Direct Elimination Podcast

Olympic fencer Soren Thompson tore his hamstring so badly he could barely walk—then self-coached his way back to the 2012 Games. His unconventional philosophy changed how he approached elite performance.

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• How Soren became the first American to reach Olympic top 8 in men's epee since 1956—despite growing up in San Diego with limited resources
• The complete hamstring rupture that was initially misdiagnosed and nearly ended his career, requiring years of daily maintenance
• His radical self-coaching experiment: developing tactical hypotheses, challenging fencing dogma, and...

Romain Cannone went from Olympic alternate to Olympic gold in Tokyo. He reveals the flow state & fencing culture that made it possible, and why he walked away at his peak. The untold American-French story.

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How straddling American and French fencing systems created the perfect Olympic champion
• What a true flow state feels like in competition—seeing opponents in slow motion and becoming immune to mind games
• Why the French training center culture (living, eating, training together daily) was essential to his g...

What does it cost to become USA's #1 fencer? Dylan Nollner reveals the sacrifices, mental training, and why he walked away at his peak performance.

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• How transcendental meditation and Coach Aladar Kogler's pillars create flow states in sport, and specifically fencing
• Why retiring at #1 in the USA made more sense than pursuing Olympic dreams
• The hidden costs of competitive fencing: missed weddings, delayed careers, and personal sacrifices
• How balancing work and training actually can improve athletic performance instead of hurting it
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Stephen and Ari finally faced each other in direct elimination at NAC Cincinnati. We break down the match, mental prep challenges, and youth sports parenting.

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• The moment Stephen and Ari finally fenced each other in competition and how they approached the mental game of facing a close friend
• Why focus and mental preparation can make or break your tournament performance, even against familiar opponents
• The intense parenting dynamics in youth fencing and how to add value as a parent without adding...

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

After an unplanned hiatus, Ari and Stephen return to Direct Elimination with a commitment to authenticity, consistency, and real conversations about fencing. From their original failed league project to witnessing history at the World Cups, this episode marks a fresh start for the podcast that refuses to take itself too seriously.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• Why Ari and Stephen took a break from posting and what they're doing differently in 2026 to stay consistent
• The truth about their original professional fencing league concept and why they're cele...

Em Beihold went viral but struggled with deep depression. The NCAA All-American fencer turned full-time artist reveals how imposter syndrome follows you—even at the top.

🎙️ EPISODE 23 | EM BEIHOLD

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• How imposter syndrome manifests differently in fencing vs. music careers—and why success doesn't eliminate self-doubt
• The critical importance of balance: why Em credits having both fencing and music for her mental health and perspective
• The reality behind viral success in 2022—stress, identity crisis, and feeling perceived without knowing yourself
• Ho...

🎙️ EPISODE 23 | RACHEL HEY-SHIPTON

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

What if the reason you're still hurt, still compensating, or still underperforming isn't a lack of training — but a lack of the *right* care? Dr. Rachel Hey-Shipton has built a reputation among USA national team fencers and Olympians for doing something most sports PTs don't: actually understanding fencing. In this episode, she exposes a systemic gap in how fencers are treated, breaks down the injuries unique to this sport, and reframes physical therapy as a performance tool — not just a last resort.

In this epis...

🎙️ EPISODE 22 | SETH KELSEY INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

What does it really take to compete at the highest level of fencing? Seth Kelsey is the best Men's Epee Fencer in USA Fencing history. The 2012 World Team Champion and Olympic 4th place finisher reveals the moment he learned what 100% commitment actually means—and shares the mental preparation that led him to the biggest moments and wins of his career.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• How Seth's fencing journey started with friendship and fun, not Olympic ambitions—and why that foundation became cruc...

🎙️ EPISODE 21 | ADAM METWALLY INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

What if the key to success isn't following the five-step plan, but ignoring all advice and creating an audacious version of yourself? Adam Metwally moved from Australia to NYC after one spontaneous trip, invested in a nightclub after six weeks, and built multiple income streams—all while treating his podcast as art, not a business. This conversation will change how you think about risk, freedom, and building the life you actually want.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• Why building financial...

🎙️ EPISODE 20 | KEETH SMART INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

What does it take to come back from the most devastating loss of your career, with both parents gone, and claim Olympic redemption? Three-time Olympian and Olympic Silver Medalist Keeth Smart reveals the mental game, community culture, and life lessons that built a champion—and how those same skills translate directly to success in business and life.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• How the Peter Westbrook Foundation created a self-sustaining culture where champions gave back and lifted th...

