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Champion ThisEp. 33: Riley Tejcek - From the Marines to Team USA: A Journey of Faith, Resilience, & Dreaming BigMarine Corps Captain and Team USA bobsled pilot Riley Tejcek shares her journey of breaking barriers from the softball field to serving in the military. Dive into Riley's experiences as she balances roles as an athlete, author, and Ms. Military 2024 title holder. Co-hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens explore topics like the power of visualization, defying societal expectations, and the importance of faith in overcoming challenges. Riley also discusses her children’s book, "If You Can Dream It, Be It," inspiring young girls to pursue multifaceted paths.
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Captain Riley Tej...
2025-08-271h 05Champion ThisEp. 32: Trevor Davis: From Underdog to NFL, Embracing Challenges and OpportunitiesTrevor Davis, a former NFL wide receiver and return specialist, joins Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens on "Champion This" to share his journey from NFL stardom to entrepreneurial ventures. Explore Trevor's unique path through collegiate and professional football, his transition to life after sports, and his passion for mental health advocacy with his nonprofit, Kings. Gain insights into Trevor's entrepreneurial pursuits, including his caffeinated gum company, Energize, and his work with the Pro Athlete Community (PAC). This episode delves into resilience, adaptability, and leveraging one's platform for positive change.
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2025-07-221h 13Champion ThisEp. 31: Brett Hundley: From NFL to Philanthropy: A Game-Changing Path to Epilepsy AdvocacyFormer NFL quarterback Brett Hundley joins hosts Briana Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens to share his journey from collegiate success at UCLA to his varied NFL career. Hundley discusses his experiences playing alongside legends like Aaron Rodgers and transitioning into life beyond football, focusing on real estate and global travel with his wife. He also highlights the impactful work of the Hundley Foundation, inspired by his sister's battle with epilepsy. Discover Brett's insights on resilience, identity beyond sports, and leveraging personal platforms for positive change.
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Brett Hundley is a former N...
2025-05-0650 minChampion ThisEp. 30: Cindy Ngamba: From Cameroon to the Olympics - The First Refugee Olympic Medalist in HistoryJoin hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they delve into the inspiring journey of Olympic boxing champion Cindy Ngamba. From her early childhood in Cameroon to moving to the UK and discovering her passion for boxing, Cindy shares her experiences overcoming obstacles as a refugee athlete. As the first refugee to win an Olympic medal, Cindy discusses the importance of self-belief, resilience, and using her platform to advocate for refugees worldwide. Listen to how Cindy's faith and dedication have paved the way for her success both in the ring and beyond.
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2025-02-2553 minChampion ThisEp. 29: Hunter & Alexis Pence: MLB Championships to Environmental Advocacy - Planting Seeds of ChangeJoin Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they delve into the world of sustainability with former MLB star Hunter Pence and his wife, content creator Alexis Pence. Discover Hunter's journey from MLB stardom to environmental advocacy with the Healthy Planet Project and Alexis's passion for storytelling. Explore their commitment to creating a positive impact, from planting trees to promoting specialty coffee, all while navigating life after baseball and embracing authenticity. This conversation highlights how the duo uses their platform to champion environmental causes and inspire community action.
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Hunter Pence i...
2025-02-1158 minChampion ThisEp. 28: Tommy Thompson: MLS Legend - Community Impact, Passion, and LegacyAthletes and entertainers inspire positive change on "Champion This with Briana Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens." Join them as they welcome professional soccer player Tommy Thompson, known for his decade-long career with the San Jose Earthquakes and his community-driven initiatives. Tommy shares insights from his soccer journey, international experiences, and the pivotal role of family in his career. Discover how he balances passion, performance, and philanthropy, and listen as the hosts explore Tommy's post-soccer aspirations and his vision for the future of American soccer.
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Tommy Thompson is a professional soccer p...
2025-02-0848 minChampion ThisEp. 27: Tyson Ross: Former MLB Player to Founder of Loyal to My Soil - A Mission to Inspire the Next GenerationJoin Briana Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they chat with former MLB All-Star Tyson Ross about his journey from youth baseball in Oakland to a professional career with teams including the Padres and A's. Tyson shares insights on navigating professional setbacks, the emphasis on mental health in sports, and finding purpose post-retirement. Discover Tyson's inspiring work founding "Loyal to My Soil," a nonprofit aimed at fostering baseball and softball among underserved youth in the Bay Area. This episode offers a deep dive into resilience, community impact, and the passion driving Tyson's mission.
