo...

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟

This week, we’re turning the mic inward to one of our own, Nourelhoda Arafa, Egyptian national rower and record holder, and Olympic hopeful.

At 13, she picked up rowing for the first time. By 15, she was chasing Olympic dreams. Then came a sudden stop, no boats, no water, no access. For seven years, Nourelhoda couldn’t row outdoors. Most people would’ve given up. She didn’t.

Alongside her longtime coach Motaz, she kept training indoors, building strength, discipline, and belief. T...

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟

We’re taking you straight to Abu Dhabi for a conversation that had everyone talking.

Recorded live at the Sport Industry Forum 2025 (October 1–2, Yas Marina Circuit), this special episode features Alexis Ohanian - entrepreneur, investor, and, as we like to call him, women’s sport’s biggest hype man - in conversation with Chris McHardy, Head of Sport at Dubai Eye 103.8.

The Reddit and 776 co-founder, Angel City FC backer, Chelsea FC Women investor, and founder of Athlos, Ohanian shares why he believ...

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟

In this episode, we head back to Chamonix for Part 2 of our UTMB special with Karis Miriam Brown, former lawyer, podium-finishing ultra trail runner, and certified coach.

This summer, Karis lined up at the CCC 100K, one of UTMB’s toughest races. Her journey is raw and real: battling a meniscus tear, reshaping expectations mid-race, and leaning into the “why” that fuels her training and racing.

Karis also shares:

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we dive into UTMB – Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc, one of the world’s most iconic trail running festivals.

We sat down with three remarkable women from the region who took on the UTMB World Series Finals, sharing their journeys of pushing limits, chasing personal bests, and soaking in the magic of Chamonix.

Featured Athletes:

Join us as we chat with Maria Khan, captain of the Pakistan women’s football team, about her incredible journey from an early love of football (or soccer) as a kid in the U.S. to signing her first professional contract at 32 in Saudi Arabia. 

Maria opens up about the influence of her sporting family legacy, the lessons learned as a Division 1 backup goalkeeper, and the moment she rediscovered her love for football in Pakistan. She shares what it’s like to captain the Pakistani national team, navigate setbacks, and build resilience, while highlighting the power of suppo...

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟

At The Mettleset, we exist to celebrate and empower women in sport, and what better occasion than Emirati Women’s Day to spotlight six incredible athletes who embody courage, resilience, and pride.

In this special episode, you’ll hear their journeys: the struggles, the triumphs, and the moments that make them proud to be Emirati women in sport. We asked them to share their biggest accomplishments, and one powerful message for Emirati Women’s Day.

Featured Athletes:

Mariam Bahl...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟

We’re closing out our Summer Series with Melina Timson-Katchis, triathlete and coach, sharing expert advice for experienced athletes stepping into triathlon.

In this episode, Melina dives into the key lessons for transferring your existing athletic skills to triathlon: why the swim is often underestimated, why triathlon should be treated as one continuous sport, and how to balance strengths and weaknesses through focused training blocks. She also explains why consistency beats intensity, how to listen to your body to avoid overtraining, and the sma...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟

Ever thought about doing a triathlon but didn’t know where to start? In part one of this two-part series, Melina Timson-Katchis, long distance swimmer, triathlete and coach, shares her journey from signing up for a full Ironman on a whim to racing all over the world. Now, she’s helping others step into the sport she loves.

In this episode, Melina breaks down:

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

Welcome back to The Mettleset Podcast! In Part 2 of our running episode for the Summer Series, we're pushing past the 5K and exploring the incredible world of long-distance and ultra running with Dr. Sara Talia, a family medicine doctor and New Balance Run Club Doha Coach. 

Dr Sara kicks off by sharing why ultra running is as much a mental game as a physical one, highlighting that your biggest competitor is often yourself. She reveals the two biggest mistakes people make when steppi...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

Welcome back to The Mettleset Podcast!

