Shows
Fresh Corduroy - for skiersAnnika Hunt Returns: First World Cups, Injuries, and Finding Flow at the TopIn her return to Fresh Corduroy, Annika Hunt reflects on a whirlwind stretch of her career—making her first World Cup starts, racing on the sport’s biggest stage, managing nerves and expectations, and navigating injury just as momentum was building.Annika opens up about what it really feels like to arrive at the highest level: lining up against her role models, dealing with DNFs, racing at home in front of family and fans, and learning how mindset and flow play a central role in performance.We also talk about recovery, visualization, and confidence, and how ste...
2026-02-0456 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersRaphael Lessard: The Long Road to the World Cup | Speed Skiing, College Racing & Intentional DevelopmentRaphael Lessard’s path to the World Cup wasn’t linear—and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling.In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, World Cup speed skier Raphael Lessard joins the show to break down his journey from ski racing in Quebec, through Burke Mountain Academy, formative years racing in Europe, and a deliberate return to North America to ski for the University of Utah. Along the way, he balanced NCAA competition, international racing, and a demanding academic path that included internships in financial services.We talk about winning the overall NorAm title, ea...
2026-01-281h 07Fresh Corduroy - for skiersKelly Brush on Ski Racing Safety, Adaptive Access, and Changing the Culture of RiskFormer Division I ski racer Kelly Brush joins Fresh Corduroy for a powerful conversation about ski racing safety, adaptive sports access, and how culture—not just equipment—shapes risk on snow.After a 2006 collegiate racing accident left her paralyzed from the chest down, Kelly turned her focus to preventing avoidable injuries and expanding access to sport for people with spinal cord injuries. As founder of the Kelly Brush Foundation, she has helped drive major improvements in U.S. ski racing safety through education, grants, and advocacy—while also funding adaptive sports equipment and access nationwide.In this ep...
2026-01-211h 03Fresh Corduroy - for skiersTricia Mangan: The Unconventional Path to World Cup Ski RacingTricia Mangan is an active World Cup alpine ski racer for the United States — but her path to the highest level looks very different from what most people expect.Growing up skiing a small hill in western New York, Tricia didn’t attend a ski academy or chase a predefined elite pipeline. Instead, she developed through local racing, skied collegiately at Dartmouth, stepped on and off the U.S. Ski Team, and ultimately rebuilt her career as an independent athlete competing on the World Cup circuit.In this conversation, Tricia talks candidly about:Devel...
2026-01-1459 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersHow Skis & Boots Are Really Designed — Inside Rossignol with Thor VerdonkWhat actually goes into designing a ski or a boot—and why do some products feel right while others miss the mark?In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, Craig sits down with Thor Verdonk, Global Technical Director for the Rossignol Group, for a deep dive into how modern ski equipment is conceived, tested, refined, and brought to market. With more than 30 years inside Rossignol, Dynastar, and Lange, Thor shares a rare behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of athlete feedback, engineering, materials, and real-world skiing.They cover everything from World Cup race ski development and on-snow testin...
2026-01-071h 03Fresh Corduroy - for skiersMike Reitzell on the State of the Ski Industry, Public Lands, Climate, and What Comes NextWhat’s really happening behind the scenes at ski resorts—and where is the ski industry headed?In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, Craig sits down with Mike Reitzell, President & CEO of the National Ski Areas Association, to unpack how the sport actually works at a national level.Mike shares his personal path into skiing—from learning as a kid in California to racing for USC—and how that passion ultimately led him to lead the trade organization representing more than 300 ski areas across North America. From there, the conversation goes deep into the issues shaping ski...
2025-12-311h 15Fresh Corduroy - for skiersAvalanche Awareness: What Every Skier Should Understand — with Ethan Greene of CAICAvalanches aren’t just a backcountry issue — they’re a ski culture issue.In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan sits down with Ethan Greene, Director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, for a grounded, deeply informative conversation about how avalanches actually happen and why decision-making matters as much as snow science.Ethan explains how avalanche risk develops, why experienced people still make critical mistakes, and how familiarity with terrain can quietly increase risk. The conversation explores human behavior, changing winter conditions, and what recreational skiers — even those who primarily ski in-bounds — should understand a...
2025-12-241h 03Fresh Corduroy - for skiersClean Turns, Confident Skiing, and Teaching What Matters — with Joe DunnIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan sits down with Joe Dunn — former NCAA ski racer, longtime coach, and current instructor at Deer Valley — to explore what actually helps skiers improve and what often gets in the way.Joe shares his philosophy around clean completions, why the bottom of the turn matters more than most skiers realize, and how confidence and enjoyment often unlock progress faster than technical overload. They discuss the difference between coaching and teaching, how parents can support young skiers without creating friction, and how tools like CARV can complement — not replace — good instruc...
