Keep the Flame Alive

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Apr 13, 2023

00:52:20

We love it when a TKFLASTANI comes back to visit--and it's even better when they bring someone along! We're excited to have Paralympian Ness Murby back on the the show. You may remember Ness' first visit, soon after he came out as transmasculine. Two-plus years later, he's fulfilled his dream of being a husband and father--and now he's trying to become the first openly out transgender Paralympian.

Ness and his wife Eva join us to talk about their docuseries called "Transcending," which follows their lives as they navigate Ness' transition in their everyday lives and on the field of play. Fun fact: Men's and women's discus are different! We get the inside scoop on what competition is like for both competitor and sports assistant in this division.

You can follow Ness on Insta and Twitter and check out his website TougherThan.com. Learn more about the show Transcending on AMI.

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Alison looks at the Dream Team from the men's gymnastics competition.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we've got news from:

Curler John Shuster
Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea
Karate-ka Tom Scott
Skeleton racer Shannon Galea
Running coach/announcer Geoff Wightman
The 1976 US Women's Olympic Basketball Team
Historian Dr. Victoria Jackson
Diver Laura Wilkinson
The dulcet tones of Jason Bryant

In news from Paris 2024, we talk about the ongoing cleanup of the Seine (this is an interesting Associated Press article about the situation.

Also, new bike lanes will be coming to the city--and you can metropole.fr/en_GB">rent bikes to go from venue to venue!

And Team USA's hospitality house will be open to fans at Paris 2024. Ticket information is here.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-2bJ

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Ness Murby.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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Apr 06, 2023

00:26:28

We've got spring fever this week, which means it's a great time for a Lightning Round episode! This time we're gymnastics-forward, so put your hair in a scrunchie and get ready for some Olympic-level insight from The Magnificent Seven creators Gordon Leary and Julia Meinwald, gymnastics choreographer Nicole Langevin, and athletic trainer Wayne Lamarre. If you ever wondered what KT tape is good for, this episode is for you!

Find out more about Gordon and Julia:

Follow Nicole and learn more about her services:

Follow Wayne on Twitter.

Let us know about your first memory of the Games! We love hearing from you!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-2bh

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

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Mar 31, 2023

00:47:15

During Tokyo 2020 coverage, Olly Hogben became one of our favorite OBS commentators, so we're thrilled to have him on this week. Olly talks with us about how he switched careers from teaching to commentating, how to work with a co-commentator, and what being at an event in person does to enhance the viewer experience. Plus, we have big announcement about Paris 2024!

Olly's a great follow on social media! Check him out on Twitter and Insta, and you can learn more about him at his website.

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Alison starts looking into the gymnastics competition. Remember when there were compulsory exercises?! Well, the United States ran into issues when a little-known rule got applied to Kelly Garrison-Steves' uneven bars routine.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have news from:

Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
Bobsledder Josh Williamson -- are you going to Bobsled Fantasy Camp?
Boxer Ginny Fuchs
Olympic legend Marnie McBean
Curler John Shuster, who's competing at the BKT Tires & OK Tires World Men’s Curling Championship

Plus, updates from the International Olympic Committee's Executive Board meeting, which includes the Russia/Belarus situation and the boxing situation.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-2ax

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Olly Hogben.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

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Mar 23, 2023

01:00:29

Mar 16, 2023

00:49:56

We are thrilled to talk para archery with three-time Paralympian Matt Stutzman. Matt, who is also known as the Armless Archer, won a silver at London 2012, was 4th at Rio and placed 9th at Tokyo. He has also competed and medaled at multiple world championships. We talked with him about how the sport works, what strategies competitors use and the advice Olympian Michael Johnson gave him.

Follow Matt on Twitter, Insta and Facebook. And check out his cherry-on-top BOOM in Team USA's 2021 Paralympic commercial.

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Alison looks back at the women's team archery event, another first for women at these Games - plus a country first!

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we hear from:

Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski - congrats on your 2022/23 season!
Race walker Evan Dunfee
Wheelchair curler Steve Emt

And a reminder that "The Magnificent Seven" starts on March 31 at the Flint Repertory Theatre.

We've reached the 500 days to go mark for Paris 2024! The next phase of the ticket lottery is opening up, so sign up here and examine the guide.pdf">catalog for ticket prices.

Plus, hospitality houses are back, and there could be olympiques-2024-le-comite-organisateur-cherche-encore-des-logements-a-teahupoo-1367302.html">trouble with housing in Tahiti. We've got the info!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-29W

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Matt Stutzman.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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Mar 10, 2023

01:03:47

It's Women's History Month, so it's only appropriate that our first book club selection of 2023 celebrates female athletes. Book Club Claire is back to discuss Inaugural Ballers: The True Story of the First US Women’s Olympic Basketball Team by Andrew Maraniss.

We're having a free virtual Q&A with Andrew on Monday, March 27 at 9pm US Eastern Time. If you'd like to join us, please email flamealivepod@gmail.com to RSVP.

In our history moment, Jill looks at a women's first at Seoul 1988: Track Cycling. This story also contains an Olympic first--and only--statistic.

We've got news from our TKFLASTAN. Hear what's up with:

Shooter Kim Rhode
Curler John Shuster
Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski
Hockey player Brianna Decker
Former biathlete Clare Egan, who's speaking at the Your Future Olympian virtual summit.
Paddler Luuka Jones
Listener David

In Paris 2024 news, we're talking about ticket lotteries, Notre Dame reconstruction, and the 500 Days Out celebration (if you're in Ireland, here's where you can register for it)

In Milan-Cortina 2026 news, Alison's got an announcement, and we potentially have a winner in the mascot selection!

The International Olympic Committee has announced its esport series - learn more about the games and qualifiers here.

The International Paralympic Committee has released a new strategic plan to take the organization through 2026. We break down some of the exciting goals they have.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-29z

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

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Mar 02, 2023

01:03:27

It's two interviews for the price of one! On this episode, middle-distance running coach and in-stadium announcer Geoff Wightman joins us to talk about how to run a 1500m, as well as what it's like to keep a crowd entertained during an athletics competition.

You can follow him on Insta and Twitter. Geoff also has a series of e-books on Amazon that tell about his life and stories in sport.

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Alison keeps the "all in the family" theme going, with a look at the Olympians whose parents and/or children were part of these Games.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we get updates from:

Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski
Shooters Tim Sherry and Ginny Thrasher
Erin Jackson - get her bobblehead here
Ness Murby - watch his show "Ness Murby: Transcending" here
All of the listeners who got into the Paris 2024 ticket lottery
Curler John Shuster

Plus, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has agreed to take on the Kamila Valieva appeal.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-298

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photos courtesy of Geoff Wightman.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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Feb 24, 2023

01:17:21

We love learning about the people behind the scenes who help expand the visibility of the Paralympics. On this episode we're talking with Alexis Schaefer, the former Commercial and Marketing Director of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Alexis talks with us about marketing the Paralympics, attracting major sponsors, and broadcasting the Games. More importantly, we've got feed beefs explained!

You can follow Alexis on LinkedIn and Twitter.

In our history moment, Jill looks at the Paralympic Games of Seoul, which are considered to be the first Games of the Paralympic modern era.

We have tons of news from our TKFLASTANIS, including updates from:

Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
Shooters Kim Rhode, Tim Sherry and Ginny Thrasher
Nordic combined competitor Annika Malacinski
Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea
Curler John Shuster
Race walker Evan Dunfee
Paddler Luuka Jones
Hammer thrower DeAnna Price
Speed skater Erin Jackson
Retired shot putter Michelle Carter
Retired artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau
Retired cross-country skier Kikkan Randall
Book Club Claire

We also have an update on the Kamila Valieva doping situation -- we're getting closer to a final resolution!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-28L

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Alexis Schaefer

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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Feb 16, 2023

01:10:15

It's always fun talking with people about the Olympics and Paralympics. In this episode, we bring one of those conversations to you! We sit down with Ben Waterworth and Colin Hilding, two of the three hosts of Off the Podium, an Olympics podcast from an Australian and Canadian perspective.

Learn about the moments that sucked us into the excitement of the Olympics and find out about some key Olympians and sports from Australia and Canada. You'll also find out which Olympian doesn't really make for a good costume in Australia.

Find Off the Podium on your favorite podcast app (like Apple or Spotify). They're on social at Insta and Twitter!

For a transcript of this episode and to see some of the competitions we reference, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-28z

Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. Want to give back? Learn more here.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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Feb 09, 2023

01:08:15

We joke about people peddling steaks and watches as influence, but megasporting events do have some very public issues with corruption. Could the International Olympic Committee create reform when it comes to anti-corruption and human rights? Law professor Andy Spalding, head of the independent group Olympics Compliance Task Force joins us to talk about the work his group is doing to develop a new approach to these issues for the Olympics and the World Cup. You might be shocked to hear what Qatar did in these areas - time will tell on whether its efforts will be a part of its legacy.

You can find out more about Andy and his work at his University of Richmond faculty page and the Olympics Compliance Task Force site.

Speaking of corruption, Alison's got the story of what's likely the most corrupt boxing match in Olympic history. That's in our Seoul 1988 moment.

In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from:

Curler John Shuster
Race walker Evan Dunfee
Listener Brianna

Lots of news from Paris 2024! Boycott talk continues....but the IOC reminds countries that boycotts are a violation of the Olympic Charter. Reminder from us: Russia's invasion was a violation of the Olympic Truce.

But better news from Paris - the announcement of pictograms and the first stop on the torch relay!

Not to be outdone, Milan-Cortina 2026 has announced the finalists in its mascot competition. Vote here.

And! Could we see a 2030 Winter Games in Stockholm? TPTB are looking into it.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-28a

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo credit: University of Richmond

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

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Feb 02, 2023

00:44:45

Film Buff Fran is back to discuss "Jappeloup" -- how do the French do with sports biopics?

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, we stay in the world of equestrian. Jill looks at the dressage competition and the emergence of Nicole Uphoff and her horse Rembrandt.

We travel to TKFLASTAN to get some news from:

Shooter Tim Sherry
Wheelchair curler Steve Emt
Short track speed skater Ryan Shane
Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
Our listeners!

Paris 2024's Paralympic schedule is now live.

The Paralympic sports program for LA 2028 has been announced, with the option to add two more sports. What are they? We've got the news!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-27S

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

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Jan 26, 2023

00:46:41

This week we've got part two of our conversation with Dick Pound, the longest-serving member of the International Olympic Committee. Dick worked on the formation of the World Anti-Doping Agency, so we start today's conversation with one of our favorite topics, doping. Then we get into Dick's work with broadcast rights negotiation, as well as the Winter 2030 bid and legacy.

In our Seoul history moment, Alison takes a look at the official song "Hand in Hand." Watch the song being performed at the Opening Ceremonies here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=OlxqzcOWMvk&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

TKFLASTAN is busy this week! We have updates from past guests:

Skeleton racer Shannon Galea
Race walker Evan Dunfee
Modern pentathlete Jo Muir
Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski
Karate-ka Tom Scott
Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
Figure skater Nate Bartholomay

In our news from upcoming Games, both Paris 2024 and Milan-Cortina 2026 are feeling budgetary pressures. Also, you have just a few days to register for the first Paris 2024 ticket lottery (though if you don't make this one, there will be other opportunities to get tickets)!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-27x

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo: IOC Media

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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Jan 19, 2023

00:56:51

We are so excited to have Dick Pound on today's episode. Dick is one of the most influential people in the Olympic Movement. This is the first part of our interview with Dick, in which we talk about his Olympic experiences and some details about his involvement with the Olympic Movement.