For our Summer Series, we're helping you jump into a new sport, and this week, we're leaping into the world of running. And who better to guide us from zero to 5K than the incredible Dr. Sara Talia.  She's not just a family medicine doctor; she's also a New Balance Run Club Coach in Doha and a former competitive middle-distance runner who even tackled the steeplechase.  

This is Part 1 of our essential running guide.

Sar...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟

We’re back with Saudi record-holding freediver Nada Alrasheed for Part 2 of our Summer Series deep dive exploring not just how to freedive, but why the ocean is worth protecting.

Nada takes us through some of her most unforgettable underwater moments from growing up by the vibrant reefs of the Red Sea to diving in the icy waters of Norway alongside humpback whales. She reflects on what it means to share space with marine life and how these encounters have shaped her passion...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we’re diving into the world of freediving with Saudi record-holder and instructor, Nada Alrasheed as part of our Summer Series focused on helping more women try new sports.

Nada holds multiple national records and an Arab women’s record for reaching 65 meters in the constant weight bifin category at the CMAS World Championship. Her journey didn’t begin with records or rankings, it started with a simple love for the ocean.

In this Part 1...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we kick off our Summer Series - a special “How To” series focused on giving you the tools, info and inspo to get started in a new sport. From running your first 5k to training for a Triathlon, to going deep into the world of freediving, we’re sharing real advice, inspiring journeys, and expert tips to help you get started.

To launch the series, we’re joined by Jess Towl, Head of HYROX at GymNation and...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we’re joined by Stephanie Rogers, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the San Francisco 49ers,  one of the NFL’s most storied and valuable franchises.

Stephanie takes us inside the 49ers’ global brand strategy, sharing how a legacy team balances tradition with forward-thinking innovation, from data-driven marketing to fan engagement that spans millions of people worldwide.

We dive into Stephanie’s impressive career across the PGA Tour, NHL, and now NFL, and how the world...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, host Dawn Barnable heads off-road with two riders helping shape the future of cycling in the UAE.

Emirati gravel cyclist Rawdha Alfalasi has created something quietly radical: Seek.All, a new women-led cycling group dedicated to building confidence, connection, and community -  one trail and one adventure at a time. We join Rawdha and fellow cyclist Sunshine Salgado Fearn at Dubai’s Mushrif Park, fresh off one of Seek.All’s very first group rides.

Toget...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Stacey Leawood, who just a few years ago, made headlines as the world’s youngest NBA player agent. who made a remarkable leap from small-town Newfoundland to managing athletes in the world’s top basketball league. Stacey takes us on her incredible journey of perseverance, self-belief (or delusion), and innovation, sharing how she broke into the world of sports management with no prior connections and little formal guidance.

From a childhood dream of playing in the WNBA...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

The third edition of the Saudi Games concluded in October 2024, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of those who took part.

Some 9,000 local and expatriate athletes competed in 52 sporting disciplines, among them Elisa Grassi. The Italian expat, competing in her second Games, took gold in the women’s road cycling event.

Grassi, 28, is originally from northern Italy. A biomedical researcher by profession, she discovered a passion for cycling not at home, but after moving to Saudi Arabia in 2019...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

** Originally aired 27 May, 2024 and worth a (re)listen**

Hello everyone. 

Today’s guest is one of the region’s most prominent sports journalists. 

She and I met years ago while I was working in public relations, managing the communications for Yas Marina Circuit for the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Reem was working as a journalist with Sport 360.  

Since that time, Reem’s career has flourished. She is a sports writer, columnist and video journ...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

In this episode, host Dawn Barnable is joined by Monika Staab, a true pioneer in women’s football, to discuss the incredible journey of developing women’s football in Saudi Arabia. Recorded late last year, Monika reflects on her incredible role as the technical director for the Saudi women’s national football program, a role she has since stepped down from but whose impact continues to shape the sport in the Kingdom.

Since the establishment of the Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL) in 2022...

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

In this episode, host Dawn Barnable sits down with motorsport athlete Aliyyah Koloc, who has already made racing history, and she’s only just getting started.

