"We could be freeeee....."
This episode is for the perfectionists out there and how we can break ourselves out of cycle of the trap of perfectionism.
After injury and self-doubt left me questioning everything, I found myself wrestling with perfectionism, shame, and the fear of not being “enough.” In this episode, I share how I learned to let go of perfection, reconnect with my team, and find strength in imperfection — with a little help from a movie about K-Pop Demon Hunters (maybe you've heard of it ;-) ). Because sometimes, the beauty really is in the broken glass.
Photo by Jason Lome @lomeranger on IG
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at power4thwhistle@gmail.com or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.
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In this episode, I talk about stepping into character and embracing your roller derby identity and alter ego to give yourself to be competitive and elevate your own performance and push everyone else to their limits.
I also talk about team culture and taking care of each other and how your contagious energy can push your team forward or hold them back.
Photo by Meagen Kopacki
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at power4thwhistle@gmail.com or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.
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I read a book that made me mad...and then it made me think.
In this episode, we uncover the hard truths about competition that coaches often leave out. From shifting your mindset to embrace relentless competitiveness, to understanding how small actions control the margin of victory, we explore what it really takes to win. Learn how to push your limits, balance empathy with toughness, and make your own luck — because winning isn’t just about showing up, it’s about showing up prepared.
Photo by Jason Lome
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at power4thwhistle@gmail.com or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.
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This week, I welcome one of my favorite people and long time heroes in roller derby to the podcast -- Jackie Daniels! During this Jackie-Jackie connection, you'll hear all about her trail blazing career of 20+ years (so far ;-) ) in our sport. Being part of history at the beginning of the WFTDA in one of the first 30 leagues, Grand Raggidy, and what it was like in that 2005-2010 time period when so much was growing and changing. Then through the golden years of skating at Champs with Windy City and Texas, skating for USA in two World Cups, to now being a member of Rockin City in Round Rock, Texas.
What does it take to keep a body and mind engaged to keep playing this sport at such a high level for over two decades? Jackie Daniels' attitude of always wanting to grow, progress, and be coached is inspiring and her example of mindful self care and working smarter is something we can all learn from.
Follow Jackie Daniels on IG @jackiedaniels07_jdIf interested in coaching, email jackiedanielsoldno7@gmail.com.
Photo by Meagen Kopacki - Photographer
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
Concussion Roller Derby is hosting MRDA Champs in Salem Oregon on October 10-12th. Showtime says you don't want to miss it as this event will be ICONIC. MRDA Champs will showcase the best in the world of all gender roller derby teams competing for the top.
Use discount code "PowerThrough" to save 15%!
Buy your tickets here:
https://concussionrollerderby.com/event/2025-mrda-championships/
Watch the livestream on Youtube:
https://youtube.com/@concussionrollerderby?si=8qw85hTyH0DcRQe3
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Today we are getting a preview of MRDA Champs coming up with special guest, Showtime!
Showtime aged up from the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA) and now competes in the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA), skating with Concussion Roller Derby, where she also serves as team captain. Beyond her fierce gameplay, she’s a dedicated junior coach, helping young skaters grow not just in skill, but emotionally and mentally as they navigate the sport. She also volunteers with "Behind the Athlete" focusing on mental health care for athletes.
We dive into the power of emotional intelligence in derby, how to handle frustration as a skater, and why “not yet” doesn’t mean “never.” Showtime shares how she keeps the sport fun, competitive, and positive — and trust me, her enthusiasm is contagious.
Whether you're a new skater, a coach, or a derby vet, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, energized, and maybe a little bit caffeinated. And then you'll be eager to watch Showtime and all the other MRDA athletes competing at MRDA Champs in October!
Concussion Roller Derby is hosting MRDA Champs in Salem Oregon on October 10-12th. Showtime says you don't want to miss it as this event will be ICONIC. MRDA Champs will showcase the best in the world of all gender roller derby teams competing for the top.
Use discount code "PowerThrough" to save 15%!
Buy your tickets here:
https://concussionrollerderby.com/event/2025-mrda-championships/
Watch the livestream on Youtube:
https://youtube.com/@concussionrollerderby?si=8qw85hTyH0DcRQe3
Follow Showtime on Instagram @hello_showtime
Photo by Alvin Green Jr
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
Today's episode has special guest -- NoMad (from NoMad Coaching)! NoMad has played, coached, and officiated at high levels of play all around the world. NoMad's roller derby story has so many life lessons and takeaways along with many laughs and a handful of somber moments that will make you really consider how you're approaching your journey in this sport. This episode covers:
Photo by Ethan Corrterro @courtarro on IG
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at power4thwhistle@gmail.com or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle
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What makes a team unforgettable? It's not just the wins—it's the weird, wild, and deeply human moments that bond people together. From moments of fierce competition and overcoming adversity to silly shenanigans and belly laughs, this episode explores how to intentionally create more moments of connection, closeness, and joy within your team.
