The Iron Butterfly

This episode discusses Ice Dance, with several new generation ice dancers with their eye on the Olympics. I chat with Lorraine McNamara, Anthony Ponomarenko, and Logan Bye on partner changes, their ice dance history, and their goals long term in this sport. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simp...

This episode breaks down the Ladies event at Skate America, with my commentary on all the skaters. In order: Gracie Gold, Finley Hawk, Paige Rydberg, Pooja Kalyan, Sierra Venetta, Shan Lin, Starr Andrews, Karen Chen, Audrey Shin, Amber Glenn, Bradie Tennell, & Mariah Bell. Discussing their highlights, things to improve, and the triple-triple combination in … Continued See Privacy Policy at htt...

Let’s talk Show Skating! Too many kids drop out of skating once they near the end of high school, without considering the possibility of professional shows. Abby Kimmelman, who played Anna in Disney On Ice’s production of Frozen in the US Tour and International tours, walks us through the process of applying, skating in productions, … Continued See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and C...

Ashley Wagner and I discuss the Sochi Olympics – both qualifications and the games, and transition after sport. We talk about skating politics, finding meaning in life after sport, and the self confidence it takes to step out of the skating world and into “normal life”. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. H...

This episode I discuss the importance of a positive rink environment: specifically because of its effects on young and growing girls. I discuss what makes a good environment, how parents and coaches behavior’s affect the skaters, and how the attitude around growth changes in adolescent skaters needs to be positive, rather than suppressive. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo...

AKUSPIKE CODE: POLINA20 This episode is about body changes and body image. I detail my own experiences with food growing up, then during and after puberty, and how it affected me both physically and mentally, in both negative and positive ways. I also give my thoughts and advice on body image for girls in sports: … Continued See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy No...

A conversation with two-time Canadian National champion Nam Nguyen: We discuss everything from skating again after the COVID-19 quarantines, skating in competitive environments, fans that are overly involved, and fun stories from skating internationally together — like Prom! Tune in. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-s...

This episode is all about injury! I discuss my own foot injury, the process of healing it while trying to stay competitive, taking time off, and the comeback process of getting everything back paired with relearning adrenaline management, as well as advice for how to deal with how to approach injury and recovery. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at http...

This episode is full of stories from my 2016 season, detailing hardships I faced and how I was able to get through them. I’m being very open and honest about my experiences, in hopes that people can understand the full scope of skating and expand their perspectives in the sport world. My mental strength and … Continued See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice a...

This episode details my 2014 and 2015 seasons. Sharing stories of the hardships I had to face in order to be selected for teams and all that came with being USA #3. I cover not being selected for Junior Worlds, 2014 Nationals & Olympic selection, & sport politics with placement in my 2015 season in … Continued See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...

This episode details all of the little things that built my confidence in my own skating as I grew up. Confidence in performance needs to start in youth. Because of the system and environment I skated in — the classes I took, coaching I had, and adrenaline practice — I was able to learn the … Continued See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.c...

This episode is all things competing internationally for Team USA! Tackling how I got to the stage of representing the stars and stripes, detailing the junior international circuit, senior international circuit, and mental & physical state in performing at the highest stake competitions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#...

Let’s talk balancing school and skating! First I talk my schedule growing up in public schooling, why I wasn’t homeschooled, how school can help with anxiety/nerves, and then some drama on USFS lack of support for my double life. Ends with some happy memories of my High School Olympic Sendoff & Stars On Ice Prom … Continued See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy...

This is the Intro episode to my podcast series, Breaking the Ice! I’ll be talking all things figure skating, academics and athletics, sport politics, and healthy states of body and mind. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about o...