2025-12-171h 11Fresh Corduroy - for skiersInside the Future of Snowmaking with Taylor Ogilvie of TechnoAlpinSnowmaking is one of the most misunderstood—and essential—parts of modern skiing. In this episode, TechnoAlpin USA CEO Taylor Ogilvie joins the show to break down how snowmaking really works, how the technology has evolved, and what the future looks like as winters become more unpredictable.Taylor shares insights from decades in the ski industry, including his time at Vail, Beaver Creek, Mount Brighton, and Wilmot, and explains why today’s automated systems are more efficient, more sustainable, and more precise than ever before.We cover:• Snowmaking 101 — the science behind the guns• How automati...
2025-12-101h 03Fresh Corduroy - for skiersFrom Alberta to the Olympics: Shannon Abeda’s Unlikely PathThree-time Olympian Shannon Ogbnai Abeda joins Fresh Corduroy for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on identity, pressure, and carving your own path in the sport.Shannon opens up about growing up the son of Eritrean immigrants in northern Alberta, discovering ski racing on a small local hill, and what it took—physically and mentally—to push toward the Olympic stage. We talk about resilience, navigating expectations, finding belonging in a sport where few looked like him, and why he continues to race with purpose far beyond results.Along the way, Shannon shares the moments that shaped him...
2025-12-0353 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersHow One Family Produced 3 U.S. Ski Team Athletes: Macuga Parents Tell AllAmy and Dan Macuga join Fresh Corduroy to share one of the most remarkable family stories in skiing. What started as keeping the kids active in Park City turned into something nobody could have predicted: three siblings competing at elite levels in three different disciplines — ski jumping, moguls, and Alpine speed — with their youngest chasing a high-level path of his own.In this conversation, Amy and Dan reflect on the completely unplanned journey behind their family’s rise in the sport: juggling four kids across multiple venues, keeping joy at the center, supporting wildly different passions, and navigati...
2025-11-261h 03Fresh Corduroy - for skiersBuilding a Warren Miller Film: Story, Athletes & Mountains with Chris LeavellWarren Miller producer Chris Leavell joins Fresh Corduroy to pull back the curtain on how the world’s most beloved ski films get made. From coordinating shoots across continents to shaping story arcs and working with top athletes, Chris explains the craft and chaos behind the films that define ski culture.
2025-11-1959 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersInside Vail’s Ski School: Greg Willis on Coaching, Growth, and the Joy of LearningIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan sits down with Greg Willis, longtime leader and head of Vail’s ski and snowboard school, to explore the art and evolution of ski instruction.Greg shares insights from decades on the mountain — from what separates a good instructor from a great one, to how ski schools adapt to new generations of skiers, technology, and expectations. They also dive into leadership, mentorship, and the culture that keeps Vail at the forefront of mountain education.Whether you’re a lifelong skier, aspiring instructor, or just love hearing how moun...
2025-11-1259 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersTwo-Time Queen of Corbet’s on Freeskiing and Redefining Success - Caite ZeliffTwo-time Queen of Corbet’s Caite Zeliff joins Fresh Corduroy to talk about her journey from ski racing in New England to freeride fame in Jackson Hole, the mindset behind big-mountain skiing, and how she’s redefining success, storytelling, and risk after a career-changing injury.
2025-11-051h 04Fresh Corduroy - for skiersChasing Dreams on the Slopes - 2025 NorAm Overall Winner Annika HuntIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, Annika Hunt shares her journey from a young skier in Park City to a competitive athlete at Burke Mountain Academy. She discusses her family background in skiing, the challenges of transitioning to a more competitive environment, and her aspirations to become a World Cup skier. Annika reflects on the mental aspects of ski racing, the importance of focusing on the process rather than results, and her recent achievements, including winning the NorAm title. She also shares insights on her future goals and offers advice for young skiers.
2025-10-2957 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersLeading U.S. Ski & Snowboard: The Road to the Olympics and the Future of the Sport | Sophie GoldschmidtIn the Season 2 premiere of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan sits down with Sophie Goldschmidt, CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, to explore what it takes to lead a national governing body responsible for multiple disciplines across skiing and snowboarding.Sophie discusses her background in sports management, how it shapes her leadership approach, and the unique challenges of running a nonprofit organization that spans grassroots development all the way to the Olympic Games. The conversation covers the upcoming Olympic cycle, athlete development pathways, fan engagement, and the importance of building a healthy, supportive culture for athletes to th...
