Optical Delusion

Most athletes have dreams of reaching the top. Yaseen El-Demerdash turned that journey into a movement; creating Ripple Effect Foundation to make sports more accessible, inclusive, and impactful beyond the pool. He reveals how a chance to give back after his Paralympic debut sparked a journey that’s now transforming communities, supporting underserved athletes, and bridging the gap between grassro...

We are thrilled for this week's episode with the newly announced, 2026 USA Powerlifting coach of the year, Abbey Phillipson! From creating the first collegiate adaptive lift program to founding the Collagen Advocacy Network, Abbey's story shows us how important it is to challenge the statues quo and rewrite the rules of strength. (Because fitness is a human right!) Our Instagram: https://www.insta...

In this episode, we bring to you Norwegian para swimmer, Gabriel Steen. Gabriel's journey is unique as he has faced numerous trials and setbacks in his mission to the Paralympic stage. What does it mean to get classed out? How does one even begin to process getting told they're not "disabled enough?" But beyond that, how important is community regardless? Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/o...

We are very excited to have an international swimmer on the podcast today!! Roisin, a fellow S13 swimmer, has made massive waves on the international stage. We have loved getting to know her on the pool deck and are so excited for you to get to know her now! Do you know how Irish para swimming works? Have you ever experienced a science lab as a visually impaired person? Have you ever wondered what...

We are coming at you with a very special one for you this week! In this episode, we take turns interviewing one another with questions you guys submitted on our Instagram. While a lot of the conversation drifted from the original questions, we are excited to bring you really authentic conversations about what is going on in our lives and what the future is looking like! Our Instagram: https://www....

Today we are so excited to share another new and unique perspective from 2012 Paralympic swimmer, Anna Johannes!! The conversation delves into the evolution of Paralympic sports coverage and support as Anna has recently become a co-founder of the media collective, Culxtured. We also explore the nuances of disability and impairment, shedding light on the diverse experiences and challenges faced dur...

This episode includes an interview with Kendall Gretsch, a six-time Paralympian, covering her experiences in both the summer and winter games, as well as her recent achievements at the 2026 Milan Cortina games!! The conversation delves into the complexities of the Paralympic Games, shedding light on the challenges and intricacies involved. It also highlights the diversity of Paralympic athletes an...

We are so thrilled to bring in our first wheelchair basketball athlete, Lindsey Zurbrugg! Lindsey has a wide range of accolades from her time on Team USA to coaching the University of Alabama's women's team to national championship titles. Lindsey shares her experiences as an elite athlete, coach, and nutritionist, highlighting the importance of teamwork, training, and the impact of disabilities o...

We are SO excited for today's episode with our dream guests, Matthew and Paul Castle!! While not Paralympic athletes, this duo brings a unique perspective as creatives and social media figures. Paul's diagnosis is one that has changed his life, but is not slowing him down AT ALL. This conversation dives into his growth and journey through disability and the relationship the two of them have. Liter...

We are so excited to welcome teammate and friend, Keegan Knott, onto the podcast this week! Keegan is a two time Paralympian with lots of firsthand navigating the NCAA, and elite level swimming with her disability. Our conversation delves into honest conversations about identity and success, highlighting the challenges and experiences of Paralympic athletes. Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.co...

The podcast episode features a conversation with Paralympian Hannah Dederick, a two-time Paralympian in wheelchair racing. The discussion covers Hannah's journey, experiences at the Paralympic Games, and the competitive selection process for the Paralympic team. Hannah Dederick shares her personal journey of being adopted and moving to the United States, as well as the positive impact of the Paral...

The podcast episode features an interview with 4x World Gold Medalist, Paralympic swimmer Katie Kubiak. The conversation covers Katie's experience at NYU, accessibility in New York City, her journey into para swimming. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by para athletes in collegiate athletics, highlighting the lack of representation and resources for these athletes. It also explore...

The conversation covers the Winter Paralympic Games experience for the sibling duo of Meg and Spenser Gustafson! We fly into the world of guide skiing in the Paralympics, the challenges of training and competing in Paralympic sports, and the community surrounding athletes! Meg and Spenser were amazing guests and brought so much knowledge!! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpo...

Our conversation covers Gia's Paralympic journey, her experiences in Tokyo and Paris, and the memories from the Team USA house. We also dive into reflections on past competitions, the formation of the S13 Dynasty, and the support and camaraderie among the athletes alongside the importance of mental health!! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/ Gia's Instagram: https://www.i...

The podcast episode features a discussion with members of Team USA's women's sled hockey team, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for women's sled hockey, the impact of para sports and representation, and an introduction to sled hockey and equipment description. Kelsey DiClaudio and Maddy Eberhard have competed in this sport their whole lives and bring a passion into seeing it grow onto...

The conversation transitions into a deeper exploration of Paralympic sport and the importance of representation. The interview with Ali Truwit covers her journey as a Paralympic swimmer, her advocacy work, and the impact of her nonprofit organization, Stronger Than You Think. The conversation delves into Ali Truwit's personal growth and advocacy journey, highlighting the challenges and acceptance...

In this episode, Grace and Olivia welcome Morgan Ray as the first guest they ever recorded an interview with, setting the stage for an authentic conversation about the realities of life as a Paralympic athlete. With a blend of humor and insightful reflections, the trio explores the importance of sharing untold stories and connecting through shared experiences. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/...

The Winter Paralympics bring forth not only incredible athletic achievements but also the power of human spirit. These are not just competitions; they are narratives that inspire and unite. In this episode, we deep dive into the stories thus far in the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. There is already so much to cover and we hope you are as tuned in as we are!! VIDEO RETURNING NEXT EPISODE

The Winter Paralympics often remain in the shadow of their Summer counterpart, leaving many unaware of the incredible stories and athletes involved. So, what does it really take to compete at this level? In this episode, we'll explore insights from Paralympian Dani Aravich as she discusses her journey into cross-country skiing and the unique aspects of the Winter Games. Dani Aravich is a dedicated...

In this conversation, Sydney shares her journey from able-bodied skiing to becoming a Paralympic athlete, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. The discussion covers her experiences at the Beijing Games, the importance of community in sports, and the balance between her PhD studies and training. Sydney also highlights the significance of research in rare diseases and the...

In this episode of Optical Delusion, hosts Grace and Olivia welcome Paralympic swimmer Ahalya Lettenberger. They discuss Ahalya's journey as a swimmer, her experiences in college athletics, and her current studies in the UK. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by para athletes, the importance of inclusion in sports, and Ahalya's aspirations to innovate in assistive technology. The epi...

In this episode of Optical Delusion, hosts Grace Luper and Olivia Chambers introduce the complexities of Paralympic sports, focusing on classification systems that categorize athletes based on their abilities. They welcome guest Liza Corso, a two-time Paralympian, who shares her journey as a visually impaired athlete and her experiences in both track and field. The conversation emphasizes the impo...

In this inaugural episode of "Optical Delusion," hosts Grace Nuhfer and Olivia Chambers share their personal journeys into the world of Paralympic swimming. They discuss the challenges and triumphs they faced as athletes with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of community and connection within the Paralympic movement. Grace recounts her transition from able-bodied swimming to embracing her...