#16 Elpida Ismael’s Journey

Judging in Europe After 2.5 Years, Flow & Energy

Hey! I’m back in the European ring after two and a half years of backpacking and judging around the world. In this solo episode, I’m taking you for a walk through the Finnish forest to talk about why I actually had to take such a long break and the burnout that left me unable to even get out of bed. I’m sharing what was on my mind while judging in Finland—the feedback that made me think about my "why," the mystery of the Flow state, and the energy we bring to our dogs. Are we entering the ring afraid of mistakes, or are we ready to just go wild and chase that addicted feeling where nothing else exists? This is just me, being honest about the journey and why I’ll always design courses that make us move our asses. Are you ready to chase the flow? Let’s go. Thank you for listening ❤️ P.S. My new Masterclass FUN TO COURSEDESIGN is almost ready – everything I’ve learned in all these years. Details coming soon on website: https://agilityontheroad.com/ [https://agilityontheroad.com/]⁠ and in the monthly newsletter https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/ [https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/]⁠ if you want to be the first to know. Have a lovely day,Vendula

#16 Elpida Ismael’s Journey

In this episode of Agility on the Road, I’m joined by Greek judge, trainer, and competitor Elpida Ismael. We talk about her life in Athens and her rapid evolution since she started judging in 2023, covering the real-talk version of her journey—from the challenges of training and overcoming her fear of flying to the lessons learned through the successes and hardships of 2025.  It was almost unbelievable how much her story mirrored my own experiences from a few years ago, making this a deeply personal conversation about the grit it takes to follow your dreams. It is a talk about embracing change and finding genuine joy in the journey, even when life gets unpredictable. Thank you for listening ❤️ See more of our life on the road: Website: https://agilityontheroad.com/⁠ Newsletter (Behind-the-scenes stories): ⁠https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/⁠ Have a lovely day, Vendula

Welcome to Guatemala with Raul Molina!

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Raul Molina from Guatemala. We explore the vibrant world of agility in Guatemala, looking back at his humble beginnings in the sport—back when obstacles were just PVC pipes and passion. Raul shares how his background in gymnastics and his deep experience with herding have shaped his approach to training. We laughed a lot during this recording, and I truly believe this episode will bring a spark to your day and a smile to your face. We wrap things up with a high-stakes, "universe-approved" deal: when Agility finally makes it to the Olympic Games, we’re meeting there to compete! So, take a relaxed moment and join us for this sweet conversation. Thank you for listening ❤️ Connect with Raul & Support his Projects: Raul's Family Coffee: https://www.guatemalascoffee.com/ Agility Barn: https://www.instagram.com/agilitybarn Unityu Canina (Training & Recreation Center): https://www.instagram.com/unityucanina Pastoreo Guatemala (Herding Club): https://www.instagram.com/pastoreoguatemala See more of our life on the road: Website: https://agilityontheroad.com/ ⁠Newsletter (Behind-the-scenes stories): ⁠https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/⁠ Have a lovely day, Vendula

#14 Legendary JAN EGIL EIDE

In this episode, I sit down with the legendary Jan Egil Eide to discuss the incredible journey of agility from the early nineties to the modern era. Jan shares his memories from competing at the highest level—including the AWC and EO—and how he transitioned into judging with a mission to influence the sport for the better. He was one of those truly influential figures who helped bring more of that "flow" into the courses we see nowadays—and I want to say a huge THANK YOU to him for that! We talk as well about his experiences, judging everything from tiny local trials to the biggest stage of the AWC in Austria 2022. Our talk covered much more and felt so natural, almost like if we were sitting together over tea and not even recording a podcast! So, take a relaxed moment, and join us for this sweet conversation. Thank you for listening <3 Jan Egil's agility run with Circus at AWC 2008 we promised to share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwiezTZAf-E [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwiezTZAf-E] See more of our life on the road: Website: https://agilityontheroad.com/ [https://agilityontheroad.com/] Newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories from our travels and agility adventures: https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/ [https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/] Have a lovely day, Vendula

#13 My very first agility faux pas

In this episode, I am sharing a bit of my personal agility journey. This part is about my very beginnings and my very first competition experiences. Back then, I was a 13-year-old training and competing with my first agility dog—and my very first "dream" dog—a small black schnauzer named Arnie. Arnie loved to train, and he especially loved the cooked chicken I used for treats. He loved a familiar environment and chill vibes in general, but he did not like the stress of competition, the arousal around the ring, or even traveling by car to get there. Competing was definitely not his favorite activity, and he was actively looking for ways to let me know. It took me a while to understand that he really meant it seriously. I cried a lot during that time and felt so much frustration, but I still had this deep belief that the "click" would come at the next competition. I am sharing the "funny lessons" he gave me at the very beginning of my journey. Even though it was painful for young me, I believe those moments helped shape my understanding and support for almost any situation that can happen on the field—and I have seen a lot of them. See more of our life on the road: Website: https://agilityontheroad.com/ Newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories from our travels and agility adventures: https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/ Have a good one, Vendula