Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics

Two Guys, Five Rings: Episode VIII- Olympic First Timers

27 min
Feb 6, 20264 months ago
Listen to Episode
Summary

Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang discuss Olympic debutants competing in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games, highlighting 60% of Team USA being first-time Olympians. The episode profiles promising newcomers across figure skating, skiing, speed skating, hockey, and skeleton, emphasizing their personal stories of resilience, diversity, and breakthrough performances.

Insights
  • First-time Olympians represent a significant demographic shift at 2026 Games, with 134 of 232 Team USA athletes (60%) making their debut, suggesting a generational turnover in winter sports
  • Personal adversity narratives are central to Olympic storytelling—athletes like Maxim Naumov (who lost both parents) and Ilya Malinin (cut from 2022 team) use rejection and tragedy as motivation
  • Diversity and inclusion initiatives in winter sports are accelerating, with historic firsts like Layla Edwards (first Black woman in U.S. Olympic hockey) and Mistsique Rowe (mixed heritage skeleton athlete) gaining platform visibility
  • Geographic advantage matters: Utah's proximity to premier training facilities and terrain creates a competitive advantage for winter sport athletes, suggesting infrastructure investment drives talent development
  • Cross-sport athlete pathways are emerging—competitors like Lucas Pinheiro Browden balance modeling and creative pursuits alongside elite athletic training, signaling lifestyle diversification among modern Olympians
Trends
Increased representation of athletes from underrepresented communities in winter sports (Black athletes, LGBTQ+ advocates, mixed heritage competitors)Mental health and emotional wellness becoming explicit focus areas for Olympic athletes and their support systemsAthlete activism and community building—figures like Amber Glenn and Layla Edwards leveraging platforms to change sport culture and remove barriers to entryGeographic clustering of winter sport talent around infrastructure hubs (Utah, Colorado) creating regional competitive advantagesMulti-disciplinary athlete development—elite competitors balancing professional sports with creative pursuits (modeling, design, DJing)New Olympic event formats (mixed team skeleton) creating fresh competitive opportunities and medal possibilitiesInternational talent mobility—athletes competing for different nations based on heritage (Lucas Pinheiro Browden: Norway-born, Brazil-eligible)Media narrative focus shifting from pure athletic achievement to personal resilience stories and cultural impactYouth pipeline development through grassroots programs (USA Hockey Foundation diversity initiatives) addressing systemic barriersHistoric family achievements becoming competitive storylines (Prayut siblings potential for four-sibling medal history)
Topics
Olympic Debutants and First-Time CompetitorsFigure Skating: Quad Jumps and Technical InnovationWinter Sports Diversity and Inclusion InitiativesAthlete Mental Health and Emotional ResilienceGeographic Advantage in Winter Sports TrainingSpeed Skating: Short Track and Long Track CompetitionSki Jumping and Aerial SkiingIce Hockey: Women's Representation and DiversitySkeleton Racing and Mixed Team EventsAlpine Skiing and South American Olympic RepresentationLGBTQ+ Advocacy in Winter SportsAthlete Personal Branding and ModelingFamily Legacies in Professional SportsOlympic Village Culture and Media InteractionYouth Development Programs in Winter Sports
Companies
iHeartRadio
Podcast distribution platform hosting the Two Guys, Five Rings show and providing Olympic coverage access
NBC Sports
Official broadcaster of 2026 Winter Olympics with YouTube channel coverage and Peacock streaming platform
Peacock
Streaming service providing live coverage of 2026 Winter Olympics events
USA Hockey Foundation
Organization providing grant awards to youth hockey players of color to increase diversity in the sport
University of Utah
Academic institution serving as home base for winter sport athletes due to proximity to training facilities
Calgary Flames
NHL team that drafted Matthew Kachuk in 2016
Florida Panthers
NHL team Matthew Kachuk plays for, competing in 2025 Stanley Cup run
People
Ilya Malinin
U.S. figure skater and 'quad god' making Olympic debut after being cut from 2022 Beijing team
Maxim Naumov
24-year-old U.S. figure skater competing in men's singles, son of deceased Olympic skaters Evgenia Shyskova and Bedin...
