The LGBT Sport Podcast

We've covered all sorts of sports since we launched the BBC's LGBT Sport Podcast back in 2018.

From athletics to pro-wrestling, we've done the lot - but today, for the first time, we take a look at the world of horse-racing.

Russ Saunders is one of the people behind LGBT+ Inclusive Horse Racing - a new group that's trying to make the sport more welcoming and accepting for the LGBTQ+ community.

We'll be honest - we didn't know a tremendous amount about the sport before we started chatting with Russ, and he's the perfect guide to the sport of kings. This is a fascinating conversation that covers everything from how he got involved in the sport in the first place; to the steps that this syndicate is taking to help make the sport more inclusive; to what it is about horse-racing that continues to appeal to him.

We loved chatting with Russ - and we think you'll find him every bit as erudite and interesting as we did.

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We all know getting out and about is good for you, from both a physical and mental health point of view.

But research shows that many gay, bisexual and transgender men find it difficult to get involved in sport - because they've often experienced abuse or discrimination when they've tried in the past.

That's where the charity OutdoorLads is making a difference - by offering activities for gay, bisexual and transgender men that are based around the themes of staying active.

Vice-chair Danny McKeown-Henshall is the organisation's vice-chair - and has been telling us all about what the organisation does and how he got involved. So, expect plenty of chat about outdoor activities; taking a chance on getting involved with something new - and an OutdoorLads engagement!

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Ellie Mackin isn't the most famous person we've had on the BBC's LGBT Sport Podcast, or the most accomplished.

But I promise, she's provided us with an episode that will stick with you for a very long time - and a story that you genuinely couldn't make up. In fact, we don't want to tell you too much about Ellie, as we want you to listen and hear her remarkable tale in her own words.

So, we'll let you know that she is a former champion goalball player - and that hers is a story of overcoming adversity, discovering your identity, and finding a place where you truly belong.

And we think that, once you hear Ellie's story, you won't ever forget it.

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Tadd Fujikawa is used to making history.

In 2006 - at the age of just fifteen - the golfer became the youngest person to ever qualify for the US Open. And then a decade or so later, he came out as gay - something no male pro had ever done before.

So what has life been like for Tadd in the time since he opened up publicly about his sexuality - and what has life been like since then? We've wanted to have him on the podcast for a long time - and we've finally managed to rig up the technology between Cornwall and Hawaii to make it happen.

In this episode, Tadd talks openly and frankly about his journey - from first picking up a club in Hawaii to playing at the US Open to why visibility in sport is so, so important. So give it a listen!

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We've been trying to put our finger on why we enjoyed this episode so much.

Emma Collings-Barnes is a former British Open Water Champion who competed at the European Championships, while Greg King-Limb has successfully coached swimmers at a county, regional and national level.

They are - respectively - Director of Swimming and Assistant Director of Swimming at Mount Kelly: a school in Devon with a programme that has produced scores of international swimmers, including those who have medalled at an Olympic, Paralympic, World, Commonwealth and European level.

That, on its own, is fascinating enough - but what really makes this resonate is the fact that Emma and Greg are both LGBTQ+, and feel that creating a culture of tolerance and respect with the students they coach is just as important as ensuring they get the right results in the pool.

And let's be honest - how many of us could have done with seeing exactly that kind of openness and honesty when we were at school and, perhaps, coming to terms with our own sexuality or gender identity?

So, listen to this one and enjoy it - because we really loved making it.

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It's very hard to describe Claire Purdy without using the word 'legend' - because genuinely, that's what she is.

At the end of last month, she made her 250th appearance for Wasps Ladies - and as if that mammoth achievement wasn't enough, she was part of the England side that lifted the World Cup in 2014.

Few people have done more to be a servant to the game - and it's an absolute pleasure to have the chance to sit down with her for this episode of the podcast.

There's plenty on the agenda for this one, including how Claire got her start in the game; whether winning the World Cup in 2014 banished the memories of losing in 2010; returning to work and reality; how Wasps is like a family; and what the next stage of her life has in store.

Honestly, we loved having someone as articulate, modest and open as Claire on the podcast - and we're sure you'll love her as well!

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"We're here to play hockey, win games and drink beers..."

That's the ethos of the Southern Lights Ice Hockey Club in Melbourne, Australia - and, in almost every way, they're just like all the other sides they end up playing. But in one regard, the Lights are entirely unique - as they were set up last year to be the country's first-ever inclusive hockey team.

The team's creation came at the same time as the Australian LGBT Ice Hockey organisation was set up - so why are they both needed, and what difference are they making?

President Carl Jackson joins us to talk all about it - including how he got into the sport; how the Lights were set up; the ethos that keeps driving it all forward; and what the goal is for the future. Oh, and we think we've committed to training with the Lights if we ever end up in Australia - so wish us well with that one!

Genuinely, Carl is a lovely bloke to chat with - incredibly articulate and passionate about his sport - and we reckon he's the perfect guest to get the New Year underway!

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It's the end of the year - and we thought we'd round off 2019 with a special episode, looking back at some of the Olympians and Paralympians who have joined us during the past year.

There's a whole array of brilliant athletes and officials over the course of the next half-an-hour, as we hear from:

- Paralympic gold medallist Megan Giglia

You'll hear stories of overcoming adversity; of reaching new highs; of claiming the ultimate prize; and the importance of being LGBTQ+ role models.

And if you like what you hear from any of our guests, don't forget you can hear their full episode right now by taking a look in our back-catalogue of shows!

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We cover lots of different sports on the BBC’s LGBT Sport Podcast – and this week, we’ve got another one to add to the list.

eSports - otherwise known as professional video gaming - is enjoyed by millions around the world – and right at the centre of it all is a man from Cardiff.

James O’Leary is a commentator followed by thousands of people on social media - and on this fascinating episode, he gives us a brilliant insight into what eSports is all about. On the agenda - getting his start in the industry; the difficulties and joys of calling this form of action; whether he felt he could have come out earlier; and his career highlights so far.

We loved chatting with James for this one - and we really think you'll like him as well.

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It’s fair to say Nicola Adams has helped to define this sporting decade.

A double Olympic gold medallist, she's been one of the biggest sporting personalities in the country ever since she burst onto the national scene as one of the faces of London 2012.

Add to that her achievements as a Commonwealth, World and European champion - as well as success when she turned pro - and it's no wonder she's incredibly proud of what she achieved, not only inside the ring but outside the ropes as well.

We've wanted to have Nicola on the podcast since we began more than a year ago - and we're so glad we've finally managed to make it happen. There's loads going on in this episode - from making ends meet as an amateur to what comes next after Nicola's retirement - and we're privileged to have had the chance to get so much of this sporting superstar's time.

Honestly, it's one of our favourite episodes yet.

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Reporter: Jack Murley.