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2024-12-1742 minChampion ThisEp. 26: Simone Charley: NWSL Professional Soccer Player - Advocating for Mental HealthJoin professional soccer player Simone Charley as she shares her journey from college athlete to the NWSL, her battles with injury, and the mental health challenges athletes face. She discusses the rising popularity of women's soccer, the impact of league expansions, and the importance of identity beyond sports. Simone also highlights her faith, pivotal life moments, and her advocacy for mental health awareness. Hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens guide the conversation, offering insights into Simone's inspiring story of resilience and self-discovery.
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Simone Charley is a professional soccer player w...
2024-11-1255 minChampion ThisEp. 25: Tiffany Bias Patmon: WNBA Champ & Co-Founder of Camp Exposure- Helping Athletes Transition to Life After SportTiffany Bias Patmon, former WNBA star, co-founder of Camp Exposure, & founder of God Benefits Apparel, joins Briana Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens to discuss her journey from professional basketball to entrepreneurship. Tiffany highlights her experiences playing overseas and in the WNBA, including winning a championship with the Phoenix Mercury. She shares insights on managing mental health, the importance of faith, and transitioning from sports to life off the court. Tiffany also underscores her mission to empower athletes to discover their identity beyond sports through her nonprofit, Camp Exposure, co-founded with her husband, Tyler Patmon.
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2024-11-0556 minChampion ThisEp. 24: Kayla Alexander: Olympian, Author, & Co-Founder of Tall Size - Lessons in PerseveranceCanadian professional basketball player Kayla Alexander joins Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens on the Champion podcast to discuss her journey from childhood basketball tryouts to the WNBA and the Olympic stage. Kayla shares insights on overcoming setbacks, the role of faith in her life, and her entrepreneurial venture, Tall Size, which caters to the clothing needs of tall women. Alongside humorous anecdotes, Kayla reflects on the invaluable life lessons basketball has taught her and her efforts in leveraging her platform for empowerment and positive change.
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Kayla Alexander is a C...
2024-10-2949 minChampion ThisEp. 23: Nelita Villezon: Martial Arts Athlete to Hollywood - Empowering Wellness & Inner ResilienceJoin hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they explore the journey of martial artist and actress Nelita Vellezon. Discover how Nelita's Filipino heritage and her father's teachings shaped her martial arts career, leading to roles in films and campaigns like Rihanna’s Fenty Savage Sport. Despite past challenges, including a negative coaching experience, Nelita emerged stronger, channeling her story into empowering wellness coaching. From training Dubai's elite to excelling in Hollywood, Nelita shares insights on resilience, empowerment, and finding strength in ancestral roots.
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Nelita Vellezon is a professional mar...
2024-10-221h 18Champion ThisEp. 22: Micah Johnson: MLB Star to Artistic Visionary - A Mission to Inspire Dreaming Without LimitsFormer MLB player turned artist, Micah Johnson, joins hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens to discuss his journey from professional baseball to becoming a visual artist. Micah shares insights about his baseball career with teams like the Chicago White Sox, LA Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves, and the importance of confidence and mindset. He also delves into the inspiration behind creating the digital character Aku, a symbol of limitless dreams, and his ongoing projects aimed at inspiring and empowering others to pursue their dreams.
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Micah Johnson is a former Major L...
2024-10-1545 minChampion ThisEp. 21: Bostjan Nachbar: NBA Player to EuroLeague Players Association - Giving Athlete's A VoiceJoin hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they sit down with former NBA and Euroleague star Bostjan Nachbar. Dive into Nachbar's basketball journey from Slovenia to the NBA, his reflections on playing alongside greats like Tracy McGrady and Jason Kidd, and his thoughts on the pressures of professional basketball. Beyond the court, discover his impactful work with the Euroleague Players Association and his humanitarian efforts globally. Gain insights into finding passion and purpose, both on and off the court, as Nachbar shares wisdom learned from his successful career.
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B...
