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
• How confidence transfers between completely different domains and why getting good at one thing enables mastery in another

Em Beihold is an NCAA All-American fencer who competed at UCSD and a breakthrough music artist whose songs have garnered millions of streams. She's uniquely positioned to speak on high-performance mindset, mental health, and finding fulfillment beyond outcomes.

What's one area of your life where you've experienced imposter syndrome even while succeeding? Drop a comment below—Em's story might help you reframe it.

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Introduction
00:06:11 Imposter Syndrome in Fencing and Music
00:13:37 College Fencing Journey at UCSD
00:21:20 The Reality Behind Viral Success in 2022
00:27:58 Life on Tour and Being Perceived
00:37:52 The Creative Process and Working with Narcissists
00:42:04 Delusion vs Reality in Performance
00:52:56 Impact of Fame on Relationships
01:03:00 Finding Fulfillment in the Process
01:06:44 One Light Answers

💬 QUOTES

"I'd fence girls who were A's and literally be winning and then think to myself like they're an A, like, why am I winning? And then I'd psych myself out and. Lose."

"I think I had some really deep depression because I think that was tied with my worth."

"this album could flop and I'd still be so proud of it. And I feel like at peace with myself to be able to say that"

"if you're just yourself and you're not trying to pretend to be someone else, then you're already winning, right?"

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Theme song written and performed by Colin Campbell

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🎙️ 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 episode, you'll discover:
- Why fencers have historically been handed rehab programs designed for other sports — and how that mismatch makes injuries worse, not better
- The difference between prehab and rehab, and why waiting until you're in pain to see a PT is like waiting for a cavity before visiting the dentist
- The most common fencing-specific injuries — hip labral tears, proximal hamstring issues, knee pain, and foot and ankle problems — and why the sport's unique stance and movement patterns drive all of them
- How addressing the mind-body connection and emotional side of injury can unlock performance gains that pure movement correction alone never will

Rachel Hey-Shipton is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who trained at Columbia University after studying kinesiology at Cal Poly SLO. She taught herself the mechanics of fencing by watching hundreds of slow-motion YouTube videos frame by frame — because she believed fencers deserved sport-specific care. Her clients have included USA national team athletes and Olympians, and her approach has earned her a cult following in the NYC fencing community.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00:07 Intro & Welcome
00:04:28 Rachel's Background
00:06:33 How Rachel Discovered Fencing
00:11:14 When Should Someone See a PT?
00:19:13 Most Common Fencing Injuries
00:26:49 Rachel's Origin Story
00:36:00 The Mind-Body Connection in Physical Therapy
00:43:15 Should You Become a PT?
00:54:15 One Light Answers

💬 QUOTES

"I felt like there was a big gap that I was hearing in your care and that it was really really common that you guys were getting programming that was for another sport that was just kind of shunted to you. I didn't hear that you were getting the care that I thought you should get for the things that you were describing."

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🎙️ 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 crucial to his success
• The transformative "all-in moment" after the 2008 Olympics when Seth and his team implemented a rigorous 5-day strength and conditioning program that changed everything
• What happened when the Air Force unexpectedly cut his planned career path, and how he adapted to keep his fencing dreams alive
• The raw mental preparation behind his World Championship anchor bout: "I'm going to leave it all out there"
• How Seth processed the emotional aftermath of his final Olympic performance, including PTSD-like symptoms and a 7+ month journey to find peace
• The evolution of USA men's epee culture through the PEAR motto (Professionalism, Excellence, Accountability, Respect) and what modern fencing looks like compared to his competing era

Seth Kelsey is a 2012 World Team Champion, three-time Olympian, and many-time US National Team member who competed at the highest levels of men's epee. His insights on commitment, resilience, and team culture offer valuable lessons for fencers at every level.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the channel and drop a comment sharing your biggest takeaway from Seth's story!

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00:00 Intro  
00:04:47 Origins: Finding Fencing Through Friendship  
00:11:39 The All-In Moment: Strength & Conditioning Revolution  
00:16:00 When Plans Collapse: Air Force Cutbacks  
00:29:25 2010 World Championships Silver Medal  
00:41:00 2012 World Championships: Seven Touches and History  
00:47:43 Olympic Performance & Ruptured Tricep  
00:49:55 Beating the Number One Seed  
01:00:00 Processing Olympic Disappointment  
01:03:50 PAIR Culture & Perry Surprise  
01:16:08 National Coach Experience & Modern Fencing  
01:28:56 One Light Answers

💬 BEST QUOTES

"I know what it takes to put in 100%, and I don't know if I have that for another four years. And I think this is only worth doing for me if I can do it at that level."

