Under The Sportlight

UTS #36 - Ingeborg Chalmers - Norwegian Olympic Swimmer

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under The Sportlight, Ingie Loyning Chalmers shares her inspiring journey from small-town Norway to Olympic swimmer, balancing motherhood, international competition, and personal growth. Discover how her resilience, adaptability, and mindset have shaped her career and life.

UTS #35 - Merel van Dongen, Dutch Former Pro Footballer

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Merel van Dongen shares her journey from childhood in Amsterdam to becoming a professional footballer and her experiences studying and playing in the United States, the Netherlands, Spain, and Mexico. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in women's football, balancing sports and education, and her insights into leadership and human behavior.

UTS #34 - Nikki Dzurko, American Artistic Swimmer

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Nikki Dzurko shares her journey from a young artistic swimmer to an elite athlete aiming for the 2028 Olympics. She discusses her early inspirations, overcoming injuries, balancing college and sport, and the emotional highs and lows of international competition.

UTS #33 - Philip Doyle, Irish Olympic Rower & Doctor

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Olympic rower Philip Doyle shares his journey from a multi-sport childhood in Ireland to Olympic medal success, highlighting resilience, adaptability, and the importance of mental clarity in high-performance sports. He also shares several comical stories from his journey in what makes for a must watch episode of Under The Sportlight!

UTS #32 - Kaylan Marckese, Pro Soccer Player

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Kaylan Marckese shares her journey from youth sports in Florida to professional soccer in Europe, including her experiences with ACL injuries, playing in the Champions League for Arsenal, and transitioning to life after soccer. Discover insights on mental resilience, international play, and career development.

UTS #31 - Maddi Gordon, Top Fuel Dragster Racing Driver

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under The Sportlight, Maddi Gordon shares her journey from growing up in a racing family to becoming a top fuel drag racer. She discusses the importance of teamwork, mental resilience, and the passion that drives her success in the high-stakes world of drag racing.

UTS #30 - Bec Allen, WNBA Player, Olympian

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under The Sportlight, Bec Allen shares her journey from growing up in Australia to becoming a professional basketball player across the world, including her experiences in the WNBA, Europe, and the Unrivaled league. She discusses the mental and physical challenges of a global sports career, her personal growth, and insights into the evolving landscape of women's basketball.

UTS #29 - Tori Boggs, World Jump Rope Grand Champion

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, jump rope world champion Tori Boggs shares her inspiring journey from childhood to becoming a global icon in the sport. Discover the secrets behind her success, the challenges she faced, and how she continues to innovate in performance and competition.

UTS #28 - Anita Alvarez, US Olympic Silver Medalist, Artistic Swimming

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Olympic athlete Anita Alvarez shares her inspiring journey from childhood to Olympic medals, the intricacies of artistic swimming, and her resilience through a life-changing incident, culminating in a silver medal at Paris 2024. Discover the dedication, strategy, and mental strength required to excel at the highest level of this demanding sport.

UTS #27 - Fabian Florant, Dutch Olympic Triple Jumper

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Fabian Florant shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Dominica to becoming an Olympic triple jumper representing the Netherlands. He discusses his training techniques, overcoming injuries, and his vision for developing athletic talent in small islands.

UTS #26 - Paige Barr, Australian Rowing Olympian

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under The Sportlight, Australian Olympian Paige Barr shares her inspiring journey from childhood in regional Victoria to competing at the Paris Olympics. She discusses the sport of rowing, the intense training and selection process, and her plans for future competitions.

UTS #25 - Maria Thorisdóttir, Norwegian Footballer

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Maria Thorisdóttir shares her journey from a sports-filled childhood in Norway to becoming a professional footballer in Europe. She discusses her transition between sports, positional changes in football, and the evolution of women's football in Norway. Maria also reflects on her national team experience, injuries, and recovery. Maria shares her journey to Chelsea and Manchester United, positional frustrations, finding consistency at Brighton, life in Norway, future aspirations, leadership, and personal development. She also discusses her hobbies and interests in a quick fire segment.