We also have an announcement about a SPECIAL EVENT that's coming up in March!

In our look at Seoul, Jill delves into life at the Olympic Village. What was the salad bar called? What did you get if your birthday fell during the Games? What was that final event all about? How much do we miss the sexism of the 1980s?

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have news from:

Shooter Kim Rhode
Sled hockey player-turned commentator Taylor Lipsett. Hear him commentate a sled hockey exhibition on January 23.

We have an "update" on the Kamila Valieva Beijing 2022 doping situation, which is exactly what we expected. Now on to a World Anti-Doping Agency appeal.

In news from Paris 2024, hospitality packages have gone on sale. These include guaranteed tickets and a number of other experiences.

There's also some concern about climate change affecting an Athletes' Village that is planned to have no air conditioning.

We also have broadcast rights updates for future Games for both the Olympics and Paralympics. European and Asian listeners - here's how you'll watch them!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-278

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo: IOC Media

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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Jan 12, 2023

01:01:06

The International Olympic Committee is a juggernaut that in 2021 brought in Annual-Report-2021.pdf?_ga=2.60698029.1668023334.1673540442-1514534625.1673540442"> $4.2 billion in revenue. But the organization wasn't always that wealthy, and it took a lot of work to create the programs that brought the IOC from the brink of destruction to the global powerhouse it is today.

Michael Payne was one of the people who helped the IOC right its course.

As the organization's first marketing director, he helped develop the TOP sponsorship program and also managed broadcast rights. After working at the IOC for 16 years, he left in 2004 to start Payne Sports Media Strategies, his own sports and entertainment strategic consulting firm. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he put together a coffee table book of Olympics-related political cartoons called Toon In!, for which he was honored with the Pierre de Coubertin medal for his contributions to Olympism.

We talked with Michael about his book and developing the TOP sponsorship program, as well as some interesting planning negotiations during Seoul 1988.

Learn more about Michael at his website, and you can find out more about his book here. He's also a great follow on Twitter!

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Alison looks at the infamous cauldron lighting, which led to the demise of several birds.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have updates from:

Nordic combined competitor Annika Malacinski
Short track speed skater Ryan Shane
Long track speed skater Erin Jackson
Bobsledder Josh Williamson
Hurdler Dawn Harper Nelson
Super Fan Sarah

We also have Games news from

Beijing 2022
Paris 2024
Milan-Cortina 2026
Winter Games 2030

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-26M

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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Hang out with us online:

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Jan 06, 2023

00:55:21

As is our tradition, we're dedicating our first episode of the year to the Games that will be the focus of our history moments in 2023. You have selected Seoul 1988, so we are really excited to dig into these Games. To kick things off, we've got Olympic historian Bill Mallon to share some of the background, big moments, and legacies of these Games.

In our check in with Team Keep the Flame Alive, we have updates from TKFLASTANIs:

Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski
Short track speed skater Ryan Shane
Long track speed skater Erin Jackson
Bobsledder Josh Wiliamson
Former biathlete Clare Egan
Former fencer Olya Abasolo Ovtchinnikova
Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng

Plus, we have news from Paris 2024, Winter 2030 and Brisbane 2032! If you want to apply to volunteer with Team Ireland for Paris 2024, go here: https://olympics.ie/volunteering-opportunity-with-team-ireland-in-paris-2024/

We'd love to hear your favorite moments from Seoul -- let us know what you remember from those Games!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-26z

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

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Dec 29, 2022

00:32:30

We're closing out the year by giving you a little taste of the bonus audio that our silver medal level and up patrons receive every month. This includes deleted scenes from interviews, post-interview debriefs and--new for 2023--rule changes that will affect how you'll understand the sports on the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic programs.

In this episode we explore the rule changes you'll notice in Artistic Gymnastics. Also, TKFLASTANI Shannon Galea tells us all about Maltese food.

Want more? Check out our Patreon page or our Support page.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-26b

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

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Dec 22, 2022

00:56:28

We've got company over for the holidays! We're celebrating the end of 2022 with John Cushing and Michael Weadock, the lads from Anything But Footy, an Olympics and Paralympics podcast focused on Team GB and the Games. How was London 2012 in the eyes of Americans? Was Atlanta 1996 the worst Games ever? And what does legacy really mean? All this and more as we cross the pond to chat with our fellow Games podcasters.

Follow Anything But Footy on Twitter, Insta, YouTube, and Facebook!

For a transcript of this show, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-25N

Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. Want to give back? Learn more here.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

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Dec 15, 2022

01:03:17

Film Buff Fran is back with one of her all-time favorite movies, "The Cutting Edge" starring Moira Kelly and D.B. Sweeney. Can the icy figure skater and the rough-and-tumble former hockey player get past their differences in order to become an Olympic-caliber pairs team?

Also on this episode, we have our last Albertville 1992 history moment, in which Jill looks at CBS' highlights videotape.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have news from:

Short track speed skater Ryan Shane
Nordic combined racer Annika Malacinski
Speed skater Erin Jackson
Swimmer John Naber
Curler John Shuster

Plus, the International Olympic Committee is looking into a pathway for Russian and Belarussian ahtletes to compete at Paris 2024. Should they be allowed to do so?

Special shout out to our patron of the week, Stanley Yang!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-25u

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

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VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Dec 09, 2022

01:13:05

LA 2028 will be here before you know it, so we wanted to learn a bit more about what's going on behind the scenes at the Organizing Committee. Izzy Cerullo, two-time Olympian in rugby sevens and current commercial and consumer insights associate at LA 2028, tells how she landed a gig on the other side of the Olympics and what insights she's looking at. Plus, Jill might have sighed more than Alison during this episode. What's up with that?

Follow Izzy on Twitter and Insta!

In our Albertville 1992 history moment, Alison takes a look at the amazing closing ceremonies. It's almost time to bid adieu to Albertville 1992! Perhaps the snow globe ladies are ready for us to go. Watch the ceremonies here.

In news from TKFLASTAN, we have updates from:

Nordic Combined athlete Annika Malacinski
Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
Curler John Shuster
Figure skating analyst Jackie Wong
Author Roy Tomizawa
Gamesmaker and former fencer Olya Abasolo Ovtchinnikova
Speed skater Erin Jackson

In doping news, the International Testing Agency has finished its reanalysis of London 2012 samples. It's a shame it had to be done, but the truth has hopefully won this battle.

Suprising (or not) Milan-Cortina 2026 news: Construction of a new bobsled track's been approved. Cue our sighing.

And the International Olympic Committe Executive Board met this week -- we've got updates on the selection for the host city of the 2030 Winter Games, the Russia situation, and the boxing situation. And, North Korea's coming off suspension!

Special shout out to our patron of the week: Listener Lorry!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-253

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Izzy Cerullo.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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Dec 01, 2022

01:07:37

If you love Izzy, this episode is for you! In November Jill had the opportunity to go to Atlanta and was able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Atlanta 1996 archives at the Atlanta History Center. Collections Manager Erica Hague showed Jill a few of the thousands of things they have in storage and walked her through TKFLASTANI Sarah Dylla’s exhibit on the Atlanta 1996 Games.

To see photos and videos from this visit, check out our website and/or YouTube Channel.

In our Albertville 1992 history moment, Jill looks at the women's biathlon relay, which is a color pukesplosion with an amazing finish. Watch it in all its glory here.

In news from TKFLASTAN we have updates from:

Pin collector Don Bigsby
Table tennis player Milly Tapper
Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng

In our Paris 2024 update, registration for the first ticket lottery has started. Join Le Club for better access. Also, more Phrygees will be made in France. You don't say?

The International Olympic Committee has announced it will hold an e-sports week, complete with competitions. Maybe we can train up for this one!

And the International Paralympic Committee held an Extraordinary General Assembly to vote on whether Russia and Belarus should remain members. SPOILER ALERT: It's not a good ending for Russia and Belarus.

Shout out to our patron Dan! Check out his Olympics newsletter archive.com/home/?u=7a61290f7e68908f5d87244c9&id=ff092a6872"> here. Want to be our patron? Find out more here.

For a transcript, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-23S

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photos: Jill Jaracz

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

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Nov 24, 2022

00:27:15

It's Thanksgiving in the U.S., so we've got an all-Paralympic lightning round heading your way. First up is para shooter McKenna Geer. McKenna won bronze at Rio 2016 and also competed at Tokyo 2020 in air rifle.

Next we have para dressage rider Sydney Collier. Sydney finished seventh at Rio 2016 and was an alternate for the U.S.' Tokyo 2020 team.

Finally, we're joined by Rob Snoek, who competed for Canada in athletics, and has gone on to become a sports commentator.

Follow our TKFLASTANIs on social:

McKenna - Facebook, Insta and Twitter
Sydney - Twitter and Insta. Also check out her website.
Rob - Twitter and Insta

NEW! We're looking for mascots and folks who want to close out the show!

Mascot: Your pet will sponsor the show! We'll talk about them on an episode, and they'll be the star of our newsletter and social channels for a week.
Close out the show: You will get to remind listeners to "keep the flame alive" at the end of one episode. This is your chance to add "podcast appearance" to your resume.

Limited slots are available - get yours today (or put it on your holiday wish list)! fi.com/flamealivepod/commissions">Get more information here, and for all the ways to support the show, go here.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-23B

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photos courtesy of McKenna Geer, Sydney Collier and Rob Snoek.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

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Nov 18, 2022

01:00:10

Book Club Claire is back for our last Book Club meeting for 2022, and we're discussing Snowball's Chance: The Story of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games Squaw Valley & Lake Tahoe by David C. Antonucci. Know nothing about the 1960 Winter Olympics? Neither did we until we read this book, and it's got all sorts of fun details that are surprisingly relevant to other parts of this episode. Plus, Walt Disney was involved with the ceremonial aspect of these Games, which definitely peaked our interests.

In other big news, Paris 2024 announced its mascots: The Phyrges! We've got the story behind these two symbols and our thoughts on how they'll be as mascots.

We also have another chapter in our Modern Pentathlonovela and the Kamila Valieva doping situation.

In our Albertville moment, Alison shares the story of the temporary stadium that housed the ceremonies - and what happened to it after the Games.

Checking in with our Team Keep the Flame Alive, we have competition results and news from:

Shooter Tim Sherry
Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
Table tennis player Melissa Tapper
Handball player Sarah Gascon
Speed skater Erin Jackson (that link goes to her Hear Her Sports interview where she talks about the differences between inline and speed skating)
Figure skater Nate Bartholomay
Retired luger Shiva Keshavan
Marketing consultant Terrence Burns

We also have some news from Milan-Cortina 2026 on the speed skating venue -- which includes another flashback to Winter 1960.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-236

Thank you to all of our patrons who keep our flame alive. If you appreciate this show and would like to give back, please visit our support page for ways to do so.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Nov 11, 2022

00:56:10

We're just weeks away from registration for the ticket lottery for the Paris 2024 Olympics, so our TFKLASTANI travel expert Ken Hanscom is here to tell us about the new way tickets will be sold (and why it's OK to not win a spot in the first ticket lottery). He also talks about the lodging situation, so you can start planning your trip!

