Keep the Flame Alive

We love it when a TKFLASTANI comes back to visit--and it's even better when they bring someone along! We're excited to have Paralympian Ness Murby back on the the show. You may remember Ness' first visit, soon after he came out as transmasculine. Two-plus years later, he's fulfilled his dream of being a husband and father--and now he's trying to become the first openly out transgender Paralympian.

Ness and his wife Eva join us to talk about their docuseries called "Transcending," which follows their lives as they navigate Ness' transition in their everyday lives and on the field of play. Fun fact: Men's and women's discus are different! We get the inside scoop on what competition is like for both competitor and sports assistant in this division.

You can follow Ness on Insta and Twitter and check out his website TougherThan.com. Learn more about the show Transcending on AMI.

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Alison looks at the Dream Team from the men's gymnastics competition.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we've got news from:

• Curler John Shuster
• Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea
• Karate-ka Tom Scott
• Skeleton racer Shannon Galea
• Running coach/announcer Geoff Wightman
• The 1976 US Women's Olympic Basketball Team
• Historian Dr. Victoria Jackson
• Diver Laura Wilkinson
• The dulcet tones of Jason Bryant

In news from Paris 2024, we talk about the ongoing cleanup of the Seine (this is an interesting Associated Press article about the situation.

Also, new bike lanes will be coming to the city--and you can rent bikes to go from venue to venue!

And Team USA's hospitality house will be open to fans at Paris 2024. Ticket information is here.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-2bJ

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Ness Murby.

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

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We've got spring fever this week, which means it's a great time for a Lightning Round episode! This time we're gymnastics-forward, so put your hair in a scrunchie and get ready for some Olympic-level insight from The Magnificent Seven creators Gordon Leary and Julia Meinwald, gymnastics choreographer Nicole Langevin, and athletic trainer Wayne Lamarre. If you ever wondered what KT tape is good for, this episode is for you!

Find out more about Gordon and Julia:

• Website
• Instagram

Follow Nicole and learn more about her services:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Podcast: What Makes You Think
• Follow the podcast on Twitter
• Precision Choreography

Follow Wayne on Twitter.

Let us know about your first memory of the Games! We love hearing from you!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-2bh

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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During Tokyo 2020 coverage, Olly Hogben became one of our favorite OBS commentators, so we're thrilled to have him on this week. Olly talks with us about how he switched careers from teaching to commentating, how to work with a co-commentator, and what being at an event in person does to enhance the viewer experience. Plus, we have big announcement about Paris 2024!

Olly's a great follow on social media! Check him out on Twitter and Insta, and you can learn more about him at his website.

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Alison starts looking into the gymnastics competition. Remember when there were compulsory exercises?! Well, the United States ran into issues when a little-known rule got applied to Kelly Garrison-Steves' uneven bars routine.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have news from:

• Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
• Bobsledder Josh Williamson -- are you going to Bobsled Fantasy Camp?
• Boxer Ginny Fuchs
• Olympic legend Marnie McBean
• Curler John Shuster, who's competing at the BKT Tires & OK Tires World Men's Curling Championship

Plus, updates from the International Olympic Committee's Executive Board meeting, which includes the Russia/Belarus situation and the boxing situation.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-2ax

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Olly Hogben.

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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We're headed to the boccia court this week to learn more about the sport from 2x Paralympian Alison Levine. Alison competes for Team Canada in the BC4 category in both individual and pairs competitions. We talk about how the sport works, plus, a healthy dose of ball talk!

Follow Alison on Twitter and Insta, and check out her website.

In our history moment this week, Jill looks at the goalball tournaments from Seoul 1988, which includes one team getting expelled from the Games.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have updates from:

• The dulcet tones of Jason Bryant
• Speed skater Erin Jackson (get well soon!)
• Figure skating analyst Jackie Wong
• Para powerlifter Louise Sugden
• Author Andrew Maraniss — don't forget our Q&A with him on Monday, March 27 at 9pm ET – contact us for the link!

In Paris 2024 news, the torch relay plans to have fewer torches, Lotto Belgium House is a go (it's ticketed, so you may want to subscribe to get program updates), and the Paris 2024 volunteer portal is now open for applications. We have details on that process and what to expect. Remember, if you apply, let us know how it went!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

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Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod

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We are thrilled to talk para archery with three-time Paralympian Matt Stutzman. Matt, who is also known as the Armless Archer, won a silver at London 2012, was 4th at Rio and placed 9th at Tokyo. He has also competed and medaled at multiple world championships. We talked with him about how the sport works, what strategies competitors use and the advice Olympian Michael Johnson gave him.

Follow Matt on Twitter, Insta and Facebook. And check out his cherry-on-top BOOM in Team USA's 2021 Paralympic commercial.

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Alison looks back at the women's team archery event, another first for women at these Games - plus a country first!

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we hear from:

• Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski - congrats on your 2022/23 season!
• Race walker Evan Dunfee
• Wheelchair curler Steve Emt

And a reminder that "The Magnificent Seven" starts on March 31 at the Flint Repertory Theatre.

We've reached the 500 days to go mark for Paris 2024! The next phase of the ticket lottery is opening up, so sign up here and examine the catalog for ticket prices.

Plus, hospitality houses are back, and there could be trouble with housing in Tahiti. We've got the info!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-29W

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Matt Stutzman.

