Strength and Skill

Strength & Skill Podcast ep. 9 with special guest Alix Krahn

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In this episode of Strength and Skill Podcast, co-host Kerri Kuzbyt is joined by special guest Alix Krahn, a sport sociologist and feminist scholar. Together, they explore how psychosocial factors such as coaching burnout, emotional labor, and gender dynamics impact the sports world. Alix shares her journey from being a competitive athlete to a researcher specializing in the intersection of sport, gender, and professionalization, offering insight into the challenges faced by coaches and athletes. They also discuss the need for systemic change in sports institutions to create supportive environments for both athletes and coaches. The conversation touches on the importance of creating fail-safe environments, managing emotional labor, and addressing cultural and religious diversity within sports.

Episode Outline:

  1. Introduction & Guest Overview

    • Kerri introduces guest Alix Krahn and her expertise in psychosocial factors in sports.

    • Alix’s Journey & Research Focus

      • Alix discusses her background as an athlete and transition into sport sociology, with a focus on psychological abuse, coaching, and gender issues.

      • Coaching Burnout & Emotional Labor

        • The emotional labor of coaching and its impact on mental health, especially for women and marginalized groups in sport.

        • Gender Dynamics in Coaching

          • Challenges women face in the coaching world, including societal expectations, gender biases, and the need for systemic support.

          • Creating Fail-Safe Environments

            • The importance of establishing environments that allow athletes and coaches to grow, learn, and fail safely.

            • Cultural and Religious Considerations in Sport

              • Discussion on how sports organizations should accommodate cultural and religious practices, such as fasting during Ramadan.

              • Closing Thoughts & Resources

                • Final reflections on systemic change, fostering diversity, and resources for further exploration of the discussed topics.


                  • To Reach Alix Krahn: [email protected]

                  additionally links to her articles and studies: https://oua.ca/edi/anti_racism_reports

                  https://we.tl/t-3wBiKJXOWO

                  To Reach Coach Kerri:

                  ⁠https://www.unboundedathletes.com/⁠


                  To Reach Coach Ermay:

                  ⁠https://ubuntu.basketball

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                  Strength and SkillBy Ubuntu Basketball