Amber Glenn
U.S. women's figure skater and LGBTQ+ advocate making Olympic debut after long journey from 2014 junior title
Isabeau Levito
18-year-old U.S. figure skater with Italian heritage performing programs inspired by Sophia Loren and Cinema Paradiso
Derek Kruger
22-year-old freestyle aerials competitor from Cleveland, Ohio, making Olympic debut after strong World Cup performances
Cooper McLeod
24-year-old U.S. long track speed skater from Washington State, inspired by 2010 Winter Olympics
Eunice Lee
21-year-old U.S. short track speed skater making debut after being backup in 2022, youngest U.S. speed skater at Beijing
Annika Belshaw
23-year-old U.S. ski jumper who started the sport at age nine
Layla Edwards
First Black woman to represent U.S. in Olympic hockey, from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, supported by Travis and Jason Ke...
Matthew Kachuk
U.S. men's ice hockey player from Florida Panthers making Olympic debut, son of former NHL star Keith Kachuk
Brady Kachuk
Younger brother of Matthew Kachuk, also competing for U.S. men's Olympic hockey team
Mistsique Rowe
31-year-old skeleton racer from Virginia, 2025 world champion in mixed team event, first U.S. skeleton medal since 2013
William Donjanew
Canadian short track speed skater who missed 2022 Olympic team by one spot, now world's best men's skater
Domen Preuz
Slovenian ski jumper, 2025 world champion on Large Hill, competing as Olympic debutant
Nika Preuz
Slovenian ski jumper, reigning world champion on Normal and Large Hill, sister of Domen, potential historic medal winner
Lucas Pinheiro Browden
Brazilian-Norwegian alpine skier who could be first South American to win winter Olympic medal, also works as model
Travis Kelsey
NFL player and Heights podcast host who voiced support for Layla Edwards on social media
Jason Kelsey
Super Bowl champion and former NFL player, brother of Travis, from same town as Layla Edwards
Keith Kachuk
Former NHL star and father of Matthew and Brady Kachuk competing in 2026 Olympics
Sophia Loren
Italian actress whose 1958 film Houseboat inspired Isabeau Levito's Olympic short program
Quotes
"I definitely remember that I was really bummed out and upset of not being able to get on the team, even though that Nationals felt like probably the best Nationals I've ever skated. From there, it was kind of the start of that. I wouldn't call it revenge, but more like, okay, now I'm going to show them why they made a mistake."
Ilya Malinin
"What I want to give back is growing the culture, changing the culture a little bit and being a face people can see and have more comfort enjoying the sport. Because there's always that fear like, oh, I don't see anyone that looks like me. I don't want to start it."
Layla Edwards
"I ended up on some runways. I was doing some modeling. I was doing some design and creative work for brands and whatnot, and kind of exploring what other paths I may take."
Lucas Pinheiro Browden
"Listening is a form of love."
Ad Council PSA
"It's the unfiltered, behind-closed-doors conversations you wish you could eavesdrop on."
Between Us Podcast description
Full Transcript
This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human. The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be. So we asked kids, what do you want your parents to hear? I feel sometimes that I'm not listened to. I would just want you to listen to me more often and evaluate situations with me and lead me towards success. Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help you support your kids and their emotional well-being at SoundItOutTogether.org. That's SoundItOutTogether.org. Brought to you by the Ad Council and Pivotal. Almost 30 years together, four kids, and some of reality TV's most unforgettable moments, we're taking you behind the scenes in our podcast Between Us. With me, Heather Dubrow. And me, Terry Dubrow. The unfiltered, behind-closed-doors conversations you wish you could eavesdrop on. And plenty of, did-they-just-say-that moments? But what's the latest rumor? I'm gay, right? First of all, if I were gay, I would be gay! Open your free iHeartRadio app, search Between Us, and listen now. podcast award is see all the nominees now at iheart.com slash podcast awards audible is a proud sponsor of the audible audio pioneer award explore the best selection of audiobooks podcasts and originals all in one easy app audible there's more to imagine when you listen sign up for a free trial at audible.com saturday may 2nd country's biggest stars will be in austin texas at our 2026 iheart Country Festival presented by Capital One. See Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Shabuzi, Dylan Scott, Russell Dickerson, Gretchen Wilson, Chase Matthew, Lauren Alaina. Tickets are on sale now. Get yours before they sell out at Ticketmaster.com. Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring. You know, Beau, it's approaching. I'm getting really excited for my first time. First time is always really special. And I have to say, I am really, really nervous, but I'm also really, really ready. What are you talking about? The Olympics. you silly goose you silly stoat oh same matt don't be lewd okay i guess i won't use this as an opportunity to say i've never kissed the boy oh no just kidding i know that's not true anyways yes we are we are like it's days away now and we're we're truly anticipating i mean this is not only our first time, it's so many first times for so many of the athletes. And on today's episode of Two Guys, Five Rings, us two guys, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, are going to be discussing those first timers, the people who are hitting the block for the very, very, very first time, hoping to earn some medals. And we're talking about some of those most promising first timers today. It's really interesting. This is sort of the thematic thing of this Olympics is that at least on Team USA, it's mostly New Olympians. 60% just about of Team USA, 134 out of 232 are brand new to this. But they are true to this, as we say. I mean, I'm excited. I'm excited for them to make their debut. You know who else is making their debut? And this actually, this is a very cool and cute little element of the games. The mascots of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games are named Tina and Milo. They are brother and sister. They're a brother and sister act. They are sort of... They're like the Derek and Julianne Huff of the Olympics. Yeah. And they... What would you call them? Are they like little... They're stoats. I've looked them up. Stoats? They're like cute little, I guess you could call them weasels. Yeah, they're definitely, I was going to say like some sort of muskrat vibe. A stoat also known as the Eurasian ermine. Of love. Is a species of mustelid native to Eurasia in the northern regions of North America. It is really cute. Adorable. I'm about to paste a real one in the dock. Isn't that cute? Oh, I love them. Oh, they're exactly what you think. They're very, very sweet. Like a sugar glider that doesn't glide and merely runs. And merely runs, but it has a really sweet disposition, it seems. Or they might be vicious, I don't know. But I think they wouldn't make that a vicious animal, a mascot of the Olympics, right? I would hope not. Even though the competition can be vicious. So Tina is the Olympic mascot, and that is short for Cortina. and Milo. I've said it like Milo, but I'm going to guess it's Milo because the Paralympic mascot Milo is short for Milan. So Tina and Milo, that pair will be joined by a team of six snowdrops named The Flow, F-L-O, embodying the Olympic spirit at the Games. And I have to say, they're cute as hell as well. Move over, Henry VIII's wives. There's a new six sum in town. The flow. Do you remember when you announced the performance of six at the Tony Awards? That's one of my favorite Bo and Yang facts and appearances. I think that was a highlight of my life, getting to present at the Tonys. But we're not here to talk about that. No, I'm sorry. That was my debut, as it were. Exactly. Your Tony's debut. And there are so many Olympic debuants. An Olympic debuant is an athlete competing in their first... Debutant. Debutant? No, no, debuants. Debutants. I think it might... I'm sorry. It is debuant. Can I say something? Debutant. We've been talking about debutant. Debutant is like a totally different thing. It's a different thing. And debutant is spelled D-E-B-U-T-A-N-T-E. E. You're right. You're right. Absolutely. And I'm going to say, like, debuant. A debuant. One who debuts. an Olympic debutant as an athlete competing in their first ever Olympic Games okay so it is debutant someone is changing it as we're going this is what the episode will be about now is just how to pronounce this word and I'm sorry to these Olympians we can't talk about anything else pronunciation what is yeah what's it debutant debutant because it's a French word an Olympic debutant is an athlete competing in their first ever Olympic Games, representing the culmination of intense training and dedication. These competitors, regardless of age, are making their inaugural appearance on the world's biggest sporting stage, marking a significant milestone in their athletic careers. Major participants like Canada and the U.S. include dozens of debutantes. And several nations will see historic first winter Olympians. Let's go through them, shall we? I think we should. We've talked about this young one before, Ilya Malinan, from the great United States, a figure skater and one of our faves, because you'll remember he was the quad god. I do remember this. I remember this. Named because he landed all six quadruple jumps in competition. He was the breakthrough skater of the 21-22 season, but he did not compete in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. he used that to motivate his place in this winter games. He gonna break it off, it's gonna be his motivation to land all those quads in competition. You know Malin himself says that being left off Team USA in 2022 helped mold him into the scare he has become and fueled him to prove them wrong quote saying the following I definitely remember that I was really bummed out and upset of not being able to get on the team, even though that Nationals felt like probably the best Nationals I've ever skated. From there, it was kind of the start of that. Laughs. I wouldn't call it revenge, but more like, okay, now I'm going to show them why they made a mistake. I love that attitude. That was the