It started with a simple exercise — a wall of sticky notes and one question: Do you want the league to be competitive or fun?

What happened next revealed more than anyone expected. Behind each was a story — of why people skate, what they’re chasing, and what they’re afraid to lose. And why they leave when they're not getting what they want from a sport they are passionate about.

In this episode, we explore how many teams grapple with identity, ambition, and joy. From the thrill of winning to the sting of being benched, from those who push hard to improve to those who just want to play with their friends — it’s a look at what happens when a community sport asks itself what it truly values.

How do you balance the drive to win with the joy of playing? Because in the end, it’s not just about roller derby. It’s about how we define success, and whether being competitive and having fun can ever really coexist.

Photo by ⁠⁠Jason Lome @lomeranger on Instagram

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre

Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at [email protected] or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.

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In this episode, I talk to Super Smash Ho aka Nicole Doucette, producer of The Wheel Deal roller derby documentary focusing on the Terminal City Roller Derby league in Vancouver, BC, Canada. This project is a seven episode series, newly released on youtube, free to everyone!

This documentary brings to light a very common challenge in roller derby – competitive vs fun in an amateur sport. The age old question: if people come to this sport for different reasons, how do we accommodate everyone and get their needs met? How can we make roller derby more accessible for everyone for the long term health of our sport? These questions and more!

Smash’s intro to roller derby was actually through Rolla Skate Club in Vancouver founded by Lulu Demon and BiznessTime (formerly Booty Quake). Rolla Skate Club is a rollerskating center and fitness gym where you can do anything related to rollerskating and short track roller derby!

Watch all the episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wheeldealdoc

Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/wheeldealdoc

If you were as fascinated by Rolla Skate Club as I was, here’s a link to their website: https://www.rollaskateclub.com/

Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rollaskateclub/

Photo by ⁠⁠Anthony Floyd Photography

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Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at [email protected] or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.

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"We could be freeeee....."

This episode is for the perfectionists out there and how we can break ourselves out of cycle of the trap of perfectionism.

After injury and self-doubt left me questioning everything, I found myself wrestling with perfectionism, shame, and the fear of not being “enough.” In this episode, I share how I learned to let go of perfection, reconnect with my team, and find strength in imperfection — with a little help from a movie about K-Pop Demon Hunters (maybe you've heard of it ;-) ). Because sometimes, the beauty really is in the broken glass.

Photo by ⁠⁠⁠Jason Lome @lomeranger on IG

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Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at [email protected] or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.

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In this episode, I talk about stepping into character and embracing your roller derby identity and alter ego to give yourself to be competitive and elevate your own performance and push everyone else to their limits.

I also talk about team culture and taking care of each other and how your contagious energy can push your team forward or hold them back.

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I read a book that made me mad...and then it made me think.

In this episode, we uncover the hard truths about competition that coaches often leave out. From shifting your mindset to embrace relentless competitiveness, to understanding how small actions control the margin of victory, we explore what it really takes to win. Learn how to push your limits, balance empathy with toughness, and make your own luck — because winning isn’t just about showing up, it’s about showing up prepared.

Photo by ⁠⁠Jason Lome

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre

Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at [email protected] or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.

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This week, I welcome one of my favorite people and long time heroes in roller derby to the podcast -- Jackie Daniels! During this Jackie-Jackie connection, you'll hear all about her trail blazing career of 20+ years (so far ;-) ) in our sport. Being part of history at the beginning of the WFTDA in one of the first 30 leagues, Grand Raggidy, and what it was like in that 2005-2010 time period when so much was growing and changing. Then through the golden years of skating at Champs with Windy City and Texas, skating for USA in two World Cups, to now being a member of Rockin City in Round Rock, Texas.

What does it take to keep a body and mind engaged to keep playing this sport at such a high level for over two decades? Jackie Daniels' attitude of always wanting to grow, progress, and be coached is inspiring and her example of mindful self care and working smarter is something we can all learn from.