Born and raised in Dubai, Aliyyah became the youngest-ever competitor in the Dakar Rally at just 18 - but before that, she had already secured two truck racing speed records. Since then, she’s added a GT4 endurance championship title to her name, continuing to make her mark on motorsport. 

They talk about:

At just 10 years old, Atiqa Mir is one of the most exciting young names in global motorsport. The first Indian and Asian girl selected to the F1 Academy’s Discover Your Drive program, she’s already won at Le Mans and collected over 30 trophies. But her journey hasn’t been easy.

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, Atiqa opens up about overcoming bullying on and off the track, staying focused in a male-dominated sport, and how she’s training — physically and mentally — to reach Formula 1. Her father, former national karting champion Asif Mir, joins to share the behind-t...

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we take you into the world of BASE jumping with two of the sport’s top athletes, Katie Hansen and Cornelia Mihai. Fresh off their participation in EXIT 139—a historic two-day event where 31 jumpers from 15 countries completed an astonishing 437 jumps from the Burj Khalifa—they share what it means to take that leap, both physically and mentally.

Beyond the spectacle, BASE jumping isn’t just about adrenaline—it’s about trust, presence, and embracing life at full intensity. In a short but sweet episode, Katie and Cornelia reflect on their experiences...

The UAE Tour Women (Feb 6-9) is the Middle East’s first and only Women’s WorldTour race, where the world’s best cyclists battle it out over four intense stages covering 540km across the UAE’s desert landscapes. In this special three-part series,

In Episode 3 of our three part BTS series  we celebrate UAE Team ADQ’s incredible victory, with insights from key figures who made it happen:

Welcome to The Mettleset Podcast! This is Episode 2 of our special three-part series taking you behind the scenes at the UAE Tour Women—the Middle East’s first and only Women’s WorldTour race, held from February 6-9, 2025.  

I go BTS in Human Powered Health  team’s support car during Stage *, the final stage of the race. Riding alongside Communications Director Oscar Skarsbrook and Soigneur Jose Leite—also known as a swanny,the ultimate Swiss Army knife of a cycling team—I get an exclusive look at the inner workings of a pro cycling team on race day.  

In...

The UAE Tour Women is the Middle East’s first and only Women’s WorldTour event—where the best cyclists in the world battle it out across four days and 540km of intense racing in the UAE’s desert landscapes. In this special three-part series The Mettleset takes you behind the scenes of the race (Feb 6-9).

In Episode one of three,  I speak with journalist Emma Cole, who has been covering the race for Cycling News. Recorded just ahead of the final stage, we discuss Emma’s impressions of the event, the growth of women’s cycling, and...

Happy New Year! After a much-needed break, we’re kicking off 2025 with a truly inspiring story. Host Dawn Barnable sits down with Jola Chudy, an ultra-runner and former luxury fashion editor who transformed her life to embrace adventure, resilience, and self-discovery. Jola’s journey—from the glamorous fashion industry to conquering one of the toughest foot races in the world, the Marathon des Sables—reminds us all that it’s never too late to pivot, dream big, and chase extraordinary goals.

In this episode, Jola shares:

👠 ➡️ 👟 How she transitioned from the high-paced fashion world to the rugged trails of...

In this episode, we sit down with Martine Grael, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, World Champion, and Pan-American Games champion, who is now making history as the first female driver in SailGP. Martine is also leading the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, the first-ever South American team to compete in the high-stakes SailGP Championship.

We caught up with Martine in the team hangar in Dubai, just days before the season opener. During our conversation, Martine takes us on an inspiring journey:

In this episode, we dive into the triathlon journey of Hana AlNabulsi, a trailblazing triathlete on the UAE National Team. Hana made history as the youngest Emirati woman to ever compete in and complete a 70.3 Ironman race. She’s also the first Emirati woman to qualify for the Asian Games in Triathlon.

We caught up with Hana at the T100 World Tour Press Conference in Dubai, just ahead of the Tour’s grand finale (16-17 Nov) During our conversation, Hana shares how a simple dare sparked her entry into the world of triathlon during the pandemic. She take...

