In this episode, uncover three common leadership mistakes that limit growth -- and learn how to develop confident, self-sufficient athletes who can handle pressure on and off the track. Resilience isn't build in comfort -- it's forged through challenge. Photo by Jason Lome @lomeranger Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre This podcast is brought to you by…

What happens when the thing you once loved—your sport, your career, your passion—starts to feel like a burden? In this episode, we dive into the complex relationship between passion and performance, why burnout happens even when you’re doing what you love, and how to reconnect with your “why.” Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not …

Why do we choose to suffer? Why do we volunteer for the bruises, the exhaustion, the late-night tournament planning sessions, the endless drills? This episode digs deep into the meaning behind the pain we choose—and how that effort transforms us. Whether you’re a skater who loves the hits or a coach who juggles everything to keep the team in the ga…

I’m diving into highlights of the Roller Derby World Cup 2025 and stacking the entire event up against last year’s Championships! You may remember I shared some critical feedback and ideas for how to make the biggest tournaments in our sport more engaging and audience friendly in episode 141: 5 Ways to Make Me LOVE Champs Again. How did the Roller …

In this episode, I go backstage at the Roller Derby World Cup for interviews with skaters and coaches from USA, Australia, Sweden, Argentina, and Canada. From grueling gym sessions to recovering from injury, these athletes share the physical and emotional work it takes to earn a spot on one of the most competitive rosters in our sport. You’ll hear …

This special episode covers absolutely EVERYTHING you need to know before watching or attending the Roller Derby World Cup this week! Listen during your travels and GET READY! Dork Mistress (Co-Head Announcer) and Cruella de Wild (of the host league, Fearless Bruisers) tag team explaining everything you've been dying to know about the the tournamen…

We're back in Europe for the last team interview before the World Cup talking to Team Poland! Mother Blocker (Team Manager) and Hell Stork (Captain) share about their journeys, the journey of their team, and explain the Polish smile and why Pierogis are good for before derby, after derby, and pretty much every meal! I’m talking to teams going to th…

This week's World Cup Team interview is with Indigenous Rising! BeastMode, Smackagawea, and Coach Krispy took time out of their team training weekend in Arizona to share more about their personal journeys in the sport, the evolution of this team, and how it has helped them connect with their heritage and each other. I’m talking to teams going to th…

This week is all about Team Brazil! Naclara and Maria Loca share their stories and the challenges of pursuing roller derby in their country and how their passion for the sport keeps them strong. I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so we can learn more about them and help support their journey. Follow Team Brazil on socials! https:…

In this episode, I revisit a topic that’s been echoing through my conversations lately—Imposter Syndrome. I’ve heard it from teammates, podcast listeners, even my own inner voice. Six years after my original episode on the subject, so much has changed—for all of us. I share personal stories, lessons from coaching, and mental tools that have helped …

Full house this episode with Black Diaspora Roller Derby! Diamond (cofounder of Black Disapora), Quadzilla (coach), Lightning McLynn, Archangel Anarchy, Thumpher, Wheelameana, and Hella Naughty share their roller derby stories and what it means to be a part of this borderless team. Who travels the furthest? What's Quadzilla's secret to the fountain…

This week, I got to talk to Team Finland and discover the secret to being one of the happiest countries in the world with Eerika aka Queerika of Helsinki Roller Derby and Ronja aka Rogue Fun of London Roller Derby. Why the grumpy fish? What does SISU really mean? Will we finally see one of the English speaking countries knocked out of the top spots…

This week's guests are Bellaciao from Vienna Roller Derby and Hell-o Kitty from the Fearless Bruisers of Innsbruck, Austria, hosts of the Roller Derby World Cup! What goes into putting on an event this massive? Let's get a behind-the-scenes look at this team and their mission of bringing the message of Skates over States to the world. I’m talking t…

In this episode, I share six ways to build trust and earn respect in your roller derby league. These are lessons I've picked up over the last 15 years as a skater, captain, and now as a coach. Earning trust is a long game that takes consistency, vulnerability, and accountability. Trust doesn't happen overnight -- it's something we earn every day, o…

I spoke with Ice Sickle and Mango about Team Iceland this week! What is it like to have the only roller derby team on an island? How did they obtain and renovate their amazing practice space? And why will they literally troll other teams at the Roller Derby World Cup with their troll energy? I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so …

This week, I got to talk to Sarah aka Shaolin Spocker from the Rose City Rollers and Shannon aka Shenanigans from Terminal City Roller Derby about Team Taiwan on their way to their very first appearance at the World Cup! This is a diasporic team as there are no roller derby teams in Taiwan. I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so w…

Four members of Team South Africa Roller Derby came on the show this week to tell us about their team's journey going into the World Cup! I talked with DiFibrillator and Iron Tyrant of Golden City Rollers and Zelfire and Shabam of Cape Town Rollergirls. I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so we can learn more about their history a…

