In this episode of ”The Champion Podcast,” Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens host Nico Ansom, 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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Brianna Salvatore Dueck and Chelsea Poppens interview Dmytro Kryvenko, 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.

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.

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.