2025-10-221h 01Fresh Corduroy - for skiersSasha Rearick - The Art of CoachingIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan speaks with Sasha Rearick, a veteran coach of the US ski team and head of the Alpine program at Apex 2100 in France. They discuss the differences in coaching philosophies between the US and Europe, the importance of creativity in ski racing, and the challenges of coaching elite athletes. Sasha shares insights on motivation, the significance of common definitions in coaching, and the unique experience at Apex 2100, which combines rigorous training with a supportive academic environment. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to athlete development and the importance...
2025-07-021h 02Fresh Corduroy - for skiersJamie Grant - CEO and Co-Founder of CARV digital ski coachIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, we speak with Jamie Grant, co-founder and CEO of CARV, a digital ski coach that uses sensors to improve skiing techniques. We discuss Jamie's journey into skiing, the evolution of CARV technology, and how it helps skiers enhance their skills through real-time feedback and metrics like Ski IQ. The conversation also touches on the future of CARV, its potential expansion into other sports, and the importance of user experience in the development of the product.
2025-06-111h 07Fresh Corduroy - for skiersDr. Jim Taylor - Mental Skills Training in the Offseason and Other Tips from a Sports PsychologistIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, we talk with Dr. Jim Taylor, a leading authority on the psychology of ski racing. They discuss Jim's journey from a young ski racer to a sports psychologist, emphasizing the importance of mental training in skiing and other sports. The conversation covers how mental skills can be introduced to young athletes, the role of parents in fostering a positive environment, and strategies for overcoming setbacks in competition. Jim shares insights on how skiing teaches valuable life lessons, resilience, and the significance of making the sport enjoyable for young athletes.
2025-05-291h 01Fresh Corduroy - for skiersSen. John Curtis - A Republican's Perspective on Climate and ConservationIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, we speak with Senator John Curtis of Utah, discussing his journey from local politics to the Senate, his passion for skiing, and his efforts to bridge the gap between environmental conservation and the Republican Party's stance on climate change. The conversation explores the importance of public lands, the need for bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges of navigating political conflicts surrounding climate issues. Curtis emphasizes the significance of engaging the public in climate action and the necessity of finding common ground to protect the environment for future generations.
2025-05-1453 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersErin Sprague - Protect Our Winters: Fighting Climate ChangeIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan speaks with Erin Sprague, CEO of Protect Our Winters (POW), about the organization's mission to combat climate change through outdoor advocacy. The conversation delves into the importance of systemic change over individual actions, the role of clean energy, and the need for bipartisan support in climate advocacy. Erin emphasizes the significance of public lands and the outdoor industry's involvement in driving change. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in climate advocacy and support POW's mission.
2025-04-301h 12Fresh Corduroy - for skiersJason "Moot" Nelson - Elite Ski Racing at a Traditional College Prep SchoolIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan interviews Jason 'Moot' Nelson, the program director of USSS & FIS alpine ski racing at Proctor Academy. They discuss Moot's skiing origin story, the unique educational experience at Proctor Academy, and the school's appeal compared to traditional ski academies. Moot shares insights about the Proctor Ski Area, the importance of balance between academics and skiing, and the philosophy behind coaching young athletes. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape of ski racing, the impact of age eligibility, and the rewards of leading the Alpine program at Proctor.
2025-04-161h 04Fresh Corduroy - for skiersAG Phil Weiser - Colorado Attorney General on Issues and Policy Affecting Ski TownsIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser discusses the pressing issues facing ski towns, including the housing crisis, climate change, water rights, and the importance of public lands. He emphasizes the need for creative solutions to housing shortages, the impact of climate change on skiing, and the significance of protecting natural resources. Weiser also touches on the role of antitrust laws in the ski industry and the societal benefits of outdoor recreation for youth.
2025-04-0955 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersDave Wright - Behind the Scenes of Ski GroomingIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan interviews Dave Wright, the grooming manager at Killington Resort. They discuss Dave's journey into the ski industry, the intricacies of grooming operations, and the challenges faced in maintaining the slopes. The conversation also touches on the impact of weather, sustainability efforts, and the preparation required for World Cup races. Listeners gain insights into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating the perfect skiing conditions and the importance of adapting to climate change.
2025-04-021h 00Fresh Corduroy - for skiersStef Fleck - From Whistler to World Cups: A Ski Racer's JourneyIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, our guest is Canadian Alpine World Cup speed skier Stephanie Fleckenstein, who shares her journey from childhood skiing in Whistler to her current recovery from a serious injury. They discuss the social aspects of skiing, the challenges faced by women in individual sports, and the importance of community and support systems in both skiing and recovery. Stephanie reflects on her experiences in college skiing, the transition to independent racing, and her mental health journey throughout her rehabilitation process. The conversation concludes with insights into the drama of ski racing and Stephanie's aspirations for...