Follow Ken on Twitter and Insta. He also runs the Paris 2024 Olympics Planning & Preparation Facebook Group, so if you're not part of that, you should be. Its members have tons of great advice, whether this is your first or umpteenth Games. Ken's also put out the "Ultimate Guide to Paris 2024 — Your Roadmap to the Summer Games in Paris, France," so be sure to check out that as well!

In our Albertville 1992 history moment, Jill looks at the Men's 20K Biathlon race -- and a case of blood doping gone seriously wrong.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have news from Team Keep the Flame Alive members:

Shooter Tim Sherry
Short Track Speed Skater Ryan Shane
Speed Skater Erin Jackson
Curler John Shuster
Shooter Ginny Thrasher
Para Powerlifter Louise Sugden
Modern Pentathlete Jo Muir
Handball player Sarah Gascon

In our Games updates, we have the next steps on the Kamila Valieva situation (spoiler alert: Nothing's resolved), a teaser on the Paris 2024 mascots, and a new leader for Milan-Cortina 2026.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-22R

If this content provides value to you, please consider giving back. We have a variety of ways to support the show.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Ken Hanscom.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Nov 03, 2022

00:59:56

We're getting on the track -- the short track -- with Ryan Shane, US Olympic hopeful in short track speed skating. Ryan's got the details of the sport and answers some of our burning questions left over from Beijing 2022! And we've got some ice talk! You know how we love ice talk!

Ryan recently made the Team USA roster for the Fall Short Track World Cup Circuit, so be on the lookout for his competitions! The easiest way to do that is to follow him on Insta and his website.

In our Albertville 1992 history moment, Alison takes us to the ski jumping hill to tell us about Toni Nieminen, who stunned the competition with the latest innovation in ski jumping.

In our update from TKFLASTAN, we have news from:

Sport shooter Tim Sherry
Speed skater Erin Jackson - vote for her and Chloe Kim for the platform.com/a/organizations/main/gallery?roundId=2&fbclid=IwAR1ppXHF73wRFIGdRVRvaxWTA0ku8z7Q5Z3RI1mc4DA7MdKQGkw5cMNt3x0"> AAU James E. Sullivan award daily until November 9!
Curler John Shuster
Wheelchair curler Steve Emt
Sport climber Josh Levin

Also, our condolences to the family of Sid Marantz, who passed away this week.

We also have a doping-related podium update.....from London 2012.

And big news from the government of British Columbia on its thoughts about hosting the 2030 Winter Olympics.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-22t

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photos courtesy of Ryan Shane.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org storefront: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

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Oct 28, 2022

01:00:49

Ever wonder what goes into creating an Olympic gymnastics floor routine? Choreographer and gymnastics judge Nicole Langevin joins us to explain some of the required elements and how gymnasts pack them into a minute-and-a-half.

Among Nicole's routines include TKFLASTANI Chellsie Memmel's comeback routine and TKFLASATNI Houry Gebeshian's Rio 2016 routine (which has a really cool story behind it).

Follow Nicole and learn more about her services:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolelangevinconsultant
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/NicoleLangevinConsultant
Podcast: What Makes You Think - http://www.youtube.com/whatmakesyouthinkpodcast and whereever you get your podcasts. Follow them on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/youthinkpod
Precision Choreography: https://precisionchoreo.com/

In our Albertville 1992 history moment, Alison has the story of these Games' enormous medals, made by Lalique, and the trend they started.

Plus, Paris 2024 has announced its plans for the Paralympics Opening Ceremony, and they are cool!

Links mentioned in the show:

Houry Gebeshian's Rio 2016 floor routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZqLiN2bCBg
David Garrett's Nirvana cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tUrn-EESBc
Shannon Miller's Barcelona 1992 floor routine: https://youtu.be/yY_vjL8tMvk
Some examples of wolf turns: https://youtube.com/watch?v=6FF02uZUH10&feature=share&utm_source=EKLEiJECCKjOmKnC5IiRIQ
Albertville 1992 medals: https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/albertville-1992/medal-design
Paris 2024 Paralympic Opening Ceremony: https://www.paralympic.org/news/paris-2024-host-first-paralympic-games-opening-ceremony-outside-stadium
Rocket Man at LA 1984: https://youtube.com/watch?v=TAP5yVaYxJU&feature=share&utm_source=EKLEiJECCKjOmKnC5IiRIQ

Thank you to our patrons - we're testing out new benefits, so get in on the action at http://www.patreon.com/flamealivepod

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me /pbRtIx-22e

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photos: Courtesy of Nicole Langevin

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

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Oct 20, 2022

01:00:52

Sports marketing, sponsorship and bid city consultant Terrence Burns is back for part two of our conversation. This time we're talking bidding for the Olympics. Which bids surprised everyone? Which bids failed miserably? We've got the details!

Learn more about Terrance's work: https://www.tburnssports.com/

Get more bid stories on his blog: http://www.terrencehburnsblog.com/

Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TBurnsSports

Will there ever be an Olympics in the Middle East? Terrence has opinions here: https://www.sportbusiness.com/2020/08/terrence-burns-if-the-wind-blows-ride-it/

In our Alberville history moment, Jill continues her story on the bobsled competition. We start with the color pukesplosion and amazing ride of this Unified Team: https://youtu.be/JugAtILSqMM

Then we get into espionage and the story of driver Harald Czudaj -- and this one involves a surprising person!

In our visit to TKFLASTAN to catch up with Team Keep the Flame Alive, we have updates from:

Boxer Ginny Fuchs
Retired biathlete Clare Egan
Race walker Evan Dunfee
Paralympian John Register
Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
Speedskater Erin Jackson -- catch her competition this weekend on US Speedskating's YouTube channel.
Curler John Shuster -- catch his competition on Sportsnet, Sportsnet ONE or Sportsnet 360, and stream the action on SN NOW.

And Paris 2024 has announced details on how to volunteer for the next Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Learn more here: https://www.paris2024.org/en/volunteers/

For a transcript, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-21X

Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. Want to give back? Learn more here.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Terrence Burns.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Oct 13, 2022

01:14:29

What's it like to be an Olympic sponsor, and how has sponsorship and marketing of the Olympics evolved? Terrence Burns of T. Burns Sports Group is here to give some insight into this history.

Follow Terrence on Twitter and read about his adventures consulting on Olympic bids at this blog.

In our Albertvile history moment, Alison looks the legendary Italian skier Alberto Tomba--better known as Tomba la Bomba--and his achievements at Albertville 1992.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN where we catch up with Team Keep the Flame Alive, we have news from:

Bobsledder Josh Williamson
Hurdler Dawn Harper Nelson

Plus, we have news from Paris 2024 - potential big changes coming to artistic swimming, and the Myrtha Pool deal has been inked (see Episode 30 for more about temporary pools). And, how's the organizing committee doing on transportation accessibility?

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-21m

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Terrence Burns.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

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Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Oct 06, 2022

00:56:07

Grab your popcorn and pull up your chair! Film Buff Fran is back for another edition of Keep the Flame Alive's Movie Club. This time we're watching the 2016 Jesse Owens biopic "Race." Will it inspire us to become sprinters?

In our Albertville 1992 history moment, Jill starts looking at the bobsled competition. This competition has it all: Scandal! Spying! A color pukesplosion! This week: Scandal -- or, Team USA's really tough Olympic quad. Would the Dream Team have made it better?

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have updates from:

Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski
Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
Curler John Shuster
Speed skater Erin Jackson
The dulcet tones of Jason Bryant - to donate to his efforts to help Beat the Streets raise money to help kids get wrestling gear, visit here.

Paris 2024 has announced the marathon course -- this one looks like it's going to be an epic Olympic marathon!

Plus, LA 2028's dynamic logo is sponsor-ready. Should it be?

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-20L

Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. Want to give back? Learn more here.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

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Sep 29, 2022

01:02:12

Content warning: This episodes contains discussions of eating disorders.

During the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, our listeners had a ton of questions about ski jumping (particularly with that suit controversy). We talked with Blake Hughes, former USA Nordic Women's Ski Jumping Team Director and Head Coach of USA Nordic Sport, to sort it all out. From ice tracks to ski suit tailors to thoughts on the movie "Eddie the Eagle," this interview will definitely make you watch ski jumping in a different way.

We also have an Albertville 1992 moment, news from TKFLASTAN and news on Paris 2024.

Vote for next year's historical Olympics here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Did you know that we have a crowdsourced map of Olympic and Paralympic sites? It's a work in progress, and if you'd like to help expand its content, find it here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1V-tJWDWUnW9CKhC2op0H5_tMiXROGBUp&ll=3.5901258300001047%2C0&z=2

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-20G

Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. Want to give back? Learn more here.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Sep 22, 2022

01:46:54

We're back after technical problems and a medical emergency derailed the show last week. This show is worth the wait though!

We're excited to have British Paralympic bronze medalist Louise Sugden on the show this week to help us learn about the sport of para powerlifting and setting goals that keep her motivated to go further in the sport.

The European Para Powerlifting Championships take place September 24-29. Follow the action here.

In our history segment, which focuses on Albertville 1992 this year, Jill takes to the cross-country competition to tell the tale of Raisa Smetanina, one of the greats in the sport and the first winter athlete to achieve an amazing feat.

You can learn more about Raisa at her smetaninoy.ru/">museum (which also happens to be her home).

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have a number of updates from our Team Keep the Flame Alive members, including:

Boxer Ginny Fuchs
Andrew Maraniss -- pick up his new book Inaugural Ballers (and shopping through that link supports the show)!
The dulcet tones of Jason Bryant
Table tennis player Millie Tapper
Speedskater Erin Jackson
Modern pentathlete Jo Muir
Ice Dancer Charlie White

In Games news we have:

Beijing 2022 - A brief update on the Kamila Valieva doping case
Paris 2024 - Information on ticket sales (!!!) (Hint: Join Le Club), the torch relay, venue updates, and more. Keep up to date with the basic info on our Paris page.
LA 2028 - At an IOC Coordiation Commission meeting, the IOC and LA2028 admit that the Olympics cannot fix all of a city's problems.

Plus we have an update from last week's IOC Executive Board meeting.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1ZZ

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo credit: ImageComms, courtesy of Louise Sugden

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

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Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Sep 08, 2022

00:47:31

Book Club Claire is back for a not-so-marathon discussion about TKFLASTANI marathoner Abdi Abdirahman's book Abdi's World: The Black Cactus on Life, Running, and Fun. And plants. We also talk plants.

Our next book will be Snowball's Chance: The Story of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games Squaw Valley & Lake Tahoe by David C. Antonucci. Get your copy through our Bookshop.org storefront (affiliate link) and support the show -- we get a commission from purchases made through that link.

Also on the show, Alison looks back on short track speed skater Cathy Turner's feats at Albertville 1992.

In our news from TKFLASTAN, Team Keep the Flame Alive has been busy! We have updates from:

Marnie McBean
Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski- She'll be at Jumpapalooza in Lake Placid in a few weeks. If you're in the area, check it out!
Sport climber/Ninja warrior Josh Levin
Race walker/candidate Evan Dunfee
Speed skater Erin Jackson - back on wheels!
Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea
Former biathlete Clare Egan, who adds another ama.org/en/news/wada-announces-group-1-appointed-candidates-and-group-2-elected-candidates-2023-athlete"> board membership to her resume
Boxer Ginny Fuchs, who will be fighting on September 10
World Games medalist John Moorhead - get well soon!

