Strong Girls Pod

Katelyn Abeln: Pressure is a Privilege

Welcome back to another episode of Strong Girls Pod, brought to you by Wiss! In this episode of Strong Girls Pod, we are thrilled to welcome the incredible Katelyn Abeln, a 4-time national champion for Ohio State University and a 2024 Paris Olympian. Katelyn has been a beloved mentor in the Strong Girls United organization for years, sharing her wisdom and experience with her mentees. Not only was she an Olympic finalist competing for Team USA in the Air Pistol and 25m Pistol events, but she’s also currently pursuing her master's degree in Public Health and Epidemiology. Throughout our conversation, Katelyn opens up about her journey to becoming an elite athlete in a precision-based, hyper-focused sport. She shares valuable insights into the mindset it takes to perform at the highest level, particularly how she prepares mentally to excel in high-pressure environments. We dive deep into the tools and techniques she uses to ground herself, enter the zone, and maintain focus during competition. One of the most inspiring aspects of Katelyn's story is her dedication to reframing challenges into opportunities for growth and maintaining a positive mindset, both in sport and life. She talks candidly about the importance of mental resilience and how she strives to find positivity in every situation. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan of the Olympics, or someone interested in the mental strategies behind success, this episode will leave you feeling inspired. Tune in to hear Katelyn’s story, her advice for staying focused, and feel her emotions surrounding her Olympic journey. A big shoutout to our sponsor, Wiss, for making this episode possible. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Strong Girls Pod so you never miss an episode. And, follow us on social media for the latest SGU updates and episode releases!

Kristen Faulkner: Mental Fortitude

Welcome back to another episode of Strong Girls Pod, brought to you by Wiss! Today’s guest is none other than Paris 2024 legend, 2x Olympic gold medalist in both road and track cycling—Kristen Faulkner! 🚴‍♀️🥇 If you haven’t heard Kristen’s name before, now’s the time to get familiar. Her meteoric rise in the cycling world (which began with a late start via an introductory class while working in venture capital in New York), has led her to capture Olympic gold and break records for Team USA. In this episode, we dive deep into Kristen’s remarkable journey, exploring how fortitude and mental strength have been the driving forces behind her success. From competing against her brothers in childhood sports to earning Team USA its first road cycling medal in 40 years, Kristen has shown an unrelenting grit and determination that sets her apart. 💪 We talk about the high-pressure moments and behind-the-scenes challenges that shaped her path to Olympic greatness. Kristen shares how she navigated the tough choices, odds and relentless training to become a world-class cyclist. It’s clear that her journey is as inspiring as her triumphs, and this conversation sheds light on the resilience and inner strength it takes to reach the top. If you’re curious about what it takes to excel in cycling—or any sport—you’ll want to tune in to this episode. Kristen’s story is a powerful reminder that with grit, resilience, and unwavering determination, no goal is out of reach. 🚴‍♀️✨ A big shoutout to our sponsor, Wiss, for making this episode possible. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Strong Girls Pod so you never miss an episode. And, follow us on social media for the latest SGU updates and episode releases!

Alix Klineman: Power in Vulnerability

Welcome back to another episode of Strong Girls Pod, brought to you by Wiss! Today, we chat with an absolute volleyball legend—USA Beach Volleyball and Stanford Volleyball star, Alix Klineman. Alix’s incredible career began in indoor volleyball, but a transition to beach volleyball culminated in a 2021 Olympic gold medal alongside her partner April Ross at the Tokyo Games. 🥇 In this episode, we explore Alix’s remarkable transition from the indoor court to the sand, and the mindset that fueled her success. What’s her secret? Extreme commitment to the process and an openness to vulnerability. Alix shares how she embraced the challenges of switching sports, the physical and mental grind it took to reach the top, and how she and April Ross built one of the strongest partnerships in beach volleyball history. We dive deep into the unique dynamic between Alix and April, discussing how trust, communication, and resilience were key in their journey to Olympic glory. Their story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s about grinding through the tough moments and staying committed to the process, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Alix is an amazing player: she dominates on the court. But, the grace with which she carries herself off it is what stands out even more than that. This conversation will inspire anyone with big goals, whether you're chasing your own sports dreams or navigating life’s challenges. 🏐💪 Tune in to hear how Alix Klineman rose to the top of her game, and what it truly takes to be an Olympic champion. You won’t want to miss this one! A big shoutout to our sponsor, Wiss, for making this episode possible. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Strong Girls Pod so you never miss an episode. And, follow us on social media for the latest SGU updates and episode releases!