Published on Friday, November 8th, this is an episode packed with women’s sports news from the Middle East and beyond as well as an interview with Saudi Arabia’s first pro cyclist, Moroj Adil. Catch Moroj’s first appearance on the podcast: 

🎙️ EP. 61 - The Mettleset Podcast with Moroj Adil 

This week we discuss:

🏉 Dubai Rugby Sevens: November 30 - December 1. Olympic medalists New Zealand, Canada, and Australia in action. Tickets & info

🎾 Ons Jabeur in Riyadh: Guest of honor at the WTA Finals, hosting tennis clinics and inspiring future stars. Full interview: Arab New...

Get the latest on women’s sports in the Middle East and beyond! This week we discuss:

Egyptian Fencing Controversy - Egyptian Olympian Nada Hafez and her teammates speak out against age-based discrimination from the Egyptian Fencing Federation. More info: 

UAE Women's Jiu-Jitsu Triumph - UAE’s female Jiu-Jitsu athletes shine at the World Championships, securing podium spots.

Tennis - Ons Jabeur Returns! -The "Minister of Happiness" is back for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. Related Links: Get Tickets

WTA...

Published on Friday, October 25, this is an episode packed with women’s sports news from the Middle East and beyond. No interview this week, but make sure to catch our last two episodes!

🚲 Episode 70: Interview with two-time Saudi Games Gold Medalist, cyclist Elisa Grassi.

🤿 Episode 71: Journey with Nada AlRasheed, who just set three national records and an Arab women’s record in freediving.

Follow us on social @themettleset for more women’s sports updates, and check the show notes for links to everything discussed on today’s show. Now, onto the news!

F1 Academy...

In this episode, we dive deep into the incredible journey of Saudi Arabian freediver Nada Al Rasheed. Nada shares her passion for the ocean and her remarkable achievements in the sport of freediving, including her recent participation in the CMAS World Championship for Freediving Depth in Greece.

From her childhood experiences in Jeddah to becoming a multiple national record holder and Arab record holder, Nada discusses the various disciplines of freediving, the mental preparation required, and the personal growth she has experienced along the way. This episode is not just about athletic accomplishments; it’s about finding on...

The date is Friday, 18 October 2024 and women’s sports news discussed on the podcast today include: 

⛰️ Two GCC women completed the Explorer’s Grand Slam this week: 

🏉 Women’s Rugby: Spain took home the WXV3 Championship Title after defeating Fiji at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai last weekend:  https://www.world.rugby/wxv/  https://www.thesevensstadium.com 

🏁 The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team this week confirmed that Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd  will drive for the team in the upcoming Women’s Test: https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formula-e/2024/bianca-bustamante-and-ella-lloyd-for-the-2024-25-formula-e-womens-test/ 

🥋...

The date is Friday, 11 October 2024 and women’s sports news discussed on the podcast today include: 

🐪 The C1 Championship, the world's first all-women camel racing series: https://adcrc.me/c1-championship/ 

🏁 Saudi rally driver Yosra Jazzar defends her Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge - T4 category title this weekend. More info via Arab News: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573681/sport 

⚽ Finaa, a...

The date is Friday, 11 October 2024 and women’s sports news discussed on the podcast today include: 

🐪 The C1 Championship, the world's first all-women camel racing series: https://adcrc.me/c1-championship/ 

🏁 Saudi rally driver Yosra Jazzar defends her Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge - T4 category title this weekend. More info via Arab News: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573681/sport 

⚽ Finaa, a...

In this episode I’m joined by Sports Physiotherapist and New Balance Run Club Coach, Melissa Abbey, to break down everything you need to know about running—whether you’re just starting, getting back into it, or aiming for bigger distances. Melissa, who’s currently training for the New York Marathon, shares her expert insights into injury prevention, strength and conditioning, and how to make running enjoyable at any level.

You’ll also hear about Melissa’s journey as a triathlete, her experience as a sports physiotherapist, and the exciting rollout of the New Balance Run Club across the r...