2024-10-081h 07Champion ThisEp. 20: Cici Bellis: From Tennis Prodigy to Venture Capitalist - Shaping the Future of Sports TechFormer professional tennis player, Cici Bellis, joins Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens to discuss her meteoric rise in tennis, from playing at the US Open at 15 to her groundbreaking win at the Hawaii Open. Bellis candidly shares her journey through injuries, transitioning to venture capital, and founding Carton Capital. The conversation also covers her dedication to supporting female athletes and mentoring underserved youth through the USTA Foundation. Bellis’ insights into balancing a driven career while fostering impactful societal change provide a rich, motivational narrative.
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Catherine "Cici" Bellis is a form...
2024-10-0142 minChampion ThisEp. 19: Steve Smith: NASA Astronaut - Life Lessons From Space & Inspiring Others To Simplify Their LifeFormer NASA astronaut Steve Smith joins Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens to share his incredible journey of resilience and determination. From overcoming medical disqualifications to completing four space shuttle missions, Steve discusses the challenges, triumphs, and life-changing lessons from his time in space. He explores the importance of STEM education, balancing personal and professional life, and future space exploration. Tune in for insight into space missions, teamwork, and the power of perseverance.
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Steve Smith is a retired NASA astronaut renowned for his significant contributions to space exploration. A graduate o...
2024-09-241h 07Champion ThisEp. 18: Adrianne Ross: Former WNBA & Pro-Hooper Turned Fashion Entrepreneur - Building A Legacy of Love & ImpactIn this episode of Champion This, hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens engage in an inspiring conversation with Adrianne Ross, touching on her multi-faceted career journey from professional basketball to entrepreneurship. Adrianne highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and finding purpose in every room you walk into, drawing insights from her basketball career and her role as a stylist and creative consultant. This engaging discussion reveals how she integrates her love for fashion with philanthropic efforts and how she continues to influence young athletes both on and off the court.
She also discusses her...
2024-09-1756 minChampion ThisEp. 17: Cam Van: Attorney, Pro-Track Athlete, & CEO of Couro - Democratizing Coaching & Changing the Game for AthletesIn this episode of "Champion This," hosts, Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens sit down with the multifaceted Cam Van. Cam’s journey, ranging from his accidental start in track and field to founding Couro, a platform supporting athletes with exclusive training content, is profoundly inspiring. He shares how perseverance through injuries and a strong mental game contributed to his sustained success. Cam's commitment to leveraging his skills to benefit the athletic community, including his involvement with build.org, emphasizes his dedication to creating impactful change.
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Cam Van is a pro...
2024-09-101h 05Champion ThisEp. 16: Kasra Mehdipournejad: From Refugee to Flag Bearer - An Olympic Athlete's AdvocacyJoin Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they dive into the inspiring journey of Kasra Mehdipournejad, an Olympic refugee Taekwondo athlete who escaped from Iran to find asylum in Germany. Hear about Kasra's challenges, the support of his wife, Parisa Farshidi, his unique perspective as a refugee athlete, and his dedication to advocating for human rights in Iran. Listen to how Kasra found his footing in Taekwondo in a new country and ultimately represented the refugee team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Kasra Mehdipournejad is an accomplished professional Taekwondo athlete a...
2024-09-031h 02Champion ThisEp. 15: Fraser Grut: The Journey to 10,000 Dreams - Capturing Stories That Matter; From Ordinary to ExtraordinaryFraser Grut, founder of the 10,000 Dreams project, joins Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens to discuss the power of dreams in building community and fostering change. From interviewing world leaders, celebrities like Ashton Kutcher and Tony Hawk, to everyday people, Grut collects and shares diverse dreams. Discover the lessons learned from these encounters, the importance of authentic dreams, and advice for embracing your passion. This episode delves into the heart of what drives us and how understanding our dreams can shape a better world.
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Fraser Grut: Fraser Grut is the vi...
2024-08-271h 03Champion ThisEp. 14: Reflecting on Season 1: Inspiring Stories of Athletes and EntertainersSeason 1 ends with a bang on Champion this podcast! Join Chelsea Poppens and Brianna Salvatore Dueck as they reflect on the impactful stories shared by remarkable athletes and entertainers, such as Matt Scott, Julia Scholes, Audie Crooks, and more. Discover insights on faith, climate action, gender equity, and overcoming challenges. Get ready for season two with exciting guests lined up, including Olympians and Paralympians. Don't miss out on the inspiring conversations that will leave you motivated to champion good in the world.
