Fresh off a gold medal performance at WFTDA Regional Playoffs in Ontario, the Calgary Roller Derby All Stars join the podcast this week to bask in the excitement of facing international competition, and how they're preparing for the biggest tournament in team history with community fundraising efforts—including stunts, a donut 5K, tattoo milestones, personalized thank-you videos, and more.

I sat down with Ferris Bruiser, Smackie Kennedy, Projectile, and RollerSquare "R2" to discuss the journey from finishing lower than they wanted at playoffs in 2024 to building a semi-satellite team across Alberta and British Columbia and breaking all the brackets in 2026. They share how a structured training program, a common playbook, and a simple team mantra—BELIEVE—helped transform Calgary into championship contenders.The conversation dives deep into the unforgettable gold medal final against Montréal, breaking down the defensive battles, managing momentum swings, the mental resilience, and the secret ingredient that carried Calgary to victory.

Photo by ⁠@brie.eloise.photography

Support Calgary Roller Derby's journey to Champs:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/calgary-roller-derby-all-stars-world-championships-fundraiser

Follow Calgary Roller Derby on socials:

@calgoryrollerderby

https://www.facebook.com/CalgaryRollerDerby

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lizzyluscious⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thank you to S-ONE for sponsoring this podcast! @s1rollerderby @s1helmets

Cool times were had in the hot desert at RollerCon 2026. The last time I did an episode about RollerCon was episode 003...can you believe it? Back in 2018, the first time I went to RollerCon. This was my second pilgrimage to the desert to skate for many, many hours. I'm sharing what I learned from the experience that can help you in the future.

RollerCon: not just for extroverts! (though bringing one with you can help ;-) )

Photo by ⁠Vypertension featuring Optimus Grime, Jackie Bauer, and Miss Tea Maven

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lizzyluscious⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Black Derby Collective has made history.

Murda and Blaque Jac join the podcast this week to share the incredible story behind their new WFTDA charter team—and their whirlwind journey from a couple of conversations at the 2025 Roller Derby World Cup to winning their playoff and being invited to 2026 WFTDA Championships in Malmö, Sweden.

Murda and BJ discuss how Black Derby Collective came together so quickly, the core members who helped it along the way, the race to qualify for postseason, and the shared connection that makes the team unique. They also reflect on their playoff run, the importance of creating a space where Black skaters can be their authentic selves, fundraising for Malmö, and what's next as they prepare for the WFTDA Championships.

Photo by @courtarro

Support BDC's journey to Champs: https://linktr.ee/blackderbycollective

Follow Black Derby Collective on socials: @black_derby_collective

Black Derby Collective on FB

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lizzyluscious⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

From practicing under a highway in Buenos Aires to earning a spot on roller derby's biggest stage, 2x4 Roller Derby Team Osom's journey is one of resilience, determination, and community.

In this episode, I spoke with Obrero, Ladrillo, and Persefone of Team Osom as they prepare to compete at the WFTDA Championships in Malmö, Sweden. They share what it's like building a world-class team with limited resources, battling long commutes, and traveling to find high-level competition.

The conversation explores the mental side of competition, the team's emotional preparation for the Latin America WFTDA Regional tournament, and the lessons they're taking into Champs. They also talk about embracing their identity as "super mini players" and proving that heart, adaptability, and teamwork can overcome any obstacle.

As the first Latin American team to be invited to WFTDA Championships and making their second appearance at this competition, Team Osom hopes to represent their region with pride and show the world exactly why they belong among the best.

If you're inspired by their story, please consider supporting their journey by sharing their GoFundMe and following them on social media. Every share helps bring them one step closer to Malmö.

GoFundMe: ⁠⁠www.gofundme.com/f/2x4-team-osom⁠⁠

Photo provided by 2x4

Follow 2x4 Team Osom on socials:

IG ⁠@2x4rollerderby

@teamosomrd

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/2x4RollerDerby

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lizzyluscious⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Santa Cruz Derby Groms Legacy team was created in November 2024 to give aged-out junior skaters a place to continue competing together as a WFTDA Charter team—fast forward to the summer of 2026, they have earned a bronze medal at playoffs and qualified for Global Championships in Malmö, Sweden, succeeding beyond their wildest hopes.

Legacy Captain KROM Bomb, Legacy jammer Alice in Thunderland (the leading overall scorer of all of playoffs so far!), and President of the league and Head Coach Ima HotMess are guests in this episode and share the story behind their team's rapid rise through elite competition, their shared challenges, the playoff run that punched their ticket to Sweden, and the junior derby culture that continues to fuel their success.