The book referenced in this episode is "Every Moment Matters" by John O'Sullivan.
Photo by Heather Hoffman
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at power4thwhistle@gmail.com or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
What if you approached each day knowing it could be the last time doing the things you love? In this heartfelt episode, I explore the philosophy of Memento Mori — a reminder of life’s impermanence — and how it’s helped me find renewed purpose and joy in our sport.
Through injuries, surgeries, and soul-searching, I found myself not where I expected to be — but exactly where I needed to be. This is a story about bonus time, second chances, and reconnecting with what lights you up inside.
If you’re navigating change, loss, or simply trying to be more present in your life, this episode is a reminder to slow down, pay attention, and savor what you have… while you still have it.
Photo by Meagen Kopacki - Photographer
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
Would you like to sponsor this podcast and get your message out to our very smart and cool roller derby audience? Email me at power4thwhistle@gmail.com or DM on IG @power4thwhistle.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
This week, I'm joined by the unstoppable PeaceWar telling the stories of her beginnings in derby to her proudest moments on the track. From enduring grueling tryouts for Texas to being named Tournament MVP for WFTDA D1 Playoffs in Montreal in 2016.
This season, she represented Fuego Latino at the World Cup in Austria as well as USA as a coach at the Junior Roller Derby World Cup in Australia. She shares how she made the leap into coaching at all levels, particularly Texas Junior Roller Derby and both divisions of USA Junior teams. #Findyourinnerbeastwar!
PeaceWar wants to give a shoutout is to Chayaskates, Garzig Design, Moonshine and TSG!
Follow PeaceWar on IG: https://www.instagram.com/peacewar27/
Photo by Michele J Hale
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
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Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
New League, Who Dis?
Whether you're transferring from another league or lacing up for the very first time, starting fresh on a new roller derby team can be both exciting and intimidating. In this episode, I'm breaking down the 9 biggest mistakes skaters make when joining a new team—so you can avoid these awkward missteps and roll into your new league with confidence.
Photo by Timothy Larey
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle.
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
Great teams don’t crumble because of talent gaps — they fall apart when trust breaks down. In this episode, we dig into why trust is the foundation of every resilient, high-performing team, and how coaches, athletes, and support systems can build it before it's too late.
If your team culture is showing cracks, this episode will give you the tools to lead with connection, consistency, and care — and keep your team together when it matters most.
The book I referenced in this episode is “Every Moment Matters” by John O’Sullivan.
Photo by Jason Lome
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle.
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD!!!
In roller derby, your toughest opponent might just be your own mind. If negative thoughts and outside noise are holding you back from skating your best, this episode is for you. We dive into how to shut down doubt, take control of your story, and lean on your teammates to push through. Plus, we share real ways to help you feel good on the track—not stressed—so you can crush it. Tune in to discover practical ways to get in the right headspace so you can compete at your best every time.
Photo by Small Town Roller Derby Photography
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle.
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
In this episode, uncover three common leadership mistakes that limit growth -- and learn how to develop confident, self-sufficient athletes who can handle pressure on and off the track. Resilience isn't build in comfort -- it's forged through challenge.
Photo by Jason Lome @lomeranger
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle.
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
What happens when the thing you once loved—your sport, your career, your passion—starts to feel like a burden? In this episode, we dive into the complex relationship between passion and performance, why burnout happens even when you’re doing what you love, and how to reconnect with your “why.” Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not yourself lately, this conversation will help you reflect, reset, and reimagine your path forward—with purpose, perspective, and maybe a little reinvention.
Photo by Jason Lome @lomeranger
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle.
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
Why do we choose to suffer? Why do we volunteer for the bruises, the exhaustion, the late-night tournament planning sessions, the endless drills? This episode digs deep into the meaning behind the pain we choose—and how that effort transforms us.
Whether you’re a skater who loves the hits or a coach who juggles everything to keep the team in the game, this episode is about embracing the suck, finding purpose in pain, and telling yourself the story of your own resilience.
Photo by Jason Lome @lomeranger
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle.
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
I’m diving into highlights of the Roller Derby World Cup 2025 and stacking the entire event up against last year’s Championships!
You may remember I shared some critical feedback and ideas for how to make the biggest tournaments in our sport more engaging and audience friendly in episode 141: 5 Ways to Make Me LOVE Champs Again. How did the Roller Derby World Cup step up and address these ideas?
