Other Interviews

Australian broadcaster Emma Freedman joins us on Off The Podium to share her experiences covering the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Olympics! We discover how an unexpected call landed her a role on Channel Seven's Tokyo coverage, why she watched the Games differently growing up and which Sydney 2000 star she idolised. Plus, Emma reveals the Olympic superstar she spent an hour with, what it was like working alongside Matt Shirvington and some brilliant Bruce McAvaney stories. It

Australian sports journalist and Olympics researcher Marnie Vinall returns to Off The Podium to share the story behind her media career! We discover how a friend's conversation set her on an unexpected path, the challenges she's faced as a woman in sports media and what needs to change. Plus, Marnie talks about her love of the Olympics, listening to K-pop with Ian Thorpe and why Bruce McAvaney is every bit as amazing in person. It's a fun, insightful chat you won't want to mi

We sit down with CBC reporter Devin Heroux on Off The Podium to talk about his broadcasting career and life covering the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Devin shares how his love of sport took him from Saskatchewan to the world stage, what it was like reporting through 51 straight days of Tokyo 2020 action, and how those experiences shaped his approach to Beijing. We also hear his unique idea for a new medal tally and revisit one iconic Canadian sporting moment he witnessed fir

We sit down with legendary Australian cricketer and broadcaster Lisa Sthalekar on Off The Podium to talk about her journey behind the microphone and working on Channel Seven’s Tokyo Olympics coverage. Lisa shares how quickly she fell in love with broadcasting, what it was like learning alongside some of Australia’s biggest media names, and why covering Tokyo made her even more obsessed with the Olympics. She also reveals whether Beijing could be next!

We sit down with David Mason on Off The Podium to uncover the story behind the Sydney 2000 Olympic bid and the presentation that helped bring the Games to Australia. As executive producer of presentation, David explains how he helped reshape the campaign, the strategies behind Sydney’s crucial final pitch to the IOC, and what it meant to play such an important role in a bid that would leave a lasting impact on Australia.

We sit down with Olympic torchbearer Donna Narvaez on Off The Podium to hear the story behind carrying the flame during the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics. Donna explains how she was selected, what made the experience so special, and the honour of representing her community on the torch relay. She also reveals what happened to the torch afterwards and how she continues to use that unforgettable Olympic moment to make a difference today.

We sit down with Olympic ticketing expert Ken Hanscom on Off The Podium to unpack how Olympic ticketing works and what fans need to know before attending the Games. Ken shares how his passion for the Olympics began, memories from his first Games in London 2012, and practical tips for making the most of the Olympic experience. He also reflects on recent ticketing challenges and looks ahead to Beijing 2022, LA 2028 and the 2026 World Cup.

We sit down with Olympic marketing expert Terrence Burns on Off The Podium to uncover what it really takes to market an Olympic Games and build a successful Olympic bid. Terrence shares how an unlikely path from dentistry and the airline industry led to his career, why some cities fail to win over voters, and what separates the strongest bids. He also shares incredible stories from his Olympic journey, including why Sydney remains his favourite Games.

Get pumped for a special Off The Podium interview with one of Australia’s most familiar Olympic faces, Johanna Griggs. In our longest chat yet, Joh opens up on her swimming career, the lessons sport taught her and how she made the transition into television. She also talks about her love of live broadcasting, ranks the seven Olympics she has covered and shares what might just be the greatest Bruce McAvaney story you’ll ever hear!

A very special interview today as GamesBids.com founder Robert Livingstone speaks to Off The Podium about his career covering Olympic bids and the ever-changing bid process. He tells us how his interest in Olympic hosting began, what it was like covering bids through the 1990s and how the system has evolved since. Livingstone also shares his thoughts on Brisbane 2032 and helps us try to make sense of what was happening with the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Author and former All-American cross country runner Pat Melgares speaks to Off The Podium about his book ‘Chasing Excellence’, a biography of renowned Olympic coach Joe Vigil. Melgares explores Vigil’s decision to pursue coaching over more prestigious opportunities, the philosophy that shaped his remarkable career and how he built one of the longest-running and most successful coaching legacies in American distance running.

A special 'vault' interview from 2010 today as we chat with the star of the Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony Nikki Webster. In a fun, wide ranging interview, Nikki goes over the experiences from Sydney 2000 as well as everything else that happened since!