direct quote. Now I'm going to show them why they made a mistake. And now you took a liberty in performing his laugh. and you sort of did it like Big Osock a laugh Big Osock a laugh do you think that's how Ilya laughs? I am excited to see so now one of the things I'm going to be following the hardest is when he eventually does laugh because I'm assuming we're going to see him interviewed a whole bunch of times knowing how the media asks questions and sometimes can be so funny people in the media are some of the funniest people They have great personalities That why they put them on television Ilya, he's going to laugh, and we're going to find out how close I was. Does he have a big Osaka laugh? Or does he have a titter? Ooh, and that's really the axis. It goes from titter to big Osaka laugh. Yeah. we learned um we learned where did big osaka laugh originate from well we were on vacation in japan and we were asking the differences culturally between the city of kyoto and the city of osaka and someone said well in kyoto they laugh like this and in osaka they have a big osaka Osaka laugh. And we said, what's that like? And they go, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. You know, one of the other differences among Japanese cities, and I do think this is an important aside, I have not stopped thinking about this. Apparently, one of the tour guides, I was not present for this, but she said that in Tokyo, a way to get someone to leave your house, like a guest to leave your house, is just to be like, well, I've got work in the morning, or I've got an early morning. That seems pretty standard sort of like New York, L.A., right? Passive aggression. A little passive aggressive. Yeah, I have work in the morning, so... Okay, so that's Tokyo, right? Mm-hmm. In Kyoto, they're a little bit more graceful there, I suppose, and they go, oh my gosh, I love this watch. Yeah. Look at the time. Yeah, so that when you look down at your watch, which has been complimented, you realize it's late. Okay. Isn't that chic? I love this watch. Yeah, but can I tell you something? And this is also a thing. That is not how I communicate. And you know that. I'm a direct communicator. I say, I think it's time. And if that means in Kyoto, I'll be persona non grata, that's fine. Catch me in Osaka with my big Osaka laugh and my big American butt. Well, one big American butt we hope really flourishes is Ilya. Next up, we have the inspiring, the incredible Maxim Naumov. 24 years old, competing in men's singles. He has... Figure skating. Oh, yes. In figure skating, has a gorgeous family legacy, exemplified also by deep personal resilience. He grew up as the son of Bedino Mofin, Evgenia Shyskova, who have very recently passed away. And Maxim has really used this incredible tragedy as a way to motivate his placement on the team. I am personally very excited to see him at his events. Just an incredible story. he's lost both of his parents and one of his last conversations with them we were told was a 45 minute conversation on what he had to do in order to make it onto the team in order to perform his best and that is an incredible narrative going into the games i think yeah they actually if you remember earlier early in the year last year it actually is about a year now that this happened if you remember the plane collision that occurred in washington dc that was the incident they passed in and it took the lives of 26 others connected to the figure skating community and yeah I think you can imagine that that would be acknowledged at the games yeah I am rooting for him that is a lot to come back from other first time figure skaters from the US include Amber Glenn and Isabel Levito in women's singles Amber Glenn's journey to the Olympics is also one marked in perseverance and persistence she won the US junior title track back in 2014 with performances that suggested success on the senior level would be quick to follow. Instead, it's been a very long journey to the top, and she is an advocate for the LGBTQ plus community, outspoken about the importance of mental health, and has been a leader in working to develop a more communal and supportive culture in figure skating. She says her superpower is her heart. Well, we love that, Amber. Thank you, Amber. Thank you for being an ally and an advocate. I think Amber is part of this new wave of figure skating in terms of the culture of it where, you know, after we talked to Johnny and Tara, it seems like they were really celebrating this shift because I feel like they were coming up at a time when that was not quite as present. And it's people like Amber. It starts with people like Amber who have been doing this for their whole lives, essentially, to really start early, kind of put that forward, and actually have some tangible change take effect in the culture of the sport. Yeah, that's exciting. It's exciting progression. Speaking of, Isabeau Levito is here, and she has an interesting angle here. Her mom is from Milan, and Isabeau, who, by the way, her name is Isabeau, I-S-A-B-A-O-U. So chic. Still has family living in the city, including her grandmother, who she calls Nona Stella. Nona. And an uncle. She is leaning into an Olympics in Italy with two Italian-themed programs. Her