Episode 12: Katie Kubiak, Rising Swim Star on Identity, Accessibility, and Film Making

Episode 17: Kendall Gretsch, 11x Paralympic medalist on exciting, yet unexpected life paths

This episode includes an interview with Kendall Gretsch, a six-time Paralympian, covering her experiences in both the summer and winter games, as well as her recent achievements at the 2026 Milan Cortina games!! The conversation delves into the complexities of the Paralympic Games, shedding light on the challenges and intricacies involved. It also highlights the diversity of Paralympic athletes and Kendall's unique experience she brings as a multi-sport athlete competing in both the summer and winter games! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/] MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod [https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod] Kendall's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.gretsch/ [https://www.instagram.com/k.gretsch/] Chapters * 00:00 Interview with Kendall Gretsch * 18:58 The Paralympic Games Selection Process * 32:34 Diversity of Paralympic Athletes * 37:51 Community and Support * 47:19 Paralympic Movement

Episode 16: Lindsey Zurbrugg, Taking on adversity through food, community, and wheelchair basketball

We are so thrilled to bring in our first wheelchair basketball athlete, Lindsey Zurbrugg! Lindsey has a wide range of accolades from her time on Team USA to coaching the University of Alabama's women's team to national championship titles. Lindsey shares her experiences as an elite athlete, coach, and nutritionist, highlighting the importance of teamwork, training, and the impact of disabilities on daily life. The conversation covers a range of topics including personal experiences, unexpected life events, and the importance of advocacy and education. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/] Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod [https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod] Lindsey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butcherbabe12/ [https://www.instagram.com/butcherbabe12/] Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Paralympic Sports * 17:23 The Numbers Game of Qualification * 23:29 Nutrition and Coaching Journey * 32:42 Training and Team Dynamics * 38:02 The Impact of Disabilities * 44:19 Personal Growth and Opportunities

Episode 15: Matthew & Paul, Navigating the Blind Experience Together

We are SO excited for today's episode with our dream guests, Matthew and Paul Castle!! While not Paralympic athletes, this duo brings a unique perspective as creatives and social media figures. Paul's diagnosis is one that has changed his life, but is not slowing him down AT ALL. This conversation dives into his growth and journey through disability and the relationship the two of them have. Literally grinning ear to ear this whole episode and cannot wait for you to hear it! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/] Merch: https://opticaldelusionpod.etsy.com [https://opticaldelusionpod.etsy.com] Matthew & Paul: https://www.instagram.com/matthewandpaul/ [https://www.instagram.com/matthewandpaul/] Chapters * 00:00 Introduction * 10:43 Honest Conversations About Disability and Identity * 23:59 Understanding Different Disabilities * 37:49 The Role of Their Guide Dog, Mr. Maple * 53:52 The Art of Pranking * 01:01:24 Perceptions of People with Disabilities

Episode 14: Keegan Knott, Paralympic Swimmer Navigating the NCAA

We are so excited to welcome teammate and friend, Keegan Knott, onto the podcast this week! Keegan is a two time Paralympian with lots of firsthand navigating the NCAA, and elite level swimming with her disability. Our conversation delves into honest conversations about identity and success, highlighting the challenges and experiences of Paralympic athletes. Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/] Keegan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keeganknott/ [https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/] MERCH: https://opticaldelusionpod.etsy.com [https://opticaldelusionpod.etsy.com] Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Optical Delusion and New Merchandise * 23:53 Adapting to Disabilities * 41:11 International Swimming Adventures * 46:21 Competing and Bonding in Different Cities * 54:44 Unexpected Life Stories

Episode 13: Hannah Dederick, Wheelchair Track Athlete

The podcast episode features a conversation with Paralympian Hannah Dederick, a two-time Paralympian in wheelchair racing. The discussion covers Hannah's journey, experiences at the Paralympic Games, and the competitive selection process for the Paralympic team. Hannah Dederick shares her personal journey of being adopted and moving to the United States, as well as the positive impact of the Paralympic movement on her life. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/] Etsy: https://opticaldelusionpod.etsy.com [https://opticaldelusionpod.etsy.com] Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Optical Delusion * 05:16 Hannah's Journey and Training * 13:56 Competing and Medal Success * 23:38 The Paralympic Selection Process * 42:07 Personal Journey and Adoption