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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It's Women's History Month, so it's only appropriate that our first book club selection of 2023 celebrates female athletes. Book Club Claire is back to discuss Inaugural Ballers: The True Story of the First US Women's Olympic Basketball Team by Andrew Maraniss.

We're having a free virtual Q&A with Andrew on Monday, March 27 at 9pm US Eastern Time. If you'd like to join us, please email [email protected] to RSVP.

In our history moment, Jill looks at a women's first at Seoul 1988: Track Cycling. This story also contains an Olympic first--and only--statistic.

We've got news from our TKFLASTAN. Hear what's up with:

• Shooter Kim Rhode
• Curler John Shuster
• Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski
• Hockey player Brianna Decker
• Former biathlete Clare Egan, who's speaking at the Your Future Olympian virtual summit.
• Paddler Luuka Jones
• Listener David

In Paris 2024 news, we're talking about ticket lotteries, Notre Dame reconstruction, and the 500 Days Out celebration (if you're in Ireland, here's where you can register for it)

In Milan-Cortina 2026 news, Alison's got an announcement, and we potentially have a winner in the mascot selection!

The International Olympic Committee has announced its esport series - learn more about the games and qualifiers here.

The International Paralympic Committee has released a new strategic plan to take the organization through 2026. We break down some of the exciting goals they have.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-29z

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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It's two interviews for the price of one! On this episode, middle-distance running coach and in-stadium announcer Geoff Wightman joins us to talk about how to run a 1500m, as well as what it's like to keep a crowd entertained during an athletics competition.

You can follow him on Insta and Twitter. Geoff also has a series of e-books on Amazon that tell about his life and stories in sport.

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Alison keeps the "all in the family" theme going, with a look at the Olympians whose parents and/or children were part of these Games.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we get updates from:

• Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski
• Shooters Tim Sherry and Ginny Thrasher
• Erin Jackson - get her bobblehead here
• Ness Murby - watch his show "Ness Murby: Transcending" here
• All of the listeners who got into the Paris 2024 ticket lottery
• Curler John Shuster

Plus, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has agreed to take on the Kamila Valieva appeal.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-298

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photos courtesy of Geoff Wightman.

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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We love learning about the people behind the scenes who help expand the visibility of the Paralympics. On this episode we're talking with Alexis Schaefer, the former Commercial and Marketing Director of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Alexis talks with us about marketing the Paralympics, attracting major sponsors, and broadcasting the Games. More importantly, we've got feed beefs explained!

You can follow Alexis on LinkedIn and Twitter.

In our history moment, Jill looks at the Paralympic Games of Seoul, which are considered to be the first Games of the Paralympic modern era.

We have tons of news from our TKFLASTANIS, including updates from:

• Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
• Shooters Kim Rhode, Tim Sherry and Ginny Thrasher
• Nordic combined competitor Annika Malacinski
• Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea
• Curler John Shuster
• Race walker Evan Dunfee
• Paddler Luuka Jones
• Hammer thrower DeAnna Price
• Speed skater Erin Jackson
• Retired shot putter Michelle Carter
• Retired artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau
• Retired cross-country skier Kikkan Randall
• Book Club Claire

We also have an update on the Kamila Valieva doping situation -- we're getting closer to a final resolution!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-28L

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Alexis Schaefer

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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It's always fun talking with people about the Olympics and Paralympics. In this episode, we bring one of those conversations to you! We sit down with Ben Waterworth and Colin Hilding, two of the three hosts of Off the Podium, an Olympics podcast from an Australian and Canadian perspective.

Learn about the moments that sucked us into the excitement of the Olympics and find out about some key Olympians and sports from Australia and Canada. You'll also find out which Olympian doesn't really make for a good costume in Australia.

Find Off the Podium on your favorite podcast app (like Apple or Spotify). They're on social at Insta and Twitter!

For a transcript of this episode and to see some of the competitions we reference, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-28z

Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. Want to give back? Learn more here.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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We joke about people peddling steaks and watches as influence, but megasporting events do have some very public issues with corruption. Could the International Olympic Committee create reform when it comes to anti-corruption and human rights? Law professor Andy Spalding, head of the independent group Olympics Compliance Task Force joins us to talk about the work his group is doing to develop a new approach to these issues for the Olympics and the World Cup. You might be shocked to hear what Qatar did in these areas - time will tell on whether its efforts will be a part of its legacy.

You can find out more about Andy and his work at his University of Richmond faculty page and the Olympics Compliance Task Force site.

Speaking of corruption, Alison's got the story of what's likely the most corrupt boxing match in Olympic history. That's in our Seoul 1988 moment.

In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from:

• Curler John Shuster
• Race walker Evan Dunfee
• Listener Brianna

Lots of news from Paris 2024! Boycott talk continues....but the IOC reminds countries that boycotts are a violation of the Olympic Charter. Reminder from us: Russia's invasion was a violation of the Olympic Truce.

But better news from Paris - the announcement of pictograms and the first stop on the torch relay!

Not to be outdone, Milan-Cortina 2026 has announced the finalists in its mascot competition. Vote here.

And! Could we see a 2030 Winter Games in Stockholm? TPTB are looking into it.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-28a

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo credit: University of Richmond

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348