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.
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Join hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they delve into the inspiring journey of Olympic boxing champion Cindy Ngamba. From her early childhood in Cameroon to moving to the UK and discovering her passion for boxing, Cindy shares her experiences overcoming obstacles as a refugee athlete. As the first refugee to win an Olympic medal, Cindy discusses the importance of self-belief, resilience, and using her platform to advocate for refugees worldwide. Listen to how Cindy's faith and dedication have paved the way for her success both in the ring and beyond.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Cindy Ngamba is a distinguished athlete, known for her remarkable achievements in boxing. Originally from Cameroon, Cindy moved to the UK at the age of 11, where she discovered her passion for boxing. She is a three-time English national boxing champion and the recipient of a bronze medal in the Paris 2024 Olympics, making history as the first refugee Olympic team member to win an Olympic gold medal. Aside from her boxing accolades, Cindy is a committed advocate for the 120 million refugees and displaced people worldwide. Her journey from Cameroon to the global stage as a boxing champion and refugee advocate is an inspiring tale of resilience and perseverance.
YouTubeApple PodcastSpotify
FOLLOW CHAMPION THIS:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Website
Champion This Merch: LINK
GUEST SOCIALS:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Join Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens as they delve into the world of sustainability with former MLB star Hunter Pence and his wife, content creator Alexis Pence. Discover Hunter's journey from MLB stardom to environmental advocacy with the Healthy Planet Project and Alexis's passion for storytelling. Explore their commitment to creating a positive impact, from planting trees to promoting specialty coffee, all while navigating life after baseball and embracing authenticity. This conversation highlights how the duo uses their platform to champion environmental causes and inspire community action.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Hunter Pence is a former professional MLB baseball player renowned for his time with the San Francisco Giants, where he won two World Series championships in 2012 and 2014. A four-time MLB All-Star, Pence is also celebrated for his commitment to community advocacy, particularly in environmental sustainability. Alongside his sports achievements, he is a passionate gamer and coffee aficionado.
Alexis Pence is an accomplished content creator and entrepreneur known for her work in wellness and travel. She is the founder of Pineapple Labs, a specialty coffee brand dedicated to sustainability and community empowerment. Alexis is deeply invested in storytelling and uses her platforms to share insightful narratives about the environment and wellness.
YouTubeApple PodcastSpotify
FOLLOW CHAMPION THIS:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Website
Champion This Merch: LINK
GUEST SOCIALS:
Hunter Pence Instagram
Alexis Pence Instagram
Healthy Planet Project
Bat For The Bay Fundraiser
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Athletes and entertainers inspire positive change on "Champion This with Briana Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens." Join them as they welcome professional soccer player Tommy Thompson, known for his decade-long career with the San Jose Earthquakes and his community-driven initiatives. Tommy shares insights from his soccer journey, international experiences, and the pivotal role of family in his career. Discover how he balances passion, performance, and philanthropy, and listen as the hosts explore Tommy's post-soccer aspirations and his vision for the future of American soccer.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Tommy Thompson is a professional soccer player in Major League Soccer (MLS) who has achieved notable success with the San Jose Earthquakes. Recognized as one of the top 50 players in club history, Tommy has played over 200 matches as of 2025. He was honored with the MLS Humanitarian of the Year award in 2017 for his community engagement efforts. Known for his creative footwork and skill on the field, Tommy is also fluent in Spanish, highlighting his passion for cross-cultural connections and global understanding through soccer.
YouTubeApple PodcastSpotify
FOLLOW CHAMPION THIS:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Website
Champion This Merch: LINK
GUEST SOCIALS:
Instagram
LinkedIn
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.
YouTubeApple PodcastSpotify
FOLLOW CHAMPION THIS:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Support Our Show With Patreon!
Champion This Merch: LINK
GUEST SOCIALS:
Instagram
Loyal To My Soil Website
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.
YouTubeApple PodcastSpotify
FOLLOW CHAMPION THIS:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Support Our Show With Patreon!
Champion This Merch: LINK
GUEST SOCIALS:
Instagram
LinkedIn
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.
YouTubeApple PodcastSpotify
FOLLOW CHAMPION THIS:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Support Our Show With Patreon!
Champion This Merch: LINK
GUEST SOCIALS:
Instagram
LinkedIn
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.
YouTubeApple PodcastSpotify
FOLLOW CHAMPION THIS:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Support Our Show With Patreon!
Champion This Merch: LINK
GUEST SOCIALS:
Instagram
LinkedIn
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.
YouTubeApple PodcastSpotify
FOLLOW CHAMPION THIS:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Support Our Show With Patreon!
Champion This Merch: LINK
GUEST SOCIALS:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Fitness App
TikTok
YouTube