Chapters

* 00:00 Childhood and Early Sports Influence
* 08:08 Transitioning Between Sports
* 14:29 Positional Transition in Football
* 23:24 National Team Call-Up and World Cup Experience
* 28:57 Evolution of Women's Football in Norway
* 35:00 Transition to Manchester United
* 40:05 Consistency at Brighton
* 45:02 Future Aspirations and Career Transition
* 50:56 Quick Fire Segment

UTS #3 - Rebecka Blomqvist, Professional Football Player

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under the Sportlight, host Phil engages with Swedish international footballer Rebecka Blomqvist, who shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Sweden to the heights of European football. Rebecka recounts her childhood in Uddevalla, where she balanced her love for football and horse riding, and how her passion for the sport grew from playing with her brother to competing at a national level. Despite the setbacks she faced, she emphasizes the importance of resilience and support from her family and teammates. The conversation also touches on her experiences with the Swedish national team, including the emotional highs and lows of competing in the Olympics and World Cup. As she embarks on a new chapter with Frankfurt, Rebecka shares her aspirations for the future and offers advice to young athletes about balancing passion with hard work.

UTS #17 - Nina Kucheran, NCAA Swimmer and Youth Olympian

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Olympic-level swimmer Nina Kucheran joins Phil to share about her journey from childhood in Sudbury to competing at the Youth Olympics and NCAA championships. She discusses overcoming injuries, the mental aspects of elite sports, and her transition into medical school, offering valuable lessons on resilience, goal-setting, and balancing passion with purpose.

UTS #15 - Sofia Sharback, Olympic Gold Medalist - Curling

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Join Phil and Olympic gold medalist Sofia Charbak as she reveals the secrets behind her curling success. Discover how she overcame challenges, maintained mental toughness, and thrived in high-pressure situations. This episode dives into the strategic world of curling, teamwork dynamics, and the resilience needed to bounce back from setbacks. Sofia's journey is a testament to dedication and passion.

UTS #11 - Isabelle Lötscher, Olympic Snowboarder

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this engaging interview, Olympic snowboarder Isa Lötscher shares her journey from early snow sports influences to competing at the highest level. Discover her training routines, mental strategies, and insights into the world of professional snowboarding, including how she prepares for competitions and manages the pressures of the Olympics.

UTS #5 - Yasmine Hall, Former Pro Soccer Player

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under the Sportlight, host Phil interviews former professional soccer player Yasmine Hall, who shares her unique journey from the soccer field to medical school. Yasmine discusses her childhood in a sporty family, the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, and the resilience she developed through injuries. She recounts her transition to professional soccer in France and the cultural differences she encountered. As she navigates her new identity as a medical student, Yasmine reflects on the importance of following one's passions and the enduring impact of sports on her life.

UTS #6 - Maddi Desiano, Pro Soccer Player

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under the Sportlight, host Phil interviews Maddi Desiano, a professional soccer player who shares her inspiring journey from childhood in California to becoming a national champion at UCLA and a professional athlete in the NWSL and Denmark. Maddi discusses her early life, the impact of injuries on her career, the importance of mentorship, and her philosophy of 'Bend, Never Break.' She also reflects on her experiences in professional soccer, the growth of women's sports, and her aspirations for the future.

UTS #21 - Casey Murphy, USWNT Goalkeeper

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under The Sportlight, we sit down with Casey Murphy — US Women’s National Team goalkeeper, Olympic gold medalist, former NWSL Iron Woman, and one of the top shot stoppers in women’s soccer.Casey opens up about her journey from growing up in New Jersey to starring at Rutgers, playing professionally in France, competing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and becoming a key figure in the NWSL and the USWNT setup.We talk about:- Life as a goalkeeper and the mental side of the position- Handling mistakes, pressure, and criticism at the highest level- Playing in France without speaking French- Winning Olympic gold with Team USA- The heartbreak of the 2023 Women’s World Cup- Competing in one of the deepest goalkeeper pools in the world- Her move to Boston Legacy FC- Leadership, mindset, confidence, and staying mentally strong- Marriage, life outside soccer, and building a future beyond the gameCasey also shares hilarious stories from her first weeks in France, the proposal plan her husband had to completely scrap, and what it really feels like to represent the United States on the world stage.

UTS #7 - Chloe Grant, Pro Racing Driver

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under the Spotlight, host Phil interviews Chloe Grant, a Scottish racing driver who shares her journey from karting to competing in the F1 Academy and GT racing. Chloe discusses her childhood memories of racing, the challenges of transitioning to car racing, the importance of sponsorships, and her experiences in the competitive motorsport industry. She also delves into the mental and physical preparation required for racing, how she handles pressure and disappointment, and her aspirations for endurance racing. The conversation concludes with fan questions and a fun quick-fire round.

UTS #4 - Gaetano Giallanza, Former Pro Football Player and Current Agent

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under the Spotlight, host Phil interviews Gaetano Giallanza, a former Swiss Italian striker turned football agent. Gaetano shares his journey from childhood football in Switzerland to professional play in France and England, discussing the challenges and triumphs along the way. He reflects on his transition to becoming an agent, the importance of mental resilience in football, and the dynamics of managing player relationships. Gaetano emphasizes the need for passion, hard work, and the ability to adapt in both playing and managing careers in football.

UTS #2 - Julie Vanloo, Pro Basketball Player

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under the Sportlight, host Phil interviews Julie Vanloo, a prominent figure in international basketball. Julie shares her journey from a sunshiny childhood in Belgium to becoming a professional athlete, detailing her experiences in various countries, the challenges of moving abroad, and her aspirations in the WNBA. She discusses the importance of resilience, the impact of her family, and the friendships formed through sports. The conversation also touches on her recent vlogging endeavors and her love for animals, particularly her cat, Karamel. Julie's story is one of determination, passion, and the pursuit of dreams in the world of professional sports.

History of the FIFA World Cup - 1930

Under The Sportlight — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:39:54 GMT

Discover the untold story of how the FIFA World Cup almost never happened. Journey back to 1930, where a visionary's dream turned chaos into the world's most beloved sporting event. Hear about Uruguay's rise, historic goals, and the birth of a global phenomenon.The FIFA World Cup History Series kicks off going back to the very beginning.

UTS #24 - Emma Holmgren, Swedish National Team Goalkeeper

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Emma Holmgren shares her inspiring journey from childhood in Sweden to becoming a professional goalkeeper in Europe, including her experiences in France and Spain, balancing motherhood with her football career, and insights into goalkeeping at the highest level.

UTS #16 - Johan-Olav Botn, Norwegian Biathlete 2x Olympic Gold Medalist. #sportspodcast #biathlon

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

This week on Under The Sportlight, Johan-Olav Botn, Olympic biathlon gold medalist, shares his journey from childhood in Norway to Olympic glory. Discover insights into the sport's unique challenges, mental resilience, and his inspiring story of perseverance and passion.

UTS #18 - Katharine Berkoff, Swimmer, US Olympic Medalist

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:05:00 GMT

In this in-depth interview, Olympic backstroke swimmer Katharine Berkoff shares her journey from childhood in Montana to the Olympic podium. She discusses the importance of mindset, coaching, balancing academics and athletics, and her future plans in swimming and beyond.

UTS #12 - Ida Zetterström, Pro Drag Racing Driver

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Join Phil and Co-host Alana Carter as they explore the thrilling world of drag racing with Ida Zitterström, a rising star in the sport. Discover her journey from Sweden to the US, the technical marvels of top fuel dragsters, and the relentless hustle behind her success.

UTS #14 - Alysha Newman, Canadian Olympic Medalist, Model, & Influencer

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:43:00 GMT

Push the button! Alysha Newman has done it all - and we're here for it. Join Phil as he explores her inspiring journey from childhood in Ontario to Olympic medals, her dedication to breaking barriers in pole vaulting, and her vision for supporting future Canadian athletes.

UTS #19 - Sabré Cook, Pro Racing Driver

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 20 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode of Under The Sportlight, Sabré Cook shares her inspiring journey from childhood racing influences to becoming a professional racing driver and engineer. Discover her insights on sponsorship, mental resilience, and her future goals in motorsport.