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2024-08-1335 minChampion ThisEp. 13: Julia Scoles: Pro Beach Volleyball & Unpacking the Role of Faith in Elite AthleticsIn this engaging episode of "Champion This Podcast," hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens welcome pro beach volleyball player, Julia Scoles. She shares her inspiring journey from overcoming concussions to finding faith and purpose in her career. Julia discusses her transition to professional volleyball, Olympic aspirations, and the transformative power of faith. Additionally, she reflects on marriage to Team USA handball athlete Drew Donlin, highlighting how faith and teamwork strengthen their relationship.
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Julia Scoles is a professional beach volleyball player and a member of Team USA. With an impressive list of...
2024-07-3057 minChampion ThisEp. 12: Isaiah Weatherspoon: Inspiring Youth Through Art & MusicIn this engaging episode of "Champion This Podcast," hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens welcome Isaiah Weatherspoon, a professional drummer and music producer. Isaiah shares his inspiring journey into music, highlighting his early exposure to gospel music and his passion for the drums. He discusses his experience at the Berkeley College of Music, where he discovered the diverse opportunities available to musicians beyond performance. Isaiah delves into his transition into music production and shares valuable insights into being a professional musician, including memorable performances with iconic artists like Sister Sledge and Justin Timberlake. Through his children's music coloring...
2024-07-161h 02Champion ThisEp. 11: Olivia Ho: The Give & Grow - Crafting Meaningful Experiences for Young Women Through SportJoin hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens in an engaging conversation with Olivia Ho from Give and Grow. Discover how Olivia's journey from healthcare worker to entrepreneur led her to empower young girls through sports and mentorship. From creating custom planters for NBA teams to inspiring intergenerational growth, Olivia's story showcases the importance of representation and authenticity in leadership. Hear about her impactful workshops that combine lessons from basketball and plant metaphors to nurture creativity and self-discovery. Tune in to champion change and growth with Olivia Ho on Champion This.
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2024-07-0959 minChampion ThisEp. 10: Hannah O'Flynn: D1 Athlete to Content Creator - A Mission To Amplify Women in Sport
Join hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens in a riveting conversation with the ever-inspiring Hannah O'Flynn, as they delve into her incredible journey from Ivy League athlete to video producer and influencer championing women in sports. Discover Hannah's transition to owning her own business, the power of sports media in promoting gender equality, and her impactful project celebrating women trailblazers in sports. Listen as she shares insights on navigating the competitive sports media arena and her unwavering dedication to empowering women through storytelling and creativity. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and empowerment.
A...
2024-07-021h 05Champion ThisEp. 09: Charlie Cancino: Mexican National Team to Spurs MC - Driving Impact Through Sports & Media
Join hosts, Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens, as they dive into a captivating conversation with multi-talented MC and TV host, Charlie Cancino. Discover his journey from playing for the Mexican national basketball team to hosting major events like the Oscars while advocating for social responsibility and positive change. Learn how faith guides his path and the impact he's making through the NBA Academy. Get inspired by his empowering message on unlocking full potential and the power of listening and taking action.
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Charlie Cancino is a seasoned emcee and TV radio host f...
2024-06-2541 minChampion ThisEp. 08: Audi Crooks: Small Town Star to NCAA Record Breaker - A Legacy Of Light
Discover the inspiring journey of Audi Crooks, the breakout star from Iowa State who set the NCAA on fire with her record-breaking performances. From her humble beginnings in a small town to making a mark in women's basketball, Audi shares insights on overcoming challenges, staying grounded, and using her platform for positive impact. With a focus on faith, community, and staying true to oneself, Audi's story is a beacon of light and resilience. Join Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they dive into Audi's remarkable career and the legacy she's crafting in this captivating episode.