Follow Jackie Daniels on IG @jackiedaniels07_jd

If interested in coaching, email [email protected].

Photo by ⁠Meagen Kopacki - Photographer⁠

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre

Concussion Roller Derby is hosting MRDA Champs in Salem Oregon on October 10-12th. Showtime says you don't want to miss it as this event will be ICONIC. MRDA Champs will showcase the best in the world of all gender roller derby teams competing for the top.

Use discount code "PowerThrough" to save 15%!

Buy your tickets here:

⁠https://concussionrollerderby.com/event/2025-mrda-championships/⁠

Watch the livestream on Youtube:

⁠https://youtube.com/@concussionrollerderby?si=8qw85hTyH0DcRQe3⁠ 

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Today we are getting a preview of MRDA Champs coming up with special guest, Showtime!

Showtime aged up from the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA) and now competes in the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA), skating with Concussion Roller Derby, where she also serves as team captain. Beyond her fierce gameplay, she’s a dedicated junior coach, helping young skaters grow not just in skill, but emotionally and mentally as they navigate the sport. She also volunteers with "Behind the Athlete" focusing on mental health care for athletes.

We dive into the power of emotional intelligence in derby, how to handle frustration as a skater, and why “not yet” doesn’t mean “never.” Showtime shares how she keeps the sport fun, competitive, and positive — and trust me, her enthusiasm is contagious.

Whether you're a new skater, a coach, or a derby vet, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, energized, and maybe a little bit caffeinated. And then you'll be eager to watch Showtime and all the other MRDA athletes competing at MRDA Champs in October!

Concussion Roller Derby is hosting MRDA Champs in Salem Oregon on October 10-12th. Showtime says you don't want to miss it as this event will be ICONIC. MRDA Champs will showcase the best in the world of all gender roller derby teams competing for the top.

Use discount code "PowerThrough" to save 15%!

Buy your tickets here:

https://concussionrollerderby.com/event/2025-mrda-championships/

Watch the livestream on Youtube:

https://youtube.com/@concussionrollerderby?si=8qw85hTyH0DcRQe3 

Follow Showtime on Instagram @hello_showtime

Photo by Alvin Green Jr

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre

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Today's episode has special guest -- NoMad (from NoMad Coaching)! NoMad has played, coached, and officiated at high levels of play all around the world. NoMad's roller derby story has so many life lessons and takeaways along with many laughs and a handful of somber moments that will make you really consider how you're approaching your journey in this sport. This episode covers:

• Protecting yourself from energy vampires

• Asking yourself a couple basic questions to transform any practice or game from a total meltdown to a learning moment with a little gratitude sprinkled in

• How even the most toxic league environment can be changed by fresh, motivated faces who are passionate about our sport

• Being a good training partner instead of just winning the drill

• Why we should all share what we know instead of hoarding our knowledge and skills like dragons

• The importance of checking in with each other

Photo by Ethan Corrterro @courtarro on IG

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre

Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at [email protected] or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.

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What makes a team unforgettable? It's not just the wins—it's the weird, wild, and deeply human moments that bond people together. From moments of fierce competition and overcoming adversity to silly shenanigans and belly laughs, this episode explores how to intentionally create more moments of connection, closeness, and joy within your team.

The book referenced in this episode is "Every Moment Matters" by John O'Sullivan.

Photo by Heather Hoffman

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre

Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at [email protected] or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.

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What if you approached each day knowing it could be the last time doing the things you love? In this heartfelt episode, I explore the philosophy of Memento Mori — a reminder of life’s impermanence — and how it’s helped me find renewed purpose and joy in our sport.

Through injuries, surgeries, and soul-searching, I found myself not where I expected to be — but exactly where I needed to be. This is a story about bonus time, second chances, and reconnecting with what lights you up inside.

If you’re navigating change, loss, or simply trying to be more present in your life, this episode is a reminder to slow down, pay attention, and savor what you have… while you still have it.

Photo by Meagen Kopacki - Photographer

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre

Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at [email protected] or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.

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