The Joys Of The Journey

Are we breaking our kids? In this powerful episode, Tsvetelina and Kristiyan tackle one of the most pressing issues in youth sports today: the pressure, the burnout, and the fine line between supportive and pushy parenting.

They share real stories from over 20+ years of coaching world champions, national champions, and NCAA recruits, and get honest about what happens when sports stop being about the kid and start being about scholarships, recruitment, and parental expectations.

This episode is for parents, coaches, and athletes who want to protect the love of the game while still chasing big goals.

Topics Covered:
• Why so many kids are quitting youth sports
• The real cost of competitive sports and how to navigate it
• Supportive vs. pushy parenting: where's the line?
• Warning signs of burnout in young athletes
• How criticism can damage confidence permanently
• When should kids specialize in one sport?
• Can taking a break actually save an athlete's career?
• What the healthiest sports families do differently

Whether you're navigating travel teams, tournament schedules, or just trying to keep your child engaged and healthy in their sport, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and actionable advice.

📘 Fencing Parent Playbook now available! A course designed for parents of competitive athletes, packed with insights from two decades of coaching at the highest level. Lifetime access with a one-time payment. https://premierfencingmentorship.mykajabi.com/parents-course

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Website: www.thejoysofthejourney.com
Instagram: @thejoysofthejourney (https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourney)
YouTube: @thejoysofthejourney (https://www.youtube.com/@TheJoysOfTheJourney)

Fencing Parent Playbook: www.thejoysofthejourney.com

This episode explores the complex relationship between identity and life transitions, especially for athletes and parents. It discusses how defining oneself solely by a profession or role can lead to challenges when that role ends, and emphasizes the importance of cultivating diverse interests and identities.

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Website: www.thejoysofthejourney.com

Instagram: /  @thejoysofthejourney

YouTube: /  @thejoysofthejourney

Follow Tsvetelina’s on Social:

Instagram: @Tsvetelina_Hristov

This podcast episode was recorded in Bulgarian, and the video subtitles are in English.

World No. 2 sabre fencer Yoana Ilieva joins Tsvetelina Hristov to talk about life at the top of international fencing.

Yoana represents Bulgaria and competes against the world's best athletes. She explains how elite fencers train, how they manage pressure during major competitions, and what daily life looks like while chasing world titles and Olympic results.

Topics
• Elite sabre fencing training
• Competition mindset
• International fencing tournaments
• Handling pressure in big matches
• Advice for young fencers

Yoana Social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoana__ilieva/

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Instagram: / @thejoysofthejourney https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourney

YouTube: / @thejoysofthejourne https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, I sit down with Misaki Emura, the world’s #1 women’s sabre fencer and a two-time World Champion.

We talk about the story behind becoming the best in the world, what people don’t see behind the wins, and the hardest moments that shaped her mindset. Misaki shares how she stays mentally strong under pressure, what she does when motivation is low, and the lessons she wants every young athlete to hear. Last but not least, being a good human and the legacy she wants to leave behind.

If you’re an athlete, a parent, a coach, or someone chasing a big goal, this episode will hit.

Misaki social:

www.instagram.com/emura_misaki

www.youtube.com/@misakichannel1120

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourney
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

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Explore how coaches and teachers shape your mindset, motivation, and growth. Tsvetelina shares real experiences in leadership that build you up—or break you down—and how to find mentors who truly make a difference.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourney
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

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In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Tsvetelina speaks with the team behind Fencers Do Good, a movement dedicated to making a difference in the communities.

They share the story of how Fencers Do Good began, the impact it’s having on fences around the United States, and how teamwork, compassion, and purpose drive their mission. We discuss how fencing builds character, how athletes can make a difference in their communities, and why giving back matters as much as winning.

Key Topics:

• The origin and mission of Fencers Do Good
• How fencing fosters leadership and service
• Stories of athletes making a difference
• Theo’s vision for the future of fencing with purpose

Find out more about Fencers Do Good:
Website: https://www.fencersdogood.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fencersdogood

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourney
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

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Ziad Elsissy’s journey is one of resilience, identity, and purpose. From growing up in Egypt to making history as the first Egyptian fencer to win an individual World Championship medal, his story is a testament to chasing a dream even when the world doesn’t expect it of you. In this conversation, Ziad opens up about the sacrifices, setbacks, and moments that shaped him — not just as an Olympian, but as a human being. This episode is a reminder that greatness isn’t found at the destination, but in the courage, faith, and heart it takes to stay on the journey.

Ziad Social: https://www.instagram.com/ziad_elsissy/

Z1 Fencing: https://www.instagram.com/z1fencing/

Z1 Fencing Website: https://www.z1fencing.com/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

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Premier Fencing Foundation was created to give every athlete a chance to fence, regardless of background. In this episode, Kristiyan and Tsvetelina Hristov share how they built a national nonprofit that supports youth athletes through funding, mentorship, and opportunities. Learn how Built by Blades, their athlete-run apparel brand, helps power the foundation while teaching leadership and business skills.

You’ll hear how passion for fencing grew into a movement shaping the next generation of athletes.

Learn more or get involved:

Premier Fencing Foundation – www.premierfencingfoundation.org

Built by Blades – www.builtbyblades.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

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In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Tsvetelina and Kristiyan Hristov sit down with Eli Dershwitz — a three-time Olympian, Junior and Senior World Champion, Pan American Champion, NCAA Champion, and Harvard graduate — to explore his inspiring path from elite athlete to mentor and leader.

Eli shares how his fencing career shaped his mindset, the lessons he’s learned from years of competition, and what it means to return to his roots as the owner of Zeta Fencing, the club where it all began. He reflects on the joy of giving back to the next generation, the power of staying grounded while chasing greatness.

This conversation dives deep into discipline, resilience, and leadership — reminding us that true success isn’t just about medals, but about the impact you leave on others.

🎧 The Joys of the Journey celebrates athletes, leaders, and dreamers who find purpose in growth and meaning in every step of their path.

Eli's social media: https://www.instagram.com/eli.dershwitz/

Zetag Fencing: https://www.instagram.com/zeta_fencing

Zeta Fencing Website: www.zetafencing.net

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourney
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

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In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, we explore the powerful balance between an athlete's effort and a coach's energy. True progress doesn’t come from motivation alone — it’s built on mutual discipline, understanding, and purpose.

We discuss why coaches need their athletes’ energy to be effective, how genuine effort from both sides leads to lasting success, and why parents must embrace their dual roles as supporters and mentors. From controlling your game rather than rushing through it to finding your personal “why,” this conversation dives deep into what separates temporary achievement from lifelong growth.

If you’re an athlete, coach, or parent striving for real results — this episode will remind you that success isn’t a one-way street; it’s a shared journey.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourney
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne