Para Sport Nation

On this episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan welcome back Will Stephens of Trailer Park Sports Network (TPSN). Will shares his recent experience covering Wheelchair Handball—explaining how the sport is played, how he discovered it, and what it was like connecting with Team USA. The conversation also touches on what's next for Will, including a look at some para sports and other lesser-known competition...

On today’s episode, Alex and Nathan get into a debate about sports and classifications at the Paralympics. Why are some classifications left out of certain sports? What events or sports would they like to see added? Are there any sports that should be removed? The guys get into it all on this episode of PSN! Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, inf...

On this episode, we share our first interview from the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Milano Cortina 2026 Media Summit. Alex had the chance to sit down with Para Nordic Skier and Three-time Paralympian Brittany Hudak. They discuss everything from how she got into skiing to what the road to the 2026 Games looks like for her. Plus, Alex and Nathan share their own personal experiences with media sum...

In this episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan sit down with Geoff Harris—Athletics Canada’s Coach of the Year and recipient of the prestigious Dr. Doug Clement Award. A former Olympian himself, Geoff made headlines this past summer by coaching wheelchair racers Cody Fournie and Austin Smeenk to Paralympic gold. The trio dives into Geoff’s transition from elite athlete to respected coach, his dedication...

On this special Father’s Day episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan sit down with Nathan’s dad, Dave, for a heartfelt and entertaining conversation. Where did Nathan’s passion for sports come from? (Spoiler: it runs in the family.) What were the challenges of introducing a young Nathan to sports while navigating life with a disability? And—of course—what behind-the-scenes stories can Dave share that Nath...

On today’s episode, Alex and Nathan are joined by two-time Paralympic gold medalist Greg Stewart for an honest and powerful conversation in honor of Men’s Mental Health Month. They dive into why mental health matters, how to take care of it, and what it really means to prioritize your well-being. Plus, Greg talks about his recent competition in Paris and shares some highlights of the delicious foo...

On this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with two-time Paralympian and Para Fencer Ryan Roussel. Ryan shares how he first got started in able-bodied fencing and what led him to transition into wheelchair fencing. He also opens up about his experiences at both the Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games—and how unique each of them turned out to be. Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a...

Two-time Paralympian Erica Scarff joins Alex and Nathan to chat about her journey in para canoe, including her recent 5th place finish at the 2025 World Cup. She opens up about how she got started in the sport, the role cross-training plays in her success, and what her preparation looks like as she sets her sights on the LA 2028 Games! Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media...

On this episode, Producer Jeff Ryman drops in with some great interviews he recorded during National AccessAbility Week at the Whitby Abilities Centre. Jeff shares interviews with Abilities Centre President and CEO Michael Cvitkovic, Olympian Mariam Abdul-Rashid, and disability advocate—and Mrs. Personality Canada—Emilee Schevers. Alex and Nathan are along for the ride as we spotlight stories of i...

In this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with Ryan Straz to dive into ‘ We Were Broncos’ — the powerful documentary series that gives a personal look into Ryan’s life and journey through para sports. They explore the behind-the-scenes of filming and reflect on what the experience has meant to him. Plus, PSN Producer Jeff Ryman joins the crew for a roundtable discussion covering all things para sp...

On this episode, Greg Westlake, Assistant Coach for the Canadian National Para Ice Hockey team joins Alex and Nathan to discuss the upcoming 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championship. They discuss how the team prepped for this event, the importance of having a veteran squad, and the extra motivation of trying to repeat as champs. Greg also talks about his transition from being a player to being part...

On this episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan welcome in AMI’s Ramya Amuthan. Ramya is an avid 5-a-side soccer player (also known as blind soccer) and member of the Canadian National Women’s team. She helps break down the sport, how it works, how it differs from traditional soccer, and how it will be showcased with 10 other sports at the Ontario Parasport Games later this month. Follow Para Sport Nation...

