The Joys Of The Journey

This episode explores the complex relationship between identity and life transitions, especially for athletes and parents. It discusses how defining oneself solely by a profession or role can lead to challenges when that role ends, and emphasizes the importance of cultivating diverse interests and identities. 🔗 Stay Connected: Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Website: www.thejoysofthejourn...

This podcast episode was recorded in Bulgarian, and the video subtitles are in English. World No. 2 sabre fencer Yoana Ilieva joins Tsvetelina Hristov to talk about life at the top of international fencing. Yoana represents Bulgaria and competes against the world's best athletes. She explains how elite fencers train, how they manage pressure during major competitions, and what daily life looks lik...

In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, I sit down with Misaki Emura, the world’s #1 women’s sabre fencer and a two-time World Champion. We talk about the story behind becoming the best in the world, what people don’t see behind the wins, and the hardest moments that shaped her mindset. Misaki shares how she stays mentally strong under pressure, what she does when motivation is low, and the le...

Send us a textExplore how coaches and teachers shape your mindset, motivation, and growth. Tsvetelina shares real experiences in leadership that build you up—or break you down—and how to find mentors who truly make a difference.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

Send us a textIn this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Tsvetelina speaks with the team behind Fencers Do Good, a movement dedicated to making a difference in the communities. They share the story of how Fencers Do Good began, the impact it’s having on fences around the United States, and how teamwork, compassion, and purpose drive their mission. We discuss how fencing builds character, how...

Send us a textZiad Elsissy’s journey is one of resilience, identity, and purpose. From growing up in Egypt to making history as the first Egyptian fencer to win an individual World Championship medal, his story is a testament to chasing a dream even when the world doesn’t expect it of you. In this conversation, Ziad opens up about the sacrifices, setbacks, and moments that shaped him — not just as...

Send us a textPremier Fencing Foundation was created to give every athlete a chance to fence, regardless of background. In this episode, Kristiyan and Tsvetelina Hristov share how they built a national nonprofit that supports youth athletes through funding, mentorship, and opportunities. Learn how Built by Blades, their athlete-run apparel brand, helps power the foundation while teaching leadershi...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Tsvetelina and Kristiyan Hristov sit down with Eli Dershwitz — a three-time Olympian, Junior and Senior World Champion, Pan American Champion, NCAA Champion, and Harvard graduate — to explore his inspiring path from elite athlete to mentor and leader. Eli shares how his fencing career shaped his mindset, the lessons he’s learned from y...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Joys of the Journey, we explore the powerful balance between an athlete's effort and a coach's energy. True progress doesn’t come from motivation alone — it’s built on mutual discipline, understanding, and purpose. We discuss why coaches need their athletes’ energy to be effective, how genuine effort from both sides leads to lasting success, and why p...

Send us a textLee Kiefer—three-time Olympic champion, world champion, and the first American woman ranked No. 1 in foil—joins The Joys of the Journey to share her path from childhood dreams to Olympic glory. She reflects on the toughest mental battles, lessons from her longtime coach, and the balance of competing alongside her husband, Olympic medalist Gerek Meinhardt. Lee also talks about leaders...

Send us a textn this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Kris Hristov sits down with Coach Isaac Mburu Wanyoike, founder of TSAVORA™, Kenya’s premier fencing brand and club. We explore his inspiring journey into fencing, how his past and childhood shaped his big moves today, and the story behind the name TSAVORA™. Coach Isaac shares how the club is breaking barriers in Kenya, creating opportu...

Send us a textWorld No.1 and World Champion Nouran “The Terminator” Gohar joins the show to share her journey to the top of women’s squash. She discusses handling pressure, pre-match rituals, being a role model for women in sports, her goals ahead, and life with Olympic fencer Ziad El-Sissy. A powerful, inspiring conversation for athletes and fans alike. Check Nouran's social media www.instag...

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Richard Schreiber, a fencing strength and conditioning coach who has built a reputation for helping fencers unlock peak performance. With years of hands-on experience, he shares practical and science-backed strategies that every athlete can implement. Listeners will hear his expert tips on injury prevention—from smart warm-ups to building resilience...

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Alexander Massialas, one of the most decorated foil fencers in U.S. history. A four-time Olympian, Alexander made history at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by winning silver in individual foil and bronze in team foil, followed by another team bronze at Tokyo 2020. He is also a World Champion, multiple Grand Prix winner, NCAA champion at Stanford, and cur...

Send us a textIn today’s powerful episode, we’re diving into a truth most athletes quietly face: What if you don’t win that Olympic medal or world championship? Less than 1% of athletes reach that level—but that doesn’t mean your story ends. In fact, it might just be beginning. This episode is all about embracing the next chapter. Your competitive career gave you more than wins and losses—it gave...

Send us a textDaily motivation. You Have to Climb to See The Best Views - To Achieve Your Goals, You Will Have Difficulties🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

Send us a textCar Ride With Kris Discussing Women's Makeup, Target Shopping and More🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

Send us a textWho is Your Biggest Competition - Overcome This to be SuccessfulHome, this podcast helps you understand what stays between you and your success story.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

Send us a textJoin us as we navigate the digital landscape, examining social media's positive and negative impacts on our mental health. Discover strategies for mindful usage, learn how to set healthy boundaries, and find out how to foster a more supportive online environment. Whether you're a social media enthusiast, a concerned parent, or simply curious about the digital world's i...

Send us a textBalancing Family, Life, and MoreWe explore the art of balancing the demands of family, career, personal growth, and everything in between. Join us as we dive deep into our lives with ways we juggle responsibilities while maintaining a sense of fulfillment and joy. Whether you're a busy parent, a career-driven individual, or someone striving for a more balanced life, this episode...

Send us a textOn today's episode, we dive into a deep conversation with Christopher Gorog, Ph. D., CISSP.  He is a CTO at BlockFrame Inc., Author, Inventor, Leading Cybersecurity & Privacy Industry Expert, Host of "New Cyber Frontier," and Chair of the IEEE Digital Privacy Initiative. Chris's Company https://blockframetech.com/Podcast https://newcyberfrontier.podbean.com/He has plenty of...

Send us a textWelcome to the inaugural episode of "Two Decades Together," where we dive into the rich tapestry of lessons learned from nearly 20 years of marriage. In this episode, we embark on a heartfelt exploration of the highs and lows, the laughter and tears, and the growth and understanding of sharing two decades of life with someone. Whether newlywed or nearing your 20th anniversary, this e...

Send us a textJoin us as we embark on a nostalgic journey through our life in Bulgaria before we moved to the United States. In this video, we dive into our personal experiences living in Bulgaria.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne