Forging Gold: The Making of a Champion

Speed Skating Record Holder Apolo Ohno

Apolo Ohno is the most decorated American Winter Olympian in history with eight Olympic medals across three Games– a title he has held onto for over 15 years. But behind the victories is a complex story shaped by rebellion, self-doubt, relentless discipline, and a father who refused to let him quit. In our finale episode of Forging Gold, Apolo joins host Rennae Stubbs to revisit the defining moments behind his career: the 3:30 a.m. training sessions with a flashlight duct-taped to his helmet, the controversy surrounding his first Olympic gold, and an intensity he brought to his sport that scared his competitors. Listen as he opens up about how reconnecting with the pure joy of skating changed everything when it mattered most– and why he ultimately felt he had to walk away from the sport he’d loved for so long.   To learn more, visit: dudewipes.com [https://dudewipes.com/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Basketball Coaching Legend Becky Hammon

Becky Hammon is one of the best basketball coaches in the world– full stop. The Las Vegas Aces head coach has built a modern dynasty, won multiple titles, and earned a reputation as one of the sharpest, toughest, and most respected minds in the game. In this episode of Forging Gold, Becky joins host Rennae Stubbs to break down what great coaching actually looks like. She shares how to earn trust, challenge elite players, manage pressure, and keep a championship team hungry year after year. From going undrafted as a player to becoming a history-making coach, Becky’s story is proof that greatness comes to those willing to outwork every obstacle in their path.   To learn more, visit: www.davidsbridal.com [https://www.davidsbridal.com/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Hockey Captain Hilary Knight

Hilary Knight wasn’t always a goal scorer. In fact, she couldn’t even lift the puck off the ice– until a coach bet her a Big Gulp she could hit a soda can off the top of the net. Years later, she’s a five-time Olympian, world champion, and one of the most dominant forces in women’s hockey.  In this episode of Forging Gold, host Rennae Stubbs sits down with Hilary Knight to talk about the moments that shaped her path to greatness. From playing on the boys’ team as a kid, to the impact that a training week has on her mind and body, to the sting of the 2014 Sochi loss and what it taught her about leadership. Listen in as Hilary takes us inside the mindset of an elite competitor, as she shares the habits, superstitions, and discipline that keep her at the top of her game.    To learn more, visit: miravalresorts.com [https://www.miravalresorts.com/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Swimming G.O.A.T Katie Ledecky

Katie Ledecky is one of the most dominant athletes of her generation– a record-breaking force in the water and tied as the most decorated female swimmer of all time. But what actually goes into staying on top for more than a decade? On this episode of Forging Gold, Katie opens up about the system behind her success: the foundation, training, mindset, and even the rivalries that push her to excel in every race. From her famous “galloping kick” to the mental tricks that keep her focused lap after lap, she shares what it really takes to stay at the top. Listen in as Rennae and Katie dive into her proudest achievements, toughest challenges, and how she stays fired up to keep getting better—even when she’s already a champion. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Track Legend Allyson Felix

You probably know the name Allyson Felix– most decorated track athlete of all time, hero in the fight for maternal protections, and the woman who took on one of sport’s biggest brands to change the conversation around pay and power. But what did it cost her to get there?   In this episode, Rennae speaks with Allyson about the race that hurt the most, the Nike showdown that made headlines, the grief she didn’t expect after retiring, and the fight for equity that continues even after stepping away from the podium. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.