I also share my interview with the team manager of Team Norway, Lola Pistola.
Photo by Roller Derby On Film: https://www.facebook.com/RollerDerbyOnFilm
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Agility challenge begins July 21st.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle.
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
In this episode, I go backstage at the Roller Derby World Cup for interviews with skaters and coaches from USA, Australia, Sweden, Argentina, and Canada. From grueling gym sessions to recovering from injury, these athletes share the physical and emotional work it takes to earn a spot on one of the most competitive rosters in our sport.
You’ll hear candid reflections on pressure, preparation, and personal growth—plus some powerful advice they'd give to their younger derby selves. Coaches open up about what they really look for beyond skill: how you take feedback, communication, attitude, and being a true team player.
I originally wanted to do this all in one episode, but I split it into two because it was too epic! So come back next time for my World Cup experience recap. How did the World Cup apply the lessons learned from Champs 2024? Watch for the next one, coming soon!
Big thanks to Sugars, Bloctopus, Jambi, and Slamazon from Team Australia; Coach Optimus Quad and Wari from Team Argentina; Coach Bille and Fanilla Slice from Team Sweden; Dizzy Izzy, Diamond, Loren Mutch, and Coach Vito from USA Roller Derby; and Coach D-Ray, KT Kaboom, and Cooper from Team Canada for taking the time for interviews during the World Cup and thanks to Dolly (Australia), Michael (USA), and the hero on Canada's instagram for wrangling.
Photo by Roller Lens https://www.instagram.com/roller_lens/
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Agility challenge begins July 14th.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle.
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
This special episode covers absolutely EVERYTHING you need to know before watching or attending the Roller Derby World Cup this week! Listen during your travels and GET READY!
Dork Mistress (Co-Head Announcer) and Cruella de Wild (of the host league, Fearless Bruisers) tag team explaining everything you've been dying to know about the the tournament (and the details you didn't know you wanted!): how the World Cup tournament is planned, what to bring, how the brackets work, all the skating opportunities outside the tournament in Innsbruck, the after party, the parade, the announcers fashion schedule, the different languages available for broadcasting, movie nights, the best way to pack, and so much more!
Buy your tickets to the Roller Derby World Cup:
In person: https://rollerderbyworldcup.com/pages/2025-tickets
Streaming: https://rollerderbyworldcup.live/
Link to the World Cup Community Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PS7jBm3DWq
Support Salaam Roller Derby:
https://linktr.ee/salaam_roller_derby
Support Team Desi:
https://www.fyeahprinting.com/collections/team-desi-roller-derby
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics. Agility challenge begins July 14th.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle.
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
We're back in Europe for the last team interview before the World Cup talking to Team Poland! Mother Blocker (Team Manager) and Hell Stork (Captain) share about their journeys, the journey of their team, and explain the Polish smile and why Pierogis are good for before derby, after derby, and pretty much every meal!
I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so we can learn more about them and help support their journey.
Photo by Michael Schrieber
Find Team Poland on socials!
https://www.instagram.com/teampolandrollerderby/
https://www.facebook.com/team.poland.roller.derby/
Donate to Team Poland: https://zrzutka.pl/d88365
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TeamPoland
Team Poland Track Jackets:
https://monstermuffin.com/products/team-poland-track-jacket
https://monstermuffin.com/products/team-poland-hooded-track-jacket
Buy your tickets to the Roller Derby World Cup:
In person: https://rollerderbyworldcup.com/pages/2025-tickets
Streaming: https://rollerderbyworldcup.live/
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle.
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
This week's World Cup Team interview is with Indigenous Rising! BeastMode, Smackagawea, and Coach Krispy took time out of their team training weekend in Arizona to share more about their personal journeys in the sport, the evolution of this team, and how it has helped them connect with their heritage and each other.
I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so we can learn more about them and help support their journey.
Learn more about Coach Krispy's journey
Find Indigenous Rising on socials!
https://www.instagram.com/indigenousrisingrollerderby/
https://www.facebook.com/teamindigenousrollerderby - Silent Auction on FB until June 21st!
Donate to Indigenous Rising: http://teamindigenous.org/donate
Indigenous Rising Merch: https://teamindigenous.org/collections/frontpage
Buy your tickets to the Roller Derby World Cup:
In person: https://rollerderbyworldcup.com/pages/2025-tickets
Streaming: https://rollerderbyworldcup.live/
Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre
This podcast is brought to you by Roller Derby Athletics.
Visit Roller Derby Athletics at rollerderbyathletics.com/plans.
Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle.
Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