"You don't get too many shots to be world champion, and I didn't want to leave anything out there."

"I'm going to challenge him every moment. Every time. I'm gonna make his life as difficult as possible."

"I think there are lessons I hadn't learned yet that I wa

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🎙️ 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 security BEFORE taking major leaps gives you the freedom to bet on yourself without desperation
• The "alter ego method" Adam discovered after 140+ podcast interviews—how successful people create an audacious persona and make decisions through that lens until they become it
• How to know when you've hit your ceiling and why comfort is often the enemy of growth
• The 80-year-old regret test: a powerful framework for making life-changing decisions without overthinking
• Why the grind itself—showing up daily for an unreasonable amount of time—matters more than natural talent or specific outcomes

Adam Metwally went from engineering student in Australia to NYC nightlife entrepreneur, DJ, agency owner, and podcast host. After building and selling a successful business in a small city, Covid forced him to confront his ceiling. Now he's focused on long-term freedom, treating his podcast as an art form, and helping others navigate their own transformations.

If you're an entrepreneur tired of playing small, someone considering a major life leap, or just want to understand what actually drives successful people beyond the surface-level advice—this episode is for you.

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Introduction & Background: From Australia to NYC  
00:06:00 The Nightlife Journey: Building a Business from Zero  
00:11:00 Covid Reflection & The Decision to Leave  
00:18:00 All-In Moments & Decision-Making Philosophy  
00:27:00 Current Focus: Podcast as Art & Building Around It  
00:36:00 The Humanization of Mentors & Podcast Insights  
00:40:01 Fun Question: The Dumb Hot Show Experience  
00:43:09 What Drives You: The Grinding Mindset  
00:52:54 Being the Dumbest Person in the Room  
00:57:20 The Alter Ego Method and Advice Paradox  
01:10:45 One Light Answers Rapid Fire

💬 BEST QUOTES
"I came here and the whole world opened up to me that I never, ever thought that I had any business being a part of."
"I've learned over the last ten years or so that the most valuable thing you can have in your life is your freedom. And I've been fighting really hard to prioritize my freedom to do the things that I want to do."
"the problem with advice is if it's prescriptive, it kind of doesn't work l

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🎙️ 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 the next generation
• The exact mental shift Keeth made between losing 45-44 while leading 40-35 in Athens 2004, and winning silver using counterintuitive tactics in Beijing 2008
• Why fencing's discipline, loss management, and tactical analysis make elite athletes exceptional in business—and how Keeth applies these skills daily in his career
• What the newly announced World Fencing League needs to succeed as a professional sport (hint: it's not just about the fencing)

Keeth Smart is a three-time U.S. Olympian (2000, 2004, 2008), Olympic silver medalist, five-time Senior World Championship team member, and the first American fencer to achieve a #1 world ranking. As a founding member of the legendary Peter Westbrook Foundation, Keeth helped build the community that transformed American fencing.

If you're interested in Olympic sports, comeback stories, mental resilience, or how elite athletic skills translate to life success, this episode is packed with insights you can apply today. Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for more conversations with fencing legends!

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:57 From Brooklyn to Olympic Fencing - The Peter Westbrook Foundation Origin
00:13:00 Building a Culture of Excellence and Giving Back
00:30:00 The Devastating 2004 Olympic Loss
00:34:00 Redemption: The 2008 Olympic Comeback Victory
00:43:00 From Strip to Boardroom - Applying Fencing Skills to Life
00:51:41 Transitioning Out of Elite Sport
01:04:49 Mental Game & Intimidation Tactics
01:13:00 World Fencing League Discussion
01:26:36 One Light Answers Rapid Fire

💬  BEST QUOTES
"Pete would say to me, 'Keeth, you could be number one in the world. But I want to see you there. 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Volunteer coaching and and sharing your wisdom with the generation behind you'"
"I'm only focused on the visualization I had learned from Aladar, and then also the skills that I had acquired from my teammates and years of trusting the process"
"fencing taught me and I apply it every day to my day-to-day living. It's the discipline. It's the, you're going to lose way more bouts than you're ever going to win. No matter. You can be the number one fencer of all ti

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🎙️ 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 competitive breakthrough from an average fencer to Junior Olympics top 8 in one year
• Why Michael shifted from ego-driven coaching focused on championships to creating environments where athletes do their best work
• The "Help the Helper" culture that powered Columbia's NCAA dominance and how it applies beyond fencing
• How Michael's entrepreneurial journey filming World Cup top 8s (the precursor to modern fencing video services) funded his competitive career
• What the NIL era means for the future of college fencing and how programs can adapt

Michael Aufrichtig is the head coach at Columbia University, where he's led the Lions to multiple Ivy League titles and back-to-back NCAA Championships. He's also Chairman of the New York Athletic Club fencing program, one of the most prestigious clubs in American fencing.

If you're an aspiring college fencer, current NCAA athlete, or fencing fan who wants to understand what separates good programs from championship programs, this conversation is packed with insights. Subscribe for more episodes with fencing's top coaches, athletes, and innovators!

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Introduction & Michael's Early Fencing Journey
00:05:36 The Accidental Fencer: From Running to Épée
00:16:10 New York Athletic Club & Competitive Breakthrough
00:20:38 From Fencer to Equipment Vendor to Tech Sales
00:25:00 Becoming NYAC Chairman & Columbia Head Coach
00:32:53 Coaching Philosophy: Environment Over Ego
00:35:58 Fencing as Life Training
00:42:42 Building the Help the Helper Culture
00:45:22 The Back-to-Back Championship Mentality
00:56:38 NIL Era and Future of Fencing

💬 BEST QUOTES
"I really look at it as I'm creating an environment where people can do their best work, right? Both at the New York Athletic Club and at Columbia"
"I felt relieved. I didn't feel the joy. The first one [championship] is joy. Second one [championship] like, wow, how do we do this, right? This is crazy because also as a coach, I'm looking and I see everything that could be better."
"I've been in this, it's more than fencing. It's about life."
"they can't make fun of you if we win."

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🎙️ 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 undrafted, the resilience required after repeated setbacks and injuries, and the surprising danger that came when he finally "made it" and lost that hunger. His honest reflection on how complacency may have contributed to his career's end offers a powerful lesson about the double-edged sword of success. Now, through his platform Secured Tomorrows, Asmar is building a community and resource hub for athletes across all sports navigating the challenging transition to life after competition, helping them recognize their worth beyond athletic identity and translate their unique skills into meaningful careers.

Whether you're an athlete contemplating what's next, someone in transition, or simply interested in the psychology of high performance and identity, this conversation offers wisdom applicable far beyond the athletic arena.

You'll hear:
• How going undrafted and getting waived repeatedly created the fuel that drove Asmar's NFL career
• Why athletic talent alone isn't enough—the holistic skills required to succeed at the professional level
• The dangerous moment when "making it" removes the chip on your shoulder that got you there
• How to redefine self-worth and identity when your sport is no longer the vehicle for your purpose
• The challenge of articulating athletic transferable skills to employers who've never competed
• Asmar's vision for Secured Tomorrows as a community platform serving athletes in transition across all disciplines

⏱ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 – Introduction: First Non-Fencing Guest
00:06:30 – Early Journey: Finding Football Through Family
00:09:22 – The All-In Moment: High School to College Transition
00:14:05 – Learning the Game: From Athlete to Student
00:20:05 – Football as Freedom: Purpose Beyond the Game
00:28:00 – Professional Setbacks: Undrafted, Injuries, and Resilience
00:39:50 – The Double-Edged Sword of Success
00:46:13 – Finding Identity Beyond Football
00:52:29 – Translating Athletic Skills to the Marketplace
00:59:01 – Secure Tomorrow: Building an Athlete Transition Community
01:09:00 – Rapid Fire & Final Reflections

💬 QUOTES
• "Talent in itself isn't going to get you there. It's holistic - being able to de

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🎙️ 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 journey through the Italian fencing system, dealing with team politics, overcoming career-threatening injuries, and the psychological challenges athletes face when transitioning to life after sport. He also discusses his current path as an MBA student and consultant, plus his unique perspective on American culture during his time studying abroad.

You'll hear:
• The psychology behind elite competitive mentality and "mask on, killer mode"
• How Italian and American fencing systems differ in development and support
• The real challenges of balancing education with Olympic-level competition
• Inside stories of Italian team politics and Olympic qualification battles
• Why planning for life after sport is crucial for athlete mental health
• Federico's transition from elite competition to business consulting

⏱ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 – Intro
[00:02:59] – Federico Vismara's Achievements and Background
[00:04:44] – Competitive History and Mentality
[00:07:47] – Random Start to Fencing Career
[00:10:18] – Early Success and Development
[00:13:47] – Italian vs American Fencing Systems
[00:23:24] – Early Self-Belief and Injury Struggles
[00:32:04] – Training Philosophy and Mental Approach
[00:36:23] – The Back Injury Crisis and Recovery
[00:38:22] – Team Politics and Olympic Qualification Battle
[00:40:21] – Dealing with Italian Team Politics
[00:45:01] – Paris Olympics Experience and Career Conclusion
[00:48:21] – Federation Politics and Giving Back
[00:50:36] – The Future of Global Fencing
[00:58:10] – One Light Answers - Rapid Fire Questions

