Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟Happy Eid Al Etihad! 🇦🇪Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast takes us trackside with Maryam Al Farsi, one of the UAE’s youngest Olympians. From picking up sprinting just five years ago to running the 100m at Paris 2024, Maryam’s journey is full of grit, laughs, and a few moments that will make you feel like you’re right there on the starting blocks. She opens up about the ups and downs of training, balancing school and elite sport, breaking personal records, and what it felt like stepping into the Olympic Village surrounded by her heroes.Whether you’re a sports fan or just love an inspiring story, this episode is packed with honesty, determination, and a glimpse of what it really takes to chase your dreams on the world stage.Enjoy!Follow Mariam on Instagram: @maryamalfarsi1🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn🌐Website: TheMettleset.com Credits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Maryam Al FarsiEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟Today, we roll into a story about community, connection, and a love of the game. 🎳In collaboration with Zayed Sports City, we spotlight the athletes and grassroots groups shaping Abu Dhabi’s women’s and community sports scene. And there’s no better example than the Abu Dhabi Filipino Bowling Club, more than a league for nearly four decades, it’s a second family for generations of Filipinos in the UAE.Recorded at the Khalifa International Bowling Center at Zayed Sports City, we chat with Sarah Ociones, a long-time resident, former UAE National Team bowler, and central figure in the club. She shares how bowling went from a fun family activity to international competition, how the club has grown, and the ways it brings people together - through tournaments, charity, and sheer love of the game.Whether you’re a bowler or just curious about how sport creates community, this episode is full of laughter, inspiration, and stories that make Abu Dhabi feel like home.Full feature linked here. Enjoy!Follow Abu Dhabi Filipino Bowling Club on Instagram: @adfbc.uae🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn🌐Website: TheMettleset.com Credits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Sarah OcionesEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟One of the biggest myths in sport?That women experience stress more intensely than men, and cope less effectively.In this episode recorded live at the Emirates Sports Medicine Conference, sports psychologist and researcher Dr. Mariana Kessler breaks down why that long-held belief simply isn’t true. Drawing from years of research into stress, coping, wellbeing, and gender differences in athletes, Dr. Mariana explains what the science actually shows, and why women’s experiences in sport often feel more stressful for reasons that have nothing to do with biology or ability.She dives into the real issue: the systemic barriers women face every day in sport. From microaggressions to under-representation to male-dominated research frameworks, Dr. Mariana highlights how the environment shapes stress far more than individual traits.We also unpack the four areas in sport where the gender gap remains most visible, research, representation, media visibility, and funding, and what needs to change to close those gaps.Follow Dr. Mariana on LinkedIn: Dr. Mariana Kaiseler🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Dr.Mariana KaiselerEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟This week, we’re joined by Dr. Margo Mountjoy, sports physician, clinical professor at McMaster University, and one of the world’s leading experts on RED‑S - Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.Recorded live at the Emirates Sports Medicine Conference, Dr. Mountjoy breaks down what RED‑S really means, how it affects both women and men, and why it often hides in plain sight behind fatigue, injury, or performance dips.She explains how low energy availability impacts the body, from bone and reproductive health to mental focus, and why recovery starts with something deceptively simple: eating enough to meet your training load.We also dive into the cultural and psychological layers around food and body image in sport, the importance of educating young and endurance athletes early, and how awareness and individualized care can prevent long-term health consequences.Beyond physiology, Dr. Mountjoy reflects on gender equity in sport, from medical research to leadership, and her hope for a more inclusive, athlete-centered future.A must-listen for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone who believes high performance and health should go hand in hand. 🎧Follow Dr. Margo on Instagram: @drmargomountjoy🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Dr.Margo Mountjoy Editor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset
Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟This week, we’re turning the mic inward to one of our own, Nourelhoda Arafa, Egyptian national rower and record holder, and Olympic hopeful.At 13, she picked up rowing for the first time. By 15, she was chasing Olympic dreams. Then came a sudden stop, no boats, no water, no access. For seven years, Nourelhoda couldn’t row outdoors. Most people would’ve given up. She didn’t.Alongside her longtime coach Motaz, she kept training indoors, building strength, discipline, and belief. That commitment led to Egypt’s first-ever World Indoor Rowing gold medal in 2020, followed by multiple medals on the world stage.Now, she’s back on the water, training for LA 2028, and sharing what she’s learned along the way, from managing setbacks,rebuilding after illness, learning to listen to her body, and what it means to live up to her name, Nourelhoda, “a guiding light.”Her story is about what happens when you refuse to give up, and how, sometimes, luck really does chase the ones who keep going. 🎧Follow Nourelhoda on Instagram: @nourelhoda.arafa🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Nourelhoda AraEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟We’re taking you straight to Abu Dhabi for a conversation that had everyone talking.Recorded live at the Sport Industry Forum 2025 (October 1–2, Yas Marina Circuit), this special episode features Alexis Ohanian - entrepreneur, investor, and, as we like to call him, women’s sport’s biggest hype man - in conversation with Chris McHardy, Head of Sport at Dubai Eye 103.8.The Reddit and 776 co-founder, Angel City FC backer, Chelsea FC Women investor, and founder of Athlos, Ohanian shares why he believes sport is the ultimate “anti-AI bet” - a human story that can’t be automated, commodified, or replicated.He explains why women’s sport is not a charity play but a massively undervalued asset class, with billion-dollar potential hiding in plain sight. From turning Angel City FC into a $280 million success story to launching a new global track-and-field league built like a tech startup, Ohanian reveals how he’s using data, community, and storytelling to prove the doubters wrong — and why connection, not comparison, is driving the next wave of growth.As a girl dad and relentless builder, he’s betting on what makes us most human, sport itself.If you weren’t a believer before, you might just be after this one. 🎧🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn🎙️ CreditsHost: Dawn BarnableSpeakers: Alexis Ohanian & Chris McHardyRecorded live at: Sport Industry Forum 2025, Abu DhabiProduced by: The Mettleset's Diya Vergis 🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟In this episode, we head back to Chamonix for Part 2 of our UTMB special with Karis Miriam Brown, former lawyer, podium-finishing ultra trail runner, and certified coach.This summer, Karis lined up at the CCC 100K, one of UTMB’s toughest races. Her journey is raw and real: battling a meniscus tear, reshaping expectations mid-race, and leaning into the “why” that fuels her training and racing.Karis also shares:Lessons from training with elites on Réunion IslandHow to reset when your race plan falls apartWhy community, challenge, and her daughters drive her forward🎧 Inspiring, honest, and packed with takeaways, this is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever dreamed of testing themselves on the trails.🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond 📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits: Host: Dawn Barnable Guests: Karis Miriam Brown Editor: Diya Vergis A Production of The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and community sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. We put women in sport first while highlighting niche communities like action and endurance sports.We hope you enjoy the episode! - Dawn
Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we dive into UTMB – Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc, one of the world’s most iconic trail running festivals.We sat down with three remarkable women from the region who took on the UTMB World Series Finals, sharing their journeys of pushing limits, chasing personal bests, and soaking in the magic of Chamonix.Featured Athletes:Ivana Kolaric – Returned post-pregnancy to finish top 30 and 2nd in her age group at the 61K OCC.Fatema Husain – Bahrain’s ultra trailblazer and first GCC woman to complete the 100-mile UTMB, sharing her journey through injury and breathtaking mountain views.Sharifah AlQattan – Ultra trail runner, coach, and Boom Ultra Challenge race director, talking mindset, preparation, and the pride of crossing the finish line.✨ Don’t miss part two featuring Karis M. Brown. 🎧 Listen to Fatema’s previous episode here. 🎧 Listen to Ivana’s previous episode here.🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond 📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuests: Ivana Kolaric, Fatema Husain, Sharifah AlQattanEditor: Diya VergisA Production of The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and community sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. We put women in sport first while highlighting niche communities like action and endurance sports.We hope you enjoy the episode! - Dawn
Join us as we chat with Maria Khan, captain of the Pakistan women’s football team, about her incredible journey from an early love of football (or soccer) as a kid in the U.S. to signing her first professional contract at 32 in Saudi Arabia. Maria opens up about the influence of her sporting family legacy, the lessons learned as a Division 1 backup goalkeeper, and the moment she rediscovered her love for football in Pakistan. She shares what it’s like to captain the Pakistani national team, navigate setbacks, and build resilience, while highlighting the power of supportive environments, corporate backing, and strong team leadership.We also dive into the challenges female athletes face around fertility, family planning, and evolving maternity policies, alongside the exciting growth of women’s football and the importance of visibility, advocacy, and creating opportunities for the next generation.Follow Maria