🎙️ EPISODE 19 | MICHAEL AUFRICHTIG

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

What if the sport you stumbled into by accident became your life's calling? Columbia University head fencing coach Michael Aufrichtig went from choosing fencing to fit his class schedule to leading the Lions to back-to-back NCAA Championships. In this episode, he reveals the coaching philosophy that transformed Columbia fencing and why he believes the sport is really about preparing athletes for life beyond the strip.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• How training at the New York Athletic Club alongside Olympians accelerated Michael's competi...

🎙️ EPISODE 18 – ASMAR BILAL

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In our first episode featuring a non-fencing athlete, former Notre Dame and NFL linebacker Asmar Bilal joins Direct Elimination to share his profound journey from undrafted free agent to professional athlete to building a platform that helps others navigate life after sport. This conversation goes far beyond football, exploring the universal challenges athletes face in their athletic and post-athletic careers, and how to turn passion into purpose. 

Asmar opens up about the reality of professional athletics: the chip on his shoulder from going undrafte...

🎙️ EPISODE 17 – FEDERICO VISMARA

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

Join us for an intimate conversation with Federico Vismara, one of Italy's top epee fencers from 2019-2024, having won many international medals and achieving immense team success before finishing 5th at the Paris Olympics and retiring at 27. Federico opens up about his "short and sweet" era of dominance, the mental toughness required at elite levels, and the difficult decision to step away from competition at his peak.

From randomly choosing fencing at age 5 to becoming a world champion and Olympian, Federico shares his jou...

🎙️ EPISODE 16 – KHALIL THOMPSON INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

Olympic fencer Khalil Thompson shares his raw, unfiltered journey from struggling with depression and living in his sister's shadow to finding his own identity through sport. This powerful conversation explores the mental health challenges elite athletes face, the pressure of Olympic dreams, and how fencing became both an outlet for anger and a path to self-discovery.

Khalil discusses his decade-long journey to his first NAC victory, the pivotal role of mentor Peter Westbrook, and his experience at the Tokyo Olympics. From co...

🎙️ EPISODE 15 -- DARYL HOMER INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

Olympic silver medalist Daryl Homer reveals the untold story behind his rise from a curious five-year-old in the Bronx to Team USA's fencing podium in Rio. This isn't just another athlete success story – it's a masterclass in long-term planning, identity, and overcoming career-ending setbacks.

You'll hear:
• How discovering fencing in a children's dictionary at age 5 launched an Olympic journey
• The three pivotal "all-in" moments that separated him from other talented fencers
• Why growing up as an African-Ameri...

🎙️ EPISODE 14 -- SAM IMREK INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

Team USA fencer Sam Imrek's journey from Star Wars-obsessed kid to elite athlete proves that unconventional paths often lead to extraordinary results. In this episode, Sam opens up about developing his unique fencing style, handling criticism from doubters, and the mental resilience that fuels his comeback mentality.

You'll hear:
• How Star Wars lightsaber play sparked Sam's fencing journey at Alliance Fencing Academy
• The origin story behind his unorthodox technique that initially drew criticism
• His powerful mindset for dealing...

🎙️ EPISODE 13 -- LAUREN SCRUGGS INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

Join Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart for an inspiring conversation with Lauren Scruggs, the first Black American woman to win an individual Olympic fencing medal. From her focused beginnings to making history at the Olympics, Lauren shares her incredible journey of breaking barriers while maintaining her identity beyond the sport. 

You'll hear:
• The unique dynamics of being coached by her stepfather Sean McClain
• Her philosophy on compartmentalizing fencing and maintaining identity beyond spo...

🎙️ EPISODE 12 – GRANT WILLIAMS INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Grant Williams — a U.S. Men’s Épée National Team fencer, 2x Olympic alternate, and full-time consultant — to talk about balance, commitment, and chasing purpose inside and outside of sport.

Grant shares what it means to be all in: from early days fencing in Seattle to training and working in New York City, to handling the emotional highs and lows of int...

🎙️ EPISODE 11 – CAMILLE SIMMONS

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

Hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Camille Simmons — junior national champion and NCAA Division 1 Athlete turned professional sports photographer — to trace how a fencer’s mindset translates to Professional Photography and high-stakes creative work. From first picking up a camera to shooting the Houston Texans, Camille walks through the habits, resilience, and anticipation skills that fencing built — the same skills she now uses to capture game-defining moments.

You’ll hear:

🎙️ EPISODE 10 – MAIA CHAMBERLAIN INTERVIEW
In this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Maia Chamberlain — Olympian, U.S. Women’s Sabre National Team member, National and Pan-American Champion, and the first Prieur athlete outside of the hosts to appear on the podcast.