short program is inspired by Italian actress Sophia Loren, featuring songs from Houseboat, a 1958 film, and Zuby Zuby Zoo, associated with The Millionaire-esque from 1960. And if you're a fan of television's greatest show of all time, Mad Men. Disco Parade. Zubi, zubi, zoo. Zubi, zubi, zoo. Isabel, if you're listening, please consider, not for this Olympics, obviously, that's locked in, a Cinema Italiano sort of program, anything from the movie Nine. Well, her free skate is the selections from the 1988 film, the Italian film Cinema Paradiso. So she was almost there. This is very chic. at 18 for you to, you know, pay homage to the Sophia Lorenz of the world, of just Italian culture. You're advanced. I mean, you should do something with, you know, Megan Fahey in White Lotus. Or Valentina in season two. If you're lucky. I think that could be very interesting, if you're lucky. If you're lucky. This is Ryder Strong with a podcast called The Red Weather. In 1995, my neighbor, Anna Traynor, disappeared from a commune. It was nature and trees and praying and drugs. No, I am not your guru. Back then, I lied to everybody. They have had this case for 30 years. I'm going back to my hometown to uncover the truth. You can now binge all episodes of The Red Weather on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ever feel like you're being chased by the marriage police? Welcome to Boys and Girls, the podcast where dating isn't dating. Arranged marriage is basically a reality show, except the contestants are strangers and your entire family is judging. You're sipping coffee with one maybe, grabbing dinner with another, and praying your karmic Ken or Barbie appears before your shelf life runs out. Trust me, I've been through this ancient and unshakable tradition. I jumped in, hoping to find love the right way, and instead I found chaos, cringe and comedy. And now, I'm looking for healing. Boys and Girls dives into every twist and turn of the arranged marriage carousel. The meet awkward, the near misses, the heartbreak, and let's not forget all the jokes. Listen to Boys and Girls on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be. So we asked kids, what do you want your parents to hear? I feel sometimes that I'm not listened to. I would just want you to listen to me more often and evaluate situations with me and lead me towards success. Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help you support your kids and their emotional well-being at SoundItOutTogether.org. That's SoundItOutTogether.org. Brought to you by the Ad Council and Pivotal. Almost 30 years together, four kids, and some of reality TV's most unforgettable moments, we know a thing or two about living life out loud. We're taking you behind the scenes in our new podcast, Between Us, with me, Heather Dubrow. And me, Terry Dubrow. Between Us isn't about perfect lighting or curated Instagram grids. It's the unfiltered, behind-closed-doors conversations you wish you could eavesdrop on. Equal parts smart, funny, and a little bit scandalous. Every week, Heather will bring you an unapologetic take on the headlines, the trends, and the cultural moments everyone's texting about. And Terry will deliver insider beauty, health, and wellness insights you won't find on TikTok. Together, we'll tell the stories, spill the secrets, and share the hacks that keep life, marriage, and everything in between feeling fresh and fun. We may live in a gated community, but there's zero gatekeeping here. And plenty of, did they just say that moments? Listen to Between Us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey everyone, it's Emily Simpson and Shane Simpson from the Legally Brunette podcast. Each week we bringing you true crime through a legal lens Whether you want all the facts on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie or you still need to wrap your head around the ditty verdict we breaking it all down step by step And we not just lawyers, we're also husband and wife. It makes for some pretty entertaining episodes. Listen to Legally Brunette on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Derek Kruger is a freestyle aerials competitor, 22 years old, making his debut after strong World Cup performances. Kruger is from Cleveland, Ohio, and has risen through the ranks of aerial skiing, where athletes launch off steep ramps and perform multiple flips and twists before landing, a.k.a. a nightmare for me. A nightmare for most of the world, I would say. Alongside his athletic training, Kruger has balanced academic pursuits as a student at the University of Utah, a common home base for winter sport athletes due to its proximity to premier training facilities and snowy terrain. Those Utahans, they have an advantage because look at what they're around. I must say it is some of the most beautiful snowscapes you've ever seen. You love Utah. I do like Utah a lot. And as someone from Colorado, there is, um... It's an interesting split between inferiority and superiority complexes among Coloradans who sometimes acknowledge that Utah has better snow and skiing and snowboarding. Is there a rivalry there? A Utah... Oh, absolutely. A heated rivalry between Utah and Colorado? There's a heated rivalry between Utah and Colorado. Maybe that's something to explore. Second season, season two. Second season, season two. Next up we have Cooper McLeod 24 years old from Washington State an American long track speed skater from Mount Vernon Washington steadily carved out a reputation as one of Team USA's rising sprint talents McLeod first stepped onto skates as a toddler beginning roller skating before transitioning to ice at age 8 after being inspired by the 2010 Winter Olympics wow that was what 16 years ago so he was 8 years old. Oh my goodness world. I remember when we were full grown adults watching those games. 