on Instagram: @mariajamilakhan🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter:Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond 📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Maria KhanEditor: Diya VergisProduced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟At The Mettleset, we exist to celebrate and empower women in sport, and what better occasion than Emirati Women’s Day to spotlight six incredible athletes who embody courage, resilience, and pride.In this special episode, you’ll hear their journeys: the struggles, the triumphs, and the moments that make them proud to be Emirati women in sport. We asked them to share their biggest accomplishments, and one powerful message for Emirati Women’s Day.Featured Athletes:Mariam Bahlooq – Ultra-runner and founder of The Running Society in Abu Dhabi, building a supportive community of women discovering running and the city together.Areej Al Hammadi – UAE Women’s National Team footballer and two-time Guinness World Record holder.Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi – 18-year-old adventurer from Abu Dhabi on a mission to climb the Seven Summits after summiting two. Danah Al Ali – Trailblazing adventurer who made history as the first Emirati to summit Everest and Lhotse within just 24 hours.Hana Al Nabulsi – Triathlete, the youngest Emirati woman to complete a 70.3 Ironman, and the first to qualify for the Asian Games in triathlon. Amenah Al Muhairi – At just 17, the UAE’s first snowboarder to compete internationally and the first Emirati woman to represent the nation at the Youth Winter Olympic Games.These stories remind us that sport is more than competition, it’s about breaking barriers, uplifting others, and leaving a legacy for the next generation.🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuests: Mariam Bahlooq, Areej Al Hammadi, Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, Danah Al Ali, Hana Al Nabulsi, Amenah Al MuhairiProducer, Writer & Editor: Diya Vergis A Production of The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟We’re closing out our Summer Series with Melina Timson-Katchis, triathlete and coach, sharing expert advice for experienced athletes stepping into triathlon.In this episode, Melina dives into the key lessons for transferring your existing athletic skills to triathlon: why the swim is often underestimated, why triathlon should be treated as one continuous sport, and how to balance strengths and weaknesses through focused training blocks. She also explains why consistency beats intensity, how to listen to your body to avoid overtraining, and the small but crucial race-day choices that make a big difference.From practicing nutrition ahead of time to prioritizing comfort over expensive gear, Melina covers all the essentials to help you perform at your best.If you missed Part One, go back and start there, then join us as we wrap up the Summer Series with these insights for experienced athletes ready to take their triathlon journey to the next level.Follow Melina on Instagram: @tk_melina 🎧 Listen to Part 1 of this conversation HERE.🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Melina Timson - Katchus Editor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟Ever thought about doing a triathlon but didn’t know where to start? In part one of this two-part series, Melina Timson-Katchis, long distance swimmer, triathlete and coach, shares her journey from signing up for a full Ironman on a whim to racing all over the world. Now, she’s helping others step into the sport she loves.In this episode, Melina breaks down:Triathlon distances: From Super Sprint to Ironman, plus a look at ultra & adventure races.Getting started: How to prioritize training, plan around your schedule, tackle swimming, and decide whether to build up gradually or dive into a big race.The power of coaching: Why guidance can make all the difference.Finding your “why”: Staying motivated and making time for rest to avoid burnout.Whether you’re new to fitness, curious about triathlon, or planning your first race, this episode is packed with practical advice, insights, and inspiration to help you cross the finish line.Follow Melina on Instagram: @tk_melina Listen to Melina’s first appearance on the podcast HERE🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Melina Timson-Katchis Editor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟Welcome back to The Mettleset Podcast! In Part 2 of our running episode for the Summer Series, we're pushing past the 5K and exploring the incredible world of long-distance and ultra running with Dr. Sara Talia, a family medicine doctor and New Balance Run Club Doha Coach. Dr Sara kicks off by sharing why ultra running is as much a mental game as a physical one, highlighting that your biggest competitor is often yourself. She reveals the two biggest mistakes people make when stepping up their distances – not giving yourself enough time to prepare and building up mileage too quickly, and how to avoid them for a safer, more enjoyable journey.We dive into the practicalities of going from a 5K to a half-marathon and then a full marathon, discussing realistic timelines and why variety in your training is essential. Sara also breaks down why running injuries happen, focusing on common culprits like overuse and tight muscles, and emphasizes the importance of consistent prehab and smart recovery (yes, sleep is key!).Plus, if you're eyeing an ultra, Sara explains the key differences in training, especially when it comes to nutrition, hydration, and