This week also marks the 50th anniversary of the tragic loss of life at the Munich 1972 Olympics when terrorists took 11 Israeli team members hostage. Their tragic deaths, along with a German policeman's, will never be forgotten.

We also have news from Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024, LA 2028 and the International Paralympic Committee.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Yr

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

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Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Sep 01, 2022

00:36:07

It's time for another Lightning Round episode with some of our TKFLASTANIs - and this time, we're keeping it in the world of athletics. Runner Madeline Manninng Mims talks with us about being a Tigerbelle and just how hard training could be. Race walker Evan Dunfee shares where you can get the best doughnuts in Canada. And marathoner Abdi Abdirahman shares the secret to getting good pins for his Olympic pin collection.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Yp

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Aug 25, 2022

01:07:10

Theater collaborators Gordon Leary and Julia Meinwald have brought the Olympics to the stage in the new musical "The Magnificent Seven," which tells the story of the women's team artistic gymnastics competition during the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. How did they bring this show to the stage, and just what is "sports blue"?

We talked with Gordon and Julia during a limited run of the show Off Broadway that took place this past July. You can learn more about them at their website and on Insta.

Find out more about the musical--and listen to the soundtrack--at the show's website. It will have its world premiere next spring at Flint Repertory Theatre, and single tickets go on sale September 1. Jill's planning to go during the run's last weekend. If you're interested in going, get in touch and we'll put a group together!

In our Albertville 1992 history moment, Jill's got more on la parcours de la flamme (that's torch relay, if you don't speak French).

During our check in with our citizens of TKFLASTAN, we have updates from:

Hammer thrower DeAnna Price
Swimmer Mallory Comerford
Sport climber/Ninja Warrior Josh Levin
Race Walker Evan Dunfee

We also have updates from Tokyo 2020--both good and not-so-good--Paris 2024, Milan-Cortina 2026 (if you guessed "expanding budget," you're right!), and an update on budget issues with World Games 2022. Even the floorball federation felt the need to apologize.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

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Aug 18, 2022

00:57:57

It’s time for movie club! Film Buff Fran is back with the official film of the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics “One Light One World, ” directed by Joe Jay Jalbert and R. Douglas Copsey.

In our Albertville 1992 moment, Alison has part 2 of her deep dive on the women's figure skating competition.

In news from TKFLASTAN we have updates from:

Connor Fields' and his retirement from BMX racing
Michelle Carter - Check out her new jewelry collection
Retired bobsledder Lauren Gibbs
Figure skater Nate Bartholomay
Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
Author David Maraniss
Karate-ka Tom Scott and former biathlete Clare Egan - both are running for the ama.org/en/news/wada-announces-candidates-2022-athlete-council-election"> World Anti-Doping Agency's Athlete Council
Speedskater Erin Jackson and snowboarder Chloe Kim are both finalists for the 2022 Women's Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year. Cast your vote here by August 22.

We also have Games updates from Paris 2024 (behind schedule?), LA 2028 (shortlist of new Olympics sports and the sports vying to get on the Paralympic program) and Brisbane 2032 (new stadium construction budget issues--who'd a thunk?).

For detailed notes, including the figure skating programs referenced here, and a transcript of this show, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Yk

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

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Donate: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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Aug 11, 2022

00:57:44

We are so excited to have David Maraniss on today’s show to talk about his new book Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe.

Path Lit by Lightning came out this week, and we talked with him about the book and Thorpe, who won the pentathlon and decathlon at Stockholm 1912, but had his medals stripped because it was later discovered that he had been a professional athlete.

Follow David on Facebook, Twitter and Insta!

David will be on tour promoting the book from now through October. Check out his website for details. One we want to point out: If you’re in the Nashville area, David will be appearing at Parnassus Books in conversation with his son--and fellow book club author--Andrew on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 6:30pm. Advance registration is required.

In our Albertville 1992 moment, Alison's starting in on the women's figure skating competition with the beginnings of the Nancy Kerrigan/Tonya Harding situation.

In our update from TKFLASTAN, we have news from:

The Montreal Parc Olympique -- the office tower is now 100% occupied!
Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
Para dressage rider Sydney Collier, who will be competing at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in a couple of weeks.
Modern pentathlete Samantha Schultz - If you're in Colorado Springs on August 12, go to the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum for her meet and greet!
Race walker Evan Dunfee -- just check out his last lap of the 10000K race walk at the 2022 Commonwealth Games!

For a transcript, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1XW

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo credit: Linda Maraniss. Photo courtesy of Simon & Schuster.

Note: Links to products are affiliate links. We earn commissions through purchases made through them, which helps to fund the show.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

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Aug 04, 2022

00:53:48

Big changes are coming to the sport of modern pentathlon for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Contributor Ben Jackson talks with Team GB Olympian Jo Muir, who breaks down what they are and how the sport will look. Also, what's hotter? Tokyo at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics or the United Kingdom in summer 2022?

Follow Jo on Insta: @jomuir_194 and @poised_pilates.

In our news from TKFLASTAN, we have updates from:

Beach volleyball player Kelly Claes Cheng
Retired luger Jayson Terdiman
Superfan Sarah

We also have some news from Paris, in which Jill bungles pronunciations and we wonder how the ever-increasing budget will affect venue locations.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Xu

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Jo Muir.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

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Jul 29, 2022

01:15:20

It is two years to go until the Paris 2024 Olympics begin! To celebrate, we're talking with George Hirthler, author of The Idealist, a historical novel about this founder of the modern Olympic Movement. George was recently honored with the International Olympic Committee's Pierre de Coubertin medal for his service to the Olympic Movement.

We talk with George about the baron's life and his thoughts on physical education within the French school system, along with his struggles to have it implemented. We also discuss his attitude toward amateurism and whether women should participate in the Games (Pierre's philosophy might surprise you).

George tells us why he wanted to write about de Coubertin and why he chose to write his story as historical fiction. Plus, he shares what's in store for readers in the next couple of years.

George is also the person behind the Coubertin Speaks website and Twitter feed, which shares daily inspiration from Pierre de Coubertin. You can follow him on Instagram for the latest updates.

In this episode we also have news from Team Keep the Flame Alive, including:

Race walker Evan Dunfee
Figure skater Meagan Duhamel
Author Roy Tomizawa
Speedskater Erin Jackson
Paralympian John Register
The dulcet (and husky?) tones of Jason Bryant

Plus we have news on Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024 and LA 2028. For all the latest Paris 2024 info, check out our new Paris page!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1X9

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

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Jul 22, 2022

01:35:22

We've been mesmerized by the last week of the World Games (and not just by how many American Idol contestants have come from Alabama), so we've got more of the action from Birmingham 2022, including thoughts on the artistic gymnastics disciplines we wish were in the Olympics, feed replay beefs and what could possibly be the deal with the mascot of the 2025 World Games.

Plus, we open the phone lines to hear from our listeners who watched and/or went, and we learn just how hot it was in Birmingham, what the sumo controversy was like in person, and how World Games compares to an Olympics.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Wd

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

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Jul 15, 2022

00:54:23

u5gLKIsoqxsBhrgsB1kgThe 2022 World Games are underway, and we are glued to the feeds! Today we talk about the sports we've been watching and how the World Games has made us love multi-sport events all over again.

If you haven't been watching the World Games, check out the feeds at Olympics.com. It's really cool to see some sports with disciplines that aren't in the Olympics. It's also cool to get to know some new sports that aren't in the Olympics (though some are trying for LA 2028 - looking at you, flying disc, lacrosse and flag football).

Following the World Games and want to talk about them? Check out our Facebook Group -- the conversation is hoppin' and some listeners are there reporting back!

We also have updates from TKFLASTANIS:

Karate athlete Tom Scott
Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea
Hurdler Dawn Harper Nelson
Para shooter McKenna Geer
Decathlete Jordan Gray - check out her decathlon clinic!
Boxer Ginny Fuchs
Retired water polo player Tony Azevedo - he's on "One Team: The Power of Sport"
The dulcet tones of Jason Bryant
Hammer Thrower DeAnna Price
Sport Climber/Ninja Warrior Josh Levin

The Paris 2024 Board of Directors had a meeting, so we've got news from those Games, including thoughts on the Paralympic opening ceremonies, the Paralympic schedule and some venue switcheroos.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1VP

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Jul 07, 2022

01:12:31

The 2022 World Games kicks off today in Birmingham, Alabama. Why should we care about a non-Olympic or Paralympic event? The International Olympic Committee is connected to this, and we've got some details on their relationship. We're also joined by World Games medalist John Moorhead, who won bronze in American Football at the 2017 World Games in Wrocław, Poland. John tells us about his experiences and having football in a multi-sport event.

Follow John on Twitter, Facebook and Insta.

In our Albertville 1992 moment, Jill starts talking torch relay, namely the torch itself, which was designed by Philippe Starck and is currently somewhat newsworthy.

Philippe Starck may also have designed something for Paris 2024 too--or at least he did for the bid, and we'll see if that idea comes to fruition.

TKFLASTAN has news from:

Plus, teams are starting to qualify for Paris 2024, and one team gets their gold medals 14 years after they earned them.

For an transcript of this podcast, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Vu

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of John Moorhead.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Jul 01, 2022

01:11:02

We talk a lot about more nations getting involved with sports, or smaller nations having more presence at an Olympics or Paralympics. For a nation to be at the Games, they need to have a national governing body in the sport – but what does it take to start one? On this episode we’re talking with skeleton athlete Shannon Galea, who has dual citizenship with Canada and Malta, and who founded the Maltese Bobsled and Skeleton Federation with hopes of qualifying for the Olympics.

Follow Shannon on Insta, and you'll be able to find her federation's website through Malta's National Olympic Committee once it's finalized.

In our Albertville 1992 history moment, Alison found a competitor who went on to have some notoriety in life.

A lot's been happening in TKFLASTAN too. We've got updates from:

The Modern Penthathlonovela has an update too - and this is getting to be a very slick TV production, which is quite fitting for a telenovela-esque situation.

We also have updates from Paris 2024, including the launch of its Cultural Olympiad, and lots of news on Milan-Cortina 2026, namely budget woes (who's surprised at this?) and the announcement of the sports program....which does have more equality for women, but not for our very own Annika Malacinski.

Finally, Spain's out of the running for hosting the 2030 Winter Olympics, and the USOPC gives reasons why Salt Lake City might also not be selected to host those Games, even though they are ready and willing for whenever the IOC needs them.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1V5

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Jun 24, 2022

00:58:09

Book Club Claire is back for another session of book club! This time we've got our first Paralympics-related selection: "Driven to Ride: The True Story of an Elite Athlete Who Rebuilt His Leg, His Life, and His Career" by two-time Paralympic Snowboarder Mike Schultz (affiliate link).

Follow Claire on Twitter and Insta, and on YouTube her channel is C Nat.

Keeping with the Paralympics theme, in our Albertville 1992 history moment, Jill looks at the Tignes-Albertville Paralympics, which was the first time the Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics were paired together. If anyone has footage of the Paralympic Opening Ceremony, let us know--it had a bit with hang gliders that sounded pretty cool.

