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© 2026 The Joys Of The Journey
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Welcome to The Joys of the Journey—a podcast where stories, experiences, and lessons from all walks of life come together.
I’m Tsvetelina Hristov—a mom, wife, and fencing coach. My journey began as a competitive athlete and has evolved into guiding others as a coach, building a business, and creating a life centered on growth and connection. I believe every step—whether filled with challenges or victories—holds value and joy worth sharing.
On this podcast, I sit down with people from diverse fields to have meaningful conversations about their paths, passions, and perspectives. From sports to business, family to personal growth, each guest brings a unique story that reminds us:
Everyone has a story worth sharing. Joy isn’t just found in the destination—it’s woven throughout the journey. Join me as we explore what it means to live fully, learn constantly, and celebrate the process along the way.
22 Episodes
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In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, I sit down with Misaki Emura, the world’s #1 women’s sabre fencer and a two-time World Champion.
We talk about the story behind becoming the best in the world, what people don’t see behind the wins, and the hardest moments that shaped her mindset. Misaki shares how she stays mentally strong under pressure, what she does when motivation is low, and the lessons she wants every young athlete to hear. Last but not least, being a good human and the legacy she wants to leave behind.
If you’re an athlete, a parent, a coach, or someone chasing a big goal, this episode will hit.
Misaki social:
www.instagram.com/emura_misaki
www.youtube.com/@misakichannel1120
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourney
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textExplore how coaches and teachers shape your mindset, motivation, and growth. Tsvetelina shares real experiences in leadership that build you up—or break you down—and how to find mentors who truly make a difference.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textIn this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Tsvetelina speaks with the team behind Fencers Do Good, a movement dedicated to making a difference in the communities.They share the story of how Fencers Do Good began, the impact it’s having on fences around the United States, and how teamwork, compassion, and purpose drive their mission. We discuss how fencing builds character, how athletes can make a difference in their communities, and why giving back matters as much as winning.Key Topics:The origin and mission of Fencers Do GoodHow fencing fosters leadership and serviceStories of athletes making a differenceTheo’s vision for the future of fencing with purposeFind out more about Fencers Do Good:Website: https://www.fencersdogood.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fencersdogood🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textZiad Elsissy’s journey is one of resilience, identity, and purpose. From growing up in Egypt to making history as the first Egyptian fencer to win an individual World Championship medal, his story is a testament to chasing a dream even when the world doesn’t expect it of you. In this conversation, Ziad opens up about the sacrifices, setbacks, and moments that shaped him — not just as an Olympian, but as a human being. This episode is a reminder that greatness isn’t found at the destination, but in the courage, faith, and heart it takes to stay on the journey.Ziad Social: https://www.instagram.com/ziad_elsissy/Z1 Fencing: https://www.instagram.com/z1fencing/Z1 Fencing Website: https://www.z1fencing.com/🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textPremier Fencing Foundation was created to give every athlete a chance to fence, regardless of background. In this episode, Kristiyan and Tsvetelina Hristov share how they built a national nonprofit that supports youth athletes through funding, mentorship, and opportunities. Learn how Built by Blades, their athlete-run apparel brand, helps power the foundation while teaching leadership and business skills.You’ll hear how passion for fencing grew into a movement shaping the next generation of athletes.Learn more or get involved:Premier Fencing Foundation – www.premierfencingfoundation.orgBuilt by Blades – www.builtbyblades.com🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textIn this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Tsvetelina and Kristiyan Hristov sit down with Eli Dershwitz — a three-time Olympian, Junior and Senior World Champion, Pan American Champion, NCAA Champion, and Harvard graduate — to explore his inspiring path from elite athlete to mentor and leader.Eli shares how his fencing career shaped his mindset, the lessons he’s learned from years of competition, and what it means to return to his roots as the owner of Zeta Fencing, the club where it all began. He reflects on the joy of giving back to the next generation, the power of staying grounded while chasing greatness.This conversation dives deep into discipline, resilience, and leadership — reminding us that true success isn’t just about medals, but about the impact you leave on others.🎧 The Joys of the Journey celebrates athletes, leaders, and dreamers who find purpose in growth and meaning in every step of their path.Eli's social media: https://www.instagram.com/eli.dershwitz/Zetag Fencing: https://www.instagram.com/zeta_fencingZeta Fencing Website: www.zetafencing.net🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textIn this episode of The Joys of the Journey, we explore the powerful balance between an athlete's effort and a coach's energy. True progress doesn’t come from motivation alone — it’s built on mutual discipline, understanding, and purpose.We discuss why coaches need their athletes’ energy to be effective, how genuine effort from both sides leads to lasting success, and why parents must embrace their dual roles as supporters and mentors. From controlling your game rather than rushing through it to finding your personal “why,” this conversation dives deep into what separates temporary achievement from lifelong growth.If you’re an athlete, coach, or parent striving for real results — this episode will remind you that success isn’t a one-way street; it’s a shared journey.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textLee Kiefer—three-time Olympic champion, world champion, and the first American woman ranked No. 1 in foil—joins The Joys of the Journey to share her path from childhood dreams to Olympic glory. She reflects on the toughest mental battles, lessons from her longtime coach, and the balance of competing alongside her husband, Olympic medalist Gerek Meinhardt. Lee also talks about leadership, resilience, and the legacy she hopes to leave for the next generation of athletes.Lee's social media www.instagram.com/leetothekieferKM Fencing www.km-fencing.comKM Fencing Social www.instagram.com/kmfencingllc🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textn this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Kris Hristov sits down with Coach Isaac Mburu Wanyoike, founder of TSAVORA™, Kenya’s premier fencing brand and club. We explore his inspiring journey into fencing, how his past and childhood shaped his big moves today, and the story behind the name TSAVORA™. Coach Isaac shares how the club is breaking barriers in Kenya, creating opportunities for young athletes, and helping fencers grow beyond the sport. He also reveals his vision for TSAVORA™ on the international stage and what he hopes to be known for.Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply curious about fencing in Africa, this conversation is packed with insight, discipline, and inspiration. Discover the future of fencing in Kenya and the legacy Coach Isaac is building.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textWorld No.1 and World Champion Nouran “The Terminator” Gohar joins the show to share her journey to the top of women’s squash. She discusses handling pressure, pre-match rituals, being a role model for women in sports, her goals ahead, and life with Olympic fencer Ziad El-Sissy. A powerful, inspiring conversation for athletes and fans alike.Check Nouran's social media www.instagram.com/nourangohar🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Richard Schreiber, a fencing strength and conditioning coach who has built a reputation for helping fencers unlock peak performance. With years of hands-on experience, he shares practical and science-backed strategies that every athlete can implement.Listeners will hear his expert tips on injury prevention—from smart warm-ups to building resilience through strength training. He also dives into nutrition essentials tailored for fencers, breaking down how to fuel your body for training, recovery, and competition days. Finally, we explore the critical topic of mental health, where he highlights ways athletes can manage stress, avoid burnout, and maintain balance on and off the strip.Find out more about Richard's services at www.usafencingstrength.com and Instagram www.instagram.com/usafencingstrength🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Alexander Massialas, one of the most decorated foil fencers in U.S. history. A four-time Olympian, Alexander made history at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by winning silver in individual foil and bronze in team foil, followed by another team bronze at Tokyo 2020. He is also a World Champion, multiple Grand Prix winner, NCAA champion at Stanford, and currently serves as the head coach of Stanford fencing.We discussed beyond the medals to explore the mindset and resilience required to stay at the top of the sport for over a decade. Alexander shares how he:Stays mentally strong when the pressure is highest.Recovers and recharges after intense international competitions.Prevents burnout while balancing a long athletic career.Transitions into leadership as both an athlete and a head coach.Continues to find motivation and excitement after years of competing.Hopes to be remembered as both an athlete and a person.This conversation gives rare insight into the mental toughness, discipline, and balance that define one of fencing’s modern legends. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fan of Olympic sports, this episode offers inspiration and lessons you can apply both on and off the piste.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textIn today’s powerful episode, we’re diving into a truth most athletes quietly face: What if you don’t win that Olympic medal or world championship? Less than 1% of athletes reach that level—but that doesn’t mean your story ends. In fact, it might just be beginning.This episode is all about embracing the next chapter. Your competitive career gave you more than wins and losses—it gave you discipline, grit, confidence, and a mindset that sets you up for success in life. Whether you're a young athlete questioning your future, a retired competitor, or someone simply navigating the “what’s next” moment, this motivational talk is for you.We explore how the life lessons from sports—like resilience, leadership, and pushing through adversity—can help you build a future that’s even bigger than your athletic dreams. This episode is a reminder: your identity is not tied to medals. It’s built through the process.Perfect for athletes, entrepreneurs, students, coaches, and anyone chasing growth.#Motivation #Podcast #AthleteLife #SelfGrowth #Mindset #LifeAfterSports🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textDaily motivation. You Have to Climb to See The Best Views - To Achieve Your Goals, You Will Have Difficulties🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textCar Ride With Kris Discussing Women's Makeup, Target Shopping and More🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textIn this episode, we discussed reality shows, relationships, and more.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textWho is Your Biggest Competition - Overcome This to be SuccessfulHome, this podcast helps you understand what stays between you and your success story.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textJoin us as we navigate the digital landscape, examining social media's positive and negative impacts on our mental health. Discover strategies for mindful usage, learn how to set healthy boundaries, and find out how to foster a more supportive online environment. Whether you're a social media enthusiast, a concerned parent, or simply curious about the digital world's influence on our minds, "Social Media Impact" offers valuable insights and practical advice for a healthier, more balanced online life.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textBalancing Family, Life, and MoreWe explore the art of balancing the demands of family, career, personal growth, and everything in between. Join us as we dive deep into our lives with ways we juggle responsibilities while maintaining a sense of fulfillment and joy.Whether you're a busy parent, a career-driven individual, or someone striving for a more balanced life, this episode is your guide to navigating the complexities of modern living with grace and purpose.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
Send us a textOn today's episode, we dive into a deep conversation with Christopher Gorog, Ph.D., CISSP. He is a CTO at BlockFrame Inc., Author, Inventor, Leading Cybersecurity & Privacy Industry Expert, Host of "New Cyber Frontier," and Chair of the IEEE Digital Privacy Initiative.Chris's Company https://blockframetech.com/Podcast https://newcyberfrontier.podbean.com/He has plenty of titles and experience, and this podcast was very valuable to me. This was actually the very first podcast I (Tsvetelina) recorded. Thank you, Chris, for joining this new venture my husband and I started. 🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe and hit the bell for updates. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne
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