If you think you already know everything you need to know about this team, think again. This episode is for you.

https://www.santacruzderbygroms.com/history.html

https://www.santacruzderbygroms.com/alumni.html

Photo from Santa Cruz Derby Groms Legacy

Follow Santa Cruz Derby Groms

IG @scderbygroms

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

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lizzyluscious⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

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And on IG @power4thwhistle ⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Six years after his last appearance on the podcast, Optimus Grime returns to discuss the state of jammer development in modern roller derby. Drawing on 12 years of international derby experience, Grime shares his 8-skill framework for jammer growth, breaks down the most common habits holding jammers back, and explains the coaching gaps that have emerged across the sport.

The conversation explores individualized jammer coaching, remote video analysis, mental performance, emotion management, and the pursuit of mastery over winning. Grime also shares practical advice on film study, off-skates training, cross-sport learning, and what athletes can do to continue improving at every level of play.

Whether you're a jammer, coach, or derby strategist, this episode is packed with insights from one of the sport's most dedicated students of the game.

Optimus Grime currently skates for @drdgroundcontrol and jammer coaches for Mile High Club @denverrollerderby. Optimus Grime will be coaching at RollerCon in July!

Photo by @rollerhasen1968

Follow Optimus Grime @optimusgrime on IG and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/optimusgrime10

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lizzyluscious⁠⁠⁠ 

Follow our Facebook page at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle/⁠⁠⁠

And on IG ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/power4thwhistle/⁠⁠⁠Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.

How fired up should you be during a roller derby game? As athletes, it's easy to believe that more intensity will equal better performance...but only to a point.

In this episode, we're talking about emotional regulation and finding your ideal place on the "hype meter." Too low, and you may struggle with energy, engagement, and hustle. Too high, and the boost of adrenaline can lead to tunnel vision, reckless play, poor decision-making, and costly penalties.

Let's explore why every skater has a different optimal performance zone, how to recognize when you're over- or under-activated, and practical strategies for bringing yourself to the level where you play your best.

Photo by Lost Creek Studio

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lizzyluscious⁠⁠ 

Follow our facebook page at ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle/⁠⁠

And on IG ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/power4thwhistle/⁠⁠Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

The WFTDA North America Playoffs in Lansing, Michigan are over, but the story isn't.

This week, I recap an incredible weekend of roller derby, share some of my favorite moments from the tournament, and explore a theme that kept appearing throughout the event: celebrating your victories.

Not every victory comes with a medal or a trophy or champagne. Sometimes the most important wins are the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the teammates who have your back when things get hard.

I also share a personal story about my own team's recent road trip, what we learned from a tough loss, and why I believe some of our biggest victories are not on the scoreboard.

Plus, a look ahead at what's next for the podcast as we begin the road to Malmö!!

Photo by TacoBoutPain

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lizzyluscious⁠ 

Follow our facebook page at ⁠https://www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle/⁠

And on IG ⁠https://www.instagram.com/power4thwhistle/⁠Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Ann Arbor Roller Derby is heading to WFTDA North America Northeast Playoffs in Lansing, Michigan and are excited to have a home field advantage for the first time!

In this episode, we hear from A2 skaters “Arnie” (Terminate Her), “Syd” (Sydney Bean”, and “Slam” (Slamlet) as they share their “Whip It” inspired origin stories, their rivalry and friendship with neighboring league Detroit Roller Derby, and the highs and lows of being located in a college town and attracting skaters from the University of Michigan…who then graduate and move away.

This team has champagne fueled goals and RAT energy (better listen to find out what that stands for ;-) ). Let’s get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Michigan’s most resilient teams as they’ve taken on 50% charter turnover, the impact of their new coaching duo, coming back from injuries, and what makes this season’s squad special coming into playoffs. 

Photo by teammates

Follow Ann Arbor Roller Derby https://www.instagram.com/a2rollerderby/

And https://www.facebook.com/A2RollerDerby

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lizzyluscious 

Follow our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle/

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Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email [email protected].

The Windy City Rollers are back in the playoff conversation — and they’re coming in smarter, deeper, and more connected than ever than ever on their way to WFTDA North America Northeast Playoffs in Lansing, Michigan.

In this episode, we sit down with Windy City skaters Nasty Al, Shake N Bake, D. Ride, and Nicolas Rage to talk about the evolution of one of roller derby’s most cerebral and creatively dangerous teams. This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, leadership, friendship, and what it means to build a league for the long haul after a mass retirement of 75% of their All Stars in 2015.

With goals of medaling at playoffs for the first time since 2014 and pushing Arch Rival harder than ever before, Windy City is entering this season with momentum, depth, and belief.

Follow Windy City Rollers @windycityrollers

and at https://www.facebook.com/windycityrollers

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lizzyluscious⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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