Things are relatively quiet in TKFLASTAN, but our ice dancer Charlie White got some good news!

In Games-related news, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee presented its final budget (it's a doozy, but better news than anticipated), as well as its final reports. Now that all of its duties are complete, the committee will dissolve at the end of the month.

We also have an update on how the athlete villages and some hotels from Beijing 2022 are currently being used.....and it's not good. Plus, international federation payout from Beijing 2022 is going to be smaller, so look for some belt-tightening.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1U0

Thanks so much for listening, and keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

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Jun 17, 2022

01:15:21

Nordic Combined is the only sport on the current Olympic program that is only open to men. Many athletes are working to change that, including Team USA’s Annika Malacinski. We talk with Annika about how the sport works, which surprisingly involves a lot of body measurements (see: ski jumping suit scandal at Beijing), and we learn about one of the best winner's prizes ever.

Annika gets pretty frank with us about how tough it is to not have her discipline in the Olympics. It tried to get into 2022, but was denied. Its attempt to get into 2026 needs your help!

Next week, the International Olympic Committee Executive Board will meet, and finalizing the Milan-Cortina 2026 sports program is on the agenda. You can show your support for inclusion of women's Nordic combined by:

Contacting an IOC member.
Signing the Change.org petition.
Posting support on social media - be sure to tag USA Nordic, FIS Nordic Combined, US Ski and Snowboard, Team USA, the Olympic Games and local/national news outlets with your support or opinion.

Here's USA Nordic's call to action.

Follow Annika on Instagram and TikTok!

In our Albertville 1992 history moment, Alison's back on the ice with details about the top four ice dance teams and one controversial costume.

n our Team Keep the Flame Alive Update (TKFLA), we have news from TKFLASTANIs:

Wheelchair curler Steve Emt
Race walker Evan Dunfee
Commentator Rob Snoek
Beach volleyball player Kelly Claes Cheng
Former bobsledder Nick Cunningham
Paralympian John Register - check out his article in U.S. Veterans Magazine.
Speedskater Erin Jackson

In Paris 2024 news, the disagreements over the proposed basketball venue are quickly turning into a novela. Who will end up in Lille, basketball or handball?

In Winter 2030 bid news, a First Nations/Canadian bid team has announced its engagement phase for a Games coming back to Vancouver and Whistler....and Sun Peaks (Kamloops). We've got details on the initial plan and run down what's going on with the other bid city hopefuls. Targeted dialogue should start in December, with a host city possibly announced at the IOC Session in Mumbai next May/June.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://flamealivepod.com/2022/06/17/episode241/

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

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Jun 09, 2022

01:00:56

Wheelchair curler Steve Emt returns to talk with us about his experiences at the Beijing 2022 Paralympics.

Follow Steve:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.emt

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/stephen.emt

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-emt

And his website, steveemt.com

In our Albertville 1992 moment, Jill looks at the men's ice hockey competition, notably, thoughts on hockey referee Sven-Erik Sold, who officiated a number of games at these Olympics.

We also travel to TKFLASTAN to check in with our Team Keep the Flame Alive (TKFLA) and have news on:

Shooter Tim Sherry
Speedskater Erin Jackson
Race walker Evan Dunfee
Shot putter Michelle Carter
Para Shooter McKenna Geer
Beach volleyball player Kelly Claes Cheng
Curler John Shuster

TKFLASTANI worlds collide when Evan Dunfee guested on sustainability expert Matthew Campelli's podcast.

And in our Games updates, we have some tokyo-olympics-legacy-venue-proving-a-chronic-headache.html">not-so-great legacy news from Tokyo 2020, and some thoughts on the International Skating Union's age limit increase that will be in place by Milan-Cortina 2026.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Ti

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Jun 03, 2022

01:11:46

Olympic Host Cities usually get a reputation for spending a ton of money building venues that become white elephants, but that's not necessarily the case. The International Olympic Committee has released a report that catalogs all of the modern Olympic venues and what's happened to them. We delve into this report and examine the IOC's findings. We find some surprises--and sadly, some disappointments. Find out which cities have done it right and which ones haven't.

We also have an update from TKFLASTAN and our Team Keep the Flame Alive.

Doping and classification woes abound, and there's a new installment of our modern pentathlonovela.

Plus, Paris 2024's got some inflation woes, Milan-Cortina 2026 released its song, and LA 2028 is getting a little closer to figuring out what sports should be on its program.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1SX

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

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May 26, 2022

01:07:41

It's Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S., and we're breaking our tradition of publishing a Lightning Round episode to bring you an interview with Olympic speedskater jackson.net/">Erin Jackson, one of our TKFLASTANIs who appeared on our friend Elizabeth Emery's podcast Hear Her Sports.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1SB

We'll be back next week with a full dose of us. Until then, thanks so much for listening and remember to keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

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May 20, 2022

01:04:34

Today we welcome Paralympian-turned-broadcaster Rob Snoek. Rob competed in athletics at the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Paralympics before transitioning to a career in sports broadcasting. Today Rob calls all sorts of sports and has worked with the CBC on their Olympics and Paralympics coverage since 2002.

At Beijing 2022, Rob was the CBC's snowboard play-by-play announcer for the Olympics, commentating from Toronto. Then he traveled to Beijing to work as a sled hockey (or sledge hockey, as Rob says) commentator for the Olympic Broadcasting Service.

Rob talks with us about his experiences at the Paralympics, as well what it takes to call any sport.

Follow Rob on social! He's @robsnoeklive on Twitter and Insta.

In our Albertville 1992 history moment, Alison delves into figure skating, starting with the wild results of the men's competition.

We have lots of great news from Team Keep the Flame Alive in our TKFLASTAN update, including updates from:

The dulcet tones of Jason Bryant
Micheal Warren, who was on the PhD Unpacked podcast
Alex Deibold
Connor Fields
Lauren Gibbs – Learn more about her AMA here.
McKenna Geer
Evan Dunfee
Felicity Passon

Plus we have news from Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 – including a visit from Alison's French alter ego.

For a transcript of this episode, visit: https://flamealivepod.com/2022/05/20/episode237/

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Rob Snoek.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

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May 13, 2022

01:24:37

Josh Williamson, our very first TKFLASTANI, makes a return visit on the show. He's no longer an Olympic hopeful; he's now an actual Olympian, and we couldn't be more proud of him. Josh tells us about his experiences at Beijing 2022, which involve COVID positives, an unusual competition, lots of issues with security during the Closing Ceremonies, and a robot who said he was beautiful.

In our look back at Albertville 1992, Jill has one of the many amazing stories from the speed skating oval. This one features German Jacqueline Börner, gold medalist in the 1500m, and her amazing journey to qualify for these Games.

In Team Keep the Flame Alive news, our TKFLASTANIs have been quiet, but beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng is competing, and sports agent Jesse Lichtenberg appeared on MarketPryce’s YouTube show during their Women’s History Month Series.

We also have news from Paris 2024. Who's still close to getting KO'd? Yep, boxing is still a concern for the IOC.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1S3

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

May 06, 2022

00:50:57

John Coates has stepped down as president of the Australian Olympic Committee. UIPM, the modern pentathlon federation, has selected a sport to test to replace the horse showjumping discipline. The International Skating Union is set to vote on raising the minimum age limits for senior-level athletes. So much going on in the world of the Olympics this week!

In our history moment, Alison explains the Unified Team from Albertville 1992.

We also have news from TKFLASTANIs Teri Hedgpeth, Stephanie Roble, Maggie Shea, Joe Maloy, Tom Scott and Chloe Kim. Plus, Team USA went to the White House!

And we have updates from Barcelona 1992, Beijing 2022, Paris 2024, Milan-Cortina 2026 and the 2030 Winter Games.

Plus, TBach recently got a special honor. Find out what was named for him!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1RM

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Apr 29, 2022

01:02:35

Author David Davis returns to the show to talk about his book Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku, about the legendary 3x Olympic medalist and surfing pioneer. David's book has been turned into a documentary that will air on PBS' American Masters in May.

Duke Kahanamoku won back-to-back gold medals in the 100m freestyle at the 1912 and 1920 Summer Olympics. He also won silver at the 1924 Summer Olympics, just losing out to Johnny Weissmuller, in an Olympic career that spanned a whopping 12 years.

If it weren't for Duke, surfing might not have become the sport it is today. Duke spread his love of surfing around the world, essentially starting surfing cultures in California and Australia.

Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ddavisla

Check out his website: http://www.ddavisla.com/.

You can get his books (and support the show) by shopping through our Bookshop.org storefront.

Also on today's show, we have:

An Albertville 1992 Winter Olympic first
News from TKFLASTAN
Updates from Paris 2024 and Milan-Cortina 2026

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1QV

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Apr 22, 2022

00:54:11

Photographer Mark Edward Harris was one of the friends we made in the Closed Loop at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. We talked with him about his craft--and his several frostbitten fingers.

Learn more about Mark at his website and follow him on Insta.

Plus, Alison's got a funky costume story from the Albertville 1992 Opening Ceremonies. We raved over the outfits worn by the country escorts during the Opening Ceremonies of Beijing. Alison's got the details on those from 30 years ago.

We also have news from TKFLASTAN and our Team Keep the Flame Alive:

Clare Egan - Listen to her with TKFLASTANI Tom Kelly on "Heartbeat."
Erin Jackson
John Nabor

Plus, the Ice Cube is open to the public for tours, and the International Paralympic Committee had its Athletes' Council runoff election!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1PV

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Apr 14, 2022

00:24:10

It's time for another Lightning Round! This week we showcase our "quickfire" questions with three athletes who were in the mix for going to Beijing 2022: Wheelchair curler Steve Emt, doubles luger Jayson Terdiman and biathlete Clare Egan. Learn about their earliest memories of the Games and their favorite souvenirs.

Visit Steve's website: http://www.steveemt.com

Follow Steve on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.emt
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/stephen.emt
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-emt

Follow Jayson on social:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jaysonterdimanofficial
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jaysonterdiman
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jterdimanusa

Follow Clare on social:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/clareeganbiathlete
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BiathleteEgan

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1OF

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Apr 07, 2022

01:15:53

Now that we're back from Beijing 2022, we're able to restart our history segment. This year we're focusing on the Albertville 1992 Winter Games, and what better way to reboot this bit than by chatting with ski historian Tom Kelly. Tom shares some of the big skiing stories of these Games, including the demonstration sport that turned deadly.

Plus, the Paris 2024 Olympic schedule has been released. We take a look at the amazing weekend of sports it's slated to have.

Have you wondered how much it cost us to report from Beijing 2022? Jill's always asking guests what things cost, so it's only fair that we break down the numbers for you. We've got our expense reports finished – what's the grand total?

In news from TKFLASTAN, we've got updates from these members of Team Keep the Flame Alive:

DeAnna Price – Athletics, Hammer Throw
Stephane Roble and Maggie Shea – Sailing, 49er FX
Phil Andrews – National Governing Body, USA Weightlifting

There's a doping alert from Rio 2016 – we'll give you one guess on which sport experienced another medal stripping.

Plus, updates from:

Rio 2016
Tokyo 2020
Beijing 2022
Paris 2024
Milan-Cortina 2026

Follow Tom Kelly on Facebook and Instagram!