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2024-06-1830 minChampion ThisEp. 07: Chelsie Hill & The Rollettes: Empowering Women with Disabilities Through Dance
In an electrifying episode of "Champion This," Chelsie Hill, founder of the Roulettes, shares her journey from a life-altering spinal cord injury to pioneering the largest wheelchair dance team. Her engrossing narrative encompasses empowerment, representation, and community impact. Discover how her vision led to groundbreaking initiatives like the Rollette's Experience and Boundless Babes mentorship program. Join Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they delve into the awe-inspiring world of disability representation and female empowerment with the exceptional Chelsie Hill.
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Chelsie Hill is a professional dancer, community leader, content creator, i...
2024-06-1155 minChampion ThisEp. 06: Nick Ansom: Hoop Bus & Venice Ball League Founder - Spreading Love Through HoopsIn this episode of Champion This, Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens host Nick Ansom, aka Nico Naismith, discussing his journey as a basketball enthusiast and community leader. Nico shares his experiences founding the Venice Ball League and the Hoop Bus, emphasizing the impact of streetball culture on community engagement. From his humble beginnings to launching collaborative projects with Puma, Nico's story is rooted in a passion for basketball and a mission to inspire others through the game.
Nico's reflections on his childhood in France, his transformative journey to Los Angeles, and the evolution of the Hoop...
2024-06-0443 minChampion ThisEp. 05: Brent Suter & Lew Blaustein: An MLB Pitcher's Role of Climate Advocacy in Partnership with EcoAthletesIn this episode, hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens interview Brent Suter and Lew Blaustein, two individuals who are using their platforms to champion climate action and environmentalism. Brent, an MLB pitcher, shares his journey from studying environmental science at Harvard to becoming an advocate for sustainability in the sports industry. Lew, the founder of EcoAthletes, discusses the mission of his organization and how athletes can play a crucial role in influencing culture and driving positive change. The conversation delves into their personal experiences, the challenges they face, and the importance of staying hopeful and solutions-oriented in the...
2024-05-2850 minChampion ThisEp. 04: Napheesa Collier: A Basketball Journey from UCONN to Motherhood in the WNBA
In this episode of "Champion This", Napheesa Collier joins the podcast to discuss her journey as a basketball player, from discovering her passion for the sport to becoming a professional athlete. She shares stories from her time at UCONN, playing under legendary coach Geno Auriemma, and the challenges she faced as a rookie in the WNBA. Collier also talks about the growth of women's basketball and the need for more exposure and support for the sport. Additionally, she discusses her role as a mother and how it has changed her perspective on basketball and life.
A...
2024-05-2142 minChampion ThisEp. 03: Dmitry "Smoove" Krivenko: Ukrainian Dunk Champion & Promoting Peace Back HomeIn this episode, Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens interview Dmitry "Smoove" Krivenko, a two-time FIBA three-on-three world dunk champion and member of the Harlem Globetrotters. Smoove shares his journey from falling in love with basketball as a child to becoming a professional dunker and sports diplomat. He discusses the role basketball has played in his life, the importance of positive friendships and connections formed through the sport, and the impact of his nickname "Smoove." Smoove also talks about his experiences competing in dunk contests and winning medals, his knee surgery and recovery, and his time with the Harlem...
2024-05-141h 01Champion ThisEp 02: Matt Scott: From Wheelchair Basketball Player to Paralympic ChampionIn this episode, Brianna and Chelsea interview Matt Scott, a champion in every sense of the word. Matt shares his journey as a wheelchair basketball player and the impact the sport has had on his life. He discusses the challenges he faced as a young athlete and the mindset shift that led to his success. Matt also opens up about a health scare he experienced and how he overcame adversity to continue pursuing his dreams. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, surrounding oneself with the right people, and finding purpose in life. Matt's inspiring story serves as a reminder...
2024-05-0650 minChampion ThisEp. 01: Champion This Podcast: Inspiring Change through Sports and EntertainmentWelcome to the "Champion This" podcast with hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens. In this episode, they introduce the podcast and discuss their passion for showcasing athletes and entertainers who are using their platform to make a positive impact on the world. They share their personal stories and experiences with sports, highlighting the transformative power of sports in building confidence, connecting communities, and inspiring change. The hosts also discuss the importance of athletes and influencers using their platform for good and the role they can play in driving positive change in society.
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2024-05-0635 min