How do you create a chemical reaction between yourself and a teammate? How do you create inspiration? Practice is good for developing fundamental skills, but not for deploying those skills under pressure. In a game, things never turn out exactly the way you planned. But there's a way to break through -- improvisation. Photo by Ciara Janae Photograp…

This week, I got to talk with Nohemy Michel Martinez aka "Noh Mames!", one of the founders of Fuego Latino! I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so we can learn more about them and help support their journey. Follow Fuego Latino on Instagram @fuegolatinorollerderby Photo by Shells Montana World Cup Fundraiser: Monarch Skates virtua…

This week I get to talk to two members of Team Japan -- Emily aka Primm Reaper and Manami aka Sailor Boom! I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so we can learn more about them and help support their journey. Would you like to support Team Japan? https://gofund.me/750413c9 Follow Team Japan on Instagram @japanrollerderby You MUST go…

Your team has voted you in as Team Captain. Congratulations! You are trusted as a leader. Whether it's your first time or you've done it for years, chances are you will make some mistakes. But don't fret! I'm here to help you avoid these 14 common mistakes that team captains (and sometimes coaches) make. Photo by Angela May Photography This podcast…

In this episode, I recap all 11 games of the No Borders Derby Tournament that took place this past weekend in Portland, Oregon hosted by the Rose City Rollers and featuring the teams of Black Diaspora, Indigenous Rising, Fuego Latino, Jewish Roller Derby, Salaam Roller Derby, and Team Desi. This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. …

It's easy to get discouraged or disillusioned in sports. There's always a risk of disappointment or failure. No matter how hard you work, chances are there is someone better than you out there. So what keeps us working hard and striving? Today's episode is about finding that moment where it all comes together and you become emotionally bought in to…

This week, I discuss the documentary that came out on DVD in 2021, "Queens of Pain", directed and produced by Cassie Hay and Amy Winston. The story follows three skaters balancing life and roller derby in New York City with the Gotham Roller Derby league. This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Visit Roller Derby Athletics at ⁠⁠⁠⁠…

I've got a special guest this week! My teammate and skater for Team Desi Roller Derby, Rachel (aka Machel aka Benefiel aka R Prasad aka Mace Hindu) is here to tell us all about the formation of Team Desi and the team's journey through their first games ever at the Y'Allstars Southern Skate Showdown in Louisiana vs Indigenous Rising Roller Derby, Di…

We've got a special guest today! The Saint is Head Coach of Arch Rival, the number two team in the WORLD who fought for the Hydra at WFTDA Champs 2024. Saint is also a former captain of the championship winning St. Louis Gatekeepers of MRDA. What does it take for a team who had never been at champs before to climb to being in the finals in a handfu…

It's shark punching season and I'll outline the four steps to help you get there. Struggling under high pressure situations? Imposter Syndrome? Looking for ways to handle stress? You can do hard things! Photo by Small Town Roller Derby Photography This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Visit Roller Derby Athletics at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rol…

Competition can be crushing. But what if you could embrace the pressure and channel those nerves into power and creativity? Let's talk about how to build unshakeable confidence and perform at your peak by recognizing how fun and exciting challenging situations can be. This episode welcomes back co-host Coach Dan! Photo by Slingshot Jack This podcas…

Sometimes we find ourselves waiting until...we are whole again and we get our lives back. How can we keep our mindset strong while our body is in recovery? This episode gives tips on how we can take care of ourselves, care for our teammates, and as a coach show up for your athletes struggling with an injury. The challenges of grief, acceptance, str…

You or someone close to you really needs this one. This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Visit Roller Derby Athletics at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rollerderbyathletics.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow our Facebook page at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Power4thWhistle ⁠⁠⁠⁠…

Don't let your dreams be dreams! I give you permission to dream bigger....by sharing the story of my team's trip to Iceland to compete internationally. This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Visit Roller Derby Athletics at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rollerderbyathletics.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow our Facebook page at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhi…

This was the first year I didn't love watching Champs. Why? Let's talk about it and how to get that magic back. This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Visit Roller Derby Athletics at ⁠⁠⁠⁠rollerderbyathletics.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow our Facebook page at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Powe…

This episode is for coaches helping new skaters learn roller derby for the first time. I share my entire Week 1 Curriculum for building confidence and control on skates. This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Visit Roller Derby Athletics at ⁠⁠⁠rollerderbyathletics.com/plans⁠⁠⁠. Follow our Facebook page at: ⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/pow…

Advice about gear, mindset, and training for before you start skating, during new skater clinics, and making the most of your rookie season. What to do at practice and in between practices that will set you apart. Photo by Junior This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Visit Roller Derby Athletics at ⁠⁠rollerderbyathletics.com/pla…