For a transcript of this episode, and to see Tom's video picks from Albertville 1992, please visit: https://flamealivepod.com/2022/04/07/episode231

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Apr 01, 2022

01:16:18

It's Part 2 of our contributor roundtable with Book Club Claire and Superfan Sarah, with more hot takes on the Beijing 2022 Olympics and Paralympics. Plus, Jill has a story she's been waiting seven weeks to tell.

Heading to TKFLASTAN to check in on Team Keep the Flame Alive, we have news from:

Erin Jackson
Clare Egan
Felicity Passon
Kelly Claes
Alex Diebold

In our Games updates, there's news from:

Paris 2024 - that venue plan isn't looking so good now
Milan-Cortina 2026 - do we have a leader?

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1NT

Special thanks to this week's sponsor, Winter\Victor Studios.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Mar 24, 2022

01:15:27

We are back from Beijing, so it's time to talk about all of the things we couldn't get to while we were in China! Coming along for the fun are contributors Book Club Claire and Superfan Sarah. We talk with them about the US experience vs. the China experience, as well as:

More bus issues
A scare at the airport
The Russia situation
The "Green" Games
So much security
Entering and leaving the warm embrace of the Closed Loop

Plus, our regular features are back! We head to TKFLASTAN for news from Team Keep the Flame Alive members:

Erin Jackson
Lauren Gibbs
Clare Egan
Kelly Claes
Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea
Bradley Wilson
Tony Azevedo
Laura Wilkinson
Ginny Fuchs
Steve Emt
Kim Rhode

Unfortunately, we also have doping news (from London 2012, no less), and an update on the Kamila Valieva investigation.

Paris 2024 has announced its ticketing program, and members of Le Club will get first crack.

And Milan-Cortina has provided details about its mascot competition.

For a transcript of this episode, visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1N8

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Mar 17, 2022

00:36:25

Jill and Alison are on their way home from the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, and a long flight is a perfect time to catch up on movies, so we thought it would be good to have another session of Movie Club with Film Buff Fran. This time, we're talking about the 2015 film "Eddie the Eagle," a biopic on the surprise star of the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics, Eddie "the Eagle" Edwards. How well does it tell Edwards' story? Listen to find out!

Mar 13, 2022

00:47:31

Although it seems like they just started, the snowflame has been extinguished, and the Beijing 2022 Paralympics are over. We cover the final day of competition as well as the Closing Ceremonies – how does this show stack up to the rest?

Sports on today’s schedule:

Para Alpine Skiing – Men’s slalom
Para Cross-Country Skiing – Relays
Para Ice Hockey – Gold medal game

For a transcript of today’s episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1GG

RED ENVELOPE CAMPAIGN: This show does cost money to produce, and while our listeners have been extremely generous in supporting us through the Kickstarter campaign that got us to Beijing and also through Patreon patronage, we’re coming up on 2 ½ years until another Olympics, so to celebrate the Lunar New Year, we’re asking for donations of at least $8 -- in China the number 8 is a lucky number symbolizing good fortune -- to help us get through to Paris 2024. Go to flamealivepod.com/support to donate.

Thank you so much for listening – we’ll have a new regular episode out this week! Until then, keep the flame alive!

Mar 13, 2022

00:39:21

We’re at the penultimate day of the Paralympics, which means we’re at the medal rounds of the team competitions. We’re also saying good-bye to our volunteer friends at the venues—and in Alison’s case, that means taking pictures and signing autographs.

Sports on today’s schedule:

Para Alpine Skiing – Women’s slalom
Para Cross-Country Skiing – 10K/7.5K free
Para Ice Hockey – Bronze medal game
Wheelchair Curling – Gold medal game

For a transcript of today’s episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1GE

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Mar 12, 2022

00:39:59

It’s Day 8 of the Beijing 2022 Paralympics – competition may be winding down, but our adventures in Beijing are certainly not! Jill’s in Beijing for para ice hockey and wheelchair curling, while Alison’s out in Zhangjiakou for an adventure at para snowboard.

Sports on today’s schedule:

Para Alpine Skiing – Giant slalom
Para Biathlon – Men’s and women’s individual
Para Ice Hockey – Semifinals and 5^th/6^th place
Para Snowboard – Women’s and men’s banked slalom
Wheelchair Curling – Semifinals and bronze medal game

For a transcript of today’s episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1GC

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Mar 11, 2022

00:37:48

It’s Day 7 of the Beijing 2022 Paralympics, and well, Jill and Alison lose it over a transportation story. What could have possibly gone wrong this time?

Sports on today’s schedule:

Para Alpine Skiing – Giant Slalom
Wheelchair Curling – End of the round robin tournament

For a transcript of today’s episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1GA

RED ENVELOPE CAMPAIGN: This show does cost money to produce, and while our listeners have been extremely generous in supporting us through the Kickstarter campaign that got us to Beijing and also through Patreon patronage, we’re coming up on 2 ½ years until another Olympics, so to celebrate the Lunar New Year, we’re asking for donations of at least $8 -- in China the number 8 is a lucky number symbolizing good fortune -- to help us get through to Paris 2024. Go to flamealivepod.com/support to donate.

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Mar 10, 2022

00:35:04

It’s Day 6 of the Beijing 2022 Paralympics! Jill and Alison are both in Beijing today for Wheelchair Curling and Para Ice Hockey Playoffs (with Alison’s new Czech friend, who, we find out, does have a name!). Plus, Jill had a fun Shoey Rhon Rhon moment in the mountains that she forgot to mention, and we learn how involved it is to make curling ice.

Sports on today’s schedule:

Para Cross-Country Skiing – Women’s and men’s sprints
Para Ice Hockey – Qualifying finals
Wheelchair Curling – Round robin action

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Gy

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Mar 09, 2022

00:42:09

It’s Day 5 of the Beijing 2022 Paralympics - Jill’s back in the mountains for para biathlon. Alison interviews Shuey Rhon Rhon and has a field day at para ice hockey with her new Czech friend!

Sports on today’s schedule:

Para Biathlon – Women’s and men’s 10K
Para Ice Hockey – Group play
Wheelchair Curling – Round robin action

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Gw

RED ENVELOPE CAMPAIGN! This show does cost money to produce, and while our listeners have been extremely generous in supporting us through the Kickstarter campaign that got us to Beijing and also through Patreon patronage, we’re coming up on 2 ½ years until another Olympics, so to celebrate the Lunar New Year, we’re asking for donations of at least $8 -- in China the number 8 is a lucky number symbolizing good fortune -- to help us get through to Paris 2024. Go to flamealivepod.com/support to donate.

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Mar 08, 2022

00:46:32

Jill has one of her best days up at Zhangjiakou, thanks to para snowboard cross in-house announcer Oscar, and it’s Alison vs. the Mountain in Yangqin. Who will win?

Today’s sport schedule includes:

Para Alpine Skiing – Super Combined
Para Cross-Country Skiing – Men’s 20K Classic and women’s 15K Classic
Para Snowboard – Cross finals
Wheelchair Curling – Round Robin Action

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Gu

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Mar 07, 2022

00:31:49

Today was Alison’s first trip to Zhangjiakou, and she made an important self-discovery: It’s not the transportation to the venue that’s the issue. Getting around the venue is where she really gets lost.

We got to see Paralympic legend Oksana Masters in action today at Para Cross Country Skiing. Today’s schedule includes:

Para Alpine Skiing – Super-G
Para Cross-Country Skiing – Long Distance – Sitting
Para Ice Hockey – Group play
Para Snowboard Cross – Qualifications
Wheelchair Curling – Round Robin action

For a transcript of this episode, please see: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Gs

Red Envelope campaign!

this show does cost money to produce, and while our listeners have been extremely generous in supporting us through the Kickstarter campaign that got us to Beijing and also through Patreon patronage, we’re coming up on 2 ½ years until another Olympics, so to celebrate the Lunar New Year, we’re asking for donations of at least $8 to help us get through to Paris 2024. Go to flamealivepod.com/support to donate.

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Mar 06, 2022

00:55:09

It’s the first full day of Paralympic competition at Beijing 2022. Jill and Alison scope out the Beijing venues and games, and Alison almost can’t find her way out of the Ice Cube.

Sports on today’s schedule:

Para Alpine Skiing – Downhill. Paralympian v. the Mountain. Who wins today?
Para Biathlon – A big day for Team Ukraine
Para Ice Hockey – Some shocking score differentials
Wheelchair Curling – Our TKFLASTANI Steve Emt gets started

For a transcript of today's episode, visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Gq

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Mar 05, 2022

00:53:50

The Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics are officially open! We break down the Opening Ceremony, including our takes on the performances, the country uniforms and Andrew Parsons' impassioned speech. Get ready for Paralympic fun!

For a transcript of this episode, visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Go

Red Envelope campaign!

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Mar 04, 2022

00:42:13

Alison has made it to Beijing just in time for big breaking news from the International Paralympic Committee about the participation of Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) and Belarus in the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics. Plus, Jill covers the torch relay and Alison shares how Beijing is different than other big cities.

Red Envelope campaign!

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Feb 24, 2022

00:46:17

We have a little bit of time before the Paralympics kicks in, so we wanted to hear from you, our listeners, on what you thought of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Along with our great listener calls -- how do you wean a toddler off of wanting to sing the national anthem ad nauseum? -- we've got another doping positive from Beijing. And we've got news from Paris 2024 and Milan-Cortina 2026.

For a transcript of this episode, visit: https://flamealivepod.com/2022/02/23/episode226

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Feb 21, 2022

00:51:46

The snowflame has been extinguished! The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics are over!

We've got the results of the final day of competition, including a hot take on whether men should really be competing in long distance cross-country skiing events.

Plus our take on the Closing Ceremonies and saying a tearful good-bye to Bing Dwen Dwen.

Today's sports schedule includes:

Alpine Skiing - Mixed team parallel
Bobsled - The end of the 4-man competition
Cross-Country Skiing - Women's 30K mass start free
Curling - Women's gold medal match
Figure Skating - Gala
Ice Hockey - Men's gold medal game

For a transcript of today’s episode, visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Gm

This show does cost money to produce, and while our listeners have been extremely generous in supporting us through the Kickstarter campaign that got us to Beijing and also through Patreon patronage, we’re coming up on 2 ½ years until another Olympics, so to celebrate the Lunar New Year, we’re asking for donations of at least $8 -- in China the number 8 is a lucky number symbolizing good fortune -- to help us get through to Paris 2024. Go to flamealivepod.com/support to donate.

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 20, 2022

00:49:39

It's the last full day of competition at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics! The mountain is back up to its tricks, we're understanding the speed skating mass start race, and there's drama on the ice.

Today's sports schedule includes:

Bobsleigh (Bobsled) - beginning of the 4-man; conclusion of the 4-woman
Cross-Country Skiing - distance races
Curling - Men's gold medal/women's bronze medal
Figure Skating - Pairs free skate
Freestyle Skiing - Men's freeski halfpipe
Ice Hockey - Men's bronze medal game
Speed Skating - Women's and men's mass start

For a transcript of this episode, visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Gj

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 19, 2022

00:49:32

It's Day 15 of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and as the Games winds down, news about the Kamila Valieva situation keeps brewing, thanks to TBach's appearance at the IOC daily press briefing. That didn't tamp down the action on the field of play though, as more medals are on the line for TKFLASTAN today.