The 2025 Senior Goalball National Championship went down last weekend in Saskatoon, and Alex and Nathan break it all down. In this episode, they dive into highlights from the tournament and bring you exclusive interviews with Peter Parsons of Team Nova Scotia, Paralympian Priscilla Gagné, and friend of the show Jennie Bovard. But it's not all goalball—stick around as the guys discuss their unexpec...

Join Alex Smyth for more interviews from Défi Sportif, Canada’s largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. In this episode of Para Sport Nation, Alex sits down with 4-time Paralympian, and legendary wheelchair curler, Ina Forrest. They discuss her recent play at the Mixed Double, her involvement with Défi Sportif, and look ahead to the 2026 Paralympics. Alex also catches up with for...

The countdown is on for the 2025 Senior Goalball National Championship, happening May 9–11 in Saskatoon! On this episode, Canadian Blind Sports President, and lead event organizer Launel Scott joins the show to preview the tournament. A former elite goalball referee, Launel also shares insights into the unique challenges and demands of officiating the sport. Plus, Alex and Nathan mark a major mile...

Join us on the ground in Montreal for exclusive coverage of Défi Sportif, Canada’s largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. In this episode of Para Sport Nation, host Alex Smyth takes you inside the action—from elite competitions to first-time youth athletes experiencing the thrill of sport and inclusion. We sit down with Maxime Gagnon, President and CEO of Défi Sportif AlterGo, t...

The Paris Paralympics shattered every broadcast and digital engagement record. Alex and Nathan dive into the record-breaking global impact of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games — a historic moment not just for sport, but for global media. We explore how 225 Media Rights Holders brought the Games to all corners of the world, how all 22 Para sports received live coverage for the first time, and what th...

The classification process for para-athletes isn't just a formality—it's a physically and mentally demanding experience that can shape an athlete’s entire career. In this episode, Nathan gets real about the challenges of getting classified, sharing his personal journey through a system that’s often misunderstood. From the emotional toll to the physical demands, he breaks it all down. Plus, Nathan...

In this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with Matt Fliss—Strength and Conditioning Coach at UBC, SnC specialist with Cycling Canada, and current PhD candidate. Matt, who also trains Nathan, shares his journey into the world of strength and conditioning, and how he found his path into para sport. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the unique challenges, adaptations, and innovations involved in...

Dr. David Legg joins the show to discuss the history of sports being added and removed from the Paralympic Games. He explains the balance of ensuing the right level of competition and global representation as well as the impact on sports that are removed from Paralympic competition.   Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadi...

The Para Ice Hockey World Championships are around the corner. Team Canada’s Captain Tyler McGregor talks Canada/US rivalry, the team’s goal to repeat as world champions, and what it means to wear the “C” for Team Canada. In honour of the Masters tournament, Alex and Nathan choose their championship meals. Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, infor...

Mollie Jepsen made a triumphant return to the slopes after injuries kept her sidelined the past few seasons. She describes her road to recovery and gaining confidence by medaling in her World Cup return. She describes the challenges of being on the road and training year-round in order to be ready to compete. Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, in...

Milano Cortina 2026 announced a partnership with Harder Than You Think.  They are the producers of the Emmy-winning Netflix documentary, Rising Phoenix. Their goal is to create an exclusive long-form documentary dedicated to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.  Calum Campbell of Harder Than You Think and Livia Draghi of Milano Cortina 2026 join the show to talk more about this. Follow...

After a three game series between Canada and the US, Canada’s Women’s Para Ice Hockey team is in full preparation for the inaugural Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Championships later this year. Émilie Robitaille, President of Women's Para Hockey of Canada joins the show to talk about the development and growth of the women’s game in Canada and abroad. Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI...

After representing Canada for 25 years and dominating the sport of Wheelchair Basketball, Patrick Anderson has retired. Known as the Michael Jordan of Wheelchair Basketball, Anderson has won three Paralympic golds and a silver playing for Canada. He reflects on his career and the legacy that he leaves behind as he starts a new journey. The PSN update shares the latest from the world of Para Alpine...