2025-03-2657 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersChristine Julia Feehan - The Evolution of Ski MediaIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan speaks with Christine Julia "CJ" Feehan, who shares her journey from a young skier in New Jersey to a prominent figure in ski racing media and communications. Christine discusses her experiences working at various levels of ski racing, including coaching, media coverage, and her role with FIS. The conversation delves into the challenges of promoting ski racing in the US, the importance of integrated ski clubs, and the need for better media access and exposure for the sport. Christine also highlights her involvement in initiatives aimed at empowering women in...
2025-03-191h 03Fresh Corduroy - for skiersGreg Louie - A Physical Therapist's Guide to Prehab and In-Season Training for SkiersIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan interviews Greg Louie, a physical therapist specializing in skiing. They discuss Greg's journey from a young skier to a professional physical therapist, the importance of year-round rehabilitation for skiers, and the differences between manual therapy and traditional therapy. Greg shares insights on prehab, in-season training, and his experiences working with elite athletes, including the US Ski Team. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in growing his business and the various services he offers to help skiers improve their performance and recover from injuries.Greg...
2025-03-1255 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersLyndsay Strange - Coaching with a Twist: Fun in SkiingIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan interviews Lindsay Strange, a multifaceted figure in the skiing world. Lindsay shares her journey from childhood skiing experiences to becoming a coach for the US Para Alpine team and the owner of Party Beach Ski Camps. The conversation delves into her unique coaching philosophy, the challenges and rewards of working with disabled athletes, and her passion for empowering female coaches in the skiing industry. Lindsay also reflects on her experiences at the Olympics and her love for ski photography, providing insights into the skiing culture and the importance of fun...
2025-03-051h 02Fresh Corduroy - for skiersTommy Biesemeyer - The Financial Challenges of Ski AthletesThe Financial Struggles of Ski Athletes In this conversation, Thomas Biesemeyer shares his journey from a small town in New York to becoming a professional alpine skier and Olympic athlete. He discusses the early influences that led him to skiing, the challenges he faced, including injuries and mental pressure, and how these experiences shape his coaching philosophy today. Biesemeyer emphasizes the importance of understanding each athlete's individual goals and the financial realities of pursuing a career in skiing, particularly through the lens of the World Cup Dreams Foundation, which supports young athletes with potential and financial need...
2025-02-2659 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersBobby Aldighieri - From Olympic Mogul Skier to Steamboat Real EstateIn this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan speaks with Bobby Aldighieri, an Olympic mogul skier and coach, about his journey in skiing, the intricacies of mogul skiing, and the transition from coaching to real estate in Steamboat Springs. Bobby shares insights on mogul competition scoring, the importance of cross-discipline training, and the vibrant community in Steamboat Springs, including the challenges of housing and the role of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. The conversation also touches on the local dining scene and the unique culture of the area.
2025-02-2053 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersDoug Lewis - The Mindset of a Champion: A World Championship Medalist on SkiingIn this episode of the Fresh Corduroy podcast, host Craig Zolan speaks with Olympian Doug Lewis about his journey in skiing, the importance of mental skills in sports, and the role of his summer camp, Eliteam, in developing young athletes. Doug shares insights on the skiing community, his personal experiences, and his new venture, Champions Advantage, which focuses on mental skills training for athletes.
2025-02-0354 minFresh Corduroy - for skiersMartin Wilson - Pursuing Better: Coaching Skiing & PodcastingIn this episode of the Fresh Corduroy podcast, host Craig Zolan interviews Martin Wilson, the Ontario Ski Team Men's Head Coach and host of The Next Turn Podcast. They discuss Martin's origins in skiing, his coaching philosophy, the importance of family in skiing, and the pursuit of better in both athletes and coaches. The conversation also touches on the structure of the Ontario Ski Team, the role of NCAA in skiing, and the culture surrounding ski racing, including the fun and camaraderie found in beer league racing. Martin shares his insights on mental health in coaching and the significance...
2025-01-2644 min
Congressional Dish238: Losing AfghanistanThe war in Afghanistan is over. In this episode, we document how and why the Biden administration finally admitted defeat in our 20 year attempt to create a new government in Afghanistan and we take a hard look at the lessons we need to learn. Afghanistan is a country in a far away land, but there are disturbing similarities between the Afghanistan government that just collapsed and our own. We'd be wise not to ignore them. Executive Producer: Rachel Passer Executive Producer: Anonymous Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via PayPal Support Congressional Dish via Pa...
2021-09-131h 37