Sports on today's competition schedule:

Biathlon - Women's and men's mass start
Bobsleigh - Two-Woman heats
Curling - Men's bronze medal match; women's semifinals
Figure Skating - Pairs short program
Freestyle Skiing - Women's ski halfpipe; men's ski cross
Ice Hockey - Men's semifinals
Speed Skating - Long Track - Men's 1000m

For a transcript of this episode visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Gh

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 18, 2022

00:54:45

It’s Day 14 at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and boy, was it a doozy! Drama in the hockey arena! Drama on the ice! Drama in the Main Media Center during the Magical Hour of Vacuuming! It’s been a wild day at Beijing 2022, and we’ve got all the details.

Sports on today’s competition schedule:

Alpine Skiing – Women’s Combined
Curling – End of the Round Robin tournaments; men’s semifinals
Figure Skating – Women’s free program
Freestyle Skiing – Women’s and men’s ski halfpipe; women’s ski cross
Ice Hockey – Women’s gold medal match
Nordic Combined – Team Large Hill/4x5K XCS
Speed Skating – Long Track – Women’s 1000m

For a transcript of today’s episode, visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Gf

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 17, 2022

00:45:41

It’s Day 13 of the Beijing Winter Olympics! Our TKFLASTANI Clare Egan had her last Olympic race today. How did the US women fare in the biathlon relay? Also, it’s man vs. mountain again on the slopes in Yanqing. Who wins today?

Sports on today’s competition schedule:

Alpine Skiing – Men’s slalom
Biathlon – Women’s relay
Cross-Country Skiing – Women’s and men’s team sprint classic
Curling – Men’s and women’s round robin
Freestyle Skiing – Men’s aerials
Ice Hockey – Women’s bronze medal game and men’s quarterfinals
Short Track Speed Skating – Women’s 1500m and men’s 5000m relay

For a transcript of today’s episode, visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Gd

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 16, 2022

00:40:29

It's Day 12 of the Beijing Winter Olympics! The drama continues on the skating rink, as reprieved ROC skater Kamila Valieva takes to the ice in the Women's short program. She also skates past all of the doping questions sent her way.

Jill reports from the last competition at Big Air, the men’s snowboard. Did the competitors get big air? Nine meters seems pretty big.

On today’s competition schedule:

Alpine Skiing – Women’s downhill
Biathlon – Men’s relay
Bobsleigh – 2-man final heats
Curling – Men’s and women’s round robin
Figure Skating – Women’s short program
Freestyle Skiing – Women’s freeski slopestyle, men’s freeski slopestyle, men’s aerials
Ice Hockey – Men’s qualification play-offs
Nordic Combined – Individual Gundersen large hill/10K
Snowboard – Women’s and men’s Big Air
Speed Skating – Women’s and men’s pursuit

For a transcript of today’s episode, visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1Ga

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 15, 2022

00:41:22

It’s Day 11 of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics! It’s Valentine’s Day, and although love is in the air, not everyone loves the decision on the Kamila Valieva doping situation, which was announced today. There’s still no team medal though, so this story isn’t over.

We did have more drama on the ice with the Ice Dancing Free Dance competition. Plus, what are the medal ceremonies like in person? Jill went to some and reports back!

Today’s sports schedule includes:

Bobsleigh – Women’s Monobob, heats 3-4; Men’s Two-Man, heats 1-2
Curling – Men’s and Women’s Round Robin
Figure Skating – Ice Dance Free Dance
Freestyle Skiing – Women’s Freeski Slopestyle Qualifications, Women’s Aerials
Ice Hockey – Women’s Semifinals
Ski Jumping – Men’s Team

For a transcript of this episode, visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1G8

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 14, 2022

00:53:04

It’s Day 10 of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and TKFLASTAN has made the podium again! TKFLASTANI Erin Jackson competed in the Women's 500m long track speed skating event and won some hardware. What color is it, and (maybe more importantly) did she make Jill cry?

It’s a winter wonderland at Beijing 2022, as all three competition sites got snow – which for some competitions, made for a very challenging day indeed. Did the mountain win again? Did the cold and the wind get to the competitors?

Today’s sports schedule includes:

Alpine Skiing – Men’s Giant Slalom
Biathlon – Men’s and Women’s Pursuit
Bobsleigh – Women’s Monobob
Cross-Country Skiing – Men’s 4x10K Relay
Curling – Men’s and Women’s Round Robin
Freestyle Skiing – Women’s Aerials
Ice Hockey – Men’s Preliminaries
Speed Skating – Men’s Team Pursuit and Women’s 500m
Speed Skating – Short Track – Men’s 500m, Women’s 3000m Relay

At the end of the show, we feature tape from the mixed zone interviews with Erin Jackson's coach Ryan Shimbakuro and with Erin herself.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1G6

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 13, 2022

00:44:39

It’s Day 9 of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics - and Alison's excited because it's the start of the ice dancing competition. Jill went to it - was it as good as she hoped?

Today’s sports schedule includes:

Biathlon – Men’s 10K Sprint
Cross-Country Skiing – Women’s 4x5K Relay
Curling – Men’s and Women’s Tournament
Figure Skating – Ice Dancing Rhythm Dance
Ice Hockey – Men’s Prelims and Women’s Quarterfinals
Skeleton – Women’s
Ski Jumping – Men’s Large Hill
Snowboard Cross – Mixed Team
Speed Skating – Women’s Team Pursuit Quarterfinals, Men’s 500m

For a transcript of today’s episode, visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1G4

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 12, 2022

00:53:32

It’s Day 8 of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and speed is key for today!

Today’s sports schedule includes:

Alpine Skiing
Biathlon – Women’s Sprint with TKFLASTANI Clare Egan
Cross-Country Skiing – Men’s 15K Classic
Curling – Women’s and Men’s tournaments with TKFLASTANI John Shuster
Ice Hockey – Men’s prelims and Women’s quarterfinals
Skeleton – Men’s finals
Ski Jumping – Men’s Large Hill
Snowboard – Men’s Halfpipe
Speed Skating – Long Track – Men’s 10000m
Speed Skating – Short Track – various races

Plus, updates on the situation in figure skating, thoughts on country swapping, and Jill locks herself out of her hotel room.

For a transcript of this episode, see here: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1G2

Red Envelope campaign!

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 11, 2022

00:43:14

It's Day 7 from the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and skiers are starting to conquer the mountain, rather than the other way around!

Plus, Nathan Chen delivered a performance that got Jill and Alison in the feels, and Jill's come up with a new way to rate figure skating.

Today's schedule included:

Alping Skiing - Men's Combined
Cross-Country Skiing - Women's 10K Classic
Curling - Men's and Women's tournament
Figure Skating - Men's Free Program
Freestyle Skiing - Team Aerials
Ice Hockey - Men's tournament
Luge - Team Relay
Skeleton - Men's heats
Snowboard - Women's Halfpipe and Men's Snowboard Cross
Speed Skating - Women's 5000m

Plus, what officiating/volunteer job we'd like to do!

For a transcript of this episode, go to: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1G0

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Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 10, 2022

00:55:07

It’s Day 6 of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and once again we have the question of who’s the real winner: The mountain, or the Alpine skiers? Plus, it’s not redemption for Lindsey Jacobellis, TKFLASTAN hits the halfpipe, and do we have another version of Elizabeth Swaney?

Sports on today’s program:

Alpine Skiing – Women’s Slalom
Curling – Men’s tournament kicks off
Freestyle Skiing – Men’s Big Air
Ice Hockey – Men’s prelims
Luge – Doubles
Nordic Combined – Normal hill
Snowboard – Men’s and women’s halfpipe; women’s snowboard cross
Short Track Speed Skating – Men’s 1500m, women’s 1000m, women’s 3000m relay

Want a transcript of this episode? Find it here: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1FS

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Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 09, 2022

00:45:46

It's another great day of competition from Beijing 2022. Jill went to see figure skating - the men's short program - and the finals of mixed doubles curling.

Also on tap today:

Alpine Skiing - Super G
Biathlon - Men's Individual
Freestyle Skiing - Big Air
Ice Hockey - Women's prelims
Luge - Women's Singles
Snowboard - Parallel Giant Slalom
Speed Skating

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For a transcript of this episode please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1FW

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 08, 2022

00:40:38

Who's winning the Olympics? The mountains. Alpine Skiing proved to be a tough course, and getting down was a victory all in itself.

Jill went out to the biathlon range to watch TKFLASTANI Clare Egan in the Women's Individual race and witnessed a big day for the US Biathlon team.

It was also a big day for Canada on the ski jump and freestyle slopes, and Irene Wust became the first individual to win gold medals at five different Olympic Games. Take that in for a second. Five. Different. Olympics.

Sports on today’s program:

Alpine Skiing
Biathlon
Curling
Figure Skating
Freestyle Skiing
Ice Hockey
Luge
Ski Jumping
Snowboard
Speed Skating – both short and long track

For a transcript of today’s episode, visit https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1FU

Red Envelope campaign!

this show does cost money to produce, and while our listeners have been extremely generous in supporting us through the Kickstarter campaign that got us to Beijing and also through Patreon patronage, we’re coming up on 2 ½ years until another Olympics, so to celebrate the Lunar New Year, we’re asking for donations of at least $8, a lucky number in China, to help us get through to Paris 2024. Go to flamealivepod.com/support to donate.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive.

Feb 07, 2022

00:50:15

It's Day 3 of the Winter Olympics, with so much action (even if races are postponed due to high winds)! Jill's in Beijing today, hanging out at the figure skating, speed skating and ice hockey rinks. Alison's got the news on a momentous medal win for the Silver Ferns of New Zealand.

Plus results from:

Cross-Country Skiing
Curling
Figure Skating
Freestyle Skiing
Ice Hockey
Luge
Ski Jumping
Speed Skating
Snowboard

Plus, what officiating/volunteer job would we do and more!

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Feb 06, 2022

00:40:38

Feb 05, 2022

00:50:16

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics are officially open! Jill was able to go to the Opening Ceremony, and she shares details you didn't get to see on TV, while Alison tells Jill about some of the stuff she missed by not watching it on TV. The fireworks were stellar, the details incredible, but what they did with the Olympic flame? We have thoughts.

Today also had some competitions, so we've got updates from:

Curling - Mixed Doubles
Figure Skating - Team Event
Ice Hockey - Women's tournament

Plus an update on TKFLASTANI Brianna Decker and who to look for tomorrow!

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Looking for a transcript of this episode? Find it here: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1FN

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Feb 04, 2022

00:25:30

It’s Day -1 to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and the action is heating up (but the weather isn’t). Jill didn’t pack her recording microphone before she headed out of the hotel, so enjoy the ambience of the Main Media Center. She has been out to the two other competition zones: Yanqing and Zhangjiakou, both of which involve immense planning to get to, and both of which are cold. Very cold.

Jill also went to the kickoff event of these Games: Mixed Doubles curling at the Ice Cube (formerly the Water Cube). Four games at once is kind of difficult to watch, but the play was exciting (although depending on the end, the British journalists often declared the Great Britain/Sweden game a “disaster.” Great Britain won).

Our first TKFLASTANI competed! Jill saw moguls skier Brad Wilson compete in the first qualifying round for the men’s moguls competition. Will he be able to make the finals?