tackling varied terrain. She wraps up with invaluable advice on overcoming pre-race jitters and trusting your training.Ready to conquer your next ultra? Listen in now!Follow Dr. Sara on Instagram: @drtalia_sportsmedicine Follow the New Balance Run Club Doha: @nbrc_doha🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Dr. Sara Talia Editor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟Welcome back to The Mettleset Podcast!For our Summer Series, we're helping you jump into a new sport, and this week, we're leaping into the world of running. And who better to guide us from zero to 5K than the incredible Dr. Sara Talia. She's not just a family medicine doctor; she's also a New Balance Run Club Coach in Doha and a former competitive middle-distance runner who even tackled the steeplechase. This is Part 1 of our essential running guide.Sara takes us behind the scenes of running’s global boom – did you know run club participation shot up by a whopping 59% worldwide last year? She shares her own journey, revealing how she balanced competitive athletics with a demanding medical career and why she's now so passionate about coaching others.If you've ever felt intimidated by running, this episode is for you. Sara cuts through the noise, reminding us that running truly is for everyone. You’ll learn how to frame your mindset, set powerful intentions (not just goals!), and why consistency is your secret weapon.We dig into the practical stuff too: how to take those crucial first steps, gradually build your mileage, and prepare for your first 3K or 5K. Plus, Dr Sara breaks down the must-do strength training exercises that will keep you injury-free and moving stronger, no matter your pace.Ready to lace up and transform your running journey? Tune in now!Follow Dr. Sara on Instagram: @drtalia_sportsmedicine Follow the New Balance Run Club Doha: @nbrc_doha🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Dr. Sara Talia Editor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟We’re back with Saudi record-holding freediver Nada Alrasheed for Part 2 of our Summer Series deep dive exploring not just how to freedive, but why the ocean is worth protecting.Nada takes us through some of her most unforgettable underwater moments from growing up by the vibrant reefs of the Red Sea to diving in the icy waters of Norway alongside humpback whales. She reflects on what it means to share space with marine life and how these encounters have shaped her passion for conservation.We talk about the reality of sharks (not the Jaws version), why the ocean needs our protection now more than ever, and how simply witnessing life beneath the surface can shift your perspective. Nada also shares what’s next on her diving bucket list, the strength of the global freediving community, and the athletes and stories that continue to inspire her.If you missed Part 1, go back and start there - then come along as we dive even deeper.Follow Nada on Instagram: @nada_underwater🎧 Listen to Part 1 of this conversation here 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Nada AlrasheedEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we’re diving into the world of freediving with Saudi record-holder and instructor, Nada Alrasheed as part of our Summer Series focused on helping more women try new sports.Nada holds multiple national records and an Arab women’s record for reaching 65 meters in the constant weight bifin category at the CMAS World Championship. Her journey didn’t begin with records or rankings, it started with a simple love for the ocean.In this Part 1 of our two-part conversation, Nada shares how she went from exploring marine life to pushing physical and mental limits underwater. She breaks down the basics of freediving, how to get started, and why it’s not just for elite athletes. We also talk about fears, breathwork, and what happens to your body during a deep dive.Whether you’re curious about the sport or drawn to the ocean, this conversation offers an inspiring look at exploring the 70% of our planet we rarely explore. Follow Nada on Instagram: @nada_underwater🎧 Listen to Nada’s first appearance on The Mettleset Podcast HERE 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Nada AlrasheedEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we kick off our Summer Series - a special “How To” series focused on giving you the tools, info and inspo to get started in a new sport. From running your first 5k to training for a Triathlon, to going deep into the world of freediving, we’re sharing real advice, inspiring journeys, and expert tips to help you get started.To launch the series, we’re joined by Jess Towl, Head of HYROX at GymNation and one of the top 15 HYROX women in the world. Before we delve into HYROX, Jess shares her own journey into sport including her start as a Team GB triathlete, her arrival as a record-setting CrossFitter and her recent mindset shift when it comes to competition. Jess also delivers a masterclass on all things HYROX, the global fitness race redefining endurance sport. She walks us through the race-day format, how to train smart (not just hard), and why the sport is gaining momentum across the world and the Middle East. From athlete demographics to the unique accessibility of HYROX, Jess explains how functional fitness is opening doors for both first-timers and elites alike.We also get into the real talk: performance nutrition, mindset traps, and the fueling mistakes women still make too often. Drawing from her own journey from elite swimmer and triathlete