UTS #10 - Trennt Michaud - Olympic Figure Skater

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under the Sportlight, host Phil interviews Canadian Olympic pair skater Trennt Michaud. They discuss Trennt's journey from a sporty childhood in Ontario to the Olympic stage, the importance of communication in partnerships, and the balance between athleticism and artistry in figure skating. Trennt shares insights on mental performance coaching, processing mistakes, and the excitement of competing at the Grand Prix and Olympics. He also reveals his passion for disc golf and answers fan questions, emphasizing the support of Canadians for their athletes.

UTS #9 - Jasmine Shaw, Pro Racing Driver

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under the Sportlight, host Phil interviews Jasmine Shaw, a British racing driver who shares her journey from karting to competing in the Caterham Championship. Jasmine discusses her early years, the challenges she faced as a young female driver, and her memorable moments in racing. She emphasizes the importance of mental focus, physical fitness, and the business side of racing, including sponsorships and social media presence. Jasmine also shares her goals for the future and her life outside of racing, providing insights into the world of motorsport.

UTS #23 - Daniel Wiffen, Irish Swimming Olympic Champion

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen joins Under the Sportlight for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to compete at the highest level of swimming.From world-class training demands to the mindset required to perform under pressure, Daniel breaks down the realities behind elite performance and what separates good from great.He also speaks openly and unapologetically about who he is as an athlete and as a person, offering a rare level of honesty from someone operating at the very top of his sport.This is a deep dive into discipline, identity, and elite mentality - straight from one of the world’s best distance swimmers.

UTS #13 - Brianna Throssell, Olympic Swimmer and Gold Medallist

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:01:00 GMT

Join host Phil for an inspiring conversation with Brianna Throssell, a three-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist, as she shares her journey from childhood water lover in Australia to Olympic champion. Discover her insights on mental resilience, the intense Olympic qualification process, relay strategies, and her exciting transition into the corporate world.

UTS #8 - Linus Gunnarsson, Women's Football Agent

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Under the Spotlight, host Phil Araujo interviews Linus Gunnarsson, a sports lawyer and FIFA licensed agent specializing in women's football. Linus shares his journey from growing up in Sweden to becoming a prominent figure in sports law and football agency. He discusses the transition from working with both men's and women's football to focusing exclusively on women's representation, the dynamics of the transfer window, and the importance of individualized client relationships. Linus also highlights the growth of women's football, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the emotional aspects of being a sports agent.

UTS #22 - Gemma Soler, Football Journalist & Reporter

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Gemma Soler shares her journey from childhood in Catalonia to becoming a prominent sports journalist covering football at the highest levels, including the World Cup and Champions League. She discusses her experiences as a woman in sports media, the evolution of women's football, and memorable moments from her career.

UTS #20 - Liliana Fernández Steiner, Spanish Olympic Beach Volleyball Player

Under The Sportlight — Wed, 27 May 2026 12:40:00 GMT

Most athletes dream of Olympic gold, but Liliana Fernandez Steiner's journey is about much more than medals. From growing up in a small Spanish town to leaving home at 18 to chase her passion, she’s built a legacy of resilience, love for sport, and breaking barriers as Spain’s first women’s beach volleyball Olympian. Her story is a powerful testament to perseverance, motherhood, and the relentless pursuit of excellence against all odds.In this episode, Liliana shares candid insights from her extraordinary career, including navigating the intense pressure of four Olympic Games, from London 2012 to Paris 2024. Discover how she transformed setbacks into stepping stones, beat top-ranked opponents with strategic brilliance, and managed the chaos of motherhood while competing at the highest level. We'll uncover the behind-the-scenes reality of Olympic qualification, epic victories against legendary teams, and the unbreakable mindset that kept her going past age 39.We break down:- The emotional rollercoaster of qualifying for the Olympics as a pioneering woman in Spain- The mental tactics used to upset favorites in high-stakes matches- The unique challenges of balancing parenthood and a professional sport career- How her definition of success evolved from medals to personal growth and Olympic experiences- Practical lessons on resilience, adaptability, and mental toughness from one of the sport's most inspiring figuresLiliana’s story demonstrates that success is about resilience, continuous learning, and embracing every moment, even under unimaginable pressure. Follow Liliana’s journey on Instagram @liliana.fernandez.steiner.