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 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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Fitness App
TikTok
YouTube
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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Website
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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
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Former NASA astronaut Steve Smith joins Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens to share his incredible journey of resilience and determination. From overcoming medical disqualifications to completing four space shuttle missions, Steve discusses the challenges, triumphs, and life-changing lessons from his time in space. He explores the importance of STEM education, balancing personal and professional life, and future space exploration. Tune in for insight into space missions, teamwork, and the power of perseverance.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Steve Smith is a retired NASA astronaut renowned for his significant contributions to space exploration. A graduate of Stanford University, Steve completed 4 space shuttle missions, conducted seven spacewalks, and spent over 49 hours outside of a spacecraft. He has played a pivotal role in the repair and maintenance of the Hubble Space Telescope. Beyond his work with NASA, Steve is a passionate advocate for STEM education and a former national champion in water polo. He continues to inspire future generations through public speaking and his involvement with the Positive Coaching Alliance.
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Steve's Website
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
In this episode of Champion This, hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens engage in an inspiring conversation with Adrianne Ross, touching on her multi-faceted career journey from professional basketball to entrepreneurship. Adrianne highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and finding purpose in every room you walk into, drawing insights from her basketball career and her role as a stylist and creative consultant. This engaging discussion reveals how she integrates her love for fashion with philanthropic efforts and how she continues to influence young athletes both on and off the court.
She also discusses her early passion for basketball, rooted in a family with a strong sports background. Despite not being drafted into the WNBA, Adrianne's perseverance led her to a fulfilling professional career overseas. Transitioning to her post-basketball career, Adrianne shared heartfelt stories about starting her own style consulting company, Studio 33, inspired by her mother's wisdom and her own
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Adrianne Ross is a former WNBA player and overseas professional basketball player who has transitioned into a successful entrepreneur. An alumna of Texas Christian University (TCU) and an inductee into the TCU Hall of Fame in 2018, Adrianne has played for the San Antonio Silver Stars and the Las Vegas Aces. Today, she is the CEO and Creative Director of Style by Studio 33 and an Adidas global partner and stylist. In addition to her fashion endeavors, she is the founder of A-Train Basketball, where she mentors and coaches young athletes.
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Adrianne's IG
Style by Studio 33 IG
A Train Basketball Website