Let’s Talk About It: A Podcast by Skate Ontario

My guest today is one of Canada’s most accomplished ice dancers. Piper Gilles has represented Canada on the world stage with distinction, earning multiple national titles and international medals alongside her skating partner, Paul Poirier. Known for her creativity, artistry, and powerful performances, Piper has become a fan favourite and a leader within the sport. From overcoming challenges to re...

This episode of Let’s Talk About It should start with: Wow! Look what you can do! Few teams in Canadian figure skating have risen as quickly as Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud. Since forming their partnership in 2022, the duo has steadily climbed the international ranks, but the 2025-26 season marked a true breakthrough. In their Olympic debut at Milano-Cortina, the Canadian national champions deli...

On today’s episode of Let’s Talk About It, we get to hear from a well-known father/son coaching team.   David Islam: From his earliest days on the ice, David Islam has built a career defined by dedication, leadership, and a deep passion for the sport. As both an athlete and coach, he has contributed to the development of countless skaters, bringing a thoughtful approach to training and a strong co...

On today’s episode of Let’s Talk About It, Alison Purkiss, Olympic coach and former national competitor joins us. She shares stories from her skating journey, from performing as a young skater to coaching top athletes, and offers insights on teamwork, perseverance, and building strong skater relationships. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the impact of Skate Ontario and the Olympic experien...

On today's episode of Let's Talk About It, we are welcoming Gabrielle Daleman, Canadian figure skating champion, and World and Olympic medalist. Gabrielle opens up about her journey on the ice, from early competitions to representing Canada on the world stage, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. She reflects on the mental and physical demands of elite skating, and...

Welcome to the Let’s Talk about it Podcast! This is going to be a special one! I am headed to Prague this week for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships. This is the 4th time that Worlds is being held in Prague. This is a city that has been lucky for Canadian skaters, including my 2 guests in 1962 but there was also a tragedy 65 years ago where the US team died in a plane crash – more about t...

Today on Let’s Talk About It we’re joined by none other than three-time Olympic champion and ice dance legend, Scott Moir. Scott and I go way back — I’ve known him since he was a kid, and our friendship makes this conversation extra special. We’ll hear about his journey from skating in Ontario to Olympic glory, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the stories behind his partnership with Tes...

On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re joined by esteemed figure skating coach Nancy Lemaire, whose passion for athlete development has shaped skaters from Canskate to the Olympic level, including Olympian Madeline Schizas.   With decades of coaching experience, after a skating career to the Junior level, Nancy brings insight into the evolving landscape of figure skating in C...

On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re joined by Ann Shaw, a lifelong champion of figure skating and one of the most influential officials in the sport, particularly in ice dance. From competing at the World Championships in the late 1950s and early 1960s to judging three times at the Olympic Winter Games and serving on the ISU Ice Dance Committee, Ann’s career has spanned ev...

On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we reflect on the remarkable career of Canadian ice dancer Tracy Wilson, who began skating at age six in Coquitlam before rising through the ranks of competitive skating. After winning the 1980 Canadian junior national title with Mark Stokes, she found lasting success with partner Rob McCall, capturing seven consecutive national titles and ear...

On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re joined by the remarkable Debbi Wilkes — Olympic medalist, television broadcaster, author, and lifelong advocate for figure skating in Canada. With decades of experience both on the ice and behind the scenes, Debbi shares her unique perspective on the evolution of the sport and the power of storytelling in skating. Get ready for an inspir...

On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we dive into the journey of world-renowned coach, choreographer, and CBC analyst Carol Lane, who brings over 25 years of experience to her insightful Olympic figure skating commentary. Carol began her skating career in London, England, at the age of seven and quickly found her passion in ice dance. By fifteen, she was competing at the Junior a...

On today's episode of the Let's Talk About It podcast, we explore the incredible journey of Canadian figure skating icon Brian Orser, whose story began in Belleville, Ontario, and whose passion for skating emerged almost as soon as he could walk. Known as “Mr. Triple Axel,” Brian became the first junior to land the triple axel in competition and revolutionized the sport with his technical prowess...

On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Canadian figure skating legend Kurt Browning — four-time World Champion, renowned choreographer, and beloved commentator.   Best known for landing the first ratified quadruple jump in competition at the 1988 World Championships, Kurt’s career is filled with groundbreaking moments and unforgettable performances. He rep...