100%. We had actually we were in college then. We were in college then. Cooper, we wish you the best. I hope I didn't butcher your last name. McLeod. McLeod. McLeod. McLeod. It's M-C capital L-E-O-D. Could be anything. Could be anything. We're actually going to see speed skating. It's one of the events that we're going to. I'm very excited. Cooper, we can ask him in person how you pronounce his last name. He'll be like, what? We'll be like, just kidding. Just kidding. Eunice Lee, short track competitor, a 21-year-old competing after being a backup in 2022. She's even younger than Cooper. Oh, my God. Hello. She's an American speed skater, short track, who's become one of the United States' most promising young competitors on the ice. She was born in San Diego, California, and spent part of her early childhood in South Korea. Grew up then after that in Bellevue, Washington. She's been all over the place. where she took up short track speed skating after originally exploring rhythmic gymnastics and figure skating as a child. She did it all. Lee's talents were recognized early. In 2020, she was named the U.S. Speed Skating Short Tracks Development Athlete of the Year. And at just 17, she earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing as a relay squad alternate, making her the youngest U.S. speed skater at those games, even though she did not compete. She's, you know, she's been waiting in the wings. She's been waiting in the wings. I love this story so much to be born in San Diego and end up at the Winter Olympics anything is possible do not let your personal history hold you back by way of South Korea and Bellevue, Washington there you go now next up we have Anika Belshaw and our producers have put a photo of a little girl I can't imagine that a child is can we get a more recent photo y'all just kidding don't bend over backwards but I think, let's just flash right here for video, the photo we're seeing. An adorable little girl. Annika is now 23 years old. Unless she has some amazing developmental thing where she is... Amazing. Amazing developmental thing where she's stuck as a nine-year-old. Oh, I see why. It's because she started ski jumping at nine. And so I imagine this is what she looked like around that age. But I'm sure she is, unless she's like a Michiko Capitani, where she's like, I don't want any photos of me out there. Is that how Michiko is? Yes. Oh, I didn't know that. Go, you go, Michiko. But then I met her recently. Does she look like what you thought a picture of her would look like? No, not at all. Oh my God, she's adorable. Oh my God. Also adorable, Layla Edwards. And historic, because she will be the first Black woman ever to represent the U.S. in Olympic hockey. She says a focus of hers is trying to grow the diversity of the game. Respect. What I want to give back, says Edwards, is growing the culture, changing the culture a little bit and being a face people can see and have more comfort enjoying the sport. Because there's always that fear like, oh, I don't see anyone that looks like me. I don't want to start it. I think the biggest reason is fear why people of color don't try to start hockey, which is understandable. So that's my goal is to get rid of that fear and welcoming people. I love this. She has partnered with the USA Hockey Foundation and the Wisconsin Affiliate Assistance Fund, which provides grant awards to youth hockey players of color. Edwards is from the same town, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, as Super Bowl champions Jason and Travis Kelsey. And they went to the same middle school. Travis has voiced support for Edwards and her achievements through messages on X and on his new Heights podcast with his brother, Jason Kelsey. Well, that is wonderful. And to get the Kelsey stamp of approval. Huge. Even though they're children of traitor Donna Kelsey. She was a traitor. She was a traitor. The secret traitor. I miss her. I miss her on the show. Next up, we have Matthew Kachuk. We love the Kachuk. We love the Kachuks. Florida Panthers for joining U.S. men's team. Known for his dynamic offensive skill, physical play, and leadership on the ice. Hailing from Scottsdale, Arizona, another king who is from a warm place, landing a spot at the Winter Olympics for the first time. Ah, and he is the son of the former NHL star Keith Kachuk. Matthews drafted six overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2016 NHL draft. He played through a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia injury. The Panthers' 2025 Stanley Cup run after missing the final 25 games of the regular season. but then after surgery in August, he made his 25-26 debut on