Dempsey Arsenault: Growing The Game

Welcome back to another episode of Strong Girls Pod, brought to you by Wiss! This week, we dive into the world of lacrosse with none other than USA Lacrosse Senior National Team member, Dempsey Arsenault. With lacrosse set to make its Olympic debut in 2028, there’s no better time to chat about the growth, excitement, and future of the game—and Dempsey is right at the forefront of this historic moment. A world record holder, international competitor, and passionate advocate for the sport, Dempsey shares her incredible journey in sport. We discuss her experiences on the world stage, her love for travel, and her mission to grow the game globally. But it’s not just about playing for Dempsey—her commitment to coaching and giving back to the players she leads is a huge part of her story. Her energy and passion for the game are contagious, and you’ll quickly see how she’s inspiring the next generation of athletes, both on and off the field. In this episode, we dive into Dempsey’s role as a coach AND player: she shares the joy she finds in helping young players hone their skills and develop their passion for the game and shares how she uses it to elevate her own game. We also discuss her dedication to movement—whether she’s training, playing, or coaching, Dempsey’s love for staying active is at the heart of everything she does. If you’re curious about the future of lacrosse, how athletes like Dempsey are paving the way for its Olympic debut, or you’re simply in need of some motivation, this episode is for you. Get ready to be inspired by her incredible story and unwavering commitment to growing the game she loves! A big shoutout to our sponsor, Wiss, for making this episode possible. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Strong Girls Pod so you never miss an episode. And, follow us on social media for the latest SGU updates and episode releases!

Victoria Arlen: Face it. Embrace it. Defy it. Conquer it.

Welcome back to another empowering episode of Strong Girls Pod! Today, we have a guest whose story is bound to leave you inspired, moved, and ready to take on any challenge life throws your way. Joining Strong Girls Pod today is Victoria Arlen, a 1x gold and 3x silver Paralympic medalist, and current ESPN commentator and personality. Victoria’s is the living embodiment of resilience, strength, and the power of the human spirit, and her journey is nothing short of miraculous. At just 11 years old, her life took an unexpected and devastating turn when she was diagnosed with two rare neurological conditions, leaving her in a vegetative state for four years. But Victoria’s story is not just about what she lost—it's about how she fought back, defying the odds and reclaiming her life with unmatched determination. In this episode, we dive deep into Victoria's life-altering experience, exploring how she found the strength to overcome extreme adversity and turn her greatest challenges into her greatest triumphs. From the power of positive thinking and visualization to the life mottos that keep her grounded, Victoria shares the tools and mindset that have driven her success both in and out of the pool. We also discuss her transition from Paralympic athlete to ESPN personality, and how she continues to break barriers and inspire others. Throughout our conversation, Victoria talks about the mottos and mantras that have guided her, particularly her life motto: “Face it, Embrace it, Defy it, Conquer it.” We explore how these words have helped her navigate life’s toughest moments and continue to push her forward. This conversation was so moving that I found myself brought to tears multiple times, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same as you listen. Victoria Arlen is a beacon of hope, resilience, and the true embodiment of what it means to be a strong girl. Tune in, grab some tissues, and get ready to be moved by one of the most inspiring individuals I have ever had the pleasure of speaking with. A big shoutout to our sponsor, Wiss, for making this episode possible. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Strong Girls Pod so you never miss an episode. And, follow us on social media for the latest SGU updates and episode releases!