representing Great Britain, to CrossFit competitor and now top-tier HYROX athlete - Jess shares the training wisdom, recovery mindset, and race-day strategies that have shaped her success.Whether you’re HYROX-curious or simply seeking motivation to move, this episode is packed with insight, tools, and inspiration to help you take the next step in your fitness journey.Follow Jess on Instagram: @jesstowl🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Jess TowlEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we’re joined by Stephanie Rogers, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the San Francisco 49ers, one of the NFL’s most storied and valuable franchises.Stephanie takes us inside the 49ers’ global brand strategy, sharing how a legacy team balances tradition with forward-thinking innovation, from data-driven marketing to fan engagement that spans millions of people worldwide.We dive into Stephanie’s impressive career across the PGA Tour, NHL, and now NFL, and how the world of sports marketing has evolved from the early days of digital content to today’s always-on, global-first strategy. She shares the mindset behind her leadership philosophy - why “innovation is the baseline” - and how it continues to shape how teams connect with fans in deeper, more meaningful ways.We also talk about the 49ers’ first-of-its-kind activation in the UAE, marking a major milestone as the first NFL team to engage in the region under the league’s Global Markets Program. Stephanie reflects on the energy, appetite, and opportunities she witnessed during the team’s time in Dubai, and what’s next for the 49ers in the Middle East.Packed with storytelling, strategy, and practical advice for anyone looking to work in sport, this episode offers a front-row seat to the business behind one of the world’s most iconic sports brands.🏈 More on the 49ers: https://www.49ers.com/ 49ers Arabic on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/49ersar/ 🌍 Stay Connected with – and support – The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up here for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Stephanie Rogers Editing Assistant: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn
Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, host Dawn Barnable heads off-road with two riders helping shape the future of cycling in the UAE.Emirati gravel cyclist Rawdha Alfalasi has created something quietly radical: Seek.All, a new women-led cycling group dedicated to building confidence, connection, and community - one trail and one adventure at a time. We join Rawdha and fellow cyclist Sunshine Salgado Fearn at Dubai’s Mushrif Park, fresh off one of Seek.All’s very first group rides.Together, we talk:How Rawdha started Seek.All, and what the name really meansThe goal, purpose and activities of the group Bikepacking across Europe (yes, including bear warnings)Sunshine’s journey back to racing and a push toward the UCI Gravel World ChampsWhy gravel cycling feels more welcoming — and what new riders need to hear📍Location: Mushrif Park, Dubai 📲 Follow: @seekall.rides🌍 Stay Connected with – and support – The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up here for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuests: Rawdha Alfalasi, Sunshine Salgado Fearn Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is the first and only sports platform in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn
Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟In this inspiring episode, we chat with Stacey Leawood, who just a few years ago, made headlines as the world’s youngest NBA player agent. who made a remarkable leap from small-town Newfoundland to managing athletes in the world’s top basketball league. Stacey takes us on her incredible journey of perseverance, self-belief (or delusion), and innovation, sharing how she broke into the world of sports management with no prior connections and little formal guidance.From a childhood dream of playing in the WNBA to an unexpected turn towards NBA agent work, Stacey opens up about the grit required to make it in a male-dominated industry and how she navigated obstacles, including studying a 600-page collective bargaining agreement to pass the NBA agent exam.We dive into her first big break, securing an NBA contract for her client through sheer determination and resourcefulness. Stacey's story offers valuable insights for anyone looking to break into the sports industry, showing that with confidence, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.Key topics include:🏀The role and responsibilities of an NBA agent🏀Stacey’s unconventional path into sports management🏀The importance of persistence and self-belief🏀Behind-the-scenes of signing NBA contracts🏀Lessons on building genuine relationships and career longevityStacey’s journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t linear - sometimes, the best way to break into an industry is to make your own path.Listen in for an episode filled with inspiration, hustle, and real talk on breaking into sports Find Stacey online: 🏀 Stacey Leawood on LinkedIn and Instagram @StaceyLeawood 🏀 Leawood Sports & Entertainment: https://leawoodsportsentertainment.com/ 🌍 Stay Connected with – and support – The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up here for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Stacey Leawood Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is the first and only sports platform in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn