The Rocker Skating Podcast

ISU reinstates Russia and Belarus skaters as neutral athletes

The day before the 2026-27 season officially begins, the ISU released its decision to partially lift the ban on Russia and Belarus on ISU and international competitions. A quick look at what that means for skaters and competitions this season.

Emergency episode: Grand Prix assignments announced! First impressions

The 2026-27 Grand Prix assignments were revealed today, and of course, we've got all kinds of feelings about them! The selection procedures were amended just a bit for this season, so there was a bit of confusion, especially about the seeded skaters. But Jackie brings you all of his first impressions about who's in, who's out, and which events have the most interesting fields!

ISU Congress 2026 and more off-season news!

Jackie is fresh off his trip to the 2026 ISU Congress, the first time that media has been invited to cover it in person. He has a lot to bring back from Congress, including clarifications on a lot of questions that skating fans had (what do you mean two free skates?!), changes coming to the Grand Prix and "Big Worlds," and rule changes in singles and pairs for the upcoming season. Also, Jackie and Michelle cover the latest off-season news, including the formation of Marjorie Lajoie / Jean-Luc Baker as the newest Canadian ice dance team.

ISU President Jae Youl Kim: Rocker Skating Podcast interview

"Athletes are the heart and soul of the sport, and we need to recognize the amount of work that the athletes put in." On this episode of The Rocker Skating Podcast, Jackie sits down with International Skating Union President Jae Youl Kim at the 2026 ISU Congress to talk about the changes to prize money and future competitions, how proposed changes are being done and where athlete representation comes in, what he's looking forward to in the next Olympic cycle, and the ISU's current stance on athletes from Russia and Belarus.

Emergency off-season news: Marin Honda / Shoma Uno return + other off-season news

This episode was recorded on May 24, 2026. Things may have changed since then. Michelle and Jackie are back for an emergency off-season news episode. This has been one of the biggest rollercoaster off-seasons we've seen. Kaori Sakamoto got married? Marin Honda and Shoma Uno are coming back as ice dancers? Majorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha split up? WHAT IS HAPPENING!?