Alison's got the scoop on the US women's first ice hockey game and a horrible break for our TKFLASTANI Brianna Decker.

What officiating/volunteer job do we want? Which TKFLASTANIs are competing next? Listen to find out!

If you’d like to read Jill’s Beijing diary, join our Facebook Group (even if you have to make an account just for the Games).

Want a transcript of this episode? Find it here: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-1FL

Thanks so much for listening, and until tomorrow, keep the flame alive!

***

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Jan 31, 2022

00:56:26

Our contributors Book Club Claire and Super Fan Sarah are back to talk about what they're looking forward to at Beijing. Plus, Jill has made it to China and tells how her trip almost didn't happen. But, she's in the closed loop and is ready to report back on what she's experienced so far.

We also learn about some of the new technologies that will be in play at Beijing 2022, which hope to give you a better viewing experience!

Join our Fantasy League! Look for it in the Fanzone section of Olympics.com. This link should take you directly to it.

Get your Beijing Viewing Guide and be ready for the Games! Find it in our store.

Find a transcript of this episode at our website.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Jan 27, 2022

00:50:46

Book Club Claire is back for our first book club session of 2022! Because of the cries from various Western countries (United States, we’re looking at you) to boycott the Beijing 2022 and the ensuing diplomatic boycott by several of them, we wanted to look at the last US-led boycott of an Olympics, that of the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow.

Claire leads us in a discussion of Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games by Tom Caraccioli and Jerry Caraccioli, which covers both the political side of the boycott, athletes’ varied reactions to it, and what could’ve been. Did you know that the 1980 Olympics would’ve been the first time the US was represented by an African-American gymnast? True!

We’ve also got some news from TKFLASTAN, including Olympic dreams realized for some of our TKFLASTSANIS who will be heading to Beijing, and dreams dashed for others. Plus, one TKFLASTANI is in limbo – our bobsledder Josh Williamson tested positive for COVID, but if he recovers in time, he could still potentially get to Beijing.

Speaking of Beijing, we have details on the torch relay and the Opening Ceremonies – and it’s almost time for Jill to hop on a plane to go there. Will she make it?

Prep for Beijing with our viewing guide! Find it on Amazon and now Apple Books!

Want a transcript of this episode? Find it here.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

One-time Contributions: http://www.fllamealivepod.com/support

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Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

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Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Note: Some links may be affiliate links.

Jan 20, 2022

00:58:29

On this episode we take to the ice with Paralympian Steve Emt, who will be going to his second Paralympics when he heads to Beijing 2022 this March.

Steve tells us about how the sport works, how he was stalked into trying it, and about his cameo on "The Last Dance."

Steve is also a motivational speaker and author of the book You D.E.C.I.D.E.. You can learn more about him and his book at his website. Follow him on social:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stephen.emt

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/stephen.emt

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/steve-emt

In TFKLASTAN, more Olympic dreams are realized, dashed, or on hold. We've got news from:

Josh Williamson
Lauren Gibbs
AJ Edelman
Nate Bartholomay
Erin Jackson - check her out in Sports Illustrated!

In Beijing 2022 news, we've got word that while there will be spectators at the Olympics, it will be invite only. Plus, there's a new bust of TBach in the city!

Prep for Beijing with our viewing guide! Find it at Amazon.

Want a transcript of this episode? Find it here.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Help us financially: https://flamealivepod.com/support/

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Jan 14, 2022

01:34:29

What can we look forward to from the ski slopes at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics? No one really knows, but Tom Kelly has a good guess. Tom, who's an Olympics communicator and has been involved with skiing and snowboarding events for decades, walks us through each of the disciplines on the Alpine Skiing program at this year's Olympics. Who should we look for, and how many times do we say, "Hot Diggity!"? Listen to find out!

Tom's a podcaster in his own right – check out his shows:

Last Chair (Ski Utah)
Heartbeat (Biathlon)
Ticket to Fly (Ski Jumping)
Inside the Mountain Collective (Skiing)

And follow him on Facebook and Insta.

Big news for us! We've been shortlisted in the category of Best Olympics and Paralympics Podcast for the inaugural Sports Podcast Awards. There's an element of listener voting to help determine the winner, so please cast a vote for us!

We're also excited to release our Beijing 2022 Viewing Guide, which has information on all of the sports for the Olympics and Paralympics, when everything takes place, and a handy scheduling grid where you can see how the sports schedules overlap on any given day. Plus, sports are in alphabetical order! This is an eBook – get your copy on Amazon, and it will soon be on Apple Books as well.

In our history segment, Jill tells the story of how Albertville won its bid for the 1992 Winter Olympics.

Tons of news from TKFLASTAN this week, including heroes we should emulate: Brittany Bowe, Erin Jackson and Jayson Terdiman.

Plus, we have news from:

Josh Williamson
Nate Bartholomay
Chloe Kim
The dulcet tones of Jason Bryant – check him out on Wrestling Changed my Life podcast!

Unfortunately, we have some doping news related to Tokyo 2020, but we end on a happier note with news from Beijing about the robot-beijing-olympics-orig.cnn-business"> food delivery system that we may be able to experience when we're at the Games!

Beijing has also opened up the Olympic Agora – but it's a digital version this time around. Check it out!

Transcript available at: https://flamealivepod.com/2022/01/14/episode222

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

One-time donations: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Jan 07, 2022

00:52:56

We're sliding closer to Beijing 2022! On this episode Olympian Jayson Terdiman tells us how the sport of doubles luge works, from top to bottom.

Plus, news from TKFLASTAN:

Checking in with our citizens of TKFLASTAN, more athletes are working toward Beijing. We also have news from:

Erin Jackson, Clare Egan and Nate Bartholomay, who are competing this weekend.
Brianna Decker, who is heading to Beijing.
Alex Diebold, who has great family news.
Jessica Leclerc, who was featured on USA Hockey Magazine's Podcast to talk about helping the next generation of hockey officials.

And we have an update on the medal ceremony elements for Beijing 2022 as we hit 30 days to go before the Olympics. Does Jill have a flight yet?

Follow Jayson on social:

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/jaysonterdiman

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jaysonterdimanofficial

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jterdimanusa

If you want to learn more about luge, check out our episode with 6x Olympian Shiva Keshavan!

Find a transcript of this episode on our website: https://flamealivepod.com/2022/01/07/episode221

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

One-Time donations: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Hang out with us online:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312069749587022

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Jan 03, 2022

01:27:06

What Olympic and Paralympic thoughts were on your mind as we closed out 2021? We take listener calls and have a ton of fun chatting with you about:

historical Olympians we'd have loved to interview
what we're looking forward to at the upcoming Winter Olympics
how to console the Olympic widow or widower in your life
how our plans and packing lists for Beijing 2022 are coming along
what happened to ice sledge racing in the Paralympics

Plus, some news about the Olympic World Feed Project and the Olympic Ceremonies Channel.

Want the full transcript? Find it at our website. Soon.

[note: surprise Monday release and transcript delay due to a death in Jill's family]

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Venmo: @flamealivepod

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

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Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Dec 23, 2021

00:28:25

It's the end of the year, which means it's the end of our year-long look back at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics and Paralympics. Jill and Alison discuss their favorite Atlanta stories, and they've got lightning rounds from some TKFLASTANIS with Atlanta connections:

City planners Michael Dobbins and Randal Roark
Laura Berg, member of the 1996 US women's softball team

Plus we have an update on the Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai and news from the International Paralympic Committee (including our least favorite topic: doping).

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Transcript: https://flamealivepod.com/2021/12/23/episode-219

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Ko-fi: http://www.ko-fi.com/flamealivepod

Buy Me a Coffee: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/flamealivepod

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Hang out with us online:

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Dec 17, 2021

01:10:04

US biathlete and Olympian Clare Egan tells us what she knows about the biathlon course at Beijing 2022, which could make for an interesting tournament.

Plus, we have a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about our last episode of the year - listen for how you can take part!

We also look back at the Olympic indoor volleyball tournaments in our Atlanta 1996 history moment, catch up with TFKASTAN, find out who's joined the Beijing 2022 diplomatic boycott, talk about our travel plans for the Games (or lack thereof), and wonder what Paris 2024's bold plan for the Opening Ceremonies will look like.

For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://flamealivepod.com/2021/12/18/episode-218/

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Think we deserve a holiday bonus? Support the show at https://flamealivepod.com/support/

Find out how to buy merch and books that will also support our efforts at: https://flamealivepod.com/store/

Dec 10, 2021

01:20:11

Dec 03, 2021

00:44:28

We love a good telenovela-esque Olympic situation, and this week's episode is chock full of them. Bribery! Guilty verdicts! Stifling voices! Boring kits! Transgender guidelines! And someone makes Alison mad - who could it be this week?

Plus, our Atlanta 1996 history moment featuring the most famous shoes from these Olympics, and how Paris 2024 might have flying taxis as a transportation option.

In our news from TKFLASTAN, we have updates from

Biathlete Clare Egan
Ice dancer Charlie White
Modern pentathlete Samantha Schultz
BMX cyclist Connor Fields

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

http://flamealivepod.com/support

One-time donations:

Hang out with us online:

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Nov 25, 2021

00:50:47

We hear from TKFLASTANI archery judge Hannah Brown and TKFLASTANI artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau on their experiences at Tokyo 2020. Plus, a big week for Team Keep the Flame Alive (TKFLASTAN) and news on the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Also, if you want to hear a fantastic interview with TKFLASTANI speed skater Erin Jackson, check out our friend Elizabeth Emery's podcast Hear Her Sports -- she gets into a bunch of technical stuff that will help you understand what's happening on the track when you watch speed skating at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Speaking of Beijing, we have some news on that front, including our thoughts on the shuai-zhang-gaoli.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article"> Peng Shuai situation.

Also, the US is thinking about a diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022, which has Seb Coe riled up. Seb Coe has us riled up because something stupid came out of his mouth.

Note: We have some new merch in our store, so be sure to pick some up and support the show. We've also finished updating our Tokyo 2020 e-book with the podium finishes from the Paralympics - get your copy for posterity!

As it's Thanksgiving in the US, we wanted to say thank you to all of our listeners and followers -- we so appreciate celebrating the Olympics and Paralympics with you!

Until next week, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

One-time donations: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Hang out with us online:

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Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Nov 19, 2021

00:50:43

It’s time for our last Movie Club of 2021! Film Buff Fran is back to discuss the 2017 movie “I, Tonya,” which is on the scandal surrounding the attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan ahead of the Lillehammer 1994 Olympics, which was found to be tied to her rival Tonya Harding. Will we feel sympathy for Tonya Harding after watching a film based on her side of the story?

In our history moment, Alison looks back at the Atlanta 1996 men's artistic gymnastics competition, and Jill shares why Chinese gold medalist Li Xiaoshuang made a lasting impact on her.

We also check in on our Team Keep the Flame Alive, the citizens of TKFLASTAN, and have updates from:

Speed skater Erin Jackson
Curler John Shuster
Sports historian Dr. Victoria Jackson – check out her article on GlobalSportsMatters.com.

In Beijing 2022 news, we've got a follow up on the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China's issues with covering the Games. Plus, a venue update and the release of the organizing committee's new video "Together for a Shared Future" starring pop sensation Jackson Yee.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show:

Tell a friend: http://flamealivepod.com

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online: