Power Through the 4th Whistle Roller Derby Podcast

In this episode, I talk to Super Smash Ho aka Nicole Doucette, producer of The Wheel Deal roller derby documentary focusing on the Terminal City Roller Derby league in Vancouver, BC, Canada. This project is a seven episode series, newly released on youtube, free to everyone! This documentary brings to light a very common challenge in roller derby – competitive vs fun in an amateur sport. The age o...

"We could be freeeee....." This episode is for the perfectionists out there and how we can break ourselves out of cycle of the trap of perfectionism. After injury and self-doubt left me questioning everything, I found myself wrestling with perfectionism, shame, and the fear of not being “enough.” In this episode, I share how I learned to let go of perfection, reconnect with my team, and...

In this episode, I talk about stepping into character and embracing your roller derby identity and alter ego to give yourself to be competitive and elevate your own performance and push everyone else to their limits. I also talk about team culture and taking care of each other and how your contagious energy can push your team forward or hold them back. Photo by ⁠⁠ Meagen Kopacki Podcast logo by Li...

I read a book that made me mad...and then it made me think. In this episode, we uncover the hard truths about competition that coaches often leave out. From shifting your mindset to embrace relentless competitiveness, to understanding how small actions control the margin of victory, we explore what it really takes to win. Learn how to push your limits, balance empathy with toughness, and make your...

This week, I welcome one of my favorite people and long time heroes in roller derby to the podcast -- Jackie Daniels! During this Jackie-Jackie connection, you'll hear all about her trail blazing career of 20+ years (so far ;-) ) in our sport. Being part of history at the beginning of the WFTDA in one of the first 30 leagues, Grand Raggidy, and what it was like in that 2005-2010 time period wh...

Today we are getting a preview of MRDA Champs coming up with special guest, Showtime! Showtime aged up from the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA) and now competes in the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA), skating with Concussion Roller Derby, where she also serves as team captain. Beyond her fierce gameplay, she’s a dedicated junior coach, helping young skaters grow not just in skill, but...

Today's episode has special guest -- NoMad (from NoMad Coaching)! NoMad has played, coached, and officiated at high levels of play all around the world. NoMad's roller derby story has so many life lessons and takeaways along with many laughs and a handful of somber moments that will make you really consider how you're approaching your journey in this sport. This episode covers: Protect...

What makes a team unforgettable? It's not just the wins—it's the weird, wild, and deeply human moments that bond people together. From moments of fierce competition and overcoming adversity to silly shenanigans and belly laughs, this episode explores how to intentionally create more moments of connection, closeness, and joy within your team. The book referenced in this episode is "Eve...

What if you approached each day knowing it could be the last time doing the things you love? In this heartfelt episode, I explore the philosophy of Memento Mori — a reminder of life’s impermanence — and how it’s helped me find renewed purpose and joy in our sport. Through injuries, surgeries, and soul-searching, I found myself not where I expected to be — but exactly where I needed to be. This is...

This week, I'm joined by the unstoppable PeaceWar telling the stories of her beginnings in derby to her proudest moments on the track. From enduring grueling tryouts for Texas to being named Tournament MVP for WFTDA D1 Playoffs in Montreal in 2016. This season, she represented Fuego Latino at the World Cup in Austria as well as USA as a coach at the Junior Roller Derby World Cup in Australia. She...

New League, Who Dis? Whether you're transferring from another league or lacing up for the very first time, starting fresh on a new roller derby team can be both exciting and intimidating. In this episode, I'm breaking down the 9 biggest mistakes skaters make when joining a new team—so you can avoid these awkward missteps and roll into your new league with confidence. Photo by Timothy Larey Podcast...

Great teams don’t crumble because of talent gaps — they fall apart when trust breaks down. In this episode, we dig into why trust is the foundation of every resilient, high-performing team, and how coaches, athletes, and support systems can build it before it's too late. If your team culture is showing cracks, this episode will give you the tools to lead with connection, consistency, and care — an...

GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD!!! In roller derby, your toughest opponent might just be your own mind. If negative thoughts and outside noise are holding you back from skating your best, this episode is for you. We dive into how to shut down doubt, take control of your story, and lean on your teammates to push through. Plus, we share real ways to help you feel good on the track—not stressed—so you can crush...

In this episode, uncover three common leadership mistakes that limit growth -- and learn how to develop confident, self-sufficient athletes who can handle pressure on and off the track. Resilience isn't build in comfort -- it's forged through challenge. Photo by Jason Lome @lomeranger Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Visit Roller Derby Athlet...

What happens when the thing you once loved—your sport, your career, your passion—starts to feel like a burden? In this episode, we dive into the complex relationship between passion and performance, why burnout happens even when you’re doing what you love, and how to reconnect with your “why.” Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not yourself lately, this conversation will help y...

Why do we choose to suffer? Why do we volunteer for the bruises, the exhaustion, the late-night tournament planning sessions, the endless drills? This episode digs deep into the meaning behind the pain we choose—and how that effort transforms us. Whether you’re a skater who loves the hits or a coach who juggles everything to keep the team in the game, this episode is about embracing the suck, find...

I’m diving into highlights of the Roller Derby World Cup 2025 and stacking the entire event up against last year’s Championships! You may remember I shared some critical feedback and ideas for how to make the biggest tournaments in our sport more engaging and audience friendly in episode 141: 5 Ways to Make Me LOVE Champs Again. How did the Roller Derby World Cup step up and address these ideas? I...

In this episode, I go backstage at the Roller Derby World Cup for interviews with skaters and coaches from USA, Australia, Sweden, Argentina, and Canada. From grueling gym sessions to recovering from injury, these athletes share the physical and emotional work it takes to earn a spot on one of the most competitive rosters in our sport. You’ll hear candid reflections on pressure, preparation, and p...

This special episode covers absolutely EVERYTHING you need to know before watching or attending the Roller Derby World Cup this week! Listen during your travels and GET READY! Dork Mistress (Co-Head Announcer) and Cruella de Wild (of the host league, Fearless Bruisers) tag team explaining everything you've been dying to know about the the tournament (and the details you didn't know you wanted!): h...

We're back in Europe for the last team interview before the World Cup talking to Team Poland! Mother Blocker (Team Manager) and Hell Stork (Captain) share about their journeys, the journey of their team, and explain the Polish smile and why Pierogis are good for before derby, after derby, and pretty much every meal! I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so we can learn more abo...

This week's World Cup Team interview is with Indigenous Rising! BeastMode, Smackagawea, and Coach Krispy took time out of their team training weekend in Arizona to share more about their personal journeys in the sport, the evolution of this team, and how it has helped them connect with their heritage and each other. I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so we can learn more about t...

This week is all about Team Brazil! Naclara and Maria Loca share their stories and the challenges of pursuing roller derby in their country and how their passion for the sport keeps them strong. I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so we can learn more about them and help support their journey. Follow Team Brazil on socials! https://www.instagram.com/brasilrollerderby/ Support Tea...

In this episode, I revisit a topic that’s been echoing through my conversations lately—Imposter Syndrome. I’ve heard it from teammates, podcast listeners, even my own inner voice. Six years after my original episode on the subject, so much has changed—for all of us. I share personal stories, lessons from coaching, and mental tools that have helped me rebuild my confidence through injury, self-doub...

Full house this episode with Black Diaspora Roller Derby! Diamond (cofounder of Black Disapora), Quadzilla (coach), Lightning McLynn, Archangel Anarchy, Thumpher, Wheelameana, and Hella Naughty share their roller derby stories and what it means to be a part of this borderless team. Who travels the furthest? What's Quadzilla's secret to the fountain of youth? Who plays the kazoo? Answers to...

This week, I got to talk to Team Finland and discover the secret to being one of the happiest countries in the world with Eerika aka Queerika of Helsinki Roller Derby and Ronja aka Rogue Fun of London Roller Derby. Why the grumpy fish? What does SISU really mean? Will we finally see one of the English speaking countries knocked out of the top spots? You'll have to listen to find out! I’m talki...