PODCASTS & VODCASTS

Stories that
Move

We harness the power of audiovisual storytelling to bring the journeys of athletes to life. We’ve interviewed over 250 athletes from more than 56 countries, diving deep into their struggles and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. We create an intimate space where listeners can connect with these incredible athletes, gaining insight into their lives and the passion that drives them.

We collaborate with brands and new teams to create impactful poDCASTS AND voDCASTS that amplify the stories of athletes and connect with audiences.

Highlights

All Episodes

"I touched the wall, saw my time, and was already blown away. Then I saw the 16 next to my name and thought—holy, it's happening." For Julimar Ávila, swimming was never just about the clock—it was about proving to herself and the world what was possible. Representing Honduras, she became the first swimmer from her country to make an Olympic semifinal. But her path was anything but linear. From training at a YMCA as a child to competing at the highest level, she faced cultural duality, self-doubt, and moments where she questioned if she belonged. In this episode, Julimar takes us inside her Olympic experiences in Tokyo and Paris, where she battled the unexpected—quarantine isolation before her race, the pressure of making history, and the imposter syndrome that followed. "I started to doubt my own skills, wondering if making the semifinals was a fluke," she admits. But she found a way forward. Through journaling, self-reflection, and a rock-solid support system, Julimar reclaimed her confidence and learned to separate expectations from joy. Now, in a new phase of her life, she's stepping out of the pool, embracing new challenges—including training for a half marathon and pushing herself outside her comfort zone. Her message? Trust yourself, embrace the journey, and find your flow. "Every practice, good or bad, is something to be proud of. The fact that you showed up is enough." Flame Bearers is the world's first media and production company specifically illuminating the unsung stories of resilient women Olympians & Paralympians. We tell stories via podcast, video, and live events and are working towards a world where people feel more represented, empowered, and enlightened about the power of community. Learn more on our website: flamebearers.com Watch & subscribe to our YouTube channel to exclusive video interviews and bonus content ► / @flamebearers Follow us on social media for behind the scenes content: Instagram: /flamebearers Facebook: /flamebearerspodcast Linkedin: /flame-bearers Tiktok: /flame_bearers X: /flame_bearers

February 5, 2025 25 min 5 s

"Be Brave. Take the Leap." For Neelam O’Neill, shooting was never part of the plan. But from firing her first shots at a tin-roof range in New Zealand to making history as the first female pistol shooter to represent her country at the Paralympics, she has defied every expectation, including her own. "The first time I held a gun, I was seven years old, just shooting cans on a family trip—I didn’t think much of it.” Flash forward to today, and she is the face of para shooting in New Zealand. Born with spina bifida and later diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Neelam has faced immense challenges—both in sport and in life. And she wants to talk about it: “Disability is still not normalized, but 15% of the world has one—why are we still afraid to talk about it?” From navigating the financial burden of competing internationally to overcoming accessibility barriers in global competitions, she has had to fight for every opportunity. But Neelam refuses to let obstacles define her. “People with disabilities, our biggest thing is we just carry on. We just move forward.” In this episode, Neelam shares her journey from self-funded athlete to Paralympian, the mental discipline required in shooting, and the resilience that fuels her. She also challenges listeners to rethink disability, urging them to start conversations and embrace inclusivity. Her message is clear: “Be brave. Take the leap.” ------- Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting. For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers Follow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok- / flame_bearers X- / flame_bearers OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/

January 29, 2025 22 min 44 s

“You can either let challenges break you or use them to inspire the next generation.” This belief drives Shelley Looney, a trailblazer in women’s ice hockey and a gold medalist at the first Olympics with women's ice hockey (1998). Growing up in Michigan, Shelley dreamed of playing at the highest level, but had no female hockey players to look up to. She became the role model she never had, scoring the game-winning goal in Nagano and cementing her place in sports history. “Not many people get to say that their dreams have come true,” she reflects on her Olympic triumph. Shelley has witnessed the sport evolve from its infancy to the competitive powerhouse it is today. “I’d love to be part of it now,” she says, marveling at the speed, strength, and agility of modern players. Now a coach, she dedicates herself to fostering the next generation of players, from youth leagues to college athletes, ensuring every girl knows there's a place for her in hockey. “If you want to continue to play, there is a place for you,” she emphasizes. “You just have to find the right fit.” Shelley also shares advice for athletes transitioning out of professional sports, an area she wishes she had more guidance in herself. “I wish I had broadened my horizons earlier and explored other interests while still competing,” she admits. Her mantra for athletes and beyond? “Take a deep breath, see what you’ve done, and be proud of who you are today.” In this episode, Shelley shares her journey, from Olympic triumphs to her mission to grow the talent pipeline for women’s ice hockey. She reflects on the lessons she’s learned, including the importance of enjoying the journey and being present. “I wish I’d been more thankful and taken the time to appreciate the moment,” she says. ------- Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrates the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, at the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts. ------ Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting. For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers Follow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok- / flame_bearers X- / flame_bearers OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/

January 22, 2025 16 min 48 s

“You can either let challenges break you or turn you into a superhero.” This belief drives Saman Soltani, a former Iranian national swimming champion turned Refugee Olympic Team canoeist. Born into a culture where restrictions on women in sports are severe, Saman’s dreams were nearly crushed when she faced persecution for trained internationally without adhering to strict hijab laws. Fleeing Iran with nothing but a suitcase, she sought asylum in Austria and began a new life against overwhelming odds. Saman's determination paid off as she became a proud member of the Refugee Olympic Team, competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. “When I passed the Olympic rings at the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony, I couldn’t stop crying—it was exactly like my dreams,” she reflects. Despite her achievements, Saman’s challenges are far from over. As a refugee athlete, she navigates barriers like funding, visa restrictions, and the psychological toll of starting over. Yet, she remains steadfast in her mission: to inspire women and refugees worldwide to never give up. “If I can do it, so can you,” she says. In this episode, Saman shares her incredible story of resilience, her experiences competing as a refugee athlete, and her advice for overcoming life’s toughest challenges. She also reveals her vision for the future: winning an Olympic medal and empowering others to believe in their own potential. “Celebrate the small victories, because they will take you to greater heights.” ---------- Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrates the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, at the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts. ------ Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting. For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers Follow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok- / flame_bearers X- / flame_bearers OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/

January 15, 2025 21 min 7 s

*You can watch this episode of Flame Bearers: UNEDITED on YouTube via the Flame Bearers channel if you would like to tune in with visuals* -------------------- In this episode of Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, we sit down with Babalwa Latsha, the first professional woman XV rugby player in Africa, to hear her story of breaking barriers, embracing identity, and advocating for women in sports. From her early days discovering rugby in South Africa to dominating as a pro in the Premier 15s league, Babalwa talks about how rugby gave her freedom and empowered her to find her voice. Throughout, Babalwa talks about how "it’s not about what my body looks like, but what my body can do for me." She shares about the growth of women’s rugby in South Africa and how she’s witnessed the sport evolve as THE FIRST pro woman rugby athlete to a growing movement. Her vision for the future of women’s sports? "I want a world with packed stadiums, where women’s sports are fully professionalized, and athletes can make a good living without needing a nine-to-five job." Babalwa also offers this advice to her younger self—"Find your voice, and once you do, be unapologetically yourself." She also encourages listeners to embrace bravery in all its forms: "Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It’s a process of understanding how far you’ve come and how much more you can do." In this episode, Babalwa talks about her work with the Menstruation Foundation. Learn more about their important work here: https://menstruation.foundation/ ----------- Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video, and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting. For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers Follow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok- / flame_bearers X- / flame_bearers OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/

January 8, 2025 22 min 42 s

Search