How to stop procrastinating, stay out of the boredom zone, free yourself from the anxiety zone, and find that flow state. Resource - Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Photo by Garrin Ball Photography This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Visit Roller Derby Athletics at ⁠⁠rollerder…

Yes, a NEW episode! This is really happening! This episode shares stories of being knocked down and getting back up again to play your sport. This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Visit Roller Derby Athletics at ⁠rollerderbyathletics.com/plans⁠. Follow our Facebook page at: ⁠www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle⁠. Follow us on In…

How do our left brain and right brain process learning something new? Also would a different way of training our skaters take all the emotional psychology out of the equation and let us focus on learning a new skill? Join the Discord and connect with other listeners: https://discord.gg/CZnAw6QtFY 📷 by Ciara Janae Find our transcribed episodes on ou…

The WFTDA released a new update for Return to Play Guidelines! Join the Discord and connect with other listeners: https://discord.gg/CZnAw6QtFY Find our transcribed episodes on our Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/power4thwhistle. They are public and free, but we'd super appreciate your support. (Thank you, Jenergy!) Follow our Facebook page…

Let's talk about why your teammates skip practice. Join the Discord and connect with other listeners: https://discord.gg/CZnAw6QtFY 📷 by Ciara Janae Find our transcribed episodes on our Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/power4thwhistle. They are public and free, but we'd super appreciate your support. (Thank you, Jenergy!) Follow our Facebook…

Becoming better leaders this week! What happens to people in your roller derby league who are given a position of power? How does their viewpoint change? Does obtaining power corrupt even the best of us? This week's episode explores the research of Dachner Keltner in his book, The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence. 📷 by Ciara Janae Find…

SAVE YOUR SMALL TOWN LEAGUE!! How many small town roller derby leagues have vanished in the last decade? How many could have been saved if they had known about this ONE THING? Special Guest Lemon shares the exciting discovery that saved her small town league in the Midwest from disbanding. 📷 by Season Chandler "How Short Track Roller Derby Can Save…

Want to play some roller derby? Want to play MORE roller derby?!? This week, I am joined by Orange Whip, an unofficial ambassador for other styles of roller derby gameplay and rules sets because Whip loves ALL the roller derbies! USARS Roller Derby Community Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/USARSrollerderbyteamsinUSA Official USA Ro…

This week's episode is about narrowing your focus and keeping your eyes on the finish line for your goals. 📷 by Lost Creek Studios Find our transcribed episodes on our Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/power4thwhistle. They are public and free, but we'd super appreciate your support. (Thank you, Jenergy!) Follow our Facebook page at: www.face…

The REVISED WFTDA Return to Play Guidelines are FINALLY here! What do they mean for your team? It means most leagues can go directly to Baseline and get on this flippin' ladder and SKATE! In this episode, I will do my best to summarize these guidelines as well as the Audience Guidelines for Return to Play. WFTDA Revised Return to Play Guidelines: h…

"Can we skate or what?!?" is what many have been asking. WFTDA hosted a Skate of the Union to update the community on....everything. The upcoming revisions to Return to Play Guidelines, putting Community over Competition, Regional Recovery, a Covid Recovery Fund, and updates from the ART Project working toward equity and non-racism. I'll do my best…

Coach Dan is here! After last week's episode about taking on obstacles, I wanted to follow up a topic we've been wanting to discuss for a long time. What are the challenges smaller leagues tackle regularly? And what can small leagues do to survive? All leagues around the world have been wondering about their mortality as of late, but we fear small …

In this episode, I'm sharing stories of how obstacles pushed people to new creative heights and made them try things they never would have attempted otherwise and how we can relate this to our growth as roller derby athletes and taking on challenges our leagues and teams face regularly (especially after last year, amiright?). Bottom line -- experim…

Many listeners have been wondering, what is it going to be like to return to play? And how do we help our coaches use the new curriculum? In this week's episode, I was joined by Chili, Coach of Pink Peril Roller Derby in the Netherlands and member of the WFTDA Task Force for the new curriculum, This Is Roller Derby. Chili's league got to return to …

This episode will be very beneficial to your team and league to help answers questions that have been coming up about the new curriculum. Our guides on this quest are special guests (River, Hammer, and Demon) who all worked on the curriculum as part of the WFTDA MSR Task Force. 📷 by Ciara Janae Documents on the Curriculum landing page: Ideas for Cr…

What if Michael Jordan's injury in his second season in the NBA was the end of his story and we never heard from him again? This episode is a Story Time with Jackie episode! Based on the HBO documentary "Women of Troy", I'll be telling you the story of Cheryl Miller and the rest of the USC basketball team that changed women's basketball forever. Th…