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 Jun 04, 2024
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
In this episode of Champion This, Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens host Nick Ansom, aka Nico Naismith, discussing his journey as a basketball enthusiast and community leader. Nico shares his experiences founding the Venice Ball League and the Hoop Bus, emphasizing the impact of streetball culture on community engagement. From his humble beginnings to launching collaborative projects with Puma, Nico's story is rooted in a passion for basketball and a mission to inspire others through the game.
Nico's reflections on his childhood in France, his transformative journey to Los Angeles, and the evolution of the Hoop Bus provide insights into the power of basketball as a vehicle for social change. As he discusses the global expansion of the Hoop Bus to the Philippines and France, listeners gain a glimpse into his visionary approach to spreading love through the universal language of basketball.
ABOUT NICO:
Nico Ansom, also known as Nico Naismith, is a streetball legend, basketball architect, and community activist. Founder of the Venice Ball League and creative director of the Hoop Bus, Niko has been instrumental in using basketball to create positive change in communities for the past 28 years. With a passion for the game and a vision for empowerment, he has curated a platform that unites diverse talents and styles of play, fueling dreams and connections through basketball.
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SOCIALS:
Nico's IG
Hoop Bus IG
Venice Beach League IG
Hoop Bus TikTok
Venice Beach League TikTok
REFERENCES:
The Hoop Bus
Venice Beach League
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
In this episode, hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens interview Brent Suter and Lew Blaustein, two individuals who are using their platforms to champion climate action and environmentalism. Brent, an MLB pitcher, shares his journey from studying environmental science at Harvard to becoming an advocate for sustainability in the sports industry. Lew, the founder of EcoAthletes, discusses the mission of his organization and how athletes can play a crucial role in influencing culture and driving positive change. The conversation delves into their personal experiences, the challenges they face, and the importance of staying hopeful and solutions-oriented in the fight against climate change.
About Our Guests:
Brent Suter is an MLB pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds. He has played in the majors for eight years with teams including the Brewers and the Rockies. Brent is not only an accomplished athlete, but also an environmental activist and author. He holds a degree in environmental science and public policy from Harvard University. Brent is passionate about using his platform to advocate for climate action and has been involved in various initiatives to promote sustainability.
Lew Blaustein is the founder of EcoAthletes, an organization dedicated to inspiring and equipping athletes to speak out on climate change. Lew is also the host and CEO of the Greensports Blog and the president of LBS Green Solutions. He holds an MBA from NYU and a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University. Lou is committed to leveraging the influence of athletes to drive positive change in the fight against climate change.
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FOLLOW BRENT:
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FOLLOW ECOATHLETES:
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Website
References:
Greensports Blog: greensportsblog.com
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
In this episode of "Champion This", Napheesa Collier joins the podcast to discuss her journey as a basketball player, from discovering her passion for the sport to becoming a professional athlete. She shares stories from her time at UCONN, playing under legendary coach Geno Auriemma, and the challenges she faced as a rookie in the WNBA. Collier also talks about the growth of women's basketball and the need for more exposure and support for the sport. Additionally, she discusses her role as a mother and how it has changed her perspective on basketball and life.
About Napheesa:
Napheesa Collier is a professional basketball player and captain of the Minnesota Lynx. She has achieved numerous accolades in the WNBA, including Rookie of the Year, three-time WNBA All-Star, and First Team All-WNBA. Collier is also a member of Team USA Basketball and won a gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She played college basketball at the University of Connecticut and is known for her exceptional skills on the court.
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FOLLOW NAPHEESA:
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References:
Unrivaled League
Minnesota Lynx
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
In this episode, Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens interview Dmitry "Smoove" Krivenko, a two-time FIBA three-on-three world dunk champion and member of the Harlem Globetrotters. Smoove shares his journey from falling in love with basketball as a child to becoming a professional dunker and sports diplomat. He discusses the role basketball has played in his life, the importance of positive friendships and connections formed through the sport, and the impact of his nickname "Smoove." Smoove also talks about his experiences competing in dunk contests and winning medals, his knee surgery and recovery, and his time with the Harlem Globetrotters. Additionally, he opens up about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and his efforts to use his platform to denounce the war and support those affected by it.
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FOLLOW SMOOVE:
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References:
Fiba 3v3
Harlem Globetrotters
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
In this episode, Brianna and Chelsea interview Matt Scott, a champion in every sense of the word. Matt shares his journey as a wheelchair basketball player and the impact the sport has had on his life. He discusses the challenges he faced as a young athlete and the mindset shift that led to his success. Matt also opens up about a health scare he experienced and how he overcame adversity to continue pursuing his dreams. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, surrounding oneself with the right people, and finding purpose in life. Matt's inspiring story serves as a reminder that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
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Guest Info: Matt ScottInstagramLinkedInWebsite
References: Fly Without Limits - WebsiteWheelchair Basketball Brawl in Turkey - Video Link
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Welcome to the "Champion This" podcast with hosts Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens. In this episode, they introduce the podcast and discuss their passion for showcasing athletes and entertainers who are using their platform to make a positive impact on the world. They share their personal stories and experiences with sports, highlighting the transformative power of sports in building confidence, connecting communities, and inspiring change. The hosts also discuss the importance of athletes and influencers using their platform for good and the role they can play in driving positive change in society.
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