Champion This
Welcome to ”Champion This” - the podcast dedicated to sharing the incredible stories of athletes and entertainers who are using their platforms to create positive change in the world. Join us as we sit down with these purpose-driven champions to explore their personal journeys, uncover the driving force behind their actions, and discover the meaningful ways they extend their impact beyond their respective arenas.Our mission is clear: to inspire our listeners to find their own purpose and become catalysts for hope and inspiration within their communities. Tune in to ”Champion This” and be inspired to make a difference alongside these remarkable individuals.
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Episodes
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Join Briana Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they chat with former MLB All-Star Tyson Ross about his journey from youth baseball in Oakland to a professional career with teams including the Padres and A's. Tyson shares insights on navigating professional setbacks, the emphasis on mental health in sports, and finding purpose post-retirement. Discover Tyson's inspiring work founding "Loyal to My Soil," a nonprofit aimed at fostering baseball and softball among underserved youth in the Bay Area. This episode offers a deep dive into resilience, community impact, and the passion driving Tyson's mission.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Tyson Ross: Tyson Ross is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher known for his successful career playing for renowned teams such as the Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Texas Rangers. An MLB All-Star in 2014, Ross is credited with accolades like the National League Pitcher of the Month and being a finalist for the National League Gold Glove Award. A native of the Bay Area, he is a Cal Berkeley alum who received PAC-10 honors and has since transitioned into philanthropy as the founder of "Loyal to My Soil," a nonprofit dedicated to fostering youth engagement in baseball.
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12/21 Holiday Giveaway
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Join professional soccer player Simone Charley as she shares her journey from college athlete to the NWSL, her battles with injury, and the mental health challenges athletes face. She discusses the rising popularity of women's soccer, the impact of league expansions, and the importance of identity beyond sports. Simone also highlights her faith, pivotal life moments, and her advocacy for mental health awareness. Hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens guide the conversation, offering insights into Simone's inspiring story of resilience and self-discovery.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Simone Charley is a professional soccer player who currently plays forward for the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She has played for other notable teams in the NWSL, including the Portland Thorns FC and Angel City FC. Simone was a dual-sport athlete while attending Vanderbilt University, excelling in both soccer and triple jump. She earned multiple All-American accolades and SEC honors during her tenure there. Beyond her athletic prowess, Simone is an active advocate for mental health awareness and passionate about making a positive impact off the field.
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Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tiffany Bias Patmon, former WNBA star, co-founder of Camp Exposure, & founder of God Benefits Apparel, joins Briana Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens to discuss her journey from professional basketball to entrepreneurship. Tiffany highlights her experiences playing overseas and in the WNBA, including winning a championship with the Phoenix Mercury. She shares insights on managing mental health, the importance of faith, and transitioning from sports to life off the court. Tiffany also underscores her mission to empower athletes to discover their identity beyond sports through her nonprofit, Camp Exposure, co-founded with her husband, Tyler Patmon.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Tiffany Bias Patmon is a former professional basketball player who made her mark in the WNBA after being drafted 17th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2014. Her impressive career includes stints with the Dallas Wings, New York Liberty, and international play, notably with the Thailand national team. An Oklahoma State alum, Tiffany is also the founder of God Benefits Apparel, a faith-based clothing line, and co-founder of Camp Exposure, a nonprofit aimed at equipping athletes with life skills and leadership beyond sports. She is a passionate advocate for athletes' identity beyond the game and a devoted mother of two, with another on the way.
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Camp Exposure
God Benefits
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Canadian professional basketball player Kayla Alexander joins Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens on the Champion podcast to discuss her journey from childhood basketball tryouts to the WNBA and the Olympic stage. Kayla shares insights on overcoming setbacks, the role of faith in her life, and her entrepreneurial venture, Tall Size, which caters to the clothing needs of tall women. Alongside humorous anecdotes, Kayla reflects on the invaluable life lessons basketball has taught her and her efforts in leveraging her platform for empowerment and positive change.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Kayla Alexander is a Canadian professional basketball player known for her impressive career in the WNBA, having played for teams such as the San Antonio Stars, Chicago Sky, Minnesota Lynx, and Indiana Fever. Beyond her on-court achievements, Kayla is also an accomplished author and illustrator, having co-created a children's book titled "The Magic of Basketball," which emphasizes the virtues of perseverance, teamwork, and self-belief through sports. As a co-founder of Tall Size, she is dedicated to empowering and inspiring tall women and girls to embrace self-confidence and body positivity. She represents Canada on the international stage and continues to influence young athletes through mentoring and community involvement.
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The Magic of Basketball Kids Book
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Join hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they explore the journey of martial artist and actress Nelita Vellezon. Discover how Nelita's Filipino heritage and her father's teachings shaped her martial arts career, leading to roles in films and campaigns like Rihanna’s Fenty Savage Sport. Despite past challenges, including a negative coaching experience, Nelita emerged stronger, channeling her story into empowering wellness coaching. From training Dubai's elite to excelling in Hollywood, Nelita shares insights on resilience, empowerment, and finding strength in ancestral roots.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Nelita Vellezon is a professional martial arts athlete, actress, and model. With an impressive background in Filipino martial arts, Nelita channels her passion through various platforms to empower women. Notably, she showcases these skills in action films, TV shows, and live demonstrations, having been the face of prominent campaigns such as Rihanna's Fenty Savage Sport. Nelita also founded the Nalita V app, providing wellness and fitness content, and she is known for her dedication to helping individuals embrace their strength and power through martial arts.
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Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Former MLB player turned artist, Micah Johnson, joins hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens to discuss his journey from professional baseball to becoming a visual artist. Micah shares insights about his baseball career with teams like the Chicago White Sox, LA Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves, and the importance of confidence and mindset. He also delves into the inspiration behind creating the digital character Aku, a symbol of limitless dreams, and his ongoing projects aimed at inspiring and empowering others to pursue their dreams.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Micah Johnson is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player who transitioned into a successful career as a visual artist. Johnson played as a second baseman for several teams including the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves. After retiring from baseball, he dedicated himself to the world of art, showcasing his work at renowned venues such as Art Basel in Miami and Dodger Stadium. Micah is also the creator of Aku, a Black astronaut digital character aimed at empowering marginalized communities. Aku has gained significant recognition, even featured on the cover of Time magazine as a symbol of limitless dreams and aspirations.
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Time Magazine Feature
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Join hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they sit down with former NBA and Euroleague star Bostjan Nachbar. Dive into Nachbar's basketball journey from Slovenia to the NBA, his reflections on playing alongside greats like Tracy McGrady and Jason Kidd, and his thoughts on the pressures of professional basketball. Beyond the court, discover his impactful work with the Euroleague Players Association and his humanitarian efforts globally. Gain insights into finding passion and purpose, both on and off the court, as Nachbar shares wisdom learned from his successful career.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Bostjan Nachbar is a former Slovenian professional basketball player who has made significant contributions to the sport both on and off the court. Having played in the NBA for teams such as the Houston Rockets, New Orleans Hornets, and the New Jersey Nets, Nachbar also had a robust career in the Euroleague, representing top clubs in Spain, Italy, and his home country of Slovenia. Notably, after his playing career, he transitioned into an administrative role as the Managing Director of the Euroleague Players Association, which he helped launch in 2018. Beyond basketball, Bostjan Nachbar has been a Unicef ambassador, actively championing positive change across the globe.
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Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Former professional tennis player, Cici Bellis, joins Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens to discuss her meteoric rise in tennis, from playing at the US Open at 15 to her groundbreaking win at the Hawaii Open. Bellis candidly shares her journey through injuries, transitioning to venture capital, and founding Carton Capital. The conversation also covers her dedication to supporting female athletes and mentoring underserved youth through the USTA Foundation. Bellis’ insights into balancing a driven career while fostering impactful societal change provide a rich, motivational narrative.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Catherine "Cici" Bellis is a former professional tennis player who made waves in the sports world at a young age. In 2014, at just 15, she was the youngest player in the top 100 of the WTA rankings and reached the third round of the US Open. She won her first WTA title in 2017 at the Hawaii Open and secured several ITF titles before retiring in 2022. Post her tennis career, she completed her degree online at Indiana University and is now the CEO of Carton Capital, a venture capital firm focused on sports and health tech. Bellis is also actively involved with the USTA Foundation, which aims to enhance lives through tennis and education.
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Carton Capital Website