Maia shares what it means to go all-in — in competition, training, and life. She opens up about the moments that shaped her journey from a kid fencing in the Bay Area to competing on the world stage, and what drives h...

🎙️ EPISODE 9 – BEN ATKINS INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Ben Atkins — one of the most accomplished U.S. collegiate fencers of his generation and a rare athlete to achieve championship success in both foil and épée. After his NCAA titles at Columbia University, Ben went on to an equally impactful professional career in real estate investment, while staying deeply connected to fencing.

Ben shares how fencing shaped his mindset...

🎙️ EPISODE 8 – NICK ITKIN INTERVIEW
In this special episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with one of the brightest stars in world fencing: Nick Itkin — Olympic bronze medalist, World Champion, NCAA Champion, and a name that has redefined what American foil can be.

Nick’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and relentless pursuit of growth. From dominating the NCAA circuit with Notre Dame, to climbing World Cup podiums, to standing on the Olympic stage in both Tokyo and Paris, he has proven himself at...

🎙️ EPISODE 7 – FARES FERJANI INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart welcome Fares Ferjani — Tunisian sabre fencer, Olympian, and one of the most inspiring voices in African fencing.

Fares’ journey is rooted in family, identity, and pride. Coming from a fencing family in Tunisia, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an Olympian and one of the faces of African fencing on the world stage. His story is about more than medals — it’s about re...

EPISODE 6 – TRISTAN SZAPARY INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of all Fencing Podcasts

In this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with épée fencer Tristan Szapary — a rising American talent known for his relentless work ethic, mental focus, and ability to balance ambition with joy.

Tristan’s fencing journey began in Pennsylvania, training at Fencing Academy of Philadelphia and later competing at the highest levels of NCAA fencing with Princeton. As a member of Team USA, he has r...

🎙️ EPISODE 5 – ANNE CEBULA INTERVIEW
In this inspiring episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Anne Cebula — Olympian, NCAA Champion, and the first Barnard student-athlete ever to win an NCAA title in any sport.

Anne’s story is one of grit, resilience, and joy. Unlike many fencers who start at a young age, Anne didn’t pick up a blade until high school — yet within just five years she was competing internationally and representing Team USA at the highest level. Along the way, she ma...

🎙️ EPISODE 4 – ELI DERSHWITZ INTERVIEW
In this episode of Direct Elimination, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with one of the greatest American fencers of all time: Eli Dershwitz.

Eli’s resume is staggering — World Champion, 3x Olympian, 2x NCAA Champion, Pan-American Champion, and Grand Prix Champion — but what makes this conversation special is the balance of results and reflection. Eli opens up about his career highs, his Olympic heartbreaks, and his next chapter as he takes over his home club, Zeta Fencing.

You’ll hear:

Eli’s fencing origin story, following his brother into...

🎙️ EPISODE 3 – BRYCE LOUIE INTERVIEW
In this episode of Direct Elimination, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart welcome their first foil guest — rising U.S. fencing star Bryce Louie.

Bryce has quickly become one of the most exciting figures in American fencing. A 2024 NCAA Champion, a World Cup silver medalist, and a 2025 World Championship team silver medalist, Bryce has already accomplished what many dream of before even finishing college. But beyond the medals, Bryce has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most authentic and entertaining personalities, bringing fencing to a new generation through his unapologetic presence on...

🎙️ EPISODE 2 – JUSTIN YOO INTERVIEW
In this episode of Direct Elimination, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart welcome their first official guest: Justin Yoo — one of the most accomplished U.S. fencers of his generation, a standout on Team USA, a Wharton graduate, a finance professional, and someone who has lived a double life balancing high-performance sport with a demanding career.

Justin’s story spans more than medals. From violin to tennis to fencing, from cadet and junior world championships to the senior international stage, and from late nights in Excel to early mornings on strip, Justin has learned wha...

Welcome to the very first episode of the Direct Elimination Podcast — where two lifelong fencers and friends, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart, sit down to talk about the stories, setbacks, and motivations that define not just athletes, but anyone chasing purpose.

🎙️ In this debut, Ari and Stephen get vulnerable and real:

Their fencing origin stories — from Lancaster, California parks & rec programs to Houston’s Alliance Fencing Academy.

The first time they actually met (spoiler: it involved Adidas Barricade 7s and a close 5–3 match).

Dealing with failure, frustration, and self-doubt — and why failure often p...