💬 QUOTES
• "For me, going onto the piste was a battle. It's my life or your life. You have to get it. I won't give it to you for free."
• "People have a risk to lose themselves when they have a goal, and then after that, it's like a void"
• "You have to be cold. And when somebody promises you something that you agree on a strategy to get over an injury and they know maintain their world is, it's tough"

This is a podcast about passion. Fencing For A Purpose is a non-profit organization founded by 3 young fencers to share their passion for fencing with communities that would otherwise be underserved

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🎙️ 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 considering quitting the sport to finding renewal through teaching fencing in West Africa, this episode reveals the hidden struggles behind athletic excellence and the importance of speaking up about mental health.

You'll hear:

• How fencing became therapy during a mental health crisis
• Breaking free from sibling comparison and family expectations
• The reality of Olympic dreams vs. practical goals
• Why speaking about mental health struggles is crucial for athletes

This episode dives deep into the mental health aspects of athletic pursuit, the importance of representation in Olympic sports, and how finding the right community can transform a young person's entire trajectory. Whether you're a fencing enthusiast, aspiring Olympian, or someone seeking inspiration about overcoming personal challenges, Khalil's story delivers powerful lessons about persistence, identity, and the unexpected paths to greatness.

⏱ Chapters

[00:00:00] – Welcome Back and Guest Introduction
[00:02:30] – Khalil's Resume
[00:06:24] – The Beginning: From Ballet to Fencing
[00:12:21] – Early Olympic Inspiration
[00:14:10] – Foundation Training and Mentorship
[00:23:58] – Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence
[00:28:23] – Mental Health Crisis and Seeking Help
[00:35:43] – The Ten-Year Journey to First NAC Victory
[00:45:43] – Breaking the Silence: Speaking About Depression
[00:52:20] – Olympic Qualification Struggles and COVID Impact
[00:55:42] – Finding Creative Expression Through Photography
[01:08:30] – Finding Purpose Beyond Competition
[01:16:08] – Building Resilience Through Small Wins
[01:29:00] – Peter Westbrook Foundation Impact
[01:31:29] – One Light Rapid Fire Questions
[01:43:45] – Final Thoughts and Appreciation

💬 Quotes

"It's really easy to just not remember like the accomplishments you have as an athlete, especially when you're not always thinking like, it's just not there yet"
"We're all in this together. Even though it's a very, very lonely journey at times in your head"
"If you want to achieve a dream, you have to be delusional. And I struggled with being delusional for a very long time"
"When you talk about an

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🎙️ 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-American fencer in the Bronx shaped his identity and mission
• His revolutionary approach to Olympic planning: why it's a 4-year cycle, not a yearly grind
• The devastating Achilles injury that threatened everything he'd built
• How teaching fencing in Benin, Africa transformed his perspective on sport and identity
• His vision for making elite fencing more professional and accessible
• The role of mentors like Peter Westbrook in building championship-level mindset
• Why sacrifice and commitment matter weigh on you as you age in high-level athletics

From the Peter Westbrook Foundation to the Olympic podium, Homer's journey demonstrates what's possible when talent meets unwavering dedication. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone pursuing excellence in any field, his insights on long-term planning, overcoming adversity, and staying true to your mission will reshape how you approach your goals.

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⏱ Chapters
00:00:00 – Introduction and Resume
00:03:30 – Origins: Finding Fencing in the Bronx  
00:07:50 – Identity and Growing Up in the Sport
00:14:45 – All-In Moments: Commitment to Excellence
00:21:30 – The Passion Behind the Pursuit
00:27:00 – Global Impact: Teaching in Africa
00:34:15 – Long-term Perspective on Athletic Development
00:43:15 – Overcoming Adversity: The Achilles Injury
00:52:35 – Building a Support Team
00:59:40 – Vision for Fencing's Future
01:09:30 – Rapid Fire Questions
01:13:30 – Closing Thoughts

💬 Quotes
* "I love the game. I love the sport. I love the way it challenges me. I love the way it humbles me."
* "It's not really age. It's about how much you're willing to sacrifice and how much you're willing to put on the back burner in your life."
* "Making an Olympic team is like a four year plan. I think a lot of people think that they can just show up during qualification and make it like you might be able to make it, but the reality is a four year plan."

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Peter Westbrook F

Thank you for listening!

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