January 19th. Class dates with NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Jason Tatum while growing up in St. Louis. And he'll be playing alongside his younger brother, Brady Ketchuk. It's all in the family with these guys. All in the fam, boo. All in the fam. This is Ryder Strong with a podcast called The Red Weather. In 1995, my neighbor, Anna Traynor, disappeared from a commune. It was nature and trees and praying. And drugs. No, I am not your guru. Back then, I lied to everybody. They have had this case for 30 years. I'm going back to my hometown to uncover the truth. You can now binge all episodes of The Red Weather on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ever feel like you're being chased by the marriage police? Welcome to Boys and Girls, the podcast where dating isn't dating. Arranged marriage is basically a reality show, except the contestants are strangers and your entire family is judging. You're sipping coffee with one maybe, grabbing dinner with another, and praying your karmic Ken or Barbie appears before your shelf life runs out. Trust me, I've been through this ancient and unshakable tradition. I jumped in, hoping to find love the right way. And instead, I found chaos, cringe, and comedy. And now, I'm looking for healing. Boys and Girls dives into every twist and turn of the arranged marriage carousel. The meet awkward, the near-misses, the heartbreak, and let's not forget all the jokes. Listen to Boys and Girls on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Babes, what are you doing? What? I'm just mowing the lawn. No, it's blazing hot and dry out here. Don't you remember? Smokey Bear says. Avoid using power equipment when it's windy or dry. Where'd you learn this? Oh, it's on SmokeyBear.com with many other wildfire prevention tips. Right. Thanks, honey bear. Because remember, only you can prevent wildfires. Brought to you by the USDA Forest Service, your state forester, and the Ad Council. Almost 30 years together, four kids, and some of reality TV's most unforgettable moments, we know a thing or two about living life out loud. We're taking you behind the scenes in our new podcast, Between Us, with me, Heather Dubrow. And me, Terry Dubrow. Between Us isn't about perfect lighting or curated Instagram grids. It's the unfiltered, behind-closed-doors conversations you wish you could eavesdrop on. Equal parts smart funny and a little bit scandalous Every week Heather will bring you an unapologetic take on the headlines the trends and the cultural moments everyone texting about And Terry will deliver insider beauty health and wellness insights you won find on TikTok Together, we'll tell the stories, spill the secrets, and share the hacks that keep life, marriage, and everything in between feeling fresh and fun. We may live in a gated community, but there's zero gatekeeping here. And plenty of, did they just say that moments? Listen to Between Us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The iHeart Podcast Award is... See all the nominees now at iHeart.com slash podcast awards. Audible is a proud sponsor of the Audible Audio Pioneer Award. Explore the best selection of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals all in one easy app, Audible. There's more to imagine when you listen. Sign up for a free trial at audible.com. I want to talk about Mistsique Row, okay? Giving skeleton. 31 years old from Noakesville, Virginia, a 2025 world champion. The mixed team event is a new Olympic event this year. And this is when a female and male slider each put down a run one after the other. The times are then combined with the lowest total amount winning. I love this. Love it. So Ms. Rowe was the 2025 World Silver Medalist, women's, and the first U.S. athlete to win a world medal in Skeleton since 2013. She's a self-described introvert. Well, get ready because the media is going to be asking you questions, Ms. Tickrow. They're going to want to hear you laugh. But has grown more comfortable in the spotlight over the years. Uh-oh. Here we go. In college, she minored in theater performance and stage combat, which encouraged her to open up. Okay, so get involved in theater, everyone. Ro, who is one of 11 siblings, now you get the introvertedness, so much going on. Including a twin sister, has Black and Korean heritage. Even more diversity. Love this. Love this. If she took classes, no, she minored in stage combat. Pretty huge. She knows how to break a glass over your head. If it's a prop glass. Or if it's a real one. I bet you she's... I don't think stage combat means you can just break a glass over someone's head that's real. I think it means you can fake punches. I think if you're minoring in it, you gotta explore all of the nuance of... You gotta feel pain to fake pain. Amen. You ever think about it like that? I think about it like that all the time. Let's talk about some other first-time Olympians from other countries. William Donjanew, the sixth best male short track speed skater in Canada in 2022. He missed the five-man 2022 Olympic team by one spot. But then since then, he has been the best in the world, winning best men's overall, Crystal Globe, given to the season's best skater. Can't wait to see him on the ice. Domen and Nika Preutz from Slovenia. Both are 2025 world champions on the Large Hill. Nika is actually the reigning world champion on both the Normal Hill and the Large Hill. She's the two-time reigning overall World Cup champion. They've both dominated the season and come to the games as medal favorites. Then, oh, worth noting, if Nika and Domen each earn a medal of any color in just one event, the Prayut siblings will make history as the first family in the Winter Olympics with four siblings each earning medals. That's amazing. So get this. We're about to speak about a model. So this is Lucas Pinheiro Browden. And he is an alpine skier from Brazil. He could be the first South American athlete to win a winter Olympic medal in any sport. Wow. He competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games for Norway, the country in which he was born. But his mom is Brazilian. And if you think that sounds like a good mix genetically, you would be right. He has model good looks and is actually like in his time off from ski racing from 2023 to 2024. He went on the wild journey of modeling. He says, I ended up on some runways. I was doing some modeling. I was doing some design and creative work for brands and whatnot, and kind of exploring what other paths I may take. And I'm looking at a photo of him on the runway, and I get it. Yuck. What do you mean, yuck? I'm kidding. I'm saying an Olympian who models and paints his nails and wears colorful clothing and DJs? Terrible. Just kidding. So appealing. Incredibly appealing in many ways. We'll see you in the Olympic Village, Lucas. Stop it, you dog. now let's talk about countries benin and guinea bassau are making their debut as countries i'm saying hot countries but they get to come in and really make a splash at these winter olympic games well matt it doesn't feel right giving gold medal and bronze to these people we're just happy for all of them aren't we right i think you know what we're gonna have to gold medal and bronze yeah that is something you do a lot you say gold medal and bronze and i think it's endearing every time gold metal and bronze gold silver and bronze no no silver is one of my favorite metals and i and i really hate leaving it off but i think you're right it would be tough though i will say let's just give a gold medal flat out straight up to i'm just gonna say it maxim nomov because i i really do want to see him go the distance in honor of his parents that is a really tragic and i hope redemptive story. It already is inspiring, but I just hope that he goes the distance as it were, because that would be quite a moment. So we're rooting for you, Maxim. I mean, it's already embodying the best things about the Olympics, which is the peak of the human spirit. And for him to turn grief into something that is getting him to the games is incredible. We love you, Maxim. Maybe we'll see you in the village. We'd love to hear your laugh. We'll wave. We're not going to bother these people. Big Osaka laugh. As we give a big Osaka laugh, we want to remind you, be sure to follow Two Guys Five Rings on the iHeartRadio app or your favorite podcast platform and watch on the NBC Sports YouTube channel. Watch and listen to every moment of the Winter Olympics, February 6th through the 22nd on NBC and Peacock and on the iHeartRadio app. Now. Now, we said. And we end every episode the way we always do by blaring John Williams. Everyone needs to take care of their mental health, even running back B. John Robinson. When I'm on the field and feeling the pressure, I usually just take a deep breath. When I'm just breathing and seeing what's in front of me, everything just slows down. It just makes me feel great before I run the play. Just like Bijan, we all need a strong mental game on and off the field. Make a game plan for your mental health at loveyourmindplaybook.org. Love your mind. Brought to you by the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and the Ag Council. I'm Heather Dubrow. And I'm Terry Dubrow. And we're going to keep this between us. Not really. The TMZ guy walks up to me and goes, Terry, what do you think about Bradley Cooper? They asked him and they said he's not had any plastic surgery. What's the latest rumor? I'm gay, right? Isn't that the latest rumor? Yes. First of all, if I were gay, I would be gay. Listen to Between Us on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Follow Between Us and start listening on the free iHeart Radio app today. Our 2026 iHeart Country Festival presented by Capital One. See Kane Brown. Parker McCollum. Riley Green. Shabuzi. Dylan Scott. Russell Dickerson. Gretchen Wilson. Chase Matthew. Lauren Alaina. Tickets are on sale now. Get yours before they sell out at Ticketmaster.com. Hey, everyone. It's Emily Simpson and Shane Simpson from the Legally Brunette podcast. Each week, we're bringing you true crime through a legal lens. Whether you want all the facts on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, or you still need to wrap your head around the ditty verdict, we're breaking it all down step by step. And we're not just lawyers, we're also husband and wife. It makes for some